How to write a cover letter 1 Why

How to write a cover letter 1. Why do you need a cover letter? 2. How long should your letter be? 3. Who should you address your letter to? 4. What do employers look for in cover letters? 5. Structure of a covering letter?

1. Why do you need a cover letter? The cover/ covering letter is vital to your CV. This is why it is the first page and not an addition. "Please find enclosed my CV" won't get you very far. Your cover letter demonstrates your writing style better than your CV (which is usually more brief and factual). The cover letter puts flesh on the bare bones of the CV. It points out to the employer the information showing that you have the qualities the job calls for, and makes a statement about yourself and your suitability for the job. It should give the personal touch that your CV will intrinsically lack.

2. How long should your letter be? It should never be longer than one page long. § Plain white photocopier paper is fine. § If emailed, put your covering letter in the body of the email. § Don't make the employer work to read your letter! Keep it clear, concise and to the point. § Try not to go over one side of A 4. § Use your own words not formal long winded clichés. § Action verbs can help to make it sound better. § Spell checkand then double checkyour spelling and grammar.

2. How long should your letter be? § Answer the question "Why should I see you? " § Make the person who reads it feel special: that it is addressed to them personally and not one of fifty identical letters you are sending out without thought or care. § You might include your understanding of the work/knowledge of the company, and how you fit the criteria required. You must say why you decided to pursue this career, what first brought it to your attention, why you as a History student should be interested in a career in finance. Address (v): to use a particular name or title for somebody when you speak or write to them

2. How long should your letter be? § Relate your skills to the job. Show the employer that you have obtained the communicating, teamworking, problem solving and leadership or other skills that are appropriate for the job. § Say when you're available to start work (and end, if it’s a placement): be as flexible as possible.

3. Who should you address your letter to? Try to find the name of the person to write to. Address (v): to use a particular name or title for somebody when you speak or write to them

NOTES The writing rules of George Orwell (one of the finer writers in the English language) ü Never use a long word where a short one will do. ü Never use the passive voice where you can use the active voice. ü Never use jargon if you can think of an everyday equivalent. ‘Hard working‘, 'team player' and 'motivated' were the most over used words on CVs making them meaningless to employers and doing little to make candidates stand out. Jargon (n): words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group of people, and are difficult for others to understand

4. What do employers look for in cover letters? (From the brilliant 2010 Orange County Resume Survey by Eric Hilden) Ø 33% Tailored skills from the job description Ø 26% Clarity (well written, formatted, specifying job applied to) Ø 20% Details from your CV (additional accomplishments, explanation of any gaps, etc. ) Ø 19% Your value, not the basics, why we should hire you Ø 18% Spelling & grammar Ø 17% Personal vision & uniqueness Ø 12% Brevity Ø 10% I never read them!

5. Suggested structure of a cover letter First paragraph • State the job you’re applying for. • Where you found out about it (advert in The Guardian newspaper etc. organisations like to know which of their advertising sources are being successful. ) • When you're available to start work (and end if it's a placement) Second paragraph • Why you're interested in that type of work • Why the company attracts you (if it's a small company say you prefer to work for a small friendly organisation!)

5. Suggested structure of a cover letter Third paragraph • Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation. • Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job. Last paragraph • Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview. • Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

NOTES If you start with a name (e. g. "Dear Mr Bloggs") you should end with "Yours sincerely". If you start with "Dear Sir or Madam" you should end with "Yours faithfully".

The most common opening lines from a sample of covering letters by University of Kent students v I have just completed my final year at the University of … v I am a final year law student at the University of …. . v As a law undergraduate at the University of Kent I am looking for … v Currently I am pursuing a degree in. . at the University of … v My name is. . and I am a final year student at the … v My name is. . and I am writing in response to your advertisement … v I am writing to apply for the post of. . in your company v I am writing in response to your advertisement in/for … v I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies for. .

The most common opening lines from a sample of covering letters by University of Kent students v I was very interested to read your advertisement for … v I was most interested to read your advertisement for …. v I enclose my CV for consideration of the post of … v Please find enclosed my application for the post of … v As you will see from my CV, I am seeking a placement within a … v I am currently looking for an entry level post in … v I am very keen to work for. . because of your reputation for … v Your company has an excellent reputation for the training of graduates. . . v I read with interest of your organisation's plan to. . .

EXAMPLES of COVER LETTERS

Dear Madam/Sir, I read with interest your advertisement seeking an advertising sales Professional, as I believe I possess the attributes necessary to make the role a success. As you will see from my resume, I have a proven track record in advertising sales as well as selling to all levels of management in the tourist/hospitality/travel sector in 14 different countries including Australia. Adept at leading a team or working as part of a team, I am also an enthusiastic self starter able to work from home. I have initiative and loads of drive. My personal motto is: "Never give up". Technical skills include telephone and face to face selling, Word, Outlook and Excel software proficiency and strong communication skills. I hope to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team. Yours faithfully,

Mr John Smith, Operations Manager, XYZ Car Dealership, Mac. Gregor, Queensland 4109. Dear Mr Smith, I am writing in response to your advertisement seeking a customer services manager to run XYZ Car Dealership's service centre. As you will see from my enclosed/accompanying résumé, my skills and experience are a good match for the position you are now trying to fill. Of particular relevance is my five years experience working in a similar role and the award I received for excellence in customer service. I'm aware of the high value XYZ Car Dealership places on service and believe I share the same philosophy on customer care. I look forward to having an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team. Yours sincerely,