Include a covering letter

14 February 2018

When applying for a position, whether that be your first job, graduate scheme or internship, you will need to highlight why you should be selected above other candidates. One way to ensure you stand out and better position yourself as the ideal candidate is through a covering letter.

A cover letter should always accompany your CV when applying for a position. Your CV will highlight your skills and achievements but your cover letter further links these back to the position and why you should be offered the role above any other candidate.

What to include in a cover letter

Your cover letter should be set out in a similar design to a formal letter. Address your cover letter to the interviewer or listed contact for the position. Include your contact details and the job you are applying for. It should be formal but personal and tailored to the role.

Explain why you are interested in the job and detail what skills and experience you possess which will enable you to excel in the role. It is always beneficial to include examples in your letter, so if the role requires a confident well-spoken professional and you are an excellent public speaker, highlight this and back it up with a recent achievement.

To conclude, highlight why you want the position and the positive impact you can have in the role. Invite them to get in touch via your provided contact details then use a complimentary close signed with your name.

Cover letter layout

<Your name> Jane Candidate

<Address> 200 Birmingham Road

<Address> Birmingham B1 1AA

<Email> E: example @ email.com

<Phone number> T: + 44 000 123 0000

<Name of contact>John Smith

<Position> Senior Consultant

<Company> Smith Group

<Address> 111 Smith Street

<Address> London WC2B 4BZ

1st July 2017

Dear Mr Smith,

<<Paragraph one>> Start by stating why you are writing the letter and the position you are applying for, whether that be a full-time job, graduate position, internship and where you saw it advertised. Follow this by inviting them to read your attached CV.

<<Paragraph two>> In the second paragraph you should expand on why you are interested in the position and explain why you are the best-suited candidate for the job.

<<Paragraph three>> Here you should follow on from your CV to prove your value for the company. Link back to your CV and the key skills, qualifications and achievements that position you as a professional with the right experience and necessary drive to make a positive impact.

<<Paragraph four>> In your final, closing paragraph, reiterate your interest and invite them to get in touch with you via the contact details provided at the start of the letter. End the paragraph with a confident statement alluding to a face-to-face meeting such as “I look forward to speaking with you and hope to have the opportunity to meet you during the upcoming interviews.”

Kind regards,

Jane Candidate

For more tips on writing your covering letter, be sure to check out our article ‘How to write a graduate cover letter’.

Now that you have tailored your cover letter to the role you’re applying for, make sure your social media accounts are helping to positively shape your brand. Read “Be smart with social media” here. Now you’re ready to apply for jobs.