GETTING THE JOB – The Covering Letter
Always send a covering letter with your Resume/CV.
Guidelines –
Always prepare an original letter – never use a standard one.
Make it specific to the job for which you are applying, refer to the job title and quote any reference numbers and advertisement details (source and date)
Make sure your letter serves a purpose – ie it is not just a cover sheet for your Resume/CV
It should say briefly –
why you are applying for the job
why you think you are well suited for it and
what sort of person you are.
Tips-
- Personalize it – ie address it to a named individual and refer to any previous correspondence, conversation etc.
- Do not write ‘to whom it may concern’ and ‘Dear Sir’ or ‘Dear Madam’ – get a name – phone if necessary
- Always type the letter
- Be yourself – don’t use complex, legalistic or bureaucratic language - and no humour
- Catch the readers attention quickly – you need to stand out
- Be confident, positive and polite – but don’t be arrogant or demanding.
- Be available - ie provide a phone number that will be answered and/or an E mail that is regularly checked
- One page is enough
- Check the spelling, syntax, grammar and layout.
- Make sure it is in the same format (same font, paper etc) as your Resume/CV – otherwise your Resume will look like a standard document out of your files
- Sign it
- Attach it to your Resume
- Keep a copy with your Resume
For more information on these topics go to the FURTHER INFORMATION page in this Advice section
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