Covering Letter Advice

It is very important that you know how to sell yourself to a potential employer, as your CV and covering letter is the first opportunity you have to do just that. Employers will spend as little as 20 to 30 seconds reading an application, so you have to make a strong impression - fast. A covering letter needs to grab the reader’s attention within the first paragraph and give an employer a reason to ask you for an interview.

For example: “If you are looking for an executive with an excellent track-record, strong contact list and the ability to increase your turnover by 20 per cent, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

The GJS website allows you to include a covering letter along with your CV when you apply for a vacancy.

Sample Covering Letter

Your Address (not name)
 Town
 Post Code
 Contact Number

Date

Name of Person to be contacted
Job Title
Organisation Name
Address
Town
Post Code

Dear (Use Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms and Surname only)

Re: Title of the post you are applying for  

First Paragraph

Introduce yourself and state clearly the specific vacancy and where it was advertised, or for a speculative letter, explain what you are writing about. Mention you are enclosing your CV or application form.

Middle Paragraphs

Explain why you are interested in this opportunity, demonstrate through evidence how you can do the job, how you could make a contribution to the organisation. State your relevant experience here, but also refer to your CV or application for further evidence.

Detail your understanding of the organisation, the issues, values, clients and competitors, successes, direction. Show you have researched them thoroughly and matched what you found to your aspirations as well as experience and personal profile. What are the specific points which attract you to them?

Highlight any further relevant points, for example time out, voluntary work, difficulties overcome. If you do not meet all the selection criteria, explain how your other experience compensates, make it positive.

Final Paragraph

Sign off, say when you are available for interview and how you are looking forward to hearing from them - seek to elicit a response. For a speculative approach indicate you would also welcome the chance of an information interview or informal chat.

Use a business style for your letter and check it to the same rigorous standards as your CV. With only one page of A4, make every sentence count.

Yours sincerely (if writing to Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms and Surname) or faithfully (if writing to Sir/Madame)

 Your Signature

Your Name