Job Applications: | Application Forms | Letters

Letters

Your letter needs to be designed in such a way, that it makes the reader want to look at your CV. We recommend you use the same font and paper as for your CV. Do not fold the paper, use an A4 envelope and mark it ‘Private & Confidential – Addressee Only’.

The covering letter is a superb opportunity to enhance your image and add further balance and support to your application to emphasise your match to the job specification as described in the advert. Try to draw further attention to your “special features”, that is your unique selling points.

Analyse the advert, noting the particular qualities required. Jot these down on a piece of paper and alongside each requirement, summarise how you match it. There is every chance that the qualities asked for fall into one of two categories: the ‘must-have’, and the ‘nice-to-have’. Does the wording give any clue as to which is which? Try to sort the requirements by their likely relative importance to the advertiser.

If you do not match a minimum of 60-70% of the criteria you may be wasting your time in replying, unless you have an outstanding record in a critical “must have” area.

For example, if an advert says “Must have a relevant degree, five years experience in a similar position and a proven track record in attracting new business”. If you do not have a relevant degree and you have only two years experience in a similar position, but your track record in attracting new business is exceptional, you may still have a good chance. In this case, you may get an interview, provided that you emphasise this key point in your covering letter. Point out that even though you only have two years experience and do not have a relevant degree, you do have a good degree, experience in a similar position and an outstanding record of attracting new business.

The differences between what they asked for and what you are able to offer may be accepted as being outweighed, by your strong performance in perhaps the most important category.