Creating a cover letter
Employers ask for a cover letter to find out why you are interested in a position. It’s an opportunity for you to tell them what skills you have to offer and to elaborate on your CV. It is also a way for them to find out how you communicate in writing. Make sure that you highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the vacancy. This will greatly increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
Top tips for your cover letter:
- Put the name and address of the person receiving the application on the top left hand side of the page. Put the date that you are writing the letter under the address.
- Address the person as Dear Mrs Jones. Don’t address them by their first name, i.e. Dear Sue.
- In the opening paragraph, state the title of the position that you are applying for and that you wish to apply for the role.
- In the next two paragraphs provide examples of your skills and experience. You should select these to best demonstrate your ability to excel in the advertised job role. Each cover letter will therefore be specifically tailored to reflect the advertised job description.
- Be sure to mention that you have attached your CV.
- In the final sentence, state that you look forward to hearing from them. Sign the letter with as ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you do not have the name of the person you are addressing, as you will probably not have previously met them in person. This is also the correct term to use if you know the name of the person that you are writing to.
- Type your name at the bottom of the letter as well as signing it.
- Double-check the spelling and grammar. Make sure that someone proof-reads it for you.
Here’s a cover letter template you can follow.
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