This document provides guidance on writing an effective covering letter or letter of application to accompany a CV when applying for a job. It recommends including an introduction paragraph specifying the position being applied for, how you learned of the opportunity, and your availability. Two to three additional paragraphs should highlight your relevant qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate, as well as interest in the company. The letter should conclude by thanking the reader for their consideration and requesting an interview. Tips include addressing the letter to a specific hiring contact, avoiding repeating the CV, using a positive tone, and tailoring each letter rather than copying text.

1. COVERING LETTER
Why You Need a Covering Letter
When you send your CV to apply for a position, you should also include a short letter. This
letter is called a covering letter, cover letter or letter of application. This type of letter is
to apply for a job which has been advertised
Your letter of application is a sales letter. The product it is selling is your CV.
How to organize your covering letter/email
• SALUTATION
• FIRST PARAGRAPH
Use this paragraph to specify which job you are applying for, where you find out about
the job and your availability for the position
• SECOND PARAGRAPH / THIRD PARAGRAPH
Tell why you are interested in the company, its products or services. Tell what you can
do for the employer. Emphasize your qualifications and the educational and work
related experience that makes you a strong candidate for the position. Briefly note any
specific achievements or unique qualifications.
Highlight your work experience which most closely matches the desired job
requirements presented in the job advertisement. Do not simply restate what is
contained in your resume. Describe yourself as the suitable person for the position by
using positive adjectives.
• FOURTH PARAGRAPH
Inform them that you have enclosed your current CV and add any further information
that you think could help your case.
• CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Give your availability for interview, thank them for their consideration, restate your
interest. Ask for an interview appointment time. Make it easy for the personnel
department to contact you by providing your telephone number and email address.
TIPS
• Always make an effort to write directly to the person in charge of hiring.
• Do not simply repeat information from your CV.
• Be positive because this is your sales pitch and your best promotion.
• Handwritten or typed covering letters are both acceptable, but never photocopy a
covering letter for another employer or job

2. 23 February 2013
Dear Mr. Anderson,
I am writing to apply for the position of Camp Monitor advertised in your website. The description
matches my interests and my qualifications perfectly; I enclose my CV for your consideration.
I am a final year student at the University of León and I am doing a degree in Primary Education. I also
have the certificate of Camp Monitor as required in the position.
I have worked in four different Summer Camps, which have given me invaluable experience of
working in team, getting along with children, coping with difficult situations and solving problems. I
believe I will be suitable for the position advertised as I am very enthusiastic, cheerful, easy-going,
practical, patient, responsible and creative.
I would like to draw your attention to my one-month internship in a Summer Camp in Brighton, where I
successfully performed my tasks as monitor in another language and culture and I could develop
communication skills in English so I have a strong command of written and spoken English. I am also
quite fluent in German.
I would welcome the chance to be part of your staff. If you are interested in meeting with me, I am
available for interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Ana González
USEFUL PHRASES
I am writing to you about your advertisement.
I am writing to you to apply for the position of....
I am writing to you in reference to your advertisement.
I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for...
Your advertisement in (source) for the position of ( job) sparked my interest.
As indicated in your advertisement…
I have worked as a ... (/in) ….
In my current position I have worked … developed... created …
I would define myself as a …..
I believe it is time for me to move to another company / department ... like yours
I believe my qualifications would match your requirements.
As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this
position's requirements.
I would like to point out...
During ...., I improved (extended, etc.) my knowledge of...,
I developed strong speaking communication skills while working as a …
…. make me an ideal candidate for this job.
Please find my résumé enclosed.
I am available for an interview.
I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person. (OR to speak with you personally
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.