A Fresh Form Of Recruitment

Covering Letters

A cover letter with your CV or application form can be a great job hunting tool….if done properly! The cover letter is the first thing that the employer sees, so always remember the basics of grammar and written etiquette and make sure you start and end your letters correctly.

Cover letters can also be useful if you want to make speculative approaches to companies in your field of employment. Follow this guide to make sure your cover letter does you justice.

  • Write a unique letter for each job you apply for. This is a not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Look for clues in the job advert as to what the employer is looking for.
  • Use the letter to show (highlight briefly) how you meet the needs of the employer / criteria of the job you're applying for.
  • You need to get the reader’s attention, so give some ‘real’ impact in the first sentence. Try using a headline to make your letter stand out.
  • Saying “I’m interested in this position, please consider me” isn’t enough. Sell yourself. Show the employer why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
  • Emphasise your key achievements and career highlights – but only the ones that are relevant for ‘this’ job.
  • Don’t write an essay. Any more than two paragraphs and it probably won't get read.
  • Don’t try to re-write your entire CV as a covering letter.
  • End on a positive note and be ‘positive assumptive’.
  • Thank the reader for their consideration of your application.
  • Don’t forget to sign it!