Covering letter for job application

PapaLazaru · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:04

Morning chaps.

I am applying for a position and for the first time ever I have been asked to write a covering letter as to why I would be suitable for the job.

The content is not an issue, but the layout is.

Am I meant to write it as a proper letter, ie their address, my address etc, or can I just head it up 'Application for position', write dear Sir / Madam and crack on with it?

It is a job within the Civil Service no needs to be spot on.

Thanks in advance.

muon · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:05

Formal letter.

Also try and get the name of the person who will read the letter.

Sp00n · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:07

Formal Letter.

If you the name then end with sincerly, if you don't then end with faithfully.

Google has about a million samples.

PapaLazaru · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:08

Ok cheers.

Cannot get the name as I just have to email it to the gov.uk address.

Dear Sir / Madam I suppose?

Sp00n · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:08

Dear Sir/Madam,

Yours Faithfully.

PapaLazaru · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:18

Thanks all.

Fingers crossed I get to interview!

Narziss · 19 Aug 2010 at 12:24

Good luck.

matthab · 19 Aug 2010 at 13:14

Remeber to cram as much as you can to say why your sutiable for the job. As the covering letter will be the first thing they read if that doesnt grab them your CV wont.

PapaLazaru · 19 Aug 2010 at 13:14

matthab said:
Remeber to cram as much as you can to say why your sutiable for the job. As the covering letter will be the first thing they read if that doesnt grab them your CV wont.

Well they said no more than 250 words so will have to keep it punchy.

WingZero30 · 19 Aug 2010 at 13:26

matthab said:
Remeber to cram as much as you can to say why your sutiable for the job. As the covering letter will be the first thing they read if that doesnt grab them your CV wont.

It's amazing that in majority of the cases for our livelihoods we have to 'beg' in a way to have these so called employers look at our cvs and cover letter.

matthab · 19 Aug 2010 at 13:40

WingZero30 said:
It's amazing that in majority of the cases for our livelihoods we have to 'beg' in a way to have these so called employers look at our cvs and cover letter.

Its not begging its getting someones attention. I have always in my covering letter highlighted what they wanted, so if they want a CCNA certified guy I will explain im CCNA certified and what I have done with cisco equipment.

At the end of the day they may have loads of cv's to poor through and you want yours to stand out.

Swampyseifer · 19 Aug 2010 at 14:46

PapaLazaru said:
It is a job within the Civil Service

Youre lucky then, most of the people I know (including me) in the public sector are on the verge of being made redundant thanks to the new government.

PapaLazaru · 19 Aug 2010 at 15:02

Swampyseifer said:
Youre lucky then, most of the people I know (including me) in the public sector are on the verge of being made redundant thanks to the new government.

The role I am going for is luckily one that is unlikely to be cut due to the fact that this tyoe of crime is uncreasing. Going for a job at the SFO.