Now you have spent all that time creating the perfect CV it is important that you create a strong covering letter to go with it. A good covering letter can differentiate your CV from many others. A cover letter introduces you and your CV and is your first chance to make a good impression on your potential future employer.

Layout

Your letter should be neatly and clearly presented with no grammatical or spelling errors. Again avoid unusual fonts, stick to simple professional types.

Structure

Your letter should be brief and to the point. Avoid repetition of what has been covered within your CV. With a covering letter it is acceptable to write in the first person.

Personalise

Your letter should be addressed to the relevant contact, often you will be given the name of the contact within the job advert, however if you are not sure who to address it to try to find out. Avoid addressing your letter to Sir or Madam wherever possible.

Detail

If you are replying to an advert, make sure you include the job title, reference number and where and when you saw it. Briefly outline your current circumstances and why you are looking to move. Include details of your recent role, including any qualifications and professional or academic training that is relevant. Do some research on the company and ensure that you highlight in your letter why you would be interested in them as a potential employer. Emphasize any transferable skills that you believe would be beneficial to the employer and how you could contribute to the organisation.

Close

Express your interest in meeting with the recruiter. Make it clear that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further at interview stage and that you look forward to their response.