Covering Letters…. all you need to know…

1. Should I write my covering letter by hand?
Covering letters should be typed with black ink unless the employer has specified that they want it written by hand. In which case a good quality pen should be used and you should take care not to make mistakes and crossings out.

2. How long should my cover letter be?
Do not exceed one side of A4. Use formatting to balance the letter in the centre of the page.

3. Who do I address the letter to?
If you have the name of the employer then address the letter to them, if not try to find a name on the company webpage or by telephoning and asking who the head of department is. If you cannot find a name, then address your letter Dear Sir/Madam.

4. When do I need to send out a cover letter?
A cover letter should always be sent out to accompany your CV.

5. How should I close the letter?
A covering letter is a formal business letter and as such should be closed with 'yours sincerely'.

6. What are the main points I need to include in my letter?
First Paragraph - State what position you are applying for and what makes you the best candidate for that job. If you are responding to an advertisement, refer to the publication in which it appeared.

Second paragraph - Give details of what you can contribute to the company and how your qualifications make you particularly suitable. If applying to an advertised job relate your skills to those that are specified in the description.

Third paragraph - Write your career aims linking them to the company's field of expertise and the job to which you are applying. Request an interview at the reader's convenience and state that you will be in touch. Incorporate this information into a maximum of four short paragraphs, include a contact address and your signature.