If you are applying online, use the following guide to create an e-mail to introduce your CV.
Why is a CV covering letter important?
The aim of a successful CV covering letter is to get the reader to either consider you for a position within their organisation or to introduce your CV/resume. In both cases it is important that your covering letter is attention grabbing, well-written and demonstrates why the reader should contact you.
It cannot be stressed how important it is to get a contact name! Think of what you would do if you receive a letter addressed to ‘Whom it may concern’. Chances are it may end up in the pending tray or even in the bin. Taking a little time to find out a contact name will greatly improve the chance of your covering letter being read.
Your CV covering letter is meant to be an introduction to you and / or your CV. If possible, keep it to one page.
Try not to simply duplicate the information on your CV. Instead use your covering letter to highlight the most important reasons why you are suitable for the role for which you are applying.
This covering letter guide is designed to provide you with a format for a CV covering letter. You can modify it to suit your specific needs, but try to make sure the following areas are covered:
- 1. The position for which you are applying.
- 2. Why you want the job.
- 3. How your skills are suitable for the job.
- 4. Your knowledge of the organisation.
The following can be used as a general guide, however you can also find a sample covering letter for an advertised vacancy and a sample speculative cover letter.
CV COVERING LETTER GUIDE
Your Address (May also be aligned right)
Contact Person’s Name and Title
Employer’s Name
Employer’s Address
Date of Letter
Salutation (Dear title):
RE: (POST OR TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE APPLYING FOR)
Paragraph 1: Use this opening paragraph to state why you are writing. Name the position or type of work you are applying for, and mention how you heard of the opening or organisation.
Paragraph 2: Explain why you are interested in this type of work and why you chose this employer. State relevant work experience and qualifications, but do not repeat the information from your CV. Point out specific skills, training and abilities which relate to the job you are applying for. Highlight relevant information about the organisation you have gained from your research. Use this section to sell yourself.
Closing Paragraph: Close the letter with a positive statement or question which will prompt the reader to invite you for an interview or an informal meeting. Remember that the reader is evaluating your written communication skills in this letter, so pay attention to grammar and spelling.
Yours sincerely,
Signature
YOUR NAME IN CAPITALS
Enc: (This will let the recipient know that your CV is enclosed)
If you are looking for other great example covering letters in your field to introduce your CV/resume to a prospective employer then go to our sample CV cover letters section to find:
Sample Cover Letter For Admin Assistant Role
Cover Letter For Senior Project Manager
Sample Cover Letter For NLP Positions
Sample Cover Letter For Social Worker / Healthcare Positions
Cover Letter for Warehouse Assistant / Operative
Before you send out your covering letter, please remember how important it is to check for grammar and punctuation. Sometimes a word transposed or omitted can have a devastating effect. Just look at some of the worst CV mistakes for examples of bad grammar and punctuation.
If you have any questions, comments, need help or would like further information on how to write a CV or resume, use our comment form below and we will gladly try and get the advice and guidance that you need.
