Covering Letters
Is there an art to writing a good covering letter? Applying for jobs requires a range of skills - from developing a good CV to being confident and ready for an interview - and writing a covering letter is an important part of the process.
There are different types of cover letters. Some are letters of enquiry that can help you uncover hidden jobs; others are written to accompany a CV for a job that has been advertised.
Whichever type you are writing, it needs to be direct and to the point - it should always be limited to one page. That means you need to plan it out in advance. Knowing what you are trying to say is the key to a good letter.
Good letters include the following:
- Inform the reader why you are writing - this should be covered in the first sentence - mentioning the job you are applying for and where you saw the job ad.
- Specify some of your skills and achievements, but do not simply re-iterate what is in your CV.
- Focus on the specifications of the advertisement, and mention that you possess these skills.
- Sound upbeat and enthusiastic about the job.
- Inform the employer when you are available for interview.
Finally, be sure to include your contact information on the letter to make it easy for them to get in touch with you.
Keep it simple, keep it to the point, and print it on good paper, and you should make a favorable first impression.