Cover Letter Tips

Your CV should be accompanied by a cover letter every time it is submitted. This is the introduction to your CV, a means to get the CV noticed for the right reasons. It needs to cover any problem areas and tell the person why you are writing to them, pointing out why you are the ideal candidate for the job thus making the CV more likely to be read.

“Take time to prepare your cover letter, it is a worthwhile investment.”

Do’s

• Include your Name, address and contact numbers, even if they are mentioned in the CV


• Address personally – to the responsible person, spell the name correctly


• Follow instructions – read the advert and include what is required


• Be formal in your writing, use good language with good grammar and spelling


• Use job title and reference ’ title of the job and how you learned about the vacancy


• Refer to the CV ’ build up excitement to read your CV (but not too much, this is not a game)


• Tell them you are interested in the job and your reasons for applying.


• Keep it Short and simple, straight to the point ’ give a brief summary but don’t oversell yourself


• Compliment them ’ this tells them you know about them and you would like to work for them


• The letter should be readable, neat and tidy and it should clear up any problems and complexities

Avoid

• Begging for the position


• Using coloured paper


• Writing by hand ’ the letter should be typed, preferably by computer


• Unavailability ’ try not say when you aren’t available for the interview


• Repeating the CV ’ give new information


• Including your salary ’ unless asked for

The cover letter is the first thing the audience look at when they receive your application. This is the first stage of selling yourself. A good cover letter gives the impression your CV is a good one, and that you’re the best candidate for the job. In order to do this, you will need to Take good quality time and prepare an impressive cover letter. Follow these tips and you might just prepare yourself an award winning cover letter.