university of nottingham cover letter

Cover Letters

Structuring a cover letter, introduction.

If your job advert does not say whom to address the letter to, you should try and find out through LinkedIn among other resources. If you cannot find the name of your recruiter use "Dear Sir or Madam" 

If you know whom you're writing the cover letter to, use "Dear" followed by their title and surname

Your first paragraph should aim to introduce yourself and which position you are applying to

Main Body ​

Your second paragraph should exhibit your excitement for both the company and the role. Do your research: add in data and facts to exhibit your passion for the company. Alternatively, discuss CSR initiatives the company is currently doing such as Deutsche Bank's Sustainability Council.

Use your third paragraph to sell yourself; try to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Be imaginative - to include traits that are unique but the company is looking for!

Try to include personal experience in your paragraphs. Like in your CV, try to use empirical evidence to ensure your personal experience has measurable achievements 

End your person with "Yours faithfully" if you used "Dear Sir or Madam"

If your cover letter is addressed specifically to a recruiter, use "Yours sincerely"

Target Jobs: Covering Letter Example

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<strong>Writing</strong> a <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Covering</strong> <strong>Letter</strong><br />

Building student futures<br />

This leaflet is a comprehensive guide on how to write <strong>CV</strong>s <strong>and</strong> covering letters in a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

manner; essential for when you begin applying to employers.<br />

Today’s graduate job market is very<br />

competitive <strong>and</strong> your <strong>CV</strong> is your prime<br />

marketing tool. It must highlight your<br />

skills <strong>and</strong> achievements in a clear <strong>and</strong><br />

positive light which will persuade the<br />

employer to call you for an interview.<br />

Many applicants fail to make it to<br />

interview because <strong>of</strong> ineffective<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> their skills <strong>and</strong> experience,<br />

poor presentation <strong>and</strong> careless spelling<br />

<strong>and</strong> grammar. Taking time <strong>and</strong> some<br />

simple advice can really make all the<br />

difference. Here we will show you how<br />

to write an impressive <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> how to<br />

avoid the pitfalls.<br />

Before you start<br />

• Check that a <strong>CV</strong> is the correct<br />

method <strong>of</strong> applying to the<br />

organisation. Many employers now<br />

expect you to apply online via their<br />

website.<br />

• Research what the employer is<br />

looking for. Look at the advert<br />

or information on the employer’s<br />

website. What does it say about the<br />

job requirements? Are they looking<br />

for specific skills or competencies?<br />

• Investigate the employer <strong>and</strong> the<br />

business sector. Read our leaflet,<br />

Finding out about employers.<br />

• Target your skills <strong>and</strong> experience<br />

around what you have found out<br />

about the role. What do you want<br />

the employer to know about you?<br />

• Write down some key experiences<br />

where you can demonstrate the<br />

skills required <strong>and</strong> think about how<br />

you might show evidence <strong>of</strong> your<br />

suitability.<br />

By giving thought to these points you<br />

are thinking strategically about why the<br />

recruiter should give your application<br />

serious consideration.<br />

St<strong>and</strong>ard contents<br />

All <strong>CV</strong>s need to contain some st<strong>and</strong>ard<br />

information, which normally includes:<br />

• Personal details – name, address,<br />

telephone number <strong>and</strong> e-mail<br />

address<br />

• Education <strong>and</strong> qualifications<br />

• Employment history<br />

• Interests, activities <strong>and</strong><br />

achievements<br />

• References<br />

Presentation<br />

• Usually two sides <strong>of</strong> A4 or the<br />

equivalent in electronic format.<br />

• Avoid coloured or textured paper.<br />

• Be clear <strong>and</strong> concise.<br />

• Be consistent with font type <strong>and</strong><br />

size. Line up text.<br />

• Make sure key information is<br />

not hidden by too much text; try<br />

breaking up with bullet points.<br />

• Use headings or format text in bold<br />

to draw attention to important<br />

points.<br />

• Spelling <strong>and</strong> grammar must be<br />

accurate.<br />

Things to remember<br />

Target your skills <strong>and</strong> experience<br />

about the role.<br />

What do you want the employer<br />

to know about you?<br />

www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers

<strong>Writing</strong> a <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Covering</strong><br />

<strong>Letter</strong><br />

Style <strong>and</strong> format<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is not one correct style <strong>of</strong> <strong>CV</strong><br />

to use. All <strong>CV</strong>s should be targeted to<br />

meet the requirements <strong>of</strong> an advertised<br />

vacancy or a particular employer.<br />

<strong>The</strong> two most commonly used <strong>CV</strong><br />

formats are:<br />

• Chronological: the most common<br />

format outlining your experiences<br />

in reverse date order.<br />

• Skills based: this highlights <strong>and</strong><br />

gives evidence <strong>of</strong> your relevant<br />

skills. It is particularly appropriate<br />

if you wish to demonstrate<br />

transferable skills.<br />

Examples are given towards the end<br />

<strong>of</strong> this leaflet.<br />

<strong>The</strong> covering letter<br />

Your <strong>CV</strong> should always be accompanied<br />

by a covering letter. You should use your<br />

covering letter to tailor your experience<br />

to the position or organisation to which<br />

you are applying. Never underestimate<br />

its importance <strong>and</strong> as with your <strong>CV</strong> pay<br />

attention to style, layout, grammar <strong>and</strong><br />

spelling. If possible, you should send it<br />

to a named person. A covering letter<br />

should:<br />

• Highlight particular points in your<br />

<strong>CV</strong> that give evidence <strong>of</strong> your<br />

suitability for the position.<br />

• Demonstrate your interest in <strong>and</strong><br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> the company.<br />

• Be no longer than one side <strong>of</strong> A4 or<br />

electronic equivalent.<br />

<strong>The</strong> language <strong>of</strong> <strong>CV</strong>s<br />

At university you learn how to write<br />

essays or reports for your tutors which<br />

are entirely different in style to the<br />

short, brief statements which will sell<br />

you to the employer. Most <strong>CV</strong>s can be<br />

improved by a greater attention to the<br />

language <strong>and</strong> grammar you use. <strong>CV</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong> application form writing is an art.<br />

It is one you can learn with a bit <strong>of</strong><br />

perseverance <strong>and</strong> a good dictionary <strong>and</strong><br />

thesaurus! Here are some golden rules.<br />

Make verbs work for you<br />

Your best friends are active verbs <strong>and</strong><br />

your worst enemies are passive verbs.<br />

Example:<br />

Do not say: I was responsible for<br />

organising a programme <strong>of</strong> speakers.<br />

Do say: I organised a programme <strong>of</strong><br />

speakers.<br />

When you use the verb “negotiated,”<br />

in your <strong>CV</strong>, you are describing what<br />

you did but you also show you<br />

have negotiating skills as well as<br />

demonstrating that you use them. Use<br />

active verbs linked to skills the employer<br />

is looking for. See our list <strong>of</strong> “Action<br />

Words” <strong>and</strong> try to weave as many into<br />

your application as are relevant.<br />

Examples:<br />

Do not say: Resolution <strong>of</strong> customer<br />

queries to tight deadlines was required.<br />

Do say: Resolved customer queries<br />

within tight deadlines.<br />

Do not say: Simplification <strong>of</strong> the<br />

logging procedure resulted in speedier<br />

progress chasing <strong>of</strong> faults.<br />

Do say: I simplified the logging<br />

procedure which resulted in speedier<br />

Avoid weak verbs like endeavoured,<br />

tried, hoped <strong>and</strong> attempted. “I feel that<br />

I am” is <strong>of</strong>ten used, which again should<br />

be avoided as it too can sound weak.<br />

Your <strong>CV</strong> should always be<br />

accompanied by a covering letter.<br />

You should use your covering<br />

letter to tailor your experience<br />

to the position or organisation to<br />

which you are applying<br />

Explain what you did<br />

You may find when writing your <strong>CV</strong> or<br />

in answering questions on application<br />

forms that you are too concise or too<br />

wordy. Asking yourself the following<br />

questions is a useful strategy for making<br />

descriptions more detailed as well as<br />

pertinent.<br />

• Who? With whom did you work?<br />

• What? What duties/activities did<br />

you perform?<br />

• Where? Where did your job fit into<br />

the organisation?<br />

• Why? What were your goals?<br />

• When? What timelines were you<br />

working under?<br />

• How? What procedures did you<br />

follow?<br />

Use them to help you convey to the<br />

reader what you did. Remember that<br />

no-one reading your <strong>CV</strong> will have a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> time to think about what you<br />

mean. Making it easy for the reader to<br />

underst<strong>and</strong> gives you a better chance <strong>of</strong><br />

making an impact.<br />

Do not say:<br />

Planned activities for the children<br />

Do say:<br />

Planned arts, crafts, activities <strong>and</strong><br />

exercises weekly for children with<br />

learning disabilities.<br />

I worked as a counter assistant in a<br />

building society.<br />

• Gained valuable experience<br />

working to targets within a fast<br />

moving financial sector.<br />

• Worked quickly <strong>and</strong> accurately on<br />

a number <strong>of</strong> complex computer<br />

programmes.<br />

• Dealt effectively <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionally<br />

with the public in a busy branch.<br />

This job involved dealing with the public<br />

<strong>and</strong> using the till.<br />

• Worked as part <strong>of</strong> a team <strong>of</strong> six in<br />

this busy city centre store.<br />

• Developed my communication skills<br />

through interacting with customers.<br />

• Used tact <strong>and</strong> diplomacy to deal<br />

with customer complaints.<br />

Or<br />

I worked on the tills, in the warehouse,<br />

stacking shelves <strong>and</strong> pricing items.<br />

Teamwork <strong>and</strong> working directly with<br />

customers was an important element <strong>of</strong><br />

my job. I <strong>of</strong>ten worked at the busiest<br />

times <strong>and</strong> I loved the buzz <strong>of</strong> working<br />

under pressure to get a job done on<br />

time.<br />

Cut the padding<br />

When writing essays we tend to use<br />

longer sentences. <strong>The</strong> best sentences<br />

in applications are short ones. You<br />

want variety in the structure. Do not<br />

start them all with “I”. However it is<br />

likely that the number <strong>of</strong> “I” sentences<br />

will be greater than you are used to.<br />

Just remember you are writing about<br />

yourself so the frequent use <strong>of</strong> “I” <strong>and</strong><br />

“me” is okay.<br />

In a <strong>CV</strong> or a word limited application<br />

form the long phrase takes up space.<br />

Do not be tempted to overuse phrases<br />

like “As a result <strong>of</strong> this..”, “In response<br />

to this..”, “before doing this..”, “even<br />

if..”, “even though..”, “in order to..”, or<br />

words like consequently, furthermore,<br />

however, moreover, nevertheless, <strong>and</strong><br />

therefore.<br />

Is <strong>of</strong> the opinion that REPLACE WITH<br />

Thinks<br />

During the course <strong>of</strong> REPLACE WITH<br />

During<br />

Action phrases for applications<br />

If you use these phrases they must<br />

be qualified by evidence <strong>of</strong> your<br />

experience.<br />

Examples <strong>of</strong> action phrases used in a<br />

<strong>CV</strong>:<br />

• Demonstrated excellent<br />

interpersonal <strong>and</strong> people<br />

management skills through my<br />

retail experience, working on<br />

Nightline <strong>and</strong> as captain <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>University</strong>’s netball team.<br />

• Achieved all <strong>of</strong> my data inputting<br />

targets to a high st<strong>and</strong>ard,<br />

demonstrating that I am able to<br />

work accurately under pressure.<br />

• Pr<strong>of</strong>iciency in the use <strong>of</strong> statistical<br />

computer packages gained through<br />

my final year project.<br />

Examples <strong>of</strong> action phrases:<br />

Effective<br />

Sole/lone/only/single<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>iciency in, skilled in/at, experienced<br />

in/with, practised in/with/at<br />

Analysed problems <strong>and</strong> developed<br />

solutions<br />

Excellent interpersonal <strong>and</strong> people<br />

management skills<br />

Able to analyse <strong>and</strong> interpret data<br />

Able to exercise good judgement <strong>and</strong><br />

sound reasoning<br />

Good interpersonal skills<br />

Able to concentrate <strong>and</strong> pay attention to<br />

detail<br />

Can work well on own initiative<br />

A good communicator<br />

Ability to organise <strong>and</strong> motivate staff<br />

A good planner<br />

Careful <strong>and</strong> methodical approach<br />

Able to work accurately under pressure<br />

A good organiser with an eye for detail<br />

A good team worker<br />

Patient, tolerant <strong>and</strong> able to<br />

communicate<br />

A good listener with a common sense<br />

approach<br />

Persuasive but tactful<br />

A flexible approach to changing<br />

situations<br />

Determination <strong>and</strong> drive to see projects<br />

to successful completion<br />

An active decision-maker<br />

An effective time manager<br />

Highly numerate <strong>and</strong> computer literate<br />

Adaptable to team or individual roles<br />

Produces to deadlines<br />

Extensive visual memory<br />

Make sure it is clear <strong>and</strong> easy to<br />

read. Most employers will spend<br />

less than 30 seconds scanning<br />

your <strong>CV</strong>.

<strong>Writing</strong> a <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> a <strong>Covering</strong><br />

Action verbs for <strong>CV</strong>s<br />

Accelerated Achieved Administered Advised Allocated Analysed<br />

Appraised Arranged Assessed Assisted Attained<br />

Broadened Budgeted<br />

Checked<br />

Conducted<br />

Co-ordinated<br />

Coached<br />

Considerable<br />

Created<br />

Communicated<br />

Consistently<br />

Competent<br />

Consolidated<br />

Completed<br />

Controlled<br />

Comprehensive<br />

Converted<br />

Delegated Delivered Demonstrated Designed Developed Devised<br />

Directed<br />

Ensured Established Evaluated Exp<strong>and</strong>ed<br />

Facilitated<br />

Generated<br />

Helped<br />

Identified<br />

Innovated<br />

Implemented<br />

Instructed<br />

Improved<br />

Interviewed<br />

Launched Led Liaised<br />

Increased<br />

Introduced<br />

Influenced<br />

Investigated<br />

Maintained Managed Marketed Minimised Motivated<br />

Negotiated Networked<br />

Operated Organised<br />

Participated<br />

Prepared<br />

Prompted<br />

Performed<br />

Presented<br />

Proposed<br />

Persuaded<br />

Processed<br />

Proved<br />

Pertinent<br />

Produced<br />

Provided<br />

Pinpointed<br />

Programmed<br />

Qualified<br />

Recommended<br />

Resolved<br />

Recruited<br />

Resourceful<br />

Reduced<br />

Responded<br />

Reorganised<br />

Responsible<br />

Represented<br />

Reviewed<br />

Selected to Simplified Spearheaded Strengthened Supervised<br />

Taught Tested Trained Transformed Translated<br />

Undertook<br />

Volunteered<br />

Won<br />

Initiated<br />

Planned<br />

Promoted<br />

Researched<br />

Revised<br />

Further tips<br />

• A personal pr<strong>of</strong>ile is not essential<br />

but if included must be targeted<br />

for each application <strong>and</strong> must show<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> your relevant skills.<br />

• In terms <strong>of</strong> qualifications do not<br />

give a disproportionate amount<br />

<strong>of</strong> space to say GCSEs. Focus on<br />

the most relevant qualifications<br />

which are probably those you are<br />

currently or have recently studied.<br />

• Don’t be modest about your work<br />

experience. It’s easy to undervalue<br />

your vacation/casual jobs. You<br />

may not have held impressive<br />

positions but what interests an<br />

employer is what you gained from<br />

the experience in terms <strong>of</strong> skills<br />

<strong>and</strong> personal development. Also,<br />

don’t forget to include voluntary<br />

Finally<br />

• Check <strong>and</strong> double check your<br />

spelling <strong>and</strong> grammar.<br />

• Make sure it is clear <strong>and</strong> easy to<br />

less than 30 seconds scanning your<br />

<strong>CV</strong>.<br />

Further information<br />

We can give you feedback on your <strong>CV</strong><br />

or covering letter but we expect you to<br />

have followed the advice in this leaflet<br />

<strong>and</strong> the other resources below.<br />

To book an appointment log on to our<br />

website at www.nottingham.ac.uk/<br />

careers/students<br />

Websites<br />

Centre for Career Development<br />

website<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are a range <strong>of</strong> resources on our<br />

website that you can use to develop<br />

your <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> covering letter www.<br />

nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students<br />

Prospects website<br />

This site covers what to include in your<br />

<strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> covering letters <strong>and</strong> examples<br />

www.prospects.ac.uk<br />

Grammar websites<br />

BBC www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/<br />

grammar<br />

<strong>The</strong> Owl at Purdue http://owl.english.<br />

purdue.edu/owl<br />

Leaflet - free to take away<br />

Finding <strong>and</strong> applying for part-time jobs<br />

- covers developing a targeted <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

covering letter for these types <strong>of</strong> jobs<br />

with examples.<br />

Books - for overnight loan<br />

• How to Write a Great <strong>CV</strong><br />

• Brilliant <strong>CV</strong><br />

• Killer <strong>CV</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Hidden Approaches<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Global Resume <strong>and</strong> <strong>CV</strong> Guide<br />

• Your Hired - How to Write a<br />

Brilliant <strong>CV</strong><br />

• Preparing the Perfect <strong>CV</strong><br />

• Readymade Job Search <strong>Letter</strong>s<br />

• Ultimate Cover <strong>Letter</strong>s<br />

Events<br />

We <strong>of</strong>fer a number <strong>of</strong> workshops in the<br />

autumn <strong>and</strong> spring terms on developing<br />

a <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> covering letter - book a<br />

place through our website at www.<br />

nottingham.ac.uk/careers/events<br />

An example <strong>of</strong> a chronological <strong>CV</strong><br />

Do not copy these examples word for word – YOUR <strong>CV</strong> has to reflect YOUR skills <strong>and</strong> how they relate to<br />

the job or role you are applying for<br />

A personal pr<strong>of</strong>ile is<br />

optional. If included, it must<br />

be targeted at the position<br />

applied for <strong>and</strong> include<br />

relevant strengths <strong>and</strong> skills.<br />

This would sit below your<br />

address.<br />

Steven Brown<br />

12 Green Drive<br />

Lenton<br />

<strong>Nottingham</strong><br />

NG7 2XX<br />

Tel: 076…..<br />

Email: [email protected]<br />

Date <strong>of</strong> birth - No<br />

longer necessary.<br />

Education<br />

2008-2011 <strong>The</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nottingham</strong><br />

BSc Hons. Geography - 2:1<br />

Modules included: Interpreting Geographical Data, Economic <strong>and</strong> Urban Geography,<br />

Geography <strong>of</strong> Money <strong>and</strong> Finance, Environmental Change, Effects <strong>of</strong> Atmospheric Pollution.<br />

<strong>The</strong> course involved practical field trips in Wales <strong>and</strong> Majorca.<br />

Final year dissertation analysed environmental issues in the development <strong>of</strong> a local business<br />

park.<br />

2006-2008 Joseph Wright School, Liverpool<br />

Relevant Experience<br />

A-levels: Geography (A) English (A) Biology (B)<br />

AS Level Business Studies (B)<br />

GCSEs: 10 A*- B<br />

Try <strong>and</strong> put your<br />

most relevant<br />

experience on the<br />

front page.<br />

Spring 2010<br />

Wildlife Trust, <strong>Nottingham</strong> – Volunteer<br />

• Delivered fun educational activities in a local primary school<br />

• Compiled <strong>and</strong> produced a marketing leaflet to promote future events<br />

Summer 2009<br />

Newtown City Council Environmental Department - Administration Assistant<br />

• Worked in a team <strong>of</strong> six to provide administrative support to environmental consultants<br />

• Compiled impact assessment documents using Micros<strong>of</strong>t Word<br />

• Analysed environmental data using the internal database<br />

• Responded to customer enquiries both on the telephone <strong>and</strong> in person<br />

Summer 2008<br />

Corfu Dolphin Research Programme – Volunteer<br />

• Assessed <strong>and</strong> monitored the dolphin population in Corfu, Greece<br />

Try <strong>and</strong> start<br />

each bullet<br />

point with a<br />

strong verb.

Steven Brown – <strong>CV</strong> continued<br />

Other Experience<br />

2007-2008 Right Look Clothing, <strong>Nottingham</strong> – Sales Consultant<br />

• Displayed clothing to encourage sales<br />

• Achieved sales targets<br />

• Served customers <strong>and</strong> supervised the changing rooms<br />

2005-2007 Various casual jobs including catering assistant,<br />

warehouse work <strong>and</strong> builder’s labourer<br />

Positions <strong>of</strong> Responsibility<br />

Group together<br />

temporary<br />

positions to save<br />

space.<br />

• Final year course representative. This entailed liaison between staff <strong>and</strong> students.<br />

• Treasurer <strong>of</strong> Geography Society during second year<br />

Achievements<br />

• Right Look Clothing’s Employee <strong>of</strong> the Month – for exceeding my individual sales target<br />

by 25%<br />

• Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh Silver Award. This included community service at a local hospice <strong>and</strong><br />

a three day expedition in the Peak District<br />

Additional Skills<br />

• Driving: full, clean licence<br />

• IT: competent user <strong>of</strong> Micros<strong>of</strong>t Word, Outlook <strong>and</strong> Excel<br />

• Languages: conversational French <strong>and</strong> Italian<br />

Interests<br />

• Sport: play football in a local league<br />

• Environment: subscriber to the Environment Post <strong>and</strong> a member <strong>of</strong> the British Trust for<br />

Conservation Volunteers<br />

• Music: bass guitar in a local b<strong>and</strong><br />

References<br />

Dr T Khan<br />

School <strong>of</strong> Geography<br />

<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nottingham</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong> Park<br />

NG7 2RD<br />

Tel: 0115 ………..<br />

Email: t.khan@ …………<br />

Mrs Bird<br />

Right Look Clothing<br />

Robin Hood Centre<br />

NG92 1PZ<br />

Tel: 0115 951 ….<br />

m.bird@.....<br />

One <strong>of</strong> your references should<br />

be from an academic.

EDUCATION<br />

An example <strong>of</strong> a skills-based <strong>CV</strong><br />

JENNY LI<br />

31 Robin Hood Rise<br />

Sherwood<br />

NG7 T66<br />

Tel: 07…..<br />

E-mail….<br />

BA Finance Accounting <strong>and</strong> Management<br />

Year 2 grade 69%<br />

Modules have included: Computers in Business, Entrepreneurship in Business, Financial<br />

Accounting, People <strong>and</strong> Organisations, Microeconomics for Business, Introductory<br />

Econometrics.<br />

2001-2008 West Park School, Birmingham<br />

A-Level Business Studies (A) Mathematics (A) French (B)<br />

AS Level Psychology (B)<br />

Consider which skills the<br />

employer is seeking <strong>and</strong> give<br />

SKILLS PROFILE<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> these on your <strong>CV</strong>.<br />

Which other skills can you<br />

Effective Communication<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer?<br />

• Strong customer service skills developed in sales <strong>and</strong> waitressing roles<br />

• Presentation skills <strong>and</strong> confidence gained through production <strong>of</strong> school play in the sixth form<br />

Team Working <strong>and</strong> Leadership<br />

• Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh (silver) – Leader for team expedition. Motivated team members during difficult weather<br />

conditions<br />

• Captain <strong>of</strong> school netball team<br />

Time Management<br />

IT<br />

• Involvement in drama, netball, part-time work <strong>and</strong> my study has taught me the importance <strong>of</strong> organisation<br />

<strong>and</strong> prioritising commitments<br />

• IT: Competent in the use all Micros<strong>of</strong>t packages<br />

Only list modules<br />

which might be <strong>of</strong><br />

relevance to the<br />

position you are<br />

applying for.<br />

Other skills you could include<br />

in this section include: problem<br />

solving, innovation, influencing,<br />

creativity...

WORK EXPERIENCE<br />

Aug 2008-present<br />

Notts County Football Club - Waitress<br />

• Customer service skills gained from serving refreshments in the hospitality boxes on match days<br />

July-December 2006<br />

Sainsbury’s – Check-out Operator<br />

• Operated the tills <strong>and</strong> dealt with customer enquiries<br />

• H<strong>and</strong>led cash <strong>and</strong> card transactions<br />

ACHIEVEMENTS<br />

Use any casual jobs or<br />

voluntary experience<br />

you have had to give<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> skills the<br />

employer might seek.<br />

• Captain <strong>of</strong> school netball club during sixth form. Team won local league in 2006<br />

• Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh Silver Award. This involved planning <strong>and</strong> leading a three day expedition in the Peak<br />

District with a group <strong>of</strong> ten students <strong>and</strong> weekly voluntary work with an after school club running drama<br />

activities for 4-11 year olds<br />

• Member <strong>of</strong> school drama club. Producer <strong>of</strong> ‘Annie’ 2006. This involved organising the rehearsal schedule,<br />

negotiating employer sponsorship for the programme, co-ordinating ticket sales <strong>and</strong> overseeing the budget <strong>of</strong><br />

£1250<br />

INTERESTS<br />

• Sport: play netball in a local league in <strong>Nottingham</strong><br />

• Music: attend live concerts. Learning to play the keyboard<br />

• <strong>The</strong>atre: regularly see performances at the <strong>Nottingham</strong> Playhouse<br />

REFERENCES<br />

Dr. J. Sutton<br />

South Building<br />

Jubilee Campus<br />

<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nottingham</strong> Business School<br />

NG10 1 YY<br />

Tel : 0115….<br />

j.sutton@nottingham.....<br />

Mrs Thompson<br />

Notts County Football Club<br />

Trent Avenue<br />

NGI IAA<br />

Tel : 0115……<br />

e.thompson@ …

Example <strong>Covering</strong> <strong>Letter</strong> 1 – Reply to an advertised vacancy<br />

Mr P Cottingham<br />

Pockitt & Jingle<br />

Main Street<br />

Fossington, Hants<br />

4 Green Drive<br />

NG7 2EE<br />

[email protected]<br />

6 th September 2010<br />

Dear Mr Cottingham<br />

State why you are writing<br />

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a marketing assistant listed on the Centre for Career Development<br />

State what you can <strong>of</strong>fer the employer<br />

As you will see from my <strong>CV</strong>, I am in the final year <strong>of</strong> a biological science degree. I have developed excellent oral <strong>and</strong><br />

written communication skills through my coursework <strong>and</strong> work experience in catering <strong>and</strong> retailing. In addition, I am<br />

able to work well with other people. My role as captain <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> badminton team required me to motivate<br />

<strong>and</strong> encourage other team members <strong>and</strong>, as part <strong>of</strong> the first year Buddy Scheme, I was able to build rapport with<br />

my group very quickly. <strong>The</strong> range <strong>of</strong> my extra curricular activities <strong>and</strong> my academic performance show I have good<br />

time management skills. <strong>The</strong>se also demonstrate my ability to work under pressure. My academic work requires<br />

a high degree <strong>of</strong> numerical ability <strong>and</strong> attention to detail. I enjoy research <strong>and</strong> have always found analytical work<br />

very satisfying. My ICT skills are well developed as a result <strong>of</strong> this. I see all these qualities as relevant to the role <strong>of</strong><br />

marketing assistant.<br />

Pockitt <strong>and</strong> Jingle <strong>of</strong>fers me the opportunity to work in industrial rather than consumer product marketing where<br />

I can make use <strong>of</strong> my scientific knowledge in a commercial setting. From your website I see I would be involved in<br />

marketing projects at an early stage which is very appealing. In addition I am attracted by the opportunity to deal<br />

with a wide variety <strong>of</strong> customers. I notice that you place great emphasis on training in the job description <strong>and</strong> this is<br />

important to me. For all these reasons, an industrial marketing career appears to suit my personality <strong>and</strong> skills <strong>and</strong> I<br />

am fully committed to it.<br />

Close positively<br />

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my experience with you at interview. My final exams fall in the two<br />

weeks <strong>of</strong> 9 th to 23 rd June.<br />

Yours sincerely<br />

State what the employer can <strong>of</strong>fer you<br />

End ‘Yours sincerely’ because there is a named<br />

contact. End ‘Yours faithfully’ if addressing the<br />

letter to ‘Dear Sir/Madam’

Example <strong>Covering</strong> <strong>Letter</strong> 2 – Speculative Submission<br />

Ms Eleanor Dashwood<br />

Farrar PR Ltd<br />

22 Regents Crescent<br />

London SW1B 2TP<br />

Dear Ms Dashwood<br />

I would be pleased if you could consider this speculative application for an account h<strong>and</strong>ling role at Farrar PR. I note<br />

from your website that you welcome applications before Christmas for the September 2011 intake.<br />

I am a confident <strong>and</strong> highly motivated final year history undergraduate at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nottingham</strong>. I have<br />

gained editorial experience through Impact Magazine whilst at <strong>University</strong>. Having researched various media<br />

occupations, <strong>and</strong> undertaken work placements, I am now fully committed to pursuing a career in PR <strong>and</strong> have a<br />

particular interest in consumer PR.<br />

My verbal communication skills are equally good. Extensive customer service jobs helped develop these skills<br />

coupled with my drama performance interests. Socially confident, I am capable <strong>of</strong> addressing a range <strong>of</strong> audiences. I<br />

have excellent negotiation <strong>and</strong> persuasion skills which I have had to apply recently when persuading store managers<br />

to lend me props for 26 photo shoots. As can be seen in my role pr<strong>of</strong>ile, I possess a combination <strong>of</strong> creative ability<br />

with a very can-do approach. My peers regard me as a good team player who, being well-organised, is comfortable<br />

with both event management <strong>and</strong> communication roles.<br />

I note from your website that you are a full service agency who specialise in PR for the retail industry. I am<br />

impressed by your extensive range <strong>of</strong> clients including the top names such as Tesco, <strong>and</strong> have followed their recent<br />

campaigns in the media. Communication skills are my strength. My editorial experience has really developed my<br />

writing skills, <strong>and</strong> taught me the need to produce copy to tight deadlines. At Crispin Publishing I learnt how to<br />

compile <strong>and</strong> research information. <strong>The</strong> strong emphasis on written coursework throughout my studies has been<br />

important in developing my written communication skills. My secretarial course <strong>and</strong> employment also taught me<br />

how to use business English <strong>and</strong> my IT skills are well developed.<br />

I hope that my enthusiasm for PR is conveyed in this application. I consider that I have the necessary drive <strong>and</strong><br />

personal qualities required to contribute to your success as an established PR agency.<br />

I look forward to hearing from you shortly regarding an interview.<br />

Close positively

<strong>The</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nottingham</strong><br />

Portl<strong>and</strong> Building<br />

Level D West<br />

<strong>Nottingham</strong> NG7 2RD<br />

United Kingdom<br />

WE’RE HERE TO HELP, GET IN TOUCH:<br />

Tel: 0115 951 3680<br />

[email protected]<br />

www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers<br />

This publication is available in alternative formats

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<strong>Writing</strong> a <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Covering</strong> <strong>Letter</strong> Building student futures This leaflet is a comprehensive guide on how to write <strong>CV</strong>s <strong>and</strong> covering letters in a pr<strong>of</strong>essional manner; essential for when you begin applying to employers. Today’s graduate job market is very competitive <strong>and</strong> your <strong>CV</strong> is your prime marketing tool. It must highlight your skills <strong>and</strong> achievements in a clear <strong>and</strong> positive light which will persuade the employer to call you for an interview. Many applicants fail to make it to interview because <strong>of</strong> ineffective evidence <strong>of</strong> their skills <strong>and</strong> experience, poor presentation <strong>and</strong> careless spelling <strong>and</strong> grammar. Taking time <strong>and</strong> some simple advice can really make all the difference. Here we will show you how to write an impressive <strong>CV</strong> <strong>and</strong> how to avoid the pitfalls. Before you start • Check that a <strong>CV</strong> is the correct method <strong>of</strong> applying to the organisation. Many employers now expect you to apply online via their website. • Research what the employer is looking for. Look at the advert or information on the employer’s website. What does it say about the job requirements? Are they looking for specific skills or competencies? • Investigate the employer <strong>and</strong> the business sector. Read our leaflet, Finding out about employers. • Target your skills <strong>and</strong> experience around what you have found out about the role. What do you want the employer to know about you? • Write down some key experiences where you can demonstrate the skills required <strong>and</strong> think about how you might show evidence <strong>of</strong> your suitability. By giving thought to these points you are thinking strategically about why the recruiter should give your application serious consideration. St<strong>and</strong>ard contents All <strong>CV</strong>s need to contain some st<strong>and</strong>ard information, which normally includes: • Personal details – name, address, telephone number <strong>and</strong> e-mail address • Education <strong>and</strong> qualifications • Employment history • Interests, activities <strong>and</strong> achievements • References Presentation • Usually two sides <strong>of</strong> A4 or the equivalent in electronic format. • Avoid coloured or textured paper. • Be clear <strong>and</strong> concise. • Be consistent with font type <strong>and</strong> size. Line up text. • Make sure key information is not hidden by too much text; try breaking up with bullet points. • Use headings or format text in bold to draw attention to important points. • Spelling <strong>and</strong> grammar must be accurate. Things to remember Target your skills <strong>and</strong> experience around what you have found out about the role. What do you want the employer to know about you? www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers

• Page 2 and 3: Writing a CV and Covering Letter St
• Page 4 and 5: Writing a CV and a Covering Letter
• Page 6 and 7: An example of a chronological CV Do
• Page 8 and 9: EDUCATION An example of a skills-ba
• Page 10 and 11: Example Covering Letter 1 - Reply t
• Page 12: Centre for Career Development The U

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• Careers and Employability Service
• Application forms

Cover letters

Personal statements.

A cover letter will often accompany your CV when you are applying for a work or study opportunity. So even if you spend lots of time perfecting your CV, your application can still be affected by the quality of your cover letter. It is therefore important that you take time to create a well-structured cover letter targeted to each and every opportunity you apply for. View some examples of cover letters on the Target Jobs website .

The purpose

• To encourage an employer to read the accompanying CV or application form
• To draw together relevant facts from your CV or application form and shape them to the needs of the employer; demonstrating your ability to do the job/course
• If speculative: to explain why you are sending your CV

If you are asked to send a ‘letter of application’, you might treat this as an extended cover letter. The tips provided in these pages will also help you to construct this type of letter.

Preparation

• Research the company or organisation using resources such as the company or organisation's website, recent news articles or their social media.
• Thoroughly research the role/course you are applying for including the main duties and responsibilities of the opportunity are or what modules and projects are available throughout the course
• Identify aspects of the role or course that are most important to you
• The length of a cover letter should be about one side of A4, using a font of no smaller than 11. Using a matching font and style to your CV gives your application a coherent and professional look. If the employer is asking for a lot of information and you can’t fit it onto one side, don’t reduce the font size any smaller – it’s better to go over two sides in a readable font than squeeze your information onto one side
• Occasionally you may be asked for a handwritten cover letter. As handwriting generally is larger than typed text, it is usually OK to go onto two pages

A top tip we can offer is to tailor your cover letter for each application. You can adapt information you cut and paste from previous applications, however be very careful that it is appropriate to the job you are applying for.

When planning, consider the following points:

• What are your key strengths in relation to the opportunity?
• What has motivated you to pursue this opportunity?
• You may need to illustrate how your skills satisfy the requirements (e.g. Leadership, Team work, Communication) so think of some examples of where you will have demonstrated these (such as work experience, university experiences, volunteering, Leicester Award, Internships, interests, hobbies)
• What differentiates this job and company to you from their competitors?

Writing your first draft

Make sure that your cover letter/statement has a clear structure, so that the employer can easily recognise what you are addressing. We suggest using a structure similar to this:

I.C.M.E Structure

I – Introduction: A brief opening to introduce yourself and outlining the position or opportunity you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.

C – Capability: One to two paragraphs that explains why you are suitable for the role. You should refer to the job/course description and demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the opportunity.

M – Motivation: One to two paragraphs that detail why you are interested in the company/institution and the position/study. Make sure you are specific and demonstrate that you have done your research.

E – Ending: A couple of lines that thank the reader for his/her time and state that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Refer back to the specific course or job requirements.

Use subheadings and bullet points to highlight key information and help your cover letter stand out by using direct, positive and appropriate language.

TOP TIP: Expressing things more positively can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful application. Below are a few examples:

• “I am a good communicator” rather than “I feel that I am a good communicator”
• “I have excellent communication skills” rather than “Some people have told me I am good at communicating”
• “During this experience I successfully managed seven people” rather than “During this experience I had to manage seven people”

Proof-reading and amending

After all the time and effort you have spent developing your cover letter, it would be a shame to send it before you have proof-read and thoroughly checked it through. To make absolutely sure, get someone else to read it – the best of writers miss mistakes in their own work due to familiarity with the text.

Using MyCareers

How to access MyCareers as a graduate.

Learn more about Linkedin and how you can write a great profile.

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Coursework Submission

Your module convenor will inform you of the coursework submission deadlines for each module, and whether to use electronic or hardcopy submissions (or both).

If you are a student from one of the schools below you will need to access and complete the appropriate personalised school coursework submission coversheet:

All Engineering ,  Mathematical Sciences ,  Life Sciences ,  Physics and Astronomy

If you have a support plan (formerly known as an academic referral form, ARF or disability referral from, DRF) one of the recommendations will be that extensions to deadlines should be allowed on request wherever possible. Therefore, you do not need to complete an extenuating circumstances form. Please refer to the  procedure for Students with a Support Plan .

Electronic submission

• Use Moodle or Turnitin for your electronic submission, following the specific instructions for each piece of work.

Hardcopy submission

• You may be given special instructions for some types of work – such as lab books and models.
• For any other type of work complete a Coursework Coversheet, and then use the drop-boxes at Student Service Centres to submit your work.

Dual submission

• If you are asked for both types of submission, submit the work electronically first.  This will give you a submission number, which you will need for your coversheet.

Locations and opening times of Student Service Centres

Access your coursework coversheet    Student enquiry centre 

What you need to know

More information about coursework submission.

• Please ensure you complete a  coursework submission coversheet  for each piece of coursework submitted. Coversheets are available in each Service Centre.
• When submitting coursework you will need to sign a declaration, stating that you have read the sections on  Academic Misconduct  in the Quality Manual, and confirm that the work you are submitting is your own.
• It is your responsibility to ensure coursework is submitted on time.  This includes both electronic and hardcopy submissions. If there are genuine reasons that mean your work will be late, please refer to the information on  Extenuating Circumstances .
• If you are sending coursework by post, plan for it to arrive at Student Services by the deadline day. Keep receipts/records of postage.
• Don’t leave submission of your coursework until the last minute as there can be queues! 

Late submission

Please refer to the Quality Manual for information relating to the  Penalties for late submission of assessed coursework

Return of coursework

Hardcopy coursework will be returned to you either via the module convenor or via Student Services. Details about coursework returns will be made by the module convenor as part of the coursework submission instructions.

Coursework feedback

Module convenors will specify the nature and extent of feedback you can expect and whether this will be accompanied by the return of assessed work.

If coursework is being electronically marked it will be available to you via Moodle/Turnitin within 15 working days of the submission deadline. 

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How to write a cover letter

Need help? Here's how we can support you with your cover letters. If you’ve struggled with cover letters in the past and you’re worried they’re holding you back, we can help. Step 1:  Use the information below to write your cover letter Step 2: Upload your cover letter to  CareerSet for immediate feedback Make sure you read the whole of the feedback report, not just the bullet point highlights Edit your cover letter and reupload - repeat as many times as you like Step 3:  If you have a specific question that CareerSet can’t help you with, upload your cover letter to your documents on  Handshake  and message the careers Information Team, requesting a review. We do not offer a repeat cover letter 'checking' service, so when you have applied the feedback, you should return to CareerSet to help further refine your cover letter.  Read the  Talk to Us  page for more information about our support. Postgraduate students should also visit the Graduate Research School's  Applications and interviews  page.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter (or covering letter) is a document that accompanies your CV when you are applying for jobs. It’s a chance for you to expand on your CV and explain why you’re interested in and qualified for the job.

Letter or email?

It’s unlikely that you’ll actually post a job application, but even when emailing an application many employers still prefer you to attach a cover letter and CV, rather than put the content of your cover letter in the body of your email.

Saying that, don’t worry too much. Just do what the employer asks you to do. If they say to apply with a CV and cover letter, attach a CV and cover letter to your email. If you’re unsure, ask us.

How to lay it out

Set out your cover letter as a formal letter. That means your name and address on the top right and the address of the employer on the left. Include the job title and/or job application reference. Sign off your letter ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ depending on who you have addressed the letter to (‘Yours sincerely’ when your letter is addressed to a person, ‘Yours faithfully’ when your letter is addressed to the organisation or ‘Sir/Madam’).

What to include

Unless you’re told otherwise, keep your cover letter brief. One side of A4 is enough. Here’s a general structure:

• Paragraph One: Introduce yourself and explain what’s motivated you to apply for this role. Explain why you want to work for the employer and why you want that specific role.
• Paragraph Two/three: Explain why you are suited to the role. Highlight your strengths, skills and experiences that are relevant. You can refer to sections of your CV but don’t just repeat what’s on there.
• Final paragraph: Conclusion. Draw everything together and end on a positive note.
• If you’re given instructions, follow them. Sometimes you’ll be given a word count or be told to write a cover letter no longer than one page of A4.
• Remember that your cover letter is a chance to show off your writing style and your ability to be concise. Do not ramble or write your letter like an academic essay.
• When outlining your skills, refer back to the job description to make it clear how your skills are relevant.
• If you’re sending a speculative application (applying for a role that isn’t being advertised) try to address your cover letter to a specific person. Letters addressed to the company or to ‘Sir/Madam’ are easily ignored. Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the name of the best person to contact.
• Proofread, and consider asking a family member or friend to check it. We can give you feedback on your cover letter but we do not provide a proofreading service. Use  Texthelp tools to get your computer to read out your answers to help you spot mistakes.

Speculative applications

A lot of jobs are never advertised; sometimes a job may even be created for you if you are the right person. Read our advice on sending speculative applications:

• In order to write a good speculative letter/email you will first need to do some research into the organisation you are writing to. This way you will be able to target your application to their needs and demonstrate your passion for the company, role and industry
• Catch the attention of the person you are writing to. Give them a clear reason to want to contact you and take things further. For example, demonstrate that you have relevant skills, perhaps through extra-curricular activities and explain how offering you work experience will be of benefit to them (not just you!). Include a web link to your best work if possible. Also demonstrate that you understand what they do as an organisation - perhaps mention an interest in the clients they work with/your enjoyment of a documentary they made/an article you read that resonated with you – ie really tailor the application to that particular organisation
• Be explicit about what you are asking for and what you can offer
• It is a good idea to write to a specific named individual. If necessary phone to clarify who the best person to contact would be before sending your letter/email. Company websites, X/Twitter and LinkedIn profiles may also be useful for this
• Follow it up! It’s a good idea to contact the organisation a week or two after you have sent it. Ask if they’ve had a chance to read it and whether there will be any opportunities for you. If not, find out if they know of anyone else you could approach for work experience opportunities
• Create an online presence: use social or professional networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Not only can you find out about companies in this way, they can find out about you! Use X/Twitter to follow individuals working in the roles you are interested in - this will help you keep up to date with their news, but could also lead to job opportunities (eg they could put out a last minute call for help if a runner lets them down). However, remember they can check you out online, so think about the impression you want to give and lock down your privacy settings of anything personal you wouldn’t want them to see.

Cover letter examples

• Sample cover letter  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter for a speculative application  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter and speculative work experience approach  on TARGETjobs
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Writing a Cover Letter

Craft a stand-out letter for your prospective employer.

Why a cover letter?

A cover letter’s purpose is to communicate to the employer a personalized message about your potential value to that organization as well as express enthusiasm for a position and organization in a narrative voice. This resource will give you insight on what to include to write a compelling cover letter.

Keep reading to learn:

• Components of a cover letter
• Best practices for writing
• Sample cover letter

Writing the body of a cover letter

Opening paragraph.

Begin by explaining what position you are applying for, how you heard of the position opening, and a bit about how you see a strong match between you and the position/organization. Researching the position and organization should assist you in making that connection. Start strong and ensure that you are conveying your enthusiasm.

Middle Paragraph(s)

The body of your letter should make clear connections between the experiences and skills that you have, and the qualifications for a successful candidate found in the job description. Give details of experiences that support your qualifications for the position and your specific interest and knowledge regarding the organization. This may take more than one paragraph.

Closing Paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the organization and why you’d be a good fit. State your desire to meet with the individual to further discuss the position and tell them how you plan to follow up with them. Always thank them for their time and consideration of your application.

Best Practices for Writing

Cover letter example.

Taylor S. Tailor

[email protected], (651)-567-8910, linkedin.com/taylor.s.tailor

August 15, 2020

Ms. Jo Anne Roberts Director of Sales MN Apps Inc. 2000 Excelsior Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55401

Dear Ms. Roberts:

I am very interested in the Technical Sales Representative internship position that is currently posted on the St. Thomas Career Development Center’s web page. I will be graduating next spring with a major in Marketing, and my hope is to work in sales. I am especially interested in working with an organization such as MN Technology Sales that separates itself from the competition by emphasizing a collaborative approach to customer relations.

As the enclosed resume indicates, I have had internship and other experiences which have given me exposure to a variety of work environments. This past summer I was able to support the sales department in a mid-sized business, helping them to increase their revenue by 10%. I’ve also had the opportunity to develop strong communication and teamwork skills through my volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity.

One of my more challenging work experiences has been as an Orientation Leader at the University of St. Thomas. I was responsible for leading groups of incoming first year students through a day’s worth of activities to help them get prepared for the college experience, which was both challenging and rewarding. In this position I had the opportunity to develop and strengthen strong presentation skills as well as an ability to maintain flexibility and demonstrate excellent judgment and leadership skills.

I am looking forward to discussing the Technical Sales Representative position with you. I will call you early next week to follow-up on my application. Thank you for your time.

• Draft a tailored cover letter for specific roles you are applying for
• Have it reviewed by a Career Ambassador in the Career Development Center, and/or the Center for Writing
• Proofread carefully before submitting, and save your work so you can refer back to it in the future

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Covering Letters

Produce positive and relevant cover letters and emails that directly relate to the job you're applying for.

What are they for?

Covering letters have 2 main jobs: to e xplain what you are applying for and why you are applying, and to explain how you meet the organisation’s criteria.

It also demonstrates your written communication skills, so a well-written covering letter will sell you to a potential employer and encourage them to read your CV.

Because every job is different, that means every covering letter needs to be created from scratch. You need to give enough information to spotlight the important and relevant details on your CV – the letter is not simply a list of your academic qualifications and skills.

What does a covering letter look like?

A covering letter has a standard format.  Make your paragraphs concise and well organised, ensuring that each paragraph addresses only one important factor e.g. your motivation or suitability.

Structuring a cover letter

1. Introduction

Tell them why you are writing (e.g. for work experience or to apply for a specific vacancy; if the latter, give the job title and where you saw it advertised). Establish any links with the individual or the company to whom you are writing, if relevant, e.g. ‘I spoke with Jane Smith, a consultant at Deloitte, at a careers evening and she suggested I apply for this role’.

2. Why this organisation/Career Path/Sector?

Show that you know something about the organisation and why you would like to work for them. Never just repeat what is on their website. Perhaps you met someone from the company at a careers event or attended a presentation? If so, name them and the event. Explain what motivates you to work in this sector, what you know about it and what is happening currently. This is your chance to show you have researched their organisation, the sector, and potentially the career path too.

3. Why this job role?

You need to show that you understand what the job involves and why it is of interest to you. Look at the information in the job advert which explains what you’ll do in the role, and pick out any task or activities that particularly appeal to you. If it’s a traineeship or a development programme then you can also talk about how it is structured, such as the training provided, or the chance to rotate into different departments.

4. How you meet their requirements

The job advert will also detail the combination of qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience they are looking for. Make sure to mention these requirements and provide evidence of how you match to them. Briefly detail in which part of your life you demonstrated these requirements so that they can then look for more information on your CV. You can refer to any aspect of your life e.g. side hustle, part-time work, your course, or a role within a club or society.

5. Finishing the letter (one brief paragraph)

This section is just to show that you are polite & know how to end a letter, but if you need to, you can briefly mention any additional factors e.g. why your degree result/A-level grades were not as good as expected, or when you are available if you are requesting work experience.

Letter format guidelines

• Layout: use a formal business letter layout with your address in the top right-hand corner and the name and address of the person and organisation you are applying to below, on the left-hand side. Include the date and any job reference below this. Make sure all names are spelled correctly.
• Length: one side of A4.
• Contact: always try and write to a specific, named person. Use their correct title e.g. ‘Dear Mr Jones’ or ‘Dear Ms Smith’. If you can’t get a name, use Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Sir/Madam,
• Font: Use something simple like Calibri or Arial, but make sure that it matches your CV or it will look like they were written by two different people.
• End the letter correctly: if you address the letter to a named person i.e. ‘Dear Ms Smith,’ sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’. Use ‘Yours faithfully’ if the letter is addressed to ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Then leave a few lines and type your name in full, leaving space for your signature.

Applying by email

Make sure that whatever you are sending out is professionally presented and error free. Use the same font type and size in both covering letter and CV.  If you have been asked to send your application by email, you can attach both letter and CV to a brief email as .pdfs.  Alternatively, you can use the covering letter as the text of the email and attach your CV as a .pdf.  Make sure you follow any instructions the employer has given.

Speculative letters

A speculative application is sent to an organisation to see if they have any opportunities which have not yet been advertised.  It might be a good way of sourcing work experience or work shadowing, as long as you are willing to send a lot of them.  Writing a good speculative letter requires you to:

Do your research: good research and careful thinking around the employer/organisation will help you to suggest the roles/areas you are interested in. Employers like to receive suggestions as to the type of work you can do.

Think about the employer’s point of view: do explain what you can bring to the organisation, whether this is relevant experience, or an interest in this area of work and lots of enthusiasm.

Top tips for a winning cover letter:

• If you a finding it difficult to write your first draft, try using text generative AI. If you upload the text of the advert into your favourite Gen AI application, and ask it to draft a covering letter it will produce a generic draft that you can build from. If you add in a de-personalised version of your CV, it will produced a more tailored version. Either way, these are only first attempts , so be ready to improve them with your own ideas and communication skills.
• Proofread the letter before sending it. Grammar and spelling mistakes are likely to result in your application being rejected
• Make it clear what you are looking for i.e. a meeting to discuss your CV further, an interview or work shadowing. If it is a speculative letter, explain that you will follow it up with a phone call in the near future
• Always keep a copy of the job advert together with the covering letter and CV which you sent in response to it

Remember: we can help!

Book an appointment via MyJobsOnline and bring in your draft CV and covering letter to be checked by a Careers Consultant before you send it off.

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Cover letters

Featured story, your cover letter.

Explain why your experience, skills and personal interest make you perfect for the job

Suggested structure

Dear …   (try to find out a named person)

First Paragraph State the job you are applying for and where you found out about it. Introduce yourself and say a little about your skills and experience.

Second Paragraph What do you know about the company and why do you want to work there? Why you are interested in this type of work? Research the company and their values, and relate them to your own. Third Paragraph Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation. Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job. Last Paragraph Thank  them, and mention any dates that you won't be available for interview.

Yours sincerely/faithfully,

What should I put in an email when attaching my CV?

Put your covering letter as the body of your email, and add your CV as an attachment. You could save your CV as a PDF, as the formatting cannot be changed, and it will appear exactly as you want it to on the employer’s screen. Stick to simple text with short paragraphs and plenty of spacing.