Cover Letters

If your CV is a store that showcases everything that you have to offer, then your Cover Letter is the store window containing key information designed to entice and encourage the passer-by to call in!

Your Cover Letter should be an insight into what you can OFFER an employer, not what you want from them.

It should detail why you are contacting them, an insight into why you are suitable for the position you are applying to and why you want to work for the specific organisation.

Always consider your audience - would you be interested in reading your content?

Therefore, be succinct, ensure your writing is sharp and make the content jump from the page!

Top tips

Follow a four paragraph structure.
Typically, it should look like a letter, with your contact details in the top right hand corner, the employers information slightly lower on the left and it should be dated.
The look and style of your Cover Letter should be consistent with your CV.
Always address your Cover Letter to a named individual.
As with your CV, be careful with both spelling and grammar. Any spelling mistakes will immediately undermine any professionalism that you are trying to convey.
Be specific to what you have to offer. Avoid generic information that does not differentiate you from other candidates.
Think about your brand - for example if you have a personal website, business card or portfolio, then the look and style of your CV and Cover Letter should be consistent with this. There should be a clear connection between the various ways that you market yourself and showcase your offer.

Writing your Cover Letter

Cover Letter contact details

Example:

CoverLetterinfo

Advice:

Put your details at the top right hand corner of the page.

Include the employers details slightly lower on the left.

Date the letter.

Cover Letter paragraph 1

Example:

CoverLetterpara1

Advice:

Introduce yourself and why you are contacting the company.

If responding to an advertised vacancy, indicate which job you are applying for and where and when the position was advertised.

Cover Letter paragraph 2

Example:

Advice:

Show the employer that you have done your research and understand the business and job role.

Demonstrate your motivation by explaining what interests you about the employer / job.

Cover Letter paragraph 3

Example:

Advice:

Introduce your CV and summarise your key skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience relevant to the job.

Give evidence of how you have gained or demonstrated these skills e.g. course / project work, and previous work experience.

Add anything else you feel is important e.g. Personal / motivational qualities and attitude.

Cover Letter paragraph 4

Example:

Advice:

End the letter in a positive and polite way. Also indicate your availability for interview.

If you know the employers name use “Yours sincerely”, if you’ve addressed it to “Dear Sir / Madam" (though try to avoid this!), then you should use “Yours faithfully”.