What is a covering letter?

The role of the covering letter is often undervalued.  An effective and well-written covering letter can add significant value to any job application.  Alternatively, a poorly wirtten covering letter can leave a bad impression with recruiters.

The role of the covering letter is to provide a short and simple introduction about you as a viable candidate.  Initally, it should include the basics like what role(s) you are applying for and where it was advertised.  It is also important to address your application to the name and job title of a specific person at the company.  This helps to personalise your job application and demonstrates that you have done some effective research.

It is also important to convey why you are applying for the role, motivations for a particular career and demonstrate key elements of why you are well suited to the role.  The covering letter should be concise, interesting and persuade recruiters to read on and find out more about you as a credible candidate.

The role of the covering letter is also crucial when applying for jobs not advertised yet or speculative applications where a company could considerably benefit from your personal skills and qualities.  For speculative applications, it is important to research the company and likely vacancies or areas of the business where you could make a personal difference.   For speculative applications, it maybe necessary to target covering letters to the head of a particular area of the business, as they
will know their recruitment needs, budgets and areas where there is a skills deficiency.  

Winning CV hopes visitors will benefit from the following advice and appreciate the important
role of covering letters in submitting an interview-winning job application.

                                                                                                            

- Give a balanced profile of candidate suitability, capability and overall career potential.

- Draw-out key personal attributes, skills, experiences and achievements.

- Enhance your CV and help to optimise your job application.

- Be persuasive - being polite but not too pushy!

- Leave a good impression.

SPECIFIC COVERING LETTER 

- States where the job advert was seen as well as key motivations for applying for the role.

- Draws-out main experiences, skills, qualities and key successes relevant to the role.

SPECULATIVE COVERING LETTER  

- States career profile, aspirations, transferable skills and qualities.

- Draws-out any experiences and achievements relevant to the chosen career.

- Winning CV uses a couple of key tricks to personalise covering letters & make them more distinctive!

                                                                                                            

Specific Application

Stating role & where advertised.

Speculative Application

Stating position of interest & why.

Both types of covering letter - initial impressions. 

Conveying why you are interested & motivations for applying for any given role or career path
(reinforcing credibility, interest & shows clear thought going into your application).

Point 1:  Main experience

Main body of experience, responsibilities & achievements relevant to advertised role.

Point 2:  Other main experience

Other relevant experience, responsibilities & achievements.

Point 3:  Main skills & qualities 

Main skills, qualities & personal attributes relevant to the role.
Job descriptions indicate which key skills & qualities are required / relevant.

Point 4:  Other main skills & qualities

Other main skills, qualities & personal attributes to reinforce your application.

Point 5:  Future potential - offering something extra! 

It is important to demonstrate an ability to learn and develop.
Highlighting key qualifications, training & personal development.

State what you want!

Make sure you clearly mention about wanting an interview, face to face
meeting, informal chat or telephone interview. 

Positive intent

Make sure the letter ends positively and politely.
Be persuasive showing you can make a difference. 


                                               

            
  

Beat the competition! - Make sure your CV stands out from the crowd & win at interview!