The document provides guidance on writing cover letters and CVs for job applications. It discusses the purpose of a cover letter as complementing the CV and highlighting the applicant's skills and suitability for the specific job. The document outlines the key information that should be included in a cover letter, such as why the applicant is interested in the position, organization and industry; and evidence of their relevant qualifications and experiences. It also cautions against some common mistakes in cover letters like failing to address it to someone, repeating the CV, containing errors, and not tailoring it to the specific role.

1. Eng. Y. Kishanthan
C.Eng, B.Sc. Eng (Hons), MIE (SL), MIET (UK), MIEEE (UK)

2.  Developing listening competencies
 Introduction to Cover Letters and CVs
 Writing CV
 Completing the job application
 Cover letters
 Preparing for interview
 Meetings
 Summary writing
 Writing Short Reports

4.  A covering letter generally accompanies a CV
 An important part of an application – not just
a formality
 Highlights your key skills and suitability for
the job clearly, concisely and positively
 It is targeted at the job/sector you are
applying for
 It complements and develops the information
in the CV rather than duplicates it

5.  i.e. applying for a specific vacancy
◦ Why you are writing
◦ Why do you want to work for this organisation?
◦ What is your motivation for wanting the job?
◦ Illustrate your understanding of the job role
◦ Provide evidence of your relevant skills/experience

6.  State why you are writing
 Be clear about what you are asking for
 Needs to be convincing - convey a genuine
interest in that organisation and sector
 Make links between your skills/experience
and the job/sector/organisation

7.  Why are you writing?
Responsive - name specific job vacancy and
where advertised
Speculative – state broad type of work you are
interested in, on what basis (e.g. work
placement, full time) and when you are
available
 Who are you?
A xxx undergraduate looking to develop work
experience in …....

8.  Should use the next two or three paragraphs to
explain: what attracted you to this vacancy and
type of work
 Why that organisation and why that job/industry?
- demonstrate knowledge of and interest in both
- make links through your degree subject if
appropriate
 Why you?
- why should they consider you?
- what key skills/strengths can you offer?
- support your statements/assertions with
evidence

9.  Polite ending – convey interest and
enthusiasm in the role
 May be indicate any times available/not
available for interview.
 For speculative approaches, say that you will
follow up your letter with a telephone call
within a certain period e.g. within a week.

10. 10
PARAGRAPH 1
I am writing ...
- explain which job you are applying for and how/where
you heard about it
other useful phrases:
• I noted with interest your advertisement for a .... in today’s edition of ...
• I am writing in response to your advertisement in ... for the position of ...
• I would like to apply for the vacancy advertised in ...
• I am interested in applying for the post of ...
• With reference to your advertisement in ...
• As you will see from my CV ...
• I have enclosed a copy of my CV, from which you will see ...
• Please find enclosed a copy of my CV.

11. 11
PARAGRAPH 2
Since graduating ...
- briefly describe your most relevant qualifications and/or
experience
other useful phrases:
• I am currently studying …. at …
• After graduating from …, I …
• Since leaving university, I have …
• On leaving school, I …
• Having gained a degree, I …
• While I was working at …
• During my employment at …
• I am currently employed at …

12. 12
PARAGRAPH 3
I would welcome ...
- explain why you want the job and why you think you
would be good at it
other useful phrases:
• This post interests me because …
• I would welcome the chance to gain more experience of …
• I would be greatful for the opportunity to improve my … skills.
• I have extensive experience of …

13. 13
PARAGRAPH 4
I am avaliable ...
- say how you can be contacted and/or when you
are available for the interview
other useful phrases:
•If you consider that my experience and qualifications are suitable …
•I am available for interview any afternoon and would be pleased to
discuss the post in person.
•I will be available for interview from … to …
•I can arrange to attend an interview whenever convenient for you.

14.  Maximum 1 side of A4, word processed
 Consistent font size and type (and consistent with your CV)
 Send to a named person where possible
 Relate your skills to the job advert and make a case for why the
employer should want to meet with you
 Correct spelling and grammar
 Target the company by tailoring your cover letter for each
application
 stick to your own words, avoiding jargon and formal clichés
 Formal “business letter” layout
 Post – send the letter as an attachment with your CV
 E-mail, Cover Letter as the body of the email rather than as an
attachment to avoid it being detected by spam filters

15.  failing to address the letter to a named individual
at the company;
 repeating what is written in your CV;
 forgetting to proofread your letter and sending it
full of mistakes;
 spilling over onto a second page;
 sharing unnecessary personal details and giving
rambling explanations;
 concentrating too much on your qualifications
rather than your skills and experience;
 failing to target your letter to the specific job
you're applying for.

16. Tijardovićeva 17
10110 Zagreb
(01) 3881 477
hrvoje.horvatic@fer.hr
April 22, 2010
SIEMENS d.d.
Human Resources
Heinzlova 70 a
10000 Zagreb
Dear Sir,
I would like to apply for the post of Development Engineer, as advertised in the
April issue of Electronics Today. I enclose my CV with the name of one referee.

17. I consider myself well qualified for this post. My college work was good and
I have completed all my modules successfully. I have just graduated from
the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb and I got my
Master’s degree.
I am now looking for a permanent position in a dynamic, interesting and
challenging working place which would give me an opportunity to fully
realize my interests and qualities and to continue my education. I am
confident that with my relevant qualifications, knowledge of English
and German, as well as my personal qualities, I will be able to satisfy
all your requirements.
Please find attached a copy of my CV and reference. Hoping that you would
take my application under serious consideration, I remain,
Yours faithfully,
Hrvoje Horvatić
Hrvoje Horvatić

18.  Communication skills
◦ Highlight in presentations/publications
 Teamwork/interpersonal skills
◦ Highlight group activities in coursework
 Computer skills
 Flexibility/adaptability
 Self-confidence
 Motivation/initiative
 Work ethic