The covering letter is the first thing the recruiter sees. In essence it should make an employer want to read your CV and ultimately invite you to interview.  It completes your CV by focussing the reader’s attention and highlights the points that will ’sell’ you most effectively.  It draws on the key features and strong points of your CV, connecting them to the company you are targeting.  A covering letter also provides the opportunity for your personality and individuality to shine through.  Remember to address your covering letter to the appropriate GfG Project Manager.  We have referred to an article written by Mike Cox, a Careers Consultant at Prospects for up to date advice on writing your covering letter.  Read on to find out more on how to create the perfect covering letter...

In common with the CV, the covering letter should be targeted at the specific job and should demonstrate the skills you have that are most relevant to the job.  Together they constitute your prime marketing tool and should leave no doubt that you know what is wanted, and can provide it.

Structurally a covering letter is a simple document with only few simple rules.  It should be kept concise - a single page of A4 is sufficient - and it should be laid out as a formal business letter showing both your address and the name and address of the recipient.

It should always be sent to a named person - not Dear Sir/Madam.  If the advertisement does not name the person then telephone to find out their name.  End with ’Yours sincerely’ - if addressed to a named person.  (Yours faithfully if you can’t avoid a Dear Sir/Madam)

The body of the letter should consist of 4/5 concise paragraphs.  The first paragraph should say why you are writing, name the post you are applying for, and say where you have seen the advertisement or heard of the position.  The final paragraph should look forward confidently to the interview - ’I look forward to hearing from you in the near future...’

The two or three central paragraphs should concentrate on highlighting the particular ways that you meet the person specification, or the skill, qualifications and experience you have that are especially relevant - your chance to grab the reader’s attention.

If you’re applying to a company where creativity is part of the job, it is acceptable to make your application a little different.  However, it is important to be original without being too wacky.

Always target the covering letter at a specific job and avoid the temptation to send out a formatted example.  Employers will know that you are applying for more than one job but ideally they should feel that you are writing only to them.  Trying to use a standard covering letter can make this difficult.  The time you spend will be worth it in the end.

Do’s and don’ts

• Do make sure your letter is addressed to the right person at the right address; spell everything correctly.
  
  
• Don’t send your letter to ’sir’ or ’madam’ - find out who the right person is - either a department manager or HR manager - and address it to them. 
  
  
• Do make sure you put all your contact details on the cover letter, including address, phone numbers, email address; if the prospective employer can’t get hold of you, you won’t get your interview.
  
  
• Don’t send your letter without checking the main body of the text for spelling mistakes, typos, strange grammar, bad punctuation, coffee cup rings or smudged ink - make sure it’s perfect.
  
  
• Do write your cover letter on good quality paper that matches the paper of your CV; coloured paper is generally a no-no - for best results, stick to good quality, white or cream paper.
  
  
• Don’t write reams - your letter should be short, succinct and to the point; there is no reason to duplicate the details shown in your CV.
  
  
• Do use bullet points if you need to - it can be easier and quicker for the reader to scan; but still include a proper introduction and ending to your letter (bullets should be framed by proper paragraphs).
  
  
• Don’t send your CV without a cover letter - the cover letter is the introduction to your CV.
  
  
• Do make your letter bespoke - customised to the employer; anyone can download a standard cover letter, but personalisation shows you’re serious.
  
  
• Don’t include negative information such as personality conflicts with previous employers, details of tribunals or adverse comments on your current employer.
  
  
• Do pick out specific traits or skills mentioned in the job advert and demonstrate why you think you are suitable.
  
  
• Don’t use long words simply to impress - if you are using words you wouldn’t usually use, then don’t bother; it’s an unrealistic representation of yourself and the reader may not understand what you are saying (similarly, don’t get someone else to write the letter for you).