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Career Basics Lesson #1 - Covering Letters
Having taken real time and effort in compiling a CV you believe optimises your employability it's pretty important that you don't then blow your chances by sending it along with a sub-standard covering letter. It's a far simpler document to put together than the CV and there's really no reason it shouldn't be straightforward.
1. The basics
The very best you can hope for from a covering letter is that your prospective employer reads your CV with interest and/or enthusiasm. It's all about providing a brief context for your application, a brief introduction to yourself and a brief indication of your enthusiasm for the role.
2. Keep it relevant
Far too many people use the covering letter as an opportunity to restate their entire life story, skills and even employment history. This information should follow in the attached CV. Be disciplined with what and how much you write.
3. A new one every time
A new covering letter should be written for each job for which you apply. Nothing says "lack of commitment" more than an obviously generic letter with little or no specific engagement with the role or company. Your covering letter should be brief: three or four short paragraphs in length should be sufficient.
4. To begin at the beginning
If you have a contact name, then address the letter to them. If not then begin with "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam". Next, and very importantly, state which position you are applying for, where you saw it advertised and any reference number if one is mentioned in the recruitment advert to which you are applying.
5. Moving on...
Detail briefly why you are suitable for the role. This can include listing any particular skills and experiences.
It's good to link your skills to the job description or advert, or briefly explain why this could be relevant to your future employer. You should then state why you want to work for the particular company to which you are applying.
If you can, try to mention something specific about the company that gives it particular appeal for you.
The final paragraph should indicate your preferred means of contact (email, mobile phone, post, etc) and your availability for interview.
6. Language
Avoid slang or overly casual phrases, and do avoid the temptation to be funny. The tone you need to aim for is enthusiastic but professional - if in doubt, err on the side of formality, but that doesn't mean using unnatural, overblown or over-elaborate language.
7. Check, check and recheck
Before you dispatch your covering letter along with your CV to the recruiter you need to check it over several times. Spell-check everything that you send out, there's no excuse whatsoever for mistakes in this area. Next, re-read your covering letter to make sure you are happy with the content. Thirdly, check to make sure you have provided the employer with any and all information that they might have requested specifically - such as the advert reference number or your current salary details.
Finally, double-check that you have spelled the name of the person to whom you are sending the application correctly. Similarly, ensure you have spelled the name of the company correctly.
Well-written covering letters in combination with carefully prepared CVs make for a powerful combination. Together, they give you the best possible chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.
