If we're not posting a letter, why does it matter?
It appears, even with the wealth of information available for jobseekers, that many do not realise that their application‘s covering email really does matter!
It is your first chance to make a winning impression and it is particularly important when your application is going directly to a hiring company.
As most applications are made via a website these days, what follows is my idea of a succinct online covering email.
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1. Address it correctly
Recently I have seen applications starting with “Hi there”, “Dear Sirs”, “Brad”, “attached CV”, “n/a”, “Please contact me directly…” and “Holds Tier 1 UK Work Permit”. As my name shows on the posting all I could think was “oh dear!”.
If you can see who posted the role, use their name! Start with “Dear First Name” or if you wish to be more formal “Dear Ms Surname” (for women, if you don’t know, use Ms for ease). If you do not have a name, start with “Dear Sir or Madam,”.
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2. Start your opening line positively and not with I.
The best one I received simply stated “Please find attached my profile for consideration for the xxxxx role.”
My favourite is similar, simply “Please find enclosed my CV in application for the xxxxx as advertised on your website”
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3. State briefly the skills that you have that are a match to the role.
I think this is where most get it wrong. You want your CV opened and read so this part needs to be short, sharp and inviting. Something like:
I note in your advertisement that you are seeking an applicant with xxxx, yyyy and zzzz experience, I have attained those skills while working as gggg, at hhhh Company, and feel that my experience would be an asset to this role. I would also like to highlight my experience at jjjjj which I feel would transfer well into this opportunity.
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4. A note of how to contact
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and potential suitability further and can be reached on 07123 456 789.
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5. Finish it courteously
Kind regards or Best regards or if you wish to be more formal Yours sincerely,
Your name
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6. Check your spelling!
Like I do with my posts, spell check it, re-read it and then read it again ensuring it is 100% accurate.
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Covering letter or emails are as important today as they have ever been, even in this world of instant communication. They should be written with thought and due care to ensure a positive reaction.
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A side note: I’d like to thank Majella Wilkins, founder of Return2WorkMums, for giving me the inspiration to put this into a blog post – it certainly got me back from my summer blog hiatus!
) because I thought when someone was looking for a new job that they would get back to everyone! He explained that he is just too busy working to ring all the recruiters back. I’m glad he called back because he is now interviewing.
