This site is getting an increasing number of hits from people searching for advice on CVs and Cover Letters.

Please read my article on putting a CV / Resume together and comment if you agree or disagree with my advice.

In regards to cover letters, I will put my list of Do’s and Don’t's below and add some links to examples of what I think are going to give you a better chance.

Do’s

  • Always attach a cover letter to your CV or Resume
  • Make sure you address it to the relevant person in the business
  • Use key words from the advertisement in your letter
  • Address both the Skills and Experience Requirements identified in the Ad
  • Put the most convenient and accessible ways to contact you ie Mobile and Email
  • Space it out and make it easy to read
  • Differentiate between sending it to a recruiter or the company itself
  • Make it one page
  • Make it unique to you and what you can offer
  • Include call to action – Request an Interview, Tell them you will call to follow up in 2-3 days
  • Be confident

Don’t's

  • Make spelling mistakes
  • Address it to a different role or company or person by mistake
  • Send a generic cover letter
  • Make it more than one page
  • Include unnecessary filler such as “Please find my resume enclosed”
  • Explain why the role will be good for you
  • Waste the first paragraph with filler, make an impact so they keep reading

So here are some example templates I have put together;

Cover Letter No 1

Cover Letter No 2

Please tell me if there are any mistakes and email me any improved versions.

Thanks

Tim

Tags: , , , , , , ,