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A covering letter is the first point of contact with your potential employer and a poor one could mean your cv is instantly discarded, before it is even read. 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-page tome. Here are our tips on how to write a cover letter.
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:
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.
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.
Avoid statements such as ‘I have good interpersonal skills’. You are trying to stand out from the crowd. Show how you are different.
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.
Check and double check spelling, grammar and punctuation. Always type your covering letter and lay it out clearly and neatly. Don’t use text language and remember things like capitalising I’s.
Comments [31]
sajid hussain shah says:
Thanks for the wonderful help and guidance.
Anonymous says:
Also, don't use an apostrophe where it is not needed (see no. 6, about spelling, grammar and punctuation).
Anonymous says:
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 says:
Thank you so much for your good ideas.
FRANCISCA FREMPONG-MENSAH says:
This has really helped me so much. Thanks for your good ideas.
Anonymous says:
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.
Sharon Luke says:
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.
Premala Ravindran says:
Good tips. I will follow your instructions carefully in my future spec letters. Thank you
Shirley Roe says:
Excellent advice, most helpful with my confidence to apply for a post. Thank you so much.
says:
This is what some people pay for.Thanks for this as few people are even ready to discuss job matters with you.
Thanks.
ADENIKE
Anonymous says:
Great to hear how simple and useful tips can help many people; especially those who may seem hesitant to ask anyone. Good job!!!
coppellia gibson says:
Thank you, I feel confident enough now to apply for a job.
joanna may says:
Thank you for the tips, I feel much more confident about writing a relevant cover letter. Thank you again.
Anonymous says:
This information was very helpful. thanks
Anonymous says:
Very helpful, much appreciated, Thank you.
Anonymous says:
Good advice – it really helps to have a focus for effective communications.
ANGELA DEGRASSI says:
Expecially for non-native English speakers like me, this is a good advice. Thank you indeed.
Anonymous says:
Good advice, thank you.
Anonymous says:
Makes sense. Thanks for making it simple.
Priyanka Verma says:
very helpful
Anonymous says:
very helpful, thanks a lot
KINNARI SHAIKH says:
thanks for giving such good knowledge
Julie Gadsby says:
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 wont 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 says:
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.
sophie lloyd says:
very helpful, but haven’t got a c.v to put on
Shumyla Khan says:
show some sample cover letters
Kim Cawdell says:
Very helpful, thank you
Anonymous says:
Hi, it is very helpful. Thumbs up and thanks.
Anonymous says:
Thank you so much. It helped a lot.
Anonymous says:
Very helpful, thank you.
Anonymous says:
Great advice, thank you.