Cover Letters

FREE Guide to Writing Cover Letters

Quicklinks

• Types of Cover Letter
• Layout of a Cover Letter
• Format of a Cover Letter
• Important Cover Letter Writing Tips

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Types of Cover Letter

There are two general types of CV cover letters:

• The application cover letter which responds to a known job opening
• The prospective cover letter which inquires about possible positions

Your cover letter should be tailored to fit each type of CV cover letter outlined above as well as for each position you seek.

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Layout of a Cover Letter

For detailed information on how to layout a CV cover letter please refer to the Formal Letter Writing Guide

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Format of a Cover Letter

To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:

1. Introductory Paragraph - Why you are writing
2. Main Body - What you have to offer to the company
3. Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Introductory Paragraph

If you have been referred to a potential employer by a mutual acquaintance, be sure to mention this contact, as it is likely to encourage your potential employer to keep reading.

If you are writing in response to a job advertisement , indicate where you learned of the position and the title of the position.

In both cases it is crucially important that you express your enthusiasm for the role and outline that you feel that your skill set matches with the requirements for the job position.

If you are writing a prospective CV cover letter outline your specific criteria for a potential position. Since this type of letter is unsolicited, it is more important to capture the reader’s attention.

Main Body

With both types of CV cover letter it is a good tip to mention something personal to the business to show that you really are interested in the role and have taken the time to do some research. For instance you could highlight how your research into prospective employment has highlighted the company as a leader in it's particular industry. Alternatively mention that you have heard that your potential employer is a great company to work for.

When responding to an advertisement, ensure that you refer specifically to the criteria listed in the advert and illustrate how your particular skill set and experience relate to the position for which you are applying.

In a prospective CV cover letter express your potential to fulfil the employer's criteria rather than focus on what the employer can offer you. You can do this by giving evidence that you have researched the organisation thoroughly and that you possess skills used within that organisation.

Furthermore you should list your major achievements and key skills relating to the job position that you are applying for. If you do not have specific skills for the potential role illustrate how your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant, to the position for which you are applying.

Concluding Paragraph

Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the job and letting the employer know how they can reach you. You should include your phone number and your email address to ensure you are as reachable as possible. Indicate that you will follow-up your cover letter with a telephone call to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time within a set time period, of course ensuring that you make the call within the time frame indicated. At the very least, you should confirm that your CV and cover letter have been received and that your application is complete.

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Important Cover Letter Writing Tips

It is ok to create a general template for your cover letter and keep the majority of the content the same, but it is strongly advised that you personalise each letter. This can be done by simply inputting the company that you are applying to's name and the industry that they are in.

Effective CV cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organisation and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.

If you are applying for a job where you have not been given an idea of the salary level then it is recommended that you state your salary expectation.