Cover letters. Make them good. Make them personal.
A cover letter should be customised for each job that you apply for. Even when applying for student jobs the details of your application still matter.
Here are some key do’s and don’ts when writing your cover letter.
• An introductory paragraph stating what the letter is about.
• One or more paragraphs which include the following key sections.
THE OPENING - reinforce the information given in your C.V. and state why you are applying to that company in particular.
WHY THEM? - draw attention to any particular skills, qualifications or experience which make you suited to the post being applied for.
WHY YOU? - add any further details about yourself which are particular to the job.
THE ENDING - A closing paragraph.
IMPORTANT
- Don't waffle - make them want to read your C.V.
- Do not begin the letter with "My name is ....."
- Please use Dear Sir/Madam – not Madame!
- You must use business endings – do not use ‘Yours truly’ or ‘With regards’.
- Correct use of sincerely/faithfully. Always use sincerely when you know the name of the person you are writing to and faithfully if you do not.
- Companies do not want to read standard covering letters with their name inserted. Each letter must reflect the individual job you are applying for.
- Layout should be left hand formatted. Do not indent paragraphs.
- Check spelling and grammar.
- Keep a copy of all letters sent.
- Remember to sign the letter and print your name underneath.
EXAMPLE ONLY
42, Wallaby Way,
Sydney,
1002
Australia
Tel: (0252) 4799 123
3rd January, 2009
Mrs Jane Smith
HR Manager
Allied Foods Ltd,
P.O. Box 399,
Wimslow,
Cheshire, SK9 4ET.
Dear Mrs Smith,
Ref BD/133 Quality Assurance Manager
Your advertisement for the above position has interested me very much and I would like to apply. As you will see from my CV, I am currently working for ABC Foods as the Senior Quality Manager.
In my present position I am responsible for managing all quality assurance in ABC Foods' Manchester factory. I have worked closely with the production department and have been able to identify problems before they affected production deadlines.
Over the last year I have implemented BS5750/ISO 9000 throughout our factory. This meant rewriting many of the company's procedures and in some cases creating new procedures. I successfully obtained accreditation at the first attempt within the Board's six-month timescale.
With my proven ability to manage and maintain the highest QA standards whilst also minimising costs, I feel that I would be able to make a significant contribution to your company's management team.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Sherman
When you're all done head to www.StudentJob.co.uk and apply for your next job today!