How To Write a Covering Letter for IT Jobs

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 for an IT role.

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.