Covering Letter

Why Do I Need a Covering Letter?

You must always send a covering letter with your CV. It should encourage the employer to want to know more about you by making you stand out from the rest. Your CV and application form will probably be very similar to the other applicant’s so this is an opportunity to really sell yourself!

So, to cause an impression follow the guidelines below:

• Keep your letter to one A4 page
• Put your address, telephone and e-mail details at the top right-hand corner and remember to include the date
• Include the reference number if there is one
• If you have a contact name write ‘Dear Mr Jones’ and end with ‘Yours sincerely’, if you don’t write ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and end with ‘Yours faithfully’.
• State what the vacancy is and how you heard about it eg. ‘With reference to your advertisement in the Belfast Telegraph on 2 May for ……
• Explain why you want the job and why you think you are suitable for it
• Include what you are currently doing and how this is relevant to the job you are applying for
• Sign your name clearly

Remember!

Don’t forget to enclose your CV with the letter or to attach it if sending it by e-mail. 

Useful Links

Writing a CV
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