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How do I write a covering letter to apply for job vacancies?

The Aim and Creation of a Cover Letter

The cover letter is a short, formal document that accompanies your curriculum vitae when you are making a job application.

Don’t Get too Creative

When writing both a CV and a cover letter many people try to be as creative with the appearance as possible, don’t make this mistake. Use a font that is easy to read both online and off, Times Roman or Ariel point 12 are both acceptable, avoid anything fancy. Your CV should state your work experience, education and perhaps personal profile keep it as brief and as unfussy as possible.

Do Your Research

Find out what you can about the company to which you are applying, either online or through local directories. Make sure you know something about their particular industry and as much as you can about the role/position you are applying for. If you can mention something about the company in your cover letter it could put you ahead of the crowd.

Addressing a Cover Letter

Address your letter to a specific person, if you can’t find a particular name then address it to the office manager or the manager of the particular department to which you are applying. Make sure that the recipient’s name and address are at the top left hand side of your cover letter as well as on the envelope; your own name and address should go on the right. The date should be on the right and you should use a long date format, i.e. not 6/6/2017 but 6th June, 2018 or in America June 6th 2019. If you can’t find the name of a person either in the advertisement or on the company website then it might be worth telephoning the company for a name. If you are sending your application via email, the name and address should still be on the letter and sent to either a personal email address or the one given in the job advert. Make sure that you save your documents under a simple file name, especially if you are sending them as an email attachment.

What Your Cover Letter Should Do

Your cover letter should highlight key aspects of your CV. A potential employer will read your cover letter first so it must be able to convince him or her to read the accompanying CV. You should see your cover letter as your primary opportunity to demonstrate to the recruiter or potential employer as a means of communicating how suitable you are for the advertised position. The cover letter is often key to getting an invitation to a job interview.

The aim of a good cover letter is to make the reader want to know more about the sender. Cover letters are the acceptable means of introduction when applying for a position, not to mention explaining which particular vacancy you are interested in.

A cover letter is more personal than a CV alone and is the means for matching your previous experiences to the job application. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to provide information that does not fit with the rigid structure of a CV. While a CV is a testament to your experience, it lacks the personal touch that a cover letter can give and enables some self promotion. Apart from introducing yourself and providing information that is not in your CV, a cover letter can also do the following:

• Explain personal qualities that make you suitable for the position.
• Provide information as to when you are available for interview.
• Explain any career gaps in your CV.
• Let an employer know that you have researched their company by mentioning a particular product or service.
Tips for writing an effective cover letter

The following are tips to help you in your job application; you can find examples of cover letters on the internet. You should not use the examples as they are but see them as a starting point for writing your own particular cover letter, specifically targeted to a certain industry or position.

The opening paragraph

The first paragraph should explain, in a formal manner, the reason for the letter (i.e. the position you are applying for), and telling the recipient that your CV is attached. Research the name of the person you are writing to, Dear Mr Brown is better than Dear Sir and will show the person that you have taken the time to get this information. Key points to mention in the first paragraph besides the position you are applying for are where you saw the position advertised and your present occupation and job title.

Some examples of phrases you might use after the salutation and before you introduce yourself are as follows:

“I am interested in your vacancy for……..”

‘I was interested to read in (name of publication) your advertisement for………

‘Further to your advertisement for ….. I should like to apply for that position’

‘I write with reference to your vacancy for a (………). ‘

‘Please find enclosed my application for the vacancy of ………..‘

“I would be grateful if you would consider my application for the following position’.

The second paragraph

The second paragraph is where you can sell yourself to the employer, matching your skills to the job specification you can demonstrate that the company would benefit from your contribution. This paragraph is also a good place to show that you have done some research on the company by mirroring the company’s values, e.g. “I am committed to the provision of excellent customer service.” Don’t simply list examples from your CV but demonstrate how particular experiences are important to the position that you are applying for.

Concentrate on;

• How and in what ways your professional and academic qualifications are relevant to the position.
• Focus on your transferable skills if the industry is different where you have worked previously.
• Say how and in what ways you see this position as important to your future, e.g. progression within the company.

The Final Paragraph / Conclusion

Make sure that you finish you cover letter on a positive note by thanking the reader for their time and expressing your anticipation of their response – you might even request that they contact you if they require further information prior to interview. This final part is almost a call to action on the part of the employer without actually requesting an interview as most employers and recruiters like to make up their own mind. You might, perhaps, want to add something like, ‘I look forward to discussing my candidacy and the position with you further.’

Make your letter as concise as possible, it should, in preference, all fit onto one page. If you find that you have gone beyond one page then you need to revise the letter and cut any unnecessary words or information. When addressing the recipient as Sir or Madam, you should use “Yours faithfully” to sign off, if you are using the person’s name then you should sign off with Yours sincerely” remember to leave a space of a few lines before adding your signature with your name in print underneath.

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Application

Don’t send out the same cover letter for more than one application. Using the above as a guide, match your letter to fit the job, i.e. tailoring your experience and transferable skills to fit in with a specific company and position.

Key Things to Mention in Each Cover Letter

• Your contact details, including phone numbers
• Which position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised – if through an agency or in a newspaper then mention the date.
• Match any soft skills and values to those of the company, e.g. customer service, problem solving and working as a member of a team.

Good luck!

Use this sample if you are going to apply for a Sales Assistant job in the UK. Amend it as suitable before sending it to the employers.

Covering letter example for a Sales Assistant position when candidate has no experience.

Adrian Philps

01 Any Road, Every Town, XX1 1YY
____________________

Mr John Smith
ABC Company
All Streets
Any Town
AA1 1ZZ

(Date)

Dear Mr Hall,

I am writing in response to your job advertisement for the position of Sales Assistant at Smith & Co. I have excellent communication skills and a familiarity with sales techniques, which I studied as part of my Communications course at Salisbury College.

In your job description you depict that you are looking for an ambitious sales assistant and I have plenty of enthusiasm to fill that role. With regards to the qualities you are looking for I can offer you strong computer and telephone skills, the ability to produce MS Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and work in a company created database. I have exceptional communication skills with all levels within the company and outstanding organisation and time management skills. I am able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously and work well under pressure. I work well on my own initiative but can equally work as part of a team. I am a quick learner, punctual and reliable.

As a new and enthusiastic candidate, I would welcome the opportunity of an interview to discuss my suitability and other qualifications with you further. I look forward to a reply at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this application.

Yours sincerely

Related:

Sales Assistant CV Example
Sales Assistant CV Example
Sales Assistant Cover Letter

Use this covering letter example for your CV if you are going to apply for a job in the UK. A job application requires an applicant to submit resumes or CV’s along with cover letters. It is the application letter and it is definitely an essential document that needs to be submitted. A creative and simple one will most likely catch the attention of potential employers. There are some things that you should bear especially because you are selling yourself,when you apply for a specific job. The goal of writing the letter is to make the employer believe that you are the best candidate for the job. So,it is very necessary to make it your best supporting document to your CV or resume,transcript of records and other vital documents.

Cover letters are highly personalised documents. This is an introduction which should leave an impression to the potential employer that you are suited for the position. The contents must be persuasive,giving out a few but very important highlights and details about your skills and experiences related to the job requirements of the company. Cover letters show your interest in the company by mentioning how you can contribute to the company’s goal,and you perfectly understand the job requirements. The interest that you can stir in your reader should lead him/her to go through the more comprehensive documents such as your resume.

Be creative when you write cover letters. Potential employers have the tendency to make an excuse that their time is very valuable and reading uninteresting letters takes away their time. Hence,your letter and resume do not have the chance to get noticed,worst,junked. By all means,you need to highlight the best of yourself in terms of skills required of the job. Cover letters are the most interesting part because prospective employers would want to see your capabilities at a glance and this leads them to have a look at your resume. The skills you have outlined have to match the job description. Make sure that your cover letter has the power to convince.

Cover Letter for CV

Alex Albright

01 Any Road, Every Town, XX1 1YY
____________________

Mr John Smith
ABC Company
All Streets
Any Town
AA1 1ZZ

24th May 2020

Dear Mr Brown

I am writing to you with regards to the recent position for xxxxxx that I saw advertised on learnist.org.

When I saw the position at (insert company name) advertised, I immediately felt I should apply. My background includes a variety of roles, which combined make a strong knowledge base and skill-set for a role in (Insert industry).

I am a motivated and enthusiastic individual looking to make a change both personally and for those I work with. I feel I have the skills and experience to competently take on and flourish in this role.

Please find attached my current CV, which details my experience along with my technical skills.

I believe I have the right qualities and attributes for the XXXXXXXX vacancy.

I very much look forward to hearing from you,

Yours Sincerely,

Cover letter example for a Concierge job in the UK. Use this job letter example for free after amending it as suitable. The service industry is getting more competitive due to more and more people are into the customer service arena. This is one of the most dynamic and highly competitive markets. Getting the attention of a company in need of customer service is a stiff competition. This is the reason that cover letters for customer service must be carefully thought of,well crafted and should be emphatic. Depending on field of customer service you are applying for, it is best to know and understand the requirements and profile of the company. Then match your customer service skills and experiences. Highlight your best abilities and convince that you are fitted for the company.

Basically, cover letters for customer service indicate which field of customer service you are experienced in. To start writing your best and most convincing letter,make sure you have the right format from the beginning to the end. The first details include your name,address,zip code,contact details such as telephone number, mobile number, and email address and the date of your application. The body of cover letters for customer service normally begins with the opening salutation which is the name of the addressee if specified or the authorised person. Don’t ever misspell the name. This will definitely give them the impression that you have not given your letter a good research and thought.

Another important note about the contents of the cover letters for Concierge is that they should be an effective introduction of yourself. This is where you can sell yourself and lead the readers to the other documents that will further give them a broader perspective of yourself. Besides the introduction,put in the cover letter your best skills that match their requirements. Make sure that your resume can validate and vouch for what you have written in the cover letters for Concierge. Other than the skills, it would be good to add some experience on the field of customer service that the company is into. The idea is to convince your reader that you are in a better position to provide them the kind of service they need.

Concierge Covering Letter Example

Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Address Line 4
Address Line 5

7th April 2020

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing to you with regards to the recent position for Concierge that I saw advertised on learnist.org.

I am currently working as a Reservations Team Leader at (insert company) where I have spent the past 2 years looking after our elite customer booking programme. I am passionate about service I provide to these special customers and would love to transfer these skills to a face to face role.

I have spent the past 4 years working in the industry and am looking to broaden my horizons and my skill-set. It has been a long term career aspiration to work for a major hotel chain, as a member of the Concierge team I can combine my love of service and hospitality with my passion for travel and tourism.

Please find attached my current CV, which further details my experience along with my technical skills and qualifications and why I feel I would make an excellent ambassador for you. I also come with a good number of contacts for securing exclusive ticket deals and packages for guests.

I have the skills and experience required to competently take on this role and I am confident that I would work to exceed your expectations.

I very much look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering my application.

Yours Sincerely,

Your Name

Good luck with your job applications. Let us know if you need help with writing your letter.

Pharmacist cover letter example. Amend as suitable and use it for your job applications.

Medical cover letters are the best way through which can applicant can impart finishing touch to the resume designed for medical job openings. This kind of cover letters provides the applicant with the platform of promoting and justifying their own candidacy for a particular job opening. Furthermore, an impressive cover letter could stand out of rest and can cast a benefiting impact as well. Thus, cover letter drafted for such a profession has to follow some of the suggestible points as mentioned, irrespective of the kind of job openings for which it is intended.

• For such a medical cover letter either follow the pattern that is anticipated by the organisation or strictly adhere to the format based on the prevailing medical industry trends.
• Comprehensive and specific approach has to be followed.
• Highlight the underscoring competencies and accomplishments so that the recruiters could determine whether the potential of the applicant matches with the need of the job profile or not. This in turn, enhances the probability of getting selected.
• A right equilibrium has to be maintained between the professionalism and courteousness as this might also be contributed in creating impression.
  Finally, the letter has to be reviewed well so that it does not contain any heedless errors

Cover Letter Pharmacist

<Enter the date>

<Enter your full address>

Dear <Enter name of person receiving the application>

I hope that you will consider my application for the position of pharmacist you have advertised at <enter where job listing was found>. I believe that I am the candidate who has the skill set and experience you are looking for. The enclosed CV provides a detailed description of my education, interests and work experience. I can offer you my pharmaceutical skills as well as a positive and cooperative attitude I have displayed throughout my career.

I understand all that is involved in holding this important position as I have the necessary educational background and previous experience working with <enter company name here>. While in this position, I learned how to perform the many duties of a pharmacist very effectively. I enjoy the many challenges involved with this role and have the skills, education and experience needed to fulfil the role very effectively.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome a telephone call from you so that we might be able to set up an interview. I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

<Enter name>

If you are applying for a graphic design job then make sure that your covering letter is good enough to make a difference for you. Most CVs would get lost in between other hundreds of applications so make an effort and write something good.

There are many relevant HND or degree level qualifications that a graphic designer would benefit from so make sure that you include reference to any that you have in graphic design, fine art, film or television, visual art, 3D design, communication design or illustration. Any higher qualifications should also be mentioned as this is a competitive field and you will need to stand out from the crowd. Any relevant work experience should also be mentioned, whether as a graphic designer specifically or in a related job.

A graphic designer will also need good communication, presentation, networking and time management skills with an attention to detail and being open to feedback and willing to make appropriate changes. Obviously drawing and technical skills are also required. Demonstrating an ability to do this in the covering letter is important. The layout of the letter is critical because this will demonstrate your design ability and it could even be more important than the actual content. Therefore make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors and the spacing is correct. Making it unusual with a creative touch is a risky approach so you will need to decide whether to take a gamble or not.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

Dear [Insert Name]

Application for Graphic Designer

I write in response to the vacancy of Graphic Designer advertised on Learnist.org website.

Having the required skills and qualifications with an impressive ability to swiftly and accurately interpret client’s needs and goals leads me to believe that I can successfully fill this position.

I would be delighted to have the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge and skills gained during my 3 years work experience within an exciting and innovative company such as yours.

I was recently employed as a graphic designer with Stayfast Web Design during which time I was involved in many varied and high profile projects both as part of a team and individually.

I enclose herewith my CV in application for this position, including more detailed information of my technical skills for your review.  Should you require any further information please contact me on the number listed above.

Thank you in for your time and consideration and I look forward to meeting you to discuss the vacancy and my attributes further.

Yours sincerely,

There are probably many unadvertised jobs in the job market, maybe they are even more than advertised jobs so it can be good idea to send covering letters for these type of jobs.

If following example is not enough for you then click here to view 5 more Speculative covering letters.

Writing a cover letter

For an email cover letter, there is a separate platform. You may be able to find email cover letters examples online. The fact that prospective buyers or employers receive many emails daily,it is important that no single lead detail is missed out. Observe protocols and ethics in email messages so that you get a better chance of being read. Make certain that you follow strictly instructions of the email recipient. This is especially for those applying for a job online. Be conscious of the format as instructed. Fill out the required fields such as addressee and subject and attachments that include your CV. The salutation should bear the name to whom the cover letter must be addressed.

The helpful tips will be your guide to a powerful cover letter for sales,resume submission and for any intention that you might have. For fax messages,there are also protocols to observe,just like any other hard copy cover letters. It is very important that the letter introduces you,your product if you are into sales,your skills and experiences,if you are applying for a job,the type of service,if you are offering a service. So,if you want to make your reader get interested in you to lead him/her into the crucial details of yourself,service or product –then finding out more ideas from cover letters examples online is most advisable.

Unadvertised job cover letter example

Mrs Janine Brown

1 The House
Something Street
Anytown
AB12 3ZY

Mrs H Stanley

ABA Services
22 The Square
Townland

(date)

Dear Mrs Stanley

I am writing to express my interest in a job vacancy that will be arising very soon that you have not yet advertised.

I was referred to this position by one of your employees, (name if appropriate), and would be keen to assume this position should you deem me appropriate.

Aside from my formal qualifications, I have a very organised way of working, as well as outstanding communication skills, and an excellent work ethic. I always seek to broaden my knowledge and regularly partake in activities where I find it relevant to my progression. My skills and qualifications are detailed further in the attached copy of my CV for your perusal at your earliest convenience.

Should you wish to interview me, I can be available within just a few days and I can provide references at the time of interview if they will be required. However, if the position is filled otherwise, please do not hesitate to retain my details for future reference if possible. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards

Janine Brow

Unemployed Cover Letter example can be used for your job applications. Amend it as suitable and use it for free.

Covering letter for a unemployed job seeker.

Be the first applicant to be called for an interview with your CV accompanied by the best cover letters you can ever write. Writing an effective and powerful cover letter can be tedious and boring at times. However, practice can make you a perfect candidate for the job you are applying for. Take serious efforts in learning how to write a good letter and CV for your own sake. There are best cover letters that you can see but personalising them and making them your ticket for the job interviews takes a lot of efforts and serious study. For one,a good resume cannot stand alone;hence,it needs the help of a good cover letter to hold the interest of the reader. He/she may or may not check further the details you have provided in the CV.

The best cover letters can stand alone because they already summarise your CV. Simply put,the letter must have the right format and well organised thoughts. The highlights you have written in the letter reveal your personality and must therefore speak of your qualities as required of the job. Most employers do not have the luxury of time to read long letters and CVs. If you are able to capsulise your skills, experience and abilities relevant to the position you are applying for, chances that you have held the interest of your reader are high. To write best cover letters – refer to the qualities and job requirements that the company is looking for from the candidate. You can briefly indicate your qualifications in each specific requirement. The resume’s goal is to back up your cover letter.

There are several approaches in writing letters but you have to take into account the qualities that make up the best cover letters. Your letter must be able to convince the employer that you are the fittest person for the job by being relevant to the position. It should be able to explain briefly your skills and experiences/training to match the job requirement. Employers are only interested in applicants who meet the requirements and who can be an asset to the company because they know what they can get from you and not what you get from them.

Unemployed Cover Letter Example

Mrs Janine Brown
1 The House
Something Street
Anytown
AB12 3ZY
Mrs H Stanley

SuperBig Department Stores
22 The Square
Townland

(date)

Dear Mrs Stanley

I am writing to express my interest in working for your store as a Purchasing Assistant, as advertised.

I am currently unemployed, although I am extremely keen to get back to work as soon as possible. In my previous job, I worked as a junior procurement assistant, which involved me working as part of the purchasing team for a large store like yourselves. I was also responsible for managing invoices and communicating them to the Accounts Department for payment.

I have a diploma in Business Management through The Big University, as well as familiarity with the role you need to fill. I am also very organised and have outstanding communication skills, which is essential when negotiating purchases with clients. My skills and qualifications are detailed further in the attached copy of my CV for your perusal at your earliest convenience.

Should you wish to interview me, I can be available within just a few days and I can provide references at the time of interview should they be required. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards

Janine Brown

Use this great example of a covering letter if you are going to apply for a Legal Secretary job in the UK. You should amend following letters before sending it to the employers.

Legal Secretary cover letter example

Dear [Insert Name]

Application for Legal Secretary

In response to your recent advertisement, please regard this letter as formal application for the position of legal secretary.

With over four years secretarial experience in various established law firms which has provided me with extensive knowledge of current legal practice, as detailed in my enclosed CV, I consider I am well equipped to work in this position.

I have had the opportunity to develop strong written and verbal communication skills in liaison with local authorities, solicitors, the courts and the police.

My most valuable asset is my excellent time management ability and organisation skills whilst fully appreciating the need for accuracy and confidentially working in the legal profession. This coupled with my efficient administrative and secretarial skills makes me a unique candidate for this role.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience to discuss the vacancy further.

Yours sincerely,

LEGAL SECRETARY VACANCY

Name
Address
Contact Details

Dear

RE: LEGAL SECRETARY VACANCY

I am writing regarding the above vacancy for a Legal Secretary at (company name). I have the relevant skills and qualifications to carry out this role to very high standards that are expected within your organisation.

As you will see from my CV, I started my career gaining experience in secretarial work and through that time, I have proven to be a resourceful hard-worker, dedicated to providing outstanding administrative support and developed my career into specialising in a legal secretarial role. Having achieved awards in legal practice, I would like to continue my career as a Legal Secretary and feel I would fulfil this role to its full potential, providing excellent administrative expertise.

If you have any questions regarding my application, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely (faithfully if Dear Sir/Madam)

Name

Enc.

Enquiry Letter example for a job vacancy in the UK.

Motivating the potential employer who will read a cover letter remains a big challenge for job applicants. Great cover letters are made by skilled people who know the characteristics of a business letter. There are certainly a lot of resources and tools that will help you go about writing a good letter but to personalise it is another story. Cover letters are as varied as the purposes of the writer. Depending on what your intention is,you can choose which one suits you best. Great cover letters should include what you need,what you can do and how you can be effective before anything else. Don’t ever submit a haphazard letter because you will not have the chance to be called for an interview.

Cover letters should be interesting and should be able to catch the attention of the reader. This entails the applicant to have writing potentials or skills. To create great cover letters,you have to be aware of the format and supply the right information. The reader’s interest depends on how creative and interesting your cover letter is. So,it would be helpful if you could organise your thoughts well and write them cohesively. A little background check of the company,or if possible of the point person or addressee of the letter would definitely boost your writing for great cover letters. If you are applying for a job in a certain company,know the requirements by heart and check your own qualifications specific to the requirements.

The information you find in the cover letter is quite standard but the style of writing makes a big difference. While there are many samples and templates of great cover letters,your letter must be able to reveal your personality,as closely relevant to the job requirements as possible. Make sure you have the right skills and aptitude,which your resume can actually vouch for. Brief but accurate,simple but informative,catchy but not superfluous,are some characteristics that you can inject in your cover letter. Don’t forget to check the format,spelling,especially the name of the addressee,and grammar. These are the basic elements of good cover letters.

Enquiry Letter for a Job

Dear Sirs

I am very excited to learn about your new store opening in London. Having been frequent customer and experience excellent customer service in many of outlets I would be delighted to be considered for any current vacancies.

I have 2 years experience within the retail industry and have been recognised for my excellent customer services skills.

I have attached my CV with this enquiry letter.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss possible jobs and my previous experience in more detail.

Your sincerely.