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Cover Letter Advice

A cover letter should be customised for each job that you apply for and include the following:
  • An introductory paragraph stating what the letter is about.
  • One or more paragraphs which:

  1. THE OPENING - reinforce the information given in the C.V. and state why you are applying to that company in particular.
  2. WHY THEM? - draw attention to any particular skills, qualifications or experience which make you suited to the post being applied for.
  3. WHY YOU? - add any further details about yourself which are particular to the job.
  4. THE ENDING - A closing paragraph.

IMPORTANT
  • Don't waffle - make them want to read your C.V.
  • Do not begin the letter with "My name is ....."
  • Please use Dear Sir/Madam – not Madame!
  • You must use business endings – do not use ‘Yours truly’ or ‘With regards’.
  • Correct use of sincerely/faithfully. Always use sincerely when you know the name of the person you are writing to and faithfully if you do not.
  • Companies do not want to read standard covering letters with their name inserted. Each letter must reflect the individual job you are applying for.
  • Layout should be left hand formatted. Do not indent paragraphs.
  • Check spelling and grammar.
  • Keep a copy of all letters sent.
  • Remember to sign the letter and print your name underneath.


  

EXAMPLE ONLY
42, Wallaby Way,
Sydney,
1002
Australia
Tel: (0252) 4799 123
3rd January, 2009
 
Mrs Jane Smith
HR Manager
Allied Foods Ltd,
P.O. Box 399,
Wimslow,
Cheshire, SK9 4ET.

Dear Mrs Smith,

Ref BD/133 Quality Assurance Manager

Your advertisement for the above position has interested me very much and I would like to apply. As you will see from my CV, I am currently working for ABC Foods as the Senior Quality Manager.

In my present position I am responsible for managing all quality assurance in ABC Foods' Manchester factory. I have worked closely with the production department and have been able to identify problems before they affected production deadlines.

Over the last year I have implemented BS5750/ISO 9000 throughout our factory. This meant rewriting many of the company's procedures and in some cases creating new procedures. I successfully obtained accreditation at the first attempt within the Board's six-month timescale.

With my proven ability to manage and maintain the highest QA standards whilst also minimising costs, I feel that I would be able to make a significant contribution to your company's management team.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Sherman
STUDENTJOB.CO.UK, the recruitment agency for students