Week 4 How to write a covering letter

HR0275 Personal and Organisational Development Workshop 4

How to write a covering letter

FORMAT

Your address

(including post

code)

Date of letter

Name, Job Title

Address of Employer

Your Ref: (if quoted in advert)

Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs ---,

Job Title in Advertisement

3 Paragraphs:

First paragraph, first sentence: What you are applying for and why. If possible show knowledge of employer. Second sentence: Refer to CV or application form and draw attention to one or two specific details.

Second paragraph, first sentence: Why you are especially suited to the job and what you can do for the employer (based on analysis of job description). Second sentence: Any relevant experience you can cite.

Third paragraph: Availability for interview and any final interesting points.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Signature)

Your Name

CHECKLIST

-Presentation / Format – Formal. Use same font as in your CV

-Send Covering Letter with a CV Or Application Form (never send both)

-Structure – Three paragraphs only

-Language –Short and simple sentences. Avoid repeating ‘I’. Don’t waffle!

-Spelling and grammar – The letter must be free of mistakes

-Stationery – this must be good quality

-Addressee –Must be a named person with their correct Job Title. If you don’t know, telephone the employer and find out.

-Salutation –Never use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours truly’.

Always use a name and ‘Yours sincerely’.

CONTENT

-Letters should be brief, they accompany a CV or application form

-Make sure the letter tells the reader that you have what they are looking for -Explain why you are interested in the job and why you want to work for the organisation BUT concentrate on what you can do for them NOT what they can do for you