Put the icing on your CV with a professionally produced covering letter that screams CHOOSE ME to your future boss.

Writing that killer letter

This is what will grab the reader’s attention so make sure your opening gambit is the best one possible. You want to say ‘CHOOSE ME’ to whoever has the joy of scanning your carefully constructed covering letter and CV. To you it is an impressive example of crisp, cool, concise precision which after reading no prospective employer would dare to ignore. BUT these very people you are trying to woo will be reading hundreds if not thousands of typed 10 font Arial or Times Roman drivel. It’s the perfect opportunity to make yours stand out.

Ten tips from the top

1. The covering letter will be read before the CV (see article on CV tips) – poor punctuation and sloppy spelling will be noticed immediately as will a letter or email that is clearly a standard version you are sending to all companies. You don’t want to fall in a heap at the first employment fence and still be living at home when you’re 25.
2. If you have been asked to email a CV, still write a covering letter (by email obviously). The rules don’t change just because the mode of communication does. A wave of telepathy won’t suddenly emit forth from the computer screen to fill in the gaps. A covering letter introduces a CV and sets the scene as the first point of reference.
3. Try and address the letter to a specific person, rather than Sir/Madam. If the job advertisement doesn’t name a contact, call human resources to find out who will be assessing your application. This way it becomes more personal, shows you have bothered to find out and used your initiative. It also means there is a point of contact for you to use to follow up the process later.
4. Short and sweet is key. 3 or 4 punchy paragraphs should be sufficient. A covering letter should not be a re-hash of your CV but summarise your suitability for a role by matching your experience to the job spec.
5. You will be far less qualified than the person who reads your application so don’t try and pretend you know it all. At the same time you need to sell yourself and highlight what you have done. Avoid phrases such as “I am the perfect candidate”. Perhaps try “Given my skills and experience I believe I am as strong candidate for the role”. There are different ways of saying the same thing and some are infinitely better than others.
6. You want your application to jump out of the pile and stick in the reader’s mind. This doesn’t mean try to be a bit off the wall or quirky – you don’t want to come across as an oddball. Perhaps you recently read something in the trade press or met someone from the firm at a networking event? This is always good to mention as it shows an active interest. If applying for a specific role make this clear at the start of the letter – this will help prevent your letter getting going astray.
7. It is very important to tailor your letter and make specific references to the particular company. Make it obvious you have researched its goals, ethos, strategy. Check the press releases and news sections of their websites for any recent significant events. What does the company pride itself on? If for example the company prizes good communication skills then make sure you show this to be a skill you possess. But don’t get carried away. Too much pandering looks contrived and shallow. See article on interviews.
8. If you are applying electronically then remember an email is just as important as a letter. Don’t feel suddenly you don’t have to write in full sentences or use abbreviations. Put something in the subject line that is helpful and relevant, i.e. Computer Science graduate.
9. This is the first stage in the application process and all you are trying to do is get invited to an interview. Bear this is mind and don’t go on about weaknesses. You don’t want them to delete your email or chuck your covering letter in the bin.
10. It is good to positive. Write that you look forward to meeting to discuss the role. This shows confidence and assertiveness. GOOD LUCK!!

Key Facts

• Be inspired and be creative.
• Check your spelling. Your PC can help you with this.
• Keep it punchy.
• Remember the person reading this may have had humour bypass surgery!