Sample Cover Letter

When applying for a job it is important to send a cover letter with your application and CV even if the job advertisement did not specifically ask for one.

Although you can use a template for your letter it is important that you customise it for each application.

If the advertisement asks for experience of XYX mention this and say that you have that experience but don't copy chunks of your resume, just summarise how you have the job skills requested in the advert.

Letters should not be too long, one page should suffice.

Remember to follow any instruction given such as quoting a job reference if requested and always remember to sign the letter.

A typical cover letter may look something like the one below, obviously replacing the values in <> with those appropriate for your letter.

<Hiring Manager Name>,
<Company Address>,
<Company Address>,
<Company Address>,
<Company Address>,
<Company Address>.

Dear <Hiring Manager Name>,

Ref <Job Reference> <Job Title>

Your advertisement for the above position in <publication containing advert> has interested me very much and I would like to apply.

As you will see from my enclosed resume/CV my achievements and skills include:

- <short summary of achievement/skill that is relevant to job advert>

I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime please feel free to contact me on <phone number> or via the other contact details on my resume/CV. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

<Your Name>.