Covering Letter Advice

The main purpose of a covering letter is to encourage a recruiter to read your CV.  The letter gives you the chance to demonstrate that you understand the nature of the job being advertised and it allows you to explain why you want to work in that area and show how your skills and abilities fit the vacancy.

While your CV tells the employer about you, the letter should concentrate on the position and the company.  Remember to fully research the company, perhaps by visiting their website.  Use this information to help you draft your letter.

Key points:

• State the job you're applying for and any reference numbers

• Use a computer unless the advertisement specifies handwritten

• Explain why you think you are the right person for the job

• Be polite and keep it brief

• Keep the layout neat and tidy

• Double check for spelling and grammatical mistakes

Top tip:

If you are writing to someone whose name and title you do not know, use the greeting Dear Sir or Madam, and the ending Yours faithfully, signing yourself with your initials and surname.

If you are writing to a named person, address them as Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms, and end Yours sincerely, followed by your first name and surname.

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