A covering letter should be sent with any CV or application form in response to an advertised job vacancy. Its purpose is to introduce you and it should briefly explain why you think you are right for the job.

Speculative Letter

A speculative or apprenticeship letter is used to let an employer know you are looking for work and/or training. Some employers keep speculative letters and CVs on file in case a job opening arises.

Enclose a copy of your CV when sending a speculative or apprenticeship letter.

When contacting an employer by letter, try to find out to whom the letter should be addressed. A phone call to the company should establish this.

Remember that an employer’s impression of your suitability for any vacancy will be based on your letter and CV. You are selling yourself, your skills and abilities. Well-written letters can draw attention to your good points. Highlight key details about skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.

Ideally the letter should include

• Your address and telephone number
• The date the letter was written
• The employer’s name and address
• The job you are applying for
• Your school/college, leaving date and exams you have taken or taken
• Reasons for applying
• Details of relevant work experience you have
• Mention of your interest. Be prepared to discuss these at interview
• Details of anything that is enclosed with your letter such as your CV
• The correct ending to your letter. If you have addressed the letter to a particular person the end the letter with Yours sincerely. If using Dear Sir/Madam end with Yours faithfully.
• Your signature. Sign your name, and then print your name underneath the signature

Example of a covering letter

                                                                                                                                                Isaac Alton

1 Motivation Road

                                                                                                                                                Bristol

                                                                                                                                                BSX 1XX

                                                                                                                               M: 0777 777 6777

Ms J. Polster

Recruitment Manager

Company

Bristol

BSX 2XX

 

23^rd July 2018

Dear Ms Polster,

My name is Isaac Alton and I am writing in response to your advertisement for the post of a Business Administrator, which I saw, advertised in the Bristol post on 21^st July. I have enclosed my CV for your consideration.

I recently completed A Levels at Anytown College in Business Studies, Law and English Language. I have put my course theory into practise in a variety of ways, most effectively when I undertook extended work experience at Anytown Council. I worked within a variety of different departments including HR and Finance. My responsibilities included liaising with members of the public via phone, in writing and by email. I was also responsible for recording invoices on relevant databases and spreadsheets.

I am now looking for a position where I can use the skills I have gained which include customer service, proficiency using Microsoft Packages, organisational and time management skills.

Having researched your company, I am keen to apply to your organisation. I was especially interested in the training and development you invest in your staff as this is important to me.

If you would like to discuss my application further or to arrange an interview, please contact me on 07777 776777 or at [email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Yours sincerely

Isaac Alton

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