Example Cover Letter

A covering letter, or cover letter, is a letter that is typically sent with a CV or resume when applying for a job. Often cover letters are not read until after the CV or resume has been reviewed. Despite this, they provide an invaluable opportunity to communicate directly with your prospective employer.

Why write a covering letter?

The purpose of a covering letter is threefold:

• To sell yourself and convince the employer of your suitability and enthusiasm for the role.
• To highlight any particular information from your CV or resume which is especially notable or relevant.
• To communicate any other information such as special circumstances or availability for interview.

All covering letters should adopt a simple, concise and formal style.

Example Cover Letter

Tips:

• Mention any relevant qualifications – in this case a degree.
• Mention any relevant work experience – in this case, working as an accounts clerk at Driftbridge.
• Refer to any training or details mentioned in the advert – in the case above we referred to CIMA.
• Notice that we complimented Smith Partners on their reputation & focus on excellence.
• As we addressed it to ‘Sir/Madam’, we ended it with ‘Yours faithfully’. Had we addressed it to a specific person, we would have written ‘Yours sincerely’.
• We put down our mobile telephone number in the letter.
• If the work was in a specific industry (e.g. tax advice), we would have mentioned this too, and why we are interested & suitable.
• Keep the covering letter brief- certainly only one side of paper.

In conclusion, you must do the following:

• Highlight any relevant experience & qualifications (degree & current role)
• Show a desire to work for an employer (in this case, reputation & client focus)
• Explain why you want the job & what the benefit to you is (in this case, CIMA training).
• Indicate how you can be reached.

Use the structure set out in the example cover letter as a guide. Make sure that when your letter is finished your spelling and grammar is flawless. A carelessly written cover letter will almost certainly guarantee a rejection.