COVERING LETTERS

Purpose of a Cover Letter

 

A cover letter serves two primary functions: it introduces your application by explaining what position you’re applying for and why, and it shows how you meet the organisation’s requirements. Additionally, it reflects your written communication skills. A well-crafted cover letter can impress potential employers and encourage them to review your CV.

 

Each cover letter should be personalized for the specific job, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your CV without simply listing your qualifications and skills.

 

Cover Letter Format

 

A cover letter follows a standard format. Each paragraph should be concise and focus on a single important point, such as your motivation or suitability for the role.

 

Structuring a Cover Letter

 

1. Introduction

Begin by explaining why you are writing (e.g., applying for a specific position or seeking work experience). Mention any connection you may have with the recipient or the organization, if applicable. For example, “I spoke with Jane Smith, a consultant at Deloitte, at a careers evening, and she recommended that I apply for this role.”

 

2. Why This Organisation/Career Path/Sector

Show your knowledge of the organization and express why you want to work with them. Avoid repeating information from their website. If you’ve met someone from the organization at an event, mention their name and the occasion. Explain your interest in the sector and demonstrate that you’ve researched both the organization and the career path.

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3. Why This Job Role

Highlight your understanding of the job’s responsibilities and why it interests you. Reference the job advert, mentioning any tasks or activities that especially appeal to you. If it’s a traineeship or a structured program, you can discuss the aspects that attract you, like the provided training or rotational opportunities.

 

4. How You Meet Their Requirements

Address the qualifications, skills, and experiences listed in the job advert. Briefly explain where you have demonstrated these qualities, allowing the employer to find further details on your CV. You may refer to experiences from your personal projects, part-time work, academic pursuits, or other activities.

 

5. Closing Paragraph

Wrap up politely and professionally. If necessary, you can mention other relevant factors, like explaining a lower-than-expected grade or stating your availability if applying for work experience.

 

Cover Letter Formatting Guidelines

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• Layout: Use a formal business letter format. Place your address in the top right corner, with the employer’s name, address, and date on the left. Double-check spellings of names.

• Length: Keep it to one side of A4.

• Salutation: Address a specific person if possible, e.g., "Dear Mr. Jones." If no name is available, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Sir/Madam."

• Font: Use simple fonts like Calibri or Arial, consistent with your CV.

• Closing: If addressed by name (e.g., "Dear Ms. Smith"), use "Yours sincerely." If using "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Sir/Madam," end with "Yours faithfully." Type your full name with space for a signature.

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Sending a Cover Letter by Email

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Ensure all application documents are error-free and professional. If applying by email, you may either attach the cover letter and CV as PDFs or use the cover letter as the email body and attach the CV to the email. Alternatively, you can use the covering letter as the text of the email and attach your CV as a .pdf. Follow any specific instructions from the employer.

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Speculative Letters

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A speculative application seeks unadvertised opportunities. It’s ideal for work experience or job shadowing but may require multiple attempts. When writing a speculative letter:

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• Research Thoroughly: Suggest specific roles or departments that align with the organisation’s focus.

• Highlight Your Value: Demonstrate how your experience or enthusiasm aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to the organisation.

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Tips for a Strong Cover Letter

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• Use Generative AI for First Drafts: Inputting the job ad text and a general CV can generate a draft to build on with your own ideas.

• Proofread Carefully: Spelling and grammar errors can be deal-breakers.

• Be Clear About Your Intentions: State if you’re looking for an interview, meeting, or work shadowing opportunity.

• Keep a Record: Save a copy of each job advert, cover letter, and CV for future reference.