Covering letters

Your covering letter is the first thing employers will see, so it's vital you get it right.

"Tempt the employer with some juicy morsels."

So what exactly is a covering letter?

This is your chance to convey some basic information – what position you're applying for, who you are, why you want the job and what you have to offer. It has to get this across in a single page and tempt the employer with some juicy morsels from your CV. If you're applying by email, you can write it in the body of an email or as an attachment; if you're applying by post, send it as a printed letter. When employers take on a new member of staff they're looking for two things. Firstly, they want someone who can do the job. Secondly, they want someone who wants to do the job – this enthusiasm is something that your covering letter can help to show-off.

How do I write a great covering letter?

If you're writing in letter form (attachment or printed), treat it as a formal letter: Put your name and address in the top right-hand corner, the employer's name and address on the left-hand side, and a date below on the left or right.
In the first paragraph, state what you're applying for, where you saw the job advertised, and give an overview of why you're applying for it.
Read the job specification for the position you're applying for. Write clearly and concisely to show that you have these qualities. Avoid replicating your CV, but refer to it where appropriate, elaborating with examples that relate to this role. For example: "As my CV shows, my apprenticeship led to full-time employment after a 12-month period."
Explain why you are applying for this particular role. It might be that it provides a bigger challenge for you, or is in an area you have more interest in. If you have hobbies or previous experience related to the role, state them (don't rely on the employer reading the last page of your CV).
If there are practical reasons for changing jobs, e.g. you have just had a child and need more flexible hours, you do not need to include such factors at this stage – this is something that can be discussed at interview.
Make sure you say what you have enclosed with your letter (your CV, a test or any work you are asked to submit).
Sign off with 'Yours sincerely'.
Check you have included your contact details on all the documents you send and on your email, so that someone can call you if they want you to come for interview.

Updated:19/10/2010

Jargon Buster

Person specification:: A breakdown of what the employer is looking for in terms of skills, knowledge, experience, and sometimes character
CV:: Stands for 'curriculum vitae' and means a summary of your academic and work history

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Check your letter over. Make sure you have demonstrated your unique skills relevant to the position and that your language is clear, positive and concise.
Do a word count – your letter should fit onto one side of A4, but not be squashed into tiny letters. Around 400 words sized at 12 point is a good figure to aim for.
Check your spelling and grammar carefully. Many applications are thrown out at this stage for sloppy mistakes. If in doubt, ask someone to have a look over it.
If you post the application, 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, fold once, and put them into a plain envelope.
If you email the application, double-check the email address.
Hopefully you will have impressed the employer enough to be called for an interview, so make sure you're ready by following our interview preparation guide!

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