How to write a Covering Letter

A covering letter is a must in any job application you put forward. Covering letter should state how you match to the requirements and your suitability. This is your chance to show potential employers why you’re unique and what makes you the right choice for the job. Cover letter gives hiring managers a deeper insight into your career, motivations and ambitions. Here are some tips on how to write a covering letter:

• Give examples and demonstrate how you meet the job requirement.
• Mention the Job-related key skills you have acquired ie Bricklaying, Mechanical Engineering
• The following tips should assist with your covering letter:
• Job Advert – Read this carefully, identify your matching skills.
• Keep it short. No more than one side of A4 paper as a general rule, you should be able to say everything you need in three to five paragraphs and no more than a page – it’s important to order your points, so they fit in that space.
• Address correctly. A cover letter should be addressed properly and to the right person. Check what the application says and ensure that you begin with the right name.
• Be formal. A fully formal letter means signing it off correctly even if you know the person you are writing to. It also means you should add both your address and that of the company you are applying to.
• Research the company and industry, so you can further add how your skills are suitable.
• Tailored – cover letter must be tailored and personalised.
• Be proud of the skills that you have and see each and every one, as a way to progress in your career.
• Enthusiasm. Recruiters and hiring managers love to see passion. If your cover letter shows your enthusiasm for the job or field you’re applying for, this will immediately tip the balance in your favour.
• End positively.Before you sign off, add a simple sentence which says something upbeat. For instance, you could say how much you look forward to finding out more about the role or that you welcome a positive response.
• Check it. After writing your letter, give it a break and look it again. This will help you to proofread it better and to pick out typo errors and spelling mistakes more effectively.

See below for an example of a cover letter so you can get an idea of what it looks like. You can copy and edit the specific skills and titles to match the job roles that you are applying for. Here this cover letter is fairly short but the shorter the better, no one wants to read an A4 letter, as well as, your CV (Curriculum Vitae). This cover letter would be for a marketing or creative role, read through and edit where you can.

Dear Sir/Madam

I’ve passionately gained almost 2 years of experience in Digital Marketing. I have great strengths in communication, meeting deadlines, as well as, analytical skills to ensure all tasks and campaigns are performing at its best. I also have strong creative skills by directing photo and video shoots, designing materials, as well as, executing social media campaigns and promoting events. I use my creativity and team leadership skills to project manage inventive campaigns. When I left school, I immediately got hands-on with a marketing assistant role and kick started my career.

I am currently a graphic designer for an electronics wholesaler in Hoddesdon. This was a great opportunity for me to progress and achieve my long-term goal, which is to become a marketing campaign director within the next few years. I am now looking for closer work and am excited to move on to a company where I can grow in an industry I am excited about.

Please find attached a copy of my CV for your consideration on where my skills and abilities would be of the greatest value to your company.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Full Name

T: contact number

E: email