A good covering letter can increase the job seeker's chances of being hired. Learn how to write a professional letter that introduces the applicant and his or her resume.
Looking for a Job – The Purpose of the Covering Letter
The covering letter serves only two purposes:
- It introduces the writer; and
- It presents the CV, resume or other application document.
Your covering letter should contain the following sections:
- Your Contact Information : Name, address, phone number, email address. This should be placed on the right of the page.
- Date
- Employer Contact Information (if you have it): Name, title, company, address
- Greeting: Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (if you know it) or Sir/Madam
- Introductory Paragraph: This section tells the employer which position you are applying for, and where you saw it advertised.
- Body of the Letter: This section should tell the employer how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are highlighting your resume, not repeating it, so keep it brief and to the point.
- Conclusion: Tells the employer that more information is contained in the enclosed resume. Include information on how you can be contacted.
- Greeting: Respectfully yours or yours sincerely
- Signature: Handwritten Signature (if you are mailing a hard copy of the letter), followed by the typed signature
Get the Job: Mistakes to avoid in your Covering Letter
These common mistakes may irritate the potential employer and work against you:
- Don’t use the covering letter to tell the employer that you believe you are just right for the job. Let the employer decide that after reading your CV.
- Don’t tell the employer about your work experience. He or she will read that in the CV.
- Don’t ask for an interview, or face to face meeting. They will offer this if your resume meets their requirements.
Write a Covering Letter, Step by Step
Although a covering letter is a formal document, keep it simple. Many job applicants come across badly because their letter is too full of unnecessary information. Keep it as short as possible, and only include facts that are strictly relevant.
Example of a Covering Letter
345 Seventh Ave, (align this section to the right of the page)
Park Estate,
Parkerville, 80229
089 999 2323
Bradley@bradleybrown.com
2011-01-07
Mr J Chalkey, (keep this section aligned on the left)
General Manager
Parkerville Metro,
4545 Parkerville Boulevard,
Parkerville, 80288
Application for Advertised Position: Car Wash Manager, Reference Number A321
Dear Mr Chalkey,
I would like to apply for the position of Car Wash Manager, as advertised in the Sunday Times of January 3, 2011.
My qualifications and experience are in line with the requirements specified in your advertisement. I have a diploma in Management from the Parkerville College of Further Education. I have also completed a course in Eco Carwash Practice from the Green Institute, and have three years' experience as manager of a car valet service.
The attached resume gives full details of my qualifications, experience and skills. I can be contacted at
Bradley@Bradleybrown.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Bradley Brown.
Employers Looking to Hire
Employers looking to hire new staff read the applicant’s covering letter carefully, because it gives them clues about his or her ability to communicate in writing, and tells them how professional the candidate is.
A solid covering letter will increase your chances of being called for an interview, and of being selected for the job you have applied for.
Helen Brain - I am a writer and writing teacher, living in Cape Town, South Africa. I published my first book in 1997, and now have over thirty books ...
