A covering letter should introduce yourself, state the position you are applying for, and why you are interested and qualified for the role. Specifically, it should include: Who you are writing to by name if possible; What the job title is that you are applying for; Why you are interested in the company and position; and when you are available for an interview. It gives a brief overview of your relevant qualifications and experience to showcase why you should be considered for the role over other candidates. Be sure to proofread the letter carefully to avoid errors before submitting it along with your resume.

1. How do I write aHow do I write a
covering letter?covering letter?

2. A Covering letter ? What’sA Covering letter ? What’s
that?that?
Simply put, a cover letter is the letter
you send along with your CV when you
are applying for a job.
The cover letter is supposed to give
the company a brief overview of who
you are, what you have to offer and
why you should be considered for the
vacancy.
It is your chance to out shine the
competition .

3. What should a cover letterWhat should a cover letter
include?include?
The easiest way to remember what
you need in a cover letter is
Who,
What,
Why
and When . . .

4. Covering lettersCovering letters
Who
Who are you writing to? If
possible, get a name to address your
letter to and try to find out
something about the company. This
will enable you to put in facts and
information that are relevant to the
company.

5. What ?What ?
 What are you applying for? Begin by clearly
stating the title of the job you are applying for.
The company may have several positions so make
it easy for them to see which one you're
interested in. The easiest way to do this is with
a sub-head in your letter like this:
Dear Mrs Brown
 Re: Vacancy for Administration
Assistant (Yorkshire Evening Post
13/4/00)
 Please find enclosed my CV in
application for the above
vacancy . . . . . . . .

6. Why ?Why ?
Why are you interested in the
vacancy –
you like the sound of the job, you
have heard good things about the
company, you want somewhere that
will train you for bigger things.

7. WhyWhy
And why should they consider you –
you have experience of similar work, you
have good typing skills, you are organised,
that sort of thing. At your stage, no-one
expects you to have years of work
experience, so use anything suitable. You
could have done basic admin duties for a
club or society, maybe you helped to
organise a local event. Anything that shows
you're suitable.
e.g. "you will note from my CV that my work
for the local chess club has involved a
range of administrative skills, which I feel
would be very suitable for this role."

8. Why ?Why ?
But be brief, they can get full details
from your CV.
OK, you've got the skills mentioned,
but why are you a better bet than
anyone else? Got any awards from
school or local clubs? Done any charity
work? Got your name in the paper (for
a good reason)? Brag about it. You
want them to know you are an
achiever, so don't be afraid to boast.
But again, keep it brief and refer
them to your CV for more information.

9. When?When?
Finally, let the company know when
you are available for an interview
and (if you're already working) how
much notice you need to give your
present employer. Finish by thanking
the person for considering you and
letting them know how and when
they can contact you for more
information.

10. Before you SendBefore you Send
Check Your Facts
Double check to make sure you've got
the basics. Are you addressing the
letter to the right person? Have you
got the right address? Are you
applying for the right job? It all
sounds basic, but you'd be amazed how
many people apply for jobs they can't
do, simply because they couldn't be
bothered to read the advert properly.

11. Before you SendBefore you Send
Check Your Writing
If you send off a cover letter full of
spelling mistakes and nonsensical
grammar, you won't get past the bin.
So before you seal the envelope,
double and triple check for spelling
mistakes and even ask someone else to
read the letter for you. What makes
sense to you may be absolute gibberish
to someone else.

12. Before you SendBefore you Send
 Be Your Own Editor
 Finally, be critical. You have to learn to edit yourself. So
read through the letter one last time and ask yourself:
 Am I being clear?
If your letter can't be understood, it's bin city.
 Am I being concise?
More than 4 paragraphs and you're on the boredom
threshold.
 Do I sound negative?
Make sure you haven't said anything negative about
yourself or anyone else, even if it is true! Never criticise
your previous employer.
 Do I sound like a second-hand car dealer?
Being positive is one thing, being pushy is another.
 Am I being serious?
"Forget the rest, I'm the best" is only going to take your
application in one direction - the shredder!