CV Wizard

ENTRY

CAREER

EXECUTIVE

COVERING LETTER

INTERVIEW ASSISTANT

Covering Letter

1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

1. Aim

A covering letter is your opportunity to highlight the most important or relevant aspects of your CV, convey your enthusiasm for the job and persuade the reader to examine your application in more detail.

There are two types of covering letter:

those replying to an advertised post, accompanying a CV or an application form
speculative letters, sent to possible/prospective employers, also accompanied by a CV.

Both types of letter must be clear and concise and no more than one page. These can be hand-written, but are best typed, using a clear, easily readable typeface.

Whether replying to an advertisement or writing a speculative letter, use your covering letter to highlight your achievements and suitability for the position. However, remember to keep it short: there is no need to quote your entire CV.


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

2. Address

Your details

Name
Street, No
Post Code
Town
Phone
Daytime Phone (if applicable)
Mobile Phone (if applicable)
Email (if applicable)

Letter

Date

Their details

Surname
Position/Job title (if applicable)
Company name
Street, No
Post Code
Town

Heading

Reference (if applicable)
Job title of vacancy advertised

Salutation

Dear (e.g. Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)

RESET THIS CHAPTER	GO TO NEXT CHAPTER	BUILD LETTER


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

3. Opening paragraph
(why you are writing)

If you are responding to a job advertisement, you need to say which job you are applying for (the company may be advertising for more than one vacancy) and how you found out about it.

If you are sending a speculative letter, you should state clearly the sort of job role that you are enquiring about.

Example

RESET THIS CHAPTER	GO TO NEXT CHAPTER	BUILD LETTER


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

4. Second Paragraph
(skills and experience)

If you are replying to a specific job advertisement, use key words and phrases from the advertisement or job description to emphasise how you fit in with their requirements. Stress your skills and experience and give the reader an incentive to consider your application.

Example

RESET THIS CHAPTER	GO TO NEXT CHAPTER	BUILD LETTER


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

5. Third Paragraph
(ability/attributes/personal qualities)

As well as your work experience, what other qualities do you have to offer a potential employer?

Example

RESET THIS CHAPTER	GO TO NEXT CHAPTER	BUILD LETTER


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

6. Closing Paragraph

Always end on a positive note. If you are sending a speculative letter, tell the reader what your follow-up will be.

Example

RESET THIS CHAPTER	BUILD LETTER


1. Aim	2. Address	3. Opening Paragraph
4. Second Paragraph	5. Third Paragraph	6. Closing Paragraph

If you have any questions or suggestions please email us. Thank you!