APPLICATION ESSENTIALS
Cover letters Always submit a cover letter if you have the chance. Aim to be focused and engaging. Make a strong and persuasive case built on your research and supported with evidence linked to your CV. The cover letter gives you scope to: Showcase what interests and drives you, your enthusiasm for an organisation and the role. Align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and culture. Highlight your knowledge and strongest, most relevant skills for the position. Try to sound professional yet conversational, rather than wordy or too stiff and formal. Write in clear, concise English – take care not to drown your reader with detail, and avoid jargon they may not understand. Search online for advice from The Plain English Campaign, which offers simple, clear guidance on improving your writing style. While this may sound simple, your early cover letters may go through three or four drafts (or even more!) before you are happy with them. When you feel your cover letter is finished, put it down overnight (or at least for a couple of hours) before reading it through – aloud. As you read, listen to yourself: Does it say clearly what you want it to say? Does it have your ‘voice’? Do you sound confident? Enthusiastic about the company? Excited about the role? If you insert a competitor company’s name, does the letter still read the same? If so, try to differentiate each letter more! Are there any sections that are hard to read or follow? If yes, try simplifying your language, using shorter sentences or try taking that section out completely.
• • •
• • • •
54
This advice also applies if you are writing a speculative letter or application, perhaps asking an organisation if they can offer you work experience. State clearly why you are writing in your opening paragraph, and go on to outline two or three areas where your core skills and experiences best fit the organisation’s needs. Close with an indication of what you would like to happen next.
Top tips for cover letters
The outline letter opposite provides ideas about content and structure to enhance your letters. Keep it short – a concise letter demonstrates focus and strong communication skills. Project confidence – write with the assumption that they will interview you. Keep the tone and content professional – attempts at humour are best avoided. Include specific relevant details that show your research and how you consider they differ from their competitors – do not cut and paste content. As for CVs, double check for errors and typos: using a spell checker is not enough. Ask for feedback from a careers adviser.
• • • • • •
More information
www.careers.ox.ac.uk/cover-letters
www.careers.ox.ac.uk
