When sending out a CV it should always be accompanied by a covering letter. The covering letter can be a major determinant of success. It should generate interest and motivate the employer to want to know more about you. The letter is even more critical if your application is a speculative one and you are not applying as part of a normal recruitment cycle.

 

The effective covering letter will:
• use one side of A4 only - just three or four paragraphs at most;
• state clearly what the vacancy is and how you heard of it, or if a speculative approach, indicate what sort of work you are interested in;
• be personalised by being addressed to the person due to receive it (telephone for the name if necessary);
• explain why you are interested in the job, highlighting your strengths, your understanding of the work, how well suited you are to it;
• take the opportunity to explain a gap or even a weakness, but do so carefully using a positive approach. The power word list (see The power word list) may be helpful here;
• be consistent in the approach you make in your letter and in your CV. The covering letter is meant to play up the positive impression of the application and the application to reflect the positive claims made in the letter;
• indicate availability for interview;
• show enthusiasm, a focused and business-like approach;
• use clear and official, but not stilted, language; at the same time you should avoid expressing yourself in a way that is overly casual or familiar.

 

All the rules apply re spelling, typos and overall appearance - more so than ever in the case of the covering letter.

 

Here are various examples of covering letters - in each case they refer to a specific issue of concern and how applicants have addressed this.

 

The first example (Covering letter to accompany Sabina Mayat's CV) is a covering letter to accompany Sabina Mayat's CV:

 

A commentary on Sabina's covering letter - positive pointers to draw from it:
• Uses a personal name, rather than Dear Sir, naming the post and saying where she saw it advertised.
• Shows that she has been through a process of career choice and that she has done something to find out more about it.
• Highlights that she is aware of the skills that are relevant and indicates how she has acquired them.
• Demonstrates that she has researched the employer.
• Addresses a potential weakness, showing how she converted it into a strength.

 

Other examples:

 

The following statements give an indication of how you might approach issues of disability in your covering letter:

'You will notice from my CV that it has taken me six years to complete a three year course. This is due to the fact that I was involved in a road traffic accident, which necessitated me taking two years to recover and starting the course afresh. I feel this demonstrates my determination and resilience, especially when confronted with difficult problems and situations'.

 

'I was diagnosed as having MS whilst at university and although this meant I had to attend hospital appointments to help me manage my condition, I successfully completed my assignments on time. As a consequence of this, I have learnt how to overcome difficulties, understand the benefit of keeping people informed of my condition and being effective at time management'.

'In addition, my enthusiasm and determination can be demonstrated by voluntary work. As a member of the National Diabetic Association, I help to raise funds to increase awareness. Having diabetes and achieving high academic grades, working part-time through my studies and raising large amounts of money through organising sponsored events, shows how I am able to be flexible, meet targets and manage my work effectively'.