Covering Letter Tips

Professional Covering Letters

Every employer wants to give you the job. They want you to be the right candidate. The sooner they fill the position the faster they can get on with business.

When it comes to getting your CV noticed, writing a professional Covering Letter can be the difference that makes a difference.

 
What makes your Covering Letter professional?

Getting noticed for the right reasons is what makes your Covering Letter professional. Approached correctly, it’s your chance to stand out and put your best case forward as to why you’re the right candidate for the role. Here’s how to ensure that your Covering Letter gets your CV considered:

• It should promote your skills and experience in a way that fits the advertised role, perfectly.
• It needs to be clear, concise and factual.
• Answer what is requested of the applicant in the job specification using key points from your CV.
• You can use your Covering Letter to convey your personality but it should not be flippant or bragging in tone.
• Include brief examples of work experience that demonstrate your drive, initiative and ability to get results.
• Sum up your suitability for the role in the last paragraph by saying that you’re confident you can contribute to the success of the company and that you look forward to demonstrating this further in an interview at their earliest convenience.
• If appropriate, mention that you have professional references available upon request if appropriate.

Format tips and considerations

• Use a Microsoft® Word document format if you are sending your Covering Letter and CV by email. Try to keep it to one page.
• Use a font style and point size that is easy to read. (We recommend Arial in 9pt.)
• If post or email isn’t specified in the job advertisement, you might choose to send your Covering Letter and CV by post to grab more attention on the recipient’s desk instead of their email ‘In’ box.
• Include the name and job title of the recipient, company name and full address at the top left-hand side of the letter.
• Have your name, postal address, phone number and email address at the top right-hand side.
• Date the letter just above the salutation.
• You should do everything you can to find out the name of the recipient.
• Open with ‘Dear Mr/Mrs’ if you know their name and ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ if you do not.
• Insert the job title and job reference code as advertised, in bold or underlined beneath the salutation and before the first sentence.
• At the end of the letter, use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the recipient’s name and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you do not.
• Sign the letter and type your name underneath.
• Check your letter for spelling mistakes and have a sharp-eyed friend double-check it for you.

Good luck in securing that all-important interview!