Cover letter to accompany C.V?

Gustov

Gustov

Gustov

Soldato
Joined
30 May 2008
Posts
7,788
Hey chaps,

When it comes to writing a C.V I'd like to think I'm pretty good at doing so. However, when it comes to a cover letter I'm clueless. I handed in my last ever uni assignment today, so need to write up a cover letter to I can start applying to companies.

Any sources or recommendations?
 
Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find enclosed my CV in application for the position of <text>.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely

<Insert Name>
 
I'd really recommend tailoring each letter to each company rather than a bulk generic letter, the employers will be able to tell. How better to show you're commited/willing to work at that company than to show some interest/engagement.

Whether you write that through what their goals are, what they're looking for and how you fulfill that or how you can apply your skills to their role.

Make it interesting, sell yourself as best you can and make sure it goes hand in hand with your CV.
 
Gustov said:
Are you serious?
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He has the basics there but there are 2-3 paragraphs missing after the first line. You should use these paragraphs to talk about why you are suitable for the position and what skills you can bring to the job. You might also want to talk about your education and previous jobs and how they relate to the job. If you have done some research on the company (if applicable) then say why you were interested in apply for a job there.

It shouldn't be a copy of your CV but you can refer to things you mention there. It's the first thing that the employer will read and if they don't like what they read then they won't even bother looking at your CV so make sure you put enough information in it so that they can get a good picture of your suitability for the job.
 
I always put in my covering letter highlighting the skills i have for the job few things like I have a clean driving license and clean bill of health. For example, If there looking for a 2nd line IT support and On site engineer I would put something like:

... I have 5 years experience in 2nd line technical support and visiting customers on a regular basis. I also own a car and hold a clean license...
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Treat it as 5 - 10 lines to sell your self and want to make them read more. When I look through cv's the covering letter tells me a lot about you before I read the CV. If you put good piece and want me to read on then youve got one step further then most people.
 
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If you know the person = Yours Sincerely
If you do not know the person/have never met them = Yours Faithfully
 
So much fail in here.

Your covering letter should be written for the company you are applying to. Your CV should be tailored to the company you are applying to.

Go and read some generic materiel on writing the covering letter (don't make me show you how to Google), Then start looking for tips.

I recommend you use it to include a section some fools put in their CV called "Objectives", where you state why you are applying and what you hope to get (full time employment for example).

Use it to link your skills in your CV, with what you think are requirements of the job.
 
Highlight your relevant skills and experience, write it in a short 2-3 paragraph narrative format that demonstrates most, if not all of the 'required' or 'desired' criteria for the job. Do not do what neodude said if you want to get past the first HR robot to read your email.
 
Hey everyone,

Could you take a look at my covering letter and critique it please

Dear Sir/Madam

I am extremely interested in this position as I am looking to build a career within the accountancy field.

My educational background has always been largely numerical and analytical based which I believe makes an ideal candidate for this position. I have been studying Actuarial Mathematics with Statistics at Kingston University. My Excel skills are excellent due to extensive use of the program during my years at university,

I have also started studying for CIMA qualifications independently, this is to further my knowledge within the accounting field.

I have a lot to offer and am ready to meet new demands, eager to learn and to develop further. I have a strong work ethic and I would bring enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the role and to the company. I am a team player who works well with others but works equally well on my own as I am very self motivated. I am keen to deliver and make a difference. My communication skills are of a very high calibre, having lived and worked in a business for a very long time.

I am happy to discuss any aspect of my application at any time and I am available for an interview at your convenience. I hope that you will progress my application further and I look forward to meeting you at the earliest opportunity.

Yours faithfully
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This is what is the covering letter I use, how do I go about tailoring it to each job?
 
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Go over your CV picking out your good pioints and picking them apart in enough detail to help you come accross as more knowledgable or useful than you may actually be. eg. CV says "good with people". Letter would go into your communication skills, how you get on with everyone even if thats a down right lie, how your able to fit in, work as a team etc...

Lets say one requiremtn of a job genre your applying for states "product knowledge" your CV would state that you have good product knowlegde in said field. Your letter would then go into which areas, the level of product knowledge etc... finish it all off with an "why you would be good for the role". cross your T's and dot you I's, be plesent and keep it within an A4 page. CV should span no more than 2 pages with qualifications.

Andy
 
I was always told to include why you want that position or want to work for that company specifically. e.g. Career possibilities, world wide company, world/UK leaders in their field.
 
Hai,

I R JOB.

Bai.

srsly: You need to add in specifics like the job title, why you are appropriate for the job etc..

It is your chance to tell them exactly why they should hire you based on your experience/skills that you have stated in your CV.
 
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