How to Write a Covering Letter
The basics of any covering letter are the same as any other important letter. Just bear in mind the importance of this particular letter: if you get it right, you might get a CV looked at that wouldn't otherwise have been. If you get it wrong, you may stop your excellent CV from being considered.
Keep the covering letter simple, short and looking good.
Covering letters are especially important if you are applying speculatively to a company, i.e. not in response to a known vacancy. In this instance, they have to clearly state why you're writing to them, and give the reader a real reason to look at your CV.
Include your name, address and contact numbers. Even if they are on the CV.
Address personally. Find out the right person's name, how to spell it, and then use it. Never try to address a covering letter to a job title.
Follow instructions. If an advertisement says write to a particular person, do it. If it says quote a reference, quote it in the title of your letter. Some organizations may have recruitment policies that disqualify anyone not following the instructions given, so follow the instructions!
Choose a good title. If there is a reference to be quoted, use the job title and the reference, for example:
Senior buyer - Reference QC4758
If there is no reference, use the job title and the place and date you found the advertisement, for example:
Senior Accounts Clerk - Evening Standard 17 January 200X
Make it obvious. Put the title in bold, underlining if it looks right. The recruiter may have several different vacancies and needs to see quickly which you are applying for.
Be professional. Use good quality paper and neat typeface. If sending an e-mail application, keep it businesslike.
Stick to the point. The letter is to introduce the main thing - your CV. It should never be longer than one side of paper.
Avoid gimmicks. Coloured paper, fancy lettering, gold signatures, etc. may all get you noticed, but for the wrong reasons. Remember the basics - white or cream paper only.
If you really want to make a quality impression, use an A4 card-backed envelope. This prevents your letter and CV from being folded or creased in the post, and it will arrive in as perfect condition as it is sent. It is surprising how many people print off a beautiful, pristine CV and then fold it and squash it into a small envelope.
Avoid unavailability. Try not to state when you aren't available for interview - unless you will be away some time, for example, on holiday. Employers like to see you at their convenience, not yours! If they want to see you, you can discuss when you can and can't make it at that stage.
Write well. Get help if necessary. Short words, short sentences, short paragraphs, good English. Avoid jargon.
Refer to the CV. After all, the idea is to get them to read it.
