Writing a good covering letter
What is the purpose of a covering letter?
The main purpose of writing a covering letter is to convince a recruiter to interview you before looking at your CV. Many people when searching and applying for jobs often overlook the importance of a good covering letter. A letter, or more applicable to online recruitment – a covering email, will most likely be read before your CV. A covering letter gives candidates the opportunity to express things that they cannot comfortably fit into a CV's often-rigid structure. Together, a CV and covering letter will portray a candidate in the best possible light. If done properly, a covering letter can make the difference between success and failure.
How to write a covering letter
A good covering letter usually consists of four short, sharp paragraphs:
- An introduction:
Why you are writing,
who you are and
a reference to your enclosed CV
- Why you want the job:
What attracted you to this particular company,
what attracted you to this particular job and
why you want to work in this sector
- Why the company should be interested in you:
Related personal qualities and attributes to the job and
relevant experience or studies
- Conclusion:
A reference to when you are available for an interview and of course
thank the company for considering your application
Always remember to proof-read your letter and print it on good quality paper. If you are applying for a job online, still use a formal style in your covering email, although you are unlikely to need to write your address at the top of the page.
To find out more about writing a good covering letter and maximising your IT CV click here.
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