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Covering letter

What is a covering letter?

Every Resume/Curriculum Vitae has to be accompanied with a covering letter in order to be considered an application. The covering letter is a short (3-5 paragraphs) letter which is sent with a CV to express interest in a particular job. It is the first thing that the employer will see and thus it has to include all the relevant information whilst remaining concise and to the point.

Aims

In order to be effective, the covering letter needs to aim to:

encourage the employer to read the CV and take it seriously.

stand out from the rest, thus encouraging the reader to read more.

exhibit that the applicant is indeed fit for the role.

Presentation

The covering letter should be typed (unless stated otherwise) on a neat, white A4 sheet to give off a professional look. An easy to read font in a large size should be used to make it easier on the eye. The letter also needs to have a good layout (being neither squashed nor with a white blank space at the bottom) and needs to be well spaced (preferably double spacing). Finally, if the letter is handwritten, make sure it is legible.

Sample Covering Letter

This covering letter should be considered as a guide other then a perfect model. Remember that each covering letter needs to tailored according to the post applied for.

Martin Smith

76, Main Street

London LDN 01

Tel: +123 456 789

Mobile: +987 654 321

Email: marteeeeee@mareailses.com

1st August 2004

Mr Peter Carter,
Intelligent Computers Ltd
53 Avenue Street
London LND 02

RE: Manager for the IT department

Dear Mr Carter

With reference to your advertisment on The Guardian of today, I am hereby submitting an application for the post of Manager for the IT department.

For the past six year I have held the post of Assistant Manager with ET GRAFT soloutions. My job has included the managerial responsability of our team of ten employees including executives, secretaries and administrators besides constant liasing with all levels of management as well as dealing with the general public.

I am interested in working with Intelligent Computers Ltd due to the good reputation the company has as regards customer satisfaction and after sales service. With this in mind, I feel confident that my qualifications, experience and skills match the right person for this position allowing me to give a significant contribution to the company.

Enclosed please find a copy of my CV, which I trust will be to your satisfaction. Awaiting to hear from you for an interview.

Yours sincerely

(Martins signature)

MARTIN SMITH

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