Cover Letter Guidance
A cover letter is sometimes requested along with your CV.
If you are asked to provide a cover letter it should only be three paragraphs long.
How to write a cover letter
Research
Research the company first. You can do this through:
- their website
- their recent social media posts
Who is it addressed to?
It is important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. This often mentioned at the end of the job advert.
If you do not know their name, then you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.
Introduction
The first paragraph can be the same as your personal summary on your CV. You should also mention what you have learnt from your research about the company here and why you want to work for them.
Skills and experience
The second paragraph should highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for.
Thank them
The last paragraph should include a “thank you” to the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV and tell them you’re looking forward to hearing from them.
Yours Sincerely or Yours Faithfully?
If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours Sincerely’.
If you don’t know them, you should end the letter with ‘Yours Faithfully’.
Tips for writing a cover letter
- Use the same font and font size as you do for your CV
- Show that you have done your research into the job and the company
- Double-check spelling and grammar before you send it
- Keep a copy of your cover letter as you may be asked about it in an interview