Covering letters

How to make the employer WANT to read your CV

A good covering letter will differentiate your CV from the countless others that pass across employers' desks. Make sure yours stands out!

When responding to an advertised job vacancy, whether via letter, email or fax, you should always include a covering letter with your CV. A covering letter introduces you and your CV and is your first chance to make a good impression on your potential employer. Ask yourself: "What's in it for them?" The employer has to WANT to read your CV after reading your covering letter. There is no clear-cut perfect formula for a covering letter, as it should always be personalised & tailored to you and to the position you are applying for, but there are a few simple rules you should follow.

Appearance & layout
Follow the instructions given in the vacancy advert. If an employer asks for applications by e-mail or for hand-written letters, do exactly what is asked. Ensure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors, and that the letter is easy to read in terms of content and formatting. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name will often appear in the job advert. If it doesn't appear in the advert, try to 'phone before applying and obtain a contact name. Avoid Sir or Madam if possible. Unlike a CV, it is acceptable to write a covering letter in the first person.

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