What is a Covering Letter?
- Main Covering Letter Mistakes
- Principles about Covering Letters
- Summary
A Covering Letter is primarily used as a letter of introduction used in conjunction to support a supplementary document such as a CV (curriculum vitae) or letter of motivation.
The purpose of the Covering letter as an application tool is used to highlight and empathise the main qualities of your CV and connect with the future employer. To match an applicants skills with the relevant job posted and list the benefits that the applicant can provide to the company.
From an employers perspective the
covering letter is designed to segment the list of candidates that
have applied for a particular vacancy. To screen off initial
irrelevant applications and target more specifically those candidates
of more considered worth and benefit for the company.
Main Covering Letter Tips
Keep it brief (No more than 3 or 4 paragraphs)
Customise the covering letter to the specific organisation
Address the covering letter to an individual (target) rather to the general company
Proofread the covering letter!!!!
Let the employer be the judge of your skills
Compare the job advertisement and highlight relevant keywords, interest and themes
Research the employer and the specific position applied for
Relevant information and main key skills and qualities
List the benefits to the employer (what do they gain by hiring you)
Add contact details
Avoid using clichés
Does it appeal to the reader?
In essence the covering letter should end with a strong request for an interview
Main Covering Letter Mistakes
Not having a covering letter to supplement your CV
Copying your CV
Failing to address to the specific person
Grammar and spelling mistakes
Leaving out the job title and job reference
Addressing the wrong person of the company
Not revisited and updating older covering letters
Using an unprofessional email address
Attaching an informal or irrelevant photo
Not being proactive
Failing to highlight your unique selling points
Forgetting to include important information
Simple Principles About Covering Letters
1. Take the time to customise and review the covering letter to fit the employers requirements in the job advertised
2. Write the covering letter with the employers need in mind
3. Write the covering letter in a brief and concise manner
4. Keep the covering letter simple!!
Covering Letter Template
While there are many different types and styles of covering letters to choose and adopt typically a covering letter should entail the following structure.
Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your Town,County,Postcode
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
Town, County Postcode
Salutation
Dear .. (name of contact person)
Reference number / Job title
Main Body
First Paragraph
- The opening paragraph of the covering letter should include information as to why you are writing. To mention the position you are applying for and if you know a mutual contact person in the organisation to include their name. The first paragraph should be clear and concise and convince the target reader that they should arrange an interview or appointment with you.
Middle Paragraph
- The second section of the covering letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. It should include specifically how your skills and experience can be a benefit to the employer and how they match the job you are applying for.
Note: (Important) The covering letter should be interpreting your CV (no repeating it) highlighting and supporting each statement you make with a piece of evidence.
Final Paragraph
- To conclude the covering letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up this covering letter and that you would like to arrange an interview or appointment. (The final paragraph should be proactive as this is where you are pushing to arrange an appointment or interview)
Complimentary close:
Respectfully yours / yours sincerely
Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
Typed Signature
In summary a covering letter is the first point of contact an applicant will have with an employer or recruiter. As a means of expressing oneself and selling their worth, a good covering letter should empathise the main skills and qualities that the applicant has and highlight the readers interest to review the applicants CV. In addition, a good covering letter combined with a relevant CV should also gear the recruiter into arranging an initial appointment or interview.