Covering letters
You've spent ages perfecting your CV, but the covering letter can be just as important. Here's what you should be writing.
When employers look to take on a new member of staff, they are looking for two things. Firstly, they want someone who can do the job. Secondly, they want someone who wants to do the job.
Your CV needs to prove that you can do the job: you have the right experience, qualifications, abilities and knowledge required for the role. However, your CV doesn't show why you have chosen to apply for this job, and that's what the covering letter is for.
Your covering letter is the same as a personal statement on an application form - it's your opportunity to explain why you want to do the job.
The opener
In the first paragraph, state what post you are applying for and an overview of why you are applying for it. Think of it as the summary of the rest of the application, so add something that makes them want to read on.
The main text
Get hold of the job specification for the position you are applying for. This lists the requirements of the position, in other words it tells you what they want from their new employee. Write briefly and clearly to show you that you have these qualities. Be careful not to replicate your CV, but refer to it where appropriate. For example: "As you can see from my CV, my sales strategy increased turnover by 20% in a six-month period."
Explain why you are choosing to apply for this particular role; an employer doesn't want to take on someone who is simply looking for any job available, so make sure you state what appeals about this role. It might be that it provides a bigger challenge for you, or is in a sector you have more interest in. If you have hobbies or previous experience related to the role, clearly state that (don't rely on the employer reading the last page of your CV).
Be honest if there are practical reasons for changing jobs, such as you are moving to the area or a change in circumstances (e.g. you've just become a dad and don't want to work unsocialable hours). But these alone aren't a justification for employing you, so make sure you are positive about why this job appeals to you.
Check and revise
Every sentence has to count, so don't be bland. An employer often has to look at hundreds of applicants with similar qualifications and yours will go in the bin if it's dull. Everyone can be a 'team player' with 'good communication skills' and 'reliable and trustworthy', so try and find ways of demonstrating these skills that are unique to you. Equally, keep your language simple: a torrent of flowery adjectives may be great if you're writing an English essay, but you'll probably baffle and irritate the person reading your letter.
Keep your letter to one side of A4, and that doesn't mean squashing it onto a page. Around 400 words is a good figure to aim for.
Check your spelling and grammar carefully. You might not think it's important, but the person reading your application may be a stickler for correct language and sloppy errors can really distract from what you are trying to say.
Finishing off
If you haven't mentioned them already, make sure you say what you have enclosed with your letter (eg your CV, paperwork such as a equality monitoring form and any work you are asked to submit). Keep the end simple, just 'Yours sincerely'.
Make sure you have included your contact details on the letter, so that someone can call you if they want you to come for interview.
The practicalities
Many employers will now ask you to email your application in. You can add your covering letter in as an email, or you may choose to make it a separate attachment. If you choose to send it as an attachment, make sure you present it well in the document.
If you post it, invest in good quality white A4 paper. Always type the letter, unless asked specifically to send it handwritten (in which case, keep it neat). Put the letter on top of the CV and put them into a plain envelope without folding them more than once. If the pages are folded too much, they can be difficult to photocopy, and will look messy.
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