Applying for work: covering letters for your CV

Some employers ask you to apply by sending in your CV. You should always send a covering letter with your CV.

This also applies when you are sending your CV to employers ‘on spec’.

A covering letter is like an advert. It quickly sets out who you are, what you’re applying for, why you are a good candidate for the job and when you are available for interview. Its job is to persuade the employer to take a serious look at your CV. So, it has to be good.

It lets you add information that isn’t included in your CV, like when you are available for interview or why you are interested in that particular company or industry.

You can even use this sort of letter, with a few changes, when you are sending in an application form. And, of course, you can use it as the basis for the email message you write when you are emailing your CV to employers. 

Top tips for covering letters

• Address it to a named person if at all possible.
• Just like your CV, the covering letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
• Keep the letter short (no more than one page of A4 paper) - and easy to read.
• Word-process it on good quality plain paper – it should look as good as your CV.
• Use the same font (print) type and paper you used for your CV.
• Spell-check the letter, and then check it again yourself for mistakes.
• Only send a hand-written letter if the employer specifically asks you to ‘apply in writing’.
• If you have to write it, use your best handwriting.
• Don’t forget to sign it – it’s easily done, especially if you type the letter!
• Don’t forget to attach it to your CV.

How to set your letter out (see Example Covering Letter)

Paragraph 1 (set the scene)

• Start with the name or title of the job you are applying for, and any reference number (if there is one)
• Then explain why you are writing (for example, “I enclose my CV…” or “I would like to apply for…")
• Say what you are applying for; (or if you are writing ‘on spec’, say what type of work you are looking for)
• Say where, and when, you saw the vacancy advertised

Paragraph 2 (say why you’re the right person for the job)

• Say why you are interested in the job (or type of work)
• Say why you are a good applicant for the job
• Mention your relevant skills and experience, but keep it short

Paragraph 3 (show willing)

• Let them know when you can come for interview
• If you haven’t already mentioned it, say that you are enclosing a copy of your CV for their attention
• Thank them for considering your application; or
• Say that you look forward to hearing from them

Example covering letter

25 Inverlochy Terrace

Cowdenbeath KY4 3SP

25 May 2008

Ms Alison Green

Manager

Blue Sky Holidays

175 Lang Lane

Dunfermline KY114RT

Dear Ms Green

Post of Trainee Travel Consultant (Modern Apprenticeship)

I enclose my CV in support of my application for the above post as advertised in the Brownfield Gazette on 24 May 2008.

You will note from my CV that I have had school work experience with a travel agency and that some of my interests, for example organising snooker tournaments, involve working with people. I am particularly interested in the fact that your vacancy gives me the chance to work towards SVQ Level 3 in Travel and Tourism Services.

I am available to attend for interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

John Black