Great Cover Letters

Careers expert John Lees FREC tells you the insider secrets about writing letters that get you interviewed:

The only function of this letter is to get your CV read, and to get you a meeting. Think of your letter like the first page of your CV, as a one page advertisement for you. Make your letter brief, enthusiastic, and interesting.

• Ensure that everything in the reader's name, job title address is correct.
• Try not to begin every sentence and paragraph with "I". Focus on the reader of the letter and his/her perspective.
• Research. Refer to the problems, opportunities and headaches your target company is facing. Remember SWOT as a prompt: what can you say about a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats?
• Indicate in brief paragraphs what you are applying for, who you are, why you are interested, and what you have to offer. Don't oversell. State briefly why you are a good match for the job.
• Refer the reader to your enclosed CV. Pick 3 or 4 of your top achievements and repeat them in the letter, using different terms to the way you have expressed them in your CV. Choose achievements relevant to the job.
• Don't put anything in your covering letter which gives the reader an excuse to put the letter aside, e.g. apologising for your lack of a particular requirement, or mentioning your age, or referring to negative aspects like why you left your last job.
• If your letter is a speculative approach (i.e. to a company that isn't currently advertising a job), try to ensure that your letter is read by a decision maker.
• Think carefully what action you are asking for. If you are seeking a meeting, ask for one.
• Telephone to check that your letter has been received by the intended recipient.
• Ask one relevant question, or mention one reason why you might be able to help the employer, and suggest a meeting.

For more details see http://www.johnleescareers.com/