Cover Letters.

[Samilktray]

Can someone explain what these actually are?

Applying for a couple of apprenticeships and they ask for a CV with a Covering letter, I honestly have no idea what 1 is and what it should contain.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Guest DavidJCW]

I'm in the process of getting ready to apply for jobs and the Uni has been helping us with stuff like this.

A covering letter is a letter that goes with your CV that they read before they read the CV. In it, you'll try to outline what your skills are, why they are suited to the job you are applying for, why you are applying for the job on offer and generally try to sell yourself to the company.

If I'm wrong please let me know as that's what I'm pretty sure it is anyway.

[Daggers]

Can someone explain what these actually are?

Applying for a couple of apprenticeships and they ask for a CV with a Covering letter, I honestly have no idea what 1 is and what it should contain.

Thanks in advance for any help.

It's the opportunity you have to sell yourself and get the interview.

What are the key skills/attributes they are looking for and gear your paragraphs to that. Add in your personality, your reliability and your commitment to the profession and *bang* you get an interview.

Ensure no spelling mistakes, keep the grammar simple and be positive about everything. Let them know what you will add to the organisation lucky enough to have you.

Good luck.

[Guest]

There was a thread about this some time ago: I know Amy wanted some help, and a few people gave her some advice. It might be worth finding that thread and taking a look in there.

[Matt]

Ironic this thread. I was going to do a similar thread on Sunday night, then once again tonight, but had a search on the internet and found out a few answers.

I didn't know how to start it, I knew the names of people I had to apply to so didn't know if the write Dear Mrs X or Mr X (Depending on the job) or to Dear, Whom it may concern, in the end I went with names, as it said apply to Mrs X/Mr X.

My cover letters have generally gone as below;

Name

Address

Home Phone

Mobile

E-mail Address

Dear Mr/Mrs ______

I am writing regards to the ____________ vacancy.

Write about you're current situation employed/unemployed, what you can offer, what qualifications you have/are working to, what experience you have, that you want permanent employment, e.t.c.

You're previous experience, briefly you're previous employment entailed (Although as you are applying as an apprentice I guess you would have no experience/employment related to the job you are applying for?)

I am always willing to learn new skills, hard working, and would appreciate the opportunity to work for the company.

Please find my application (If you have one), CV enclosed (if applying by post)/attached (If applying by e-mail).

Thank them for taking the time to consider the application, if they have any questions of would like to contact do not hesitate to contact on the number provided.

Sincerely,

Your name.

I hope that's right, I've sent 5 of this week, and had a message back saying they will contact in due course if they wish to interview me at any time.

1 question I had is there were 2 jobs I wanted to apply for at 1 company, I didn't know weather to send 2 different e-mails, or apply for all 2 in 1 e-mail, I was unsure, in the end I opted for 2 different e-mails.

[FoxyPV]

Make sure it addresses each prospective employer indivdually as they can see a blanket covering letter a mile off and will disregard it instantly.

Make sure you say WHY you want to work for that particular company.

good luck.

[AoWW]

Don't forget that if you're writing to a named individual, (always best if you can) eg, 'Dear Mrs Smith', to sign off with Yours sincerely. If you've had to address it to 'Dear Sir/Madam' then use Yours faithfully.

[fox123]

I tend to have one cover letter that I tend to change slightly depending on type of work I am applying for.

This is mine, tends to get me an interview,,,

As my career history reveals I have previously worked as a (insert role here) within various (insert field here) in the Leicester area, but most recently at (insert company here). While as this can be an extremely interesting and challenging role, I have nevertheless begun to feel that that certain aspects of this career do not always provide me with the opportunity to explore what I feel are some of my core attributes and abilities. I have therefore recently begun to consider other opportunities that can hopefully provide me with a platform to realise some of my career objectives.

For instance, I feel my key strengths relate to having a solution focused outlook, good problem solving abilities, a tendency to be results focused and to work to deadlines, a tendency to make logical and practical decisions and to work to pressure to some extent.

I am looking for a fresh challenge that is not only target driven and solution focused but a role that offers more in the way of personal satisfaction and the opportunity to make a real impact.

I have extensive experience of working with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and have a proven record of developing good working relationships with clients. I have both good verbal and written communication skills and I am able to work autonomously and take the initiative and yet still enjoy working as part of a wider team.

Yours faithfully...

You should get a general guide of what to put from that. Good luck.

[Daggers]

I didn't know how to start it, I knew the names of people I had to apply to so didn't know if the write Dear Mrs X or Mr X (Depending on the job) or to Dear, Whom it may concern, in the end I went with names, as it said apply to Mrs X/Mr X.

I wondered what happened to all of the spies when the cold war ended - HR seems a suitable eternity in Hell for them, I guess.

[ozleicester]

I actually go to cover letter after looking at the Resume'.

My first stop is looking at the resume to see if the applicant has the experience or skills im looking for...

Yes, goto cover letter...

No... goto large metal file under desk.

If they have the basic requirments, then i will review the cover letter, as others have said its a chance to sell yourself, but as long as its clear and easily read, if you have the requirements, i will interview and make my decision from that.

Good Luck

[davieG]

I had some great ones from budding apprentices in my time with anything from

"My mum thought I'd be good at this"

"I don't know anything about what you do but the wages look good"

"I failed my A levels and can't go to University the teacher said I should go for an apprenticeship"

A large proportion had little or no information in the letters about themselves or why they where interested in the job.

Many more along those lines, quite a few of them came via Connextions an organisation set up up to advise young people on getting employment.

[Shrenchel]

Write words like communication, initiative and driven a lot.

And slutty, but not too slutty.

[Nick]

PM'd you Sam.