Career Advice
How to write a compelling covering letter
You may think that the covering letter is not as important as your cv, but it is the first point of contact with your potential employer. As such you should use it to make an impact and to stand out from the other job applications. That doesn’t mean writing attention-grabbing statements or a 10-age tome.
1. Keep it brief. Four paragraphs should be enough. You have attached your cv or an application form with more detail. You don’t want to simply repeat this. The covering letter needs to show clearly and succinctly why you want the job, what you have to offer and why the employer should read on:
- The first paragraph should say where you heard about the job
- the second should state why you are interested in the job and any relevant experience/qualifications
- the third should state why you are ideal for the post and what you can do for the company
- and the fourth is more of a sign-off, where you can state that you are available for interview on request, etc, and look forward to hearing from the employer.
2. Stick to factual information. Point out why you want the job and also what experience you have that is relevant, but don’t go into huge detail. Refer to the cv where more details are given.
3. Don’t send out a blanket covering letter for different jobs. Make sure your covering letter is specifically tailored to the job you are applying for.
4. Avoid clichéd statements such as I have good interpersonal skills. You are trying to stand out from the crowd.
5. If you think it is appropriate, mention that you have done research on the company and know that they are, for instance, big on some skill that you have lots of experience in.
6. Check and double check spelling, grammar and punctuation. Always type your covering letter and lay it out clearly and neatly.
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Great advice, thank you.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Very helpful, thank you.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Thank you so much. It helped a lot.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Hi, it is very helpful. Thumbs up and thanks.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Very helpful, thank you
Kim Cawdell | Report this comment
Thank you for this article. My daughter is looking for some work experience for her college course. I will let her read your tips for the covering letter (she won't listen to me!!) regarding punctuation, layout etc - as the college and school don't seem bothered by spelling errors etc, but I know prospective employers will!!! Thank you again.
Julie Gadsby, julie.gadsby@emailyou.co.uk | Report this comment
thanks for giving such good knowledge
KINNARI SHAIKH | Report this comment
very helpful, thanks a lot
Anonymous | Report this comment
Makes sense. Thanks for making it simple.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Good advice, thank you.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Expecially for non-native English speakers like me, this is a good advice. Thank you indeed.
ANGELA DEGRASSI, giozed@gmail.com | Report this comment
Good advice - it really helps to have a focus for effective communications.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Very helpful, much appreciated, Thank you.
Anonymous | Report this comment
This information was very helpful. thanks
Anonymous | Report this comment
Thank you for the tips, I feel much more confident about writing a relevant cover letter. Thank you again.
joanna may, jo.freespirit@hotmail.com | Report this comment
Thank you, I feel confident enough now to apply for a job.
coppellia gibson | Report this comment
Great to hear how simple and useful tips can help many people; especially those who may seem hesitant to ask anyone. Good job!!!
Anonymous | Report this comment
This is what some people pay for.Thanks for this as few people are even ready to discuss job matters with you.
Thanks.
ADENIKE
| Report this comment
Excellent advice, most helpful with my confidence to apply for a post. Thank you so much.
Shirley Roe | Report this comment
Good tips. I will follow your instructions carefully in my future spec letters. Thank you
Premala Ravindran, | Report this comment
After having applied unsuccessfully to numerous jobs over the past year I have decided to construct another cover letter and update and tart up my cv....this advice has been just what I need at this time...hopefully it will help me to secure a job of some description as I am now bored of job hunting.
Sharon Luke | Report this comment
This is really helpful to someone like me. I will definitely sit down and do my lay-out as you've told us. Thanks very much.
Anonymous | Report this comment
This has really helped me so much. Thanks for your good ideas.
FRANCISCA FREMPONG-MENSAH | Report this comment
Thank you so much for your good ideas.
Anonymous | Report this comment
Good tips, but I would always advise to hand write a covering letter - most employers would prefer this as opposed to a typewritten one, especially if the CV/Application form has been typed.
Anonymous | Report this comment