|
Writing an application letter is the first chance you get to impress a potential employer. Remember first impressions count, so make sure you stand out from the crowd. Get it right and the odds of you getting an interview should greatly improve.
Application letters or covering letters are usually sent in response to a specific job advert and usually accompany a completed application form or CV. However, application letters can also be sent speculatively, to find out whether employers will be recruiting staff in the near future.
|
|
|
|
|
Tips to follow
|
|
|
|
| |
• If you can, always type or word process your letter.
• If you do handwrite the letter, write neatly, clearly and make a practice copy first. If you make a mistake, don’t use correction fluid it looks untidy.
• Make sure it’s easy to read, well organised with clear spaces between paragraphs.
• Use good quality paper.
• Keep it short, not more than one side of A4.
• If you start the letter “Dear Sir “or “Dear Madam”, then you should end the letter with "Yours faithfully". However if you are writing to somebody by name, then end with "Yours Sincerely".
• Make sure that your signature is clear, not a squiggle that you hope the employer will decipher. Print your name underneath.
• Double check for spelling mistakes! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Covering letters
|
|
|
|
| |
• If applying for an actual job, always say what job you are applying for and where you saw the advert.
• Include any relevant information that you have not included in your application form or CV.
• You could also expand on relevant points mentioned in your CV or application form.
• Always remember to outline briefly what you know about the company you are writing to, why you would be interested in working for them and how they would benefit from the skills and experiences you have to offer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Writing on spec
|
|
|
|
| |
If you do decide to write to an employer to find out if there are any potential jobs:
• Spend a little time doing some background work. Find out as much as you can about the company you would be interested in working for.
• Find out if they offer the types of jobs you are interested in.
• Think about your skills and how these could be useful to your potential employer.
• Emphasise your good points. Focus on your USPs (Unique Selling Points). Match these to the type of job you’re applying for.
• Try and find out who you should address your letter to.
• Ask the company to keep your name on file in case any suitable vacancies arise.
Following these simple steps, should increase your chances of getting that all important interview. To create and store application letters online simply register to open your own Progress file e-portfolio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
