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Careers Masterclass: Covering Letters
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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 out 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.
The Basics
The aim and purpose of the perfect covering letter is to make your prospective employer read 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. A poorly written covering letter may even cause the attached CV to be thrown into the shredding pile without a second glance.
Keep it Concise
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. Three or four short paragraphs in length should be sufficient. If in doubt, err on the side of brevity.
Keep it Relevant
You should write a new covering letter every time you apply for a role. Nothing says "lack of commitment" more than an obviously generic letter with little or no specific engagement with the role or company. Think about why you want to apply for this role in particular and convey that to the addressee. Your enthusiasm will show through and may mean the difference between your CV being read or being discarded.
Opening Words
If you have a contact name, then clearly address the letter to them. If not then begin with "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam". Next, and very importantly, state the position for which you are applying, where you saw it advertised and any reference number if one is mentioned in the recruitment advert to which you are applying.
"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." The Appointment Team
Letter Copy
Detail briefly why you are suitable for the role. This can include listing any particular skills and experiences. It's a good idea 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.
Mind your Language
When writing, avoid slang or overly casual phrases and remember to 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.
Check and Re-check
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.