A Positive Impression

- Your Covering Letter

What is it about constructing a covering letter that makes us all freeze? The thought, however, of having to summarise your experience skills and personality on a single side of A4 would stifle even the most experienced of writers. Career Advisor offers practical advice on how to get started.

Well, firstly you should try not to panic! Like most things a covering letter is simply a matter of breaking down each section - the hardest part is actually getting started! A strong framework to base your letter around can offer the structure you need to put pen to paper.

Content Structure

As with all writing a covering letter needs a beginning, middle and an end. Follow these following rules to help define the structure of your letter

Opening paragraph

Introduce yourself, the job you are applying for and how you heard about it. Also, if you have already spoken to the prospective employer then don’t forget to mention it. For example: Dear Ms Smith following our conversation this morning I am applying for the position of…

Main Text

Think about the position they have advertised and what qualities they are looking for in an employee from relevant work/course experience to your own personal skills. You can also use this section to explain what additional skills you would bring to the role. Don’t go into too much detail, as your CV will do this for you. Just grab their interest on why they would be mad not to consider you for the job with shorts summaries of information.

Also, don’t be afraid to promote your personal skills as an individual to present the fact that you can bring a positive attitude to the position. Remember your individual qualities can often play a major role in the deciding factor in whether you are offered the position or not – particularly when competing with candidates who have similar experience to you. Check out our Positive Mental Attitude list to find the relevant qualities that best describe you!

Closing Paragraph

Restate your interest and summarise your suitability for the position and promote your availability and desire for an interview. Explain that you have attached your CV and leave the letter on a positive note. For example: I look forward to hearing from you..

On signing off from the letter, the general rule of thumb is that if you have referred to the employer by name you should sign off “Yours sincerely” and if not (e.g Dear Sir/Madam) “Yours faithfully”. Also, don’t forget your signature on the letter with your name printed underneath

Presentation

Your letter should:

• Be on good quality A4 plain white paper
• Be typed in black ink and readable font
• Be smart with consistent layout and spacing
• Be dated a line underneath your address (top right of the page)
• Be addressed properly – Traditionally with your address at the top right with the prospective employers address starting on the left hand side of the page – the first line starting on the same line as the date.

So, next time you are putting off applying for that dream job because you just ‘don’t know where to start’ why not take the advice offered here today and get writing. Your future is only a few paragraphs away!

For more information on covering letters or any other career advice why not contact the careers service on www.connexions-direct.com

…aren’t you!