Covering letters

The finishing touch

Your covering letter completes your marketing package.  Craft it carefully to complement your CV or application form and attract the recruiter's attention. 

Give your application the final polish with a professional covering letter

The covering letter should be:

• printed on quality paper
• addressed to a named individual
• no longer than one page.

If you do not have the name of a person to address the letter to, call the organisation and ask.

If you are sending a CV by email attachment, use the body of the email as your covering letter.  Write it as formally as if it were on paper.

There are five main parts:

• opening paragraph - outline the purpose of the letter: who you are, what specific job you are applying for (in case the recruiter has several jobs currently on offer) and where you saw the job advertised

• why you want the job - demonstrate your interest with enthusiasm

• what you have to offer - refer to your CV or application form and highlight the main evidence that your skills and experience match the job requirements. Use bullet points to highlight your key messages

• why you are interested in this employer/job - demonstrate you have done your homework on them

• closing paragraph - a polite and positive ending, stating when you would be available for interview.

As for CVs and application forms, make sure your covering letter is:

• tailored to the job
• succinct
• easy to read, with an attractive layout (including the use of bold type and bullet points in moderation)
• enthusiastic and positive - let your personality shine through.