A cover letter is your introduction to a potential new employer and so it is vital that it not only gives

the right impression but that it grabs their attention and entices them to read your CV.
Here are our top tips on creating a CV Cover Letter

There are two main types of cover letter:
the targeted letter - for use when responding to specific advertisements
the speculative letter - for use when approaching companies cold
The structure of both letters is very similar and there are some basic rules which should be followed to
ensure your cover letter is as effective as possible.

The letter should be presented in accordance with standard business letter protocol and should be written
in a simple and concise manner, with no spelling or grammatical errors. In addition, it should be four to
five paragraphs and should not exceed a single side of A4. There may be instances when this is not the
case, but always follow these rules, unless instructed to the contrary.

When structuring the letter, there is a simple formula to follow:

First paragraph
Explain your reason for writing and, if this is a targeted letter, where you saw the advertisement. You
should then grab the readers attention by including a few lines about what you have to offer, ensuring
this is directly relevant to the specific role (targeted) or type of role (speculative) that you are applying
for.

The next two paragraphs
Focus on your skills, experiences and achievements. In the case of a targeted letter, it is important to
demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria specified in the advertisement. If this is a speculative
application, think about what skills are looked for in the type of role you are targeting and make these the
focus of the two paragraphs.

A cover letter should also include something directly related to the company that you are writing to. It is a
good idea to state what it is about their organisation that interests you and, if you can include any
statistics or snippets of information, that indicate that you have done some research, this can only improve
your chances.
The final paragraph
End the letter on a positive note. Thank them for their time and consideration and proactively encourage
an interview, stressing your flexibility with regard to interview dates and times.

In summary, your cover letter should pick out the very best bits of your CV, without just repeating the
information verbatim. It should convey a positive approach and attitude and should grab the readers
attention.