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How to write a great covering letter
- Starting your graduate job hunt
- What is the right graduate career for me?
- Get a job - life outside the graduate training scheme
- How to handle online applications
- How to write a great covering letter
- How to write a great CV
- Job interviews - how to shine on the hot seat
- How to impress at a selection centre
- Why work experience adds up to more opportunities
- Work placements and internships - get in before you graduate
A CV should always be accompanied by an application letter, which will probably form the first contact your potential employer will have with you. Realistically, you have three or four paragraphs to sell yourself so make sure you cover the following.
- who you are and what you're applying for
- what relevant skills, experience and education you have
- why you want to work in this particular sector
- why you are applying to this particular organisation.
Your aim is to get the employer to read your CV and, hopefully, invite you for interview. It's important that you highlight the relevant points covered in your CV, without repeating them word-for-word. The following template may help.
Addressing the letter
- Address your letter to a named individual. If you're not sure who the best person to contact is, telephone the company and ask.
- Keep your letter to one side of A4.
- Use a formal business template, showing both your address and the name and address of the recipient.
- Use 'Yours sincerely' to sign off. Only use 'Yours faithfully' if you have addressed the letter 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
Paragraph one: introduction
- Why are you writing? 'I am writing in response to your advertisement in the Daily News for the position of trainee marketing assistant'.
- Who are you? 'I will be completing my business and management degree in June, and am very keen to establish a career in marketing'.
- Refer to your CV if it's enclosed. 'Accordingly, please find enclosed my CV for your consideration'.
Paragraph two: why you want the job
- What attracts you to this particular company? Demonstrate that you've researched their activities.
- What attracts you to this particular job? Look carefully at the job description and pick out what makes this job especially appealing to you.
- Why do you want to work in this sector? You could refer to relevant experience or study. Does the job make use of your strengths? Is it particularly varied or challenging?
Paragraph three: why the company should be interested in you
- Pick out three or four of the qualities the employer is asking for. What evidence can you give to back up your claims?
- Mention relevant experience or study. It's tempting to 'big up' your work experience here, especially if you don't have much to write about! Be careful though - don't exaggerate. There's a difference between putting a positive spin on your skills and experience and lying outright. You may get an interview, but you will get caught out eventually. Details such as previous employers, club memberships and degree classifications can be easily checked.
Final paragraph: conclusion
- Cover any practical issues. You could refer to when you are available for interview.
- Be positive. Thank the company for considering your application and say you look forward to hearing from them.
It is vital you proofread your letter carefully and present it well. If you are sending your covering letter as an e-mail, a formal style is still important, although you can leave out the addresses at the top of the page.
Power words
Employers see many similar application forms and CVs, so it's vital you use the right positive, proactive language to convey your experiences.
Could you use any of the following verbs to explain your activities?
- Organised
- Supervised
- Co-ordinated
- Negotiated
- Implemented
- Investigated
- Researched
- Initiated
- Succeeded
- Evaluated