Employability skills > Module
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Cover letter
A covering letter is really a letter of introduction and is usually
the first thing that a prospective employer reads. It is your chance
to capture the attention of the reader and demonstrate what sets you
apart from other applicants. You should always send a covering letter
with a CV or application form.
Points to remember when writing covering letters
- Always address the letter, using name and title, to the particular
person with whom you wish to meet.
- The tone of the letter should be very positive - stressing how
your association with the organisation will benefit you both.
- Use one side of A4, word-processed page only. Use good quality white
paper.
- Follow up your letter with a phone call.
- Remember to keep copies of all the letters you send.
The cover letter should be used to highlight any skills or qualities
you think particularly appropriate to the job you are applying for.
A cover letter should include:
- your reasons for applying for the job
- your background and relevant qualifications/experience
- your personal qualities and suitability for the position
- request an interview (in the case of a speculative letter it is
better to ask for an ‘informal discussion’)
Outline of cover letter
- your opening paragraph says that you want the job
and why you are suitable for it (‘My extensive track record of accomplishment
and contribution in the area of Operations Management renders me a suitable
candidate for the vacancy in your team’.)
- your second paragraph expands upon those elements
of your qualifications, training, experience and personal attributes that
relate to the job
- your third paragraph says something along the lines
of, ‘I enclose my current Curriculum Vitae which will expand on
the above. I trust that this will be satisfactory to you and I look forward
to discussing my candidacy further with you at interview.’
