Prepare for your future …
4. Writing a Covering Letter Put your CV in context with a covering letter
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The advice in this publication is designed to help you plan your job search strategy Think about what you have read, turn it into action points and implement them. Good luck!
If you require this publication in large print or another format, please enquire at Careers Reception This symbol is used to highlight information of relevance to students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties
UCLan Careers
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01772 895858 / 892584 www.uclan.ac.uk/careers careers@uclan.ac.uk
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© Copyright licensed to the University of Central Lancashire
Careers Team University of Central Lancashire Revised 2014/Version 1
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To request permission to reproduce any text from this booklet for commercial purposes contact: careers@uclan.ac.uk
Introduction All CVs and application forms should be accompanied by a covering letter or email, as appropriate. A well composed, business-like letter can really contribute to an applicant’s success. You have an opportunity to: 1. explain your interest in the type of work on offer; 2. highlight your key selling points; 3. demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the employer. If you have any weak points in your application here is the place to address them in the most positive way possible.
General Guidelines •
Overall – be polite, concise and use professional language but do not become overformal;
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Remember, it is all about selling yourself, so be positive, upbeat and enthusiastic. For examples of strong, professional language have a look at the power words at: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/job_applications_power_words.htm
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Here you will also find further tips and advice on writing covering letters (and CVs);
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Word processing is the norm now but occasionally an employer may specify a preference for handwritten applications. If this is the case, make sure your writing is legible and always use black ink - it photocopies well;
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Use one side of the paper only;
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Use good quality A4 paper to match your CV;
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Think about the reader and what they might be looking for at all times;
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Always send your letter to a named individual – even if you have to ring the switchboard, email the company or look at their website to check who deals with graduate recruitment or is head of a particular department;
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Proofread thoroughly – ask friends to help. grammar are a huge turn-off to employers;
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Big blocks of text are uninviting.
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Spelling mistakes and/or poor
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Framework for Covering Letter Your Address Phone Number E-Mail Date Named person Address of organisation Dear Named Person Vacancy title – reference number (if you have one) Paragraph 1: Start with a brief introduction: Who you are and what you want, eg. ‘a recent graduate in ..… from University of ….. would like to apply for the position of ……… as advertised in ……….. on the 27th Month”. You could also mention that you are enclosing your CV/Application Form with this letter. Paragraph 2: Explain your career and employer choice: Show that you have some insight into what the job requires, and possess the necessary skills, qualities and experiences. Demonstrate that you are particularly keen to work for this firm and give reasons. Be specific and focused – no employer wants to feel that they are part of a general mailshot. You will also find that they are more interested in what you have to offer rather than what you want! Paragraph 3: Why YOU: Make sure you highlight your main selling points, which should, of course, feature in your CV/Application Form, but never copy and paste. When describing your skills give concrete evidence of these. Give positive accounts of relevant experience. Paragraph 4 (Optional): Additional information: eg. special interests or achievements that will support your application. This would also be a good place to tackle any issues/weaknesses, eg. poor grades, time gaps etc.; be positive and show what you have learned, and how this has improved your performance/planning/selfmanagement. Paragraph 5: Brief closing statements: including availability for interview, how you look forward to hearing from them etc.
Don’t forget to sign the letter and print your name underneath
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Yours sincerely, (or Yours faithfully if you don’t know their name)
If you are unsure whether or when to disclose information about a disability to a potential employer, see the UCLan Careers leaflet ’10. Disclosing Disability’, the AGCAS publication ‘A Level Playing Field’ and the Skill publication on Disclosing a Disability available on their website at www.skill.org.uk .
Speculative Approaches All of the above applies and it is especially important when making a speculative application that the organisation can readily see why you have targeted them. They are not obliged to read your letter so make it clear and to the point, emphasising what you can offer them and how good the fit is between your career plan and their aims. If you are not applying for a specific vacancy you will still need to appear focused in your plans and knowledgeable about your chosen career area - research individual jobs using the occupational profiles at http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm It can be more productive to contact the head of the relevant section rather than going through human resources. It might be sufficient to write to eg. 'The Chief Engineer' or 'Head of Design', or 'The Purchasing Manager' but, as mentioned above, try to get the name of the appropriate contact. The information in this publication should help you plan your strategy. Think about what you have read, turn it into action points and implement them.
Further Information The Careers website contains a range of careers booklets, offering advice and tips to help you, at www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets . You can also find information on the site about relevant events, elective modules and the Futures Award. You might also want to check out the recorded online events, covering a number of topics at www.uclan.ac.uk/futuresondemand .
Good luck!
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If you would like further help or want to speak to a careers adviser please call at the UCLan Careers Reception in Foster Entrance Foyer, ring us or use our e-guidance system on the Careers website to email us with queries.