Getting a Good CV into Market

A cover letter is your lifeline when sending potential employers your CV. Having a covering letter ensures you can comfortably share information with employers which do not necessarily fit in to the rigid CV structure. Having both a CV and Covering letter will most definately put you in good steed and if done properly will make the difference between success and failure.

Note: A covering letter will only work if it appears personalised to the receiver. Ensuring a personal, direct approach will be the icing on the cake! Ensure you Wow, the potential employer with enthusiasm and passion.

Step 1: Any letter should start with…

.. A relevant address

More specifically, your address (and contact details) in the top right hand corner. After that, start the letter with the name and address of your employer. Try to find out exactly who will be dealing with your application and what their title is. You can do this by checking on the internet, or even ringing the company and asking. It gives the letter a much more personal touch if it is addressed to a real person rather than a generic sir/madam.

There is never a set way to write a covering letter, ensure you plan a structure and get your message across without repeating yourself. Always watch; Clarity, Intelligence, Conciseness.

It is often difficult to know how to open such a letter. Keep it simple, start by telling them exactly what you want. Make sure it is clear what position you are applying for.

Why is the job good for me?

Once you have broken the ice, it is time to make clear to your prospective employer what exactly it is about the job that attracts you. Why do you want the job? Again, the key is to deal in specifics. Although your main motivation may be “for the money” or some such, it is better to try and pick one aspect of the job that particularly appeals to you and explain why. If you are applying to become a writer at a newspaper, and you are interested in travel, then try to marry the two together.

Why am I good for the job?

Now that your reader knows the job is right for you, it’s time to move on and show that you are right for the job. Here is the place to address your strengths and qualifications that are directly relevant to the position. If there are specific requirements that are mentioned in the job description, use these terms when describing yourself. You may have touched upon some of this in your CV, but here you have room to elaborate upon them more fully. Try not to repeat too much of your CV though. After all, this is supposed to be read in conjunction with your CV, and a lot of crossover will come across as sloppy. It is good to frame the strengths and merits that you mention in real life examples. If you are trying to put across that you are good with people, give evidence of this.

Try to make your covering letter unique and refreshing for the employer to read. Use interesting examples that case you in a separate light to others.

Closing remarks…

Finish off by stating clearly when you are available for interview. If there is no set starting date, it is a good idea to make a note of the earliest you can begin working. You should also welcome the prospective employer to contact you if they need any further information. They should have your contact details from the top of the letter, and on your CV. Sign off and, if you are printing the letter out rather than emailing it, sign it for an added level of professionalism.

By making your covering letter a structured, informative piece you can achieve a clear and concise argument as to why you are the best “Wow” candidate. If your letter is boring, repeatative or unorganised this would be a bad reflection of you. The covering letter will be the 1st impression! Make it count!

Make sure your covering letter says everything you wanted to say about you.

Learn more about CvWow and the fixed price recruitment business. Stop by Stephen Joell-Ireland, Marketing Manager at CvWow.com where you can find out all about recruitment advertising and finding work on job boards , Wow!


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