Benefits of a covering letter

[m3coupe]

Does anyone have any views or tips on what to include in a covering letter when applying for a new job? I have my CV sorted which has a small pre-amble to begin with. I've been told that a good covering letter is beneficial but what do you include without regurgitating the same thing?

Any help would be beneficial.

[The Beaver King]

A good covering letter should be bespoke for each application.

It doesn't need to be pages of text, just a few small paragraphs that talk about:

• Why you are interested in the role.
• Try to fit in some specific stuff about the company (it shows you have done your research).
• Why you would be a good candidate for the role.

I try to think of a cover letter as a mini interview. You obviously think you are suitable for the job, so put those reasons down in words.

[Carlton Banks]

It all depends upon the type of role really.

If it's a generic online application through some HR screening process, I would say not to bother.

If it is for a smaller role or a role with specialist requirements where a well constructed letter can give them more than what a CV could then I suggest a letter.

Disclaimer: This is based upon my 13 years of a working life and may or may not work for all.

[Pit Pony]

Dear Sir,
I wish to apply for Garlicks Old job now he's pissed off to better things, and enclose my CV in support of my application.

As you will see I have 25 years post graduate experience of being a tt, and getting my head up the bosses arse.

I gained valuable experience of "telling the boss what he wants to hear" (rather than the truth) when I simultaneously ran 27 teams of monkeys in 35 Countries, in order to introduce the worlds worst classified ad section on any forum, and raised revenue by 0.35% over 5 years, whilst employing 1001 extra staff.

Blah Blah blah

Pit (rimes with st) Pony (Rimes with Sony)


Seriously, though if you list all the 'must have's' and explain which bits of your CV relate to each one, you will be more likely to get an interview.

[m3coupe]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm planning on changing career from police force to health and safety in oil and gas in Aberdeen. Similar skills and I've completed training courses for qualifications.

Most jobs are advertised through agencies so you never know what company you're applying for so tailoring a letter is impossible.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Per chance a sad indictment of the modern world when a Policeman's job is directly applicable to a Health and Safety inspector...

[RichB]

m3coupe said:

Most jobs are advertised through agencies so you never know what company you're applying for so tailoring a letter is impossible.

But you could still explain why you want to move from policing to elf & safety.

[djglover]

When I have recruited, I have filtered out anyone with a generic or spam covering letter. Last time this has meant recruiting someone keen but with less experience.

[m3coupe]

Both fair points and never really thought about mentioning why I want to move in a cover letter.

[Gargamel]

I never read them.

[bga]

nagsheadwarrior said:

Per chance a sad indictment of the modern world when a Policeman's job is directly applicable to a Health and Safety inspector...

I would say there are plenty of worthy comparisons

- risk assessment
- dealing with people's interpretations of regulations
- dealing with emotional people who think you are just getting in the way

[22s]

Gargamel said:

I never read them.

Then why ask for them in the first place?

[Gargamel]

22s said:

Then why ask for them in the first place?

I don't....

I suppose the more detailed answer is, the CV tells me if I want to interview someone, if I do, I read the cover letter for any other information, but it is almost never the difference between wanting to see someon or not.

[fin racer]

Gargamel said:

I don't....

I suppose the more detailed answer is, the CV tells me if I want to interview someone, if I do, I read the cover letter for any other information, but it is almost never the difference between wanting to see someon or not.

I'd always seen it as extraneous, probably why I never really put much effort into the things.

[Pit Pony]

If you are applying via an agency, then more important than the covering letter, is getting to speak to the RC, before you email your CV.

In your case you have an ideal excuse, because you wanted to discuss the role, as it might appear at first glance to be different from your previous role.

And then you get 3 mins to hook them in, so that they are waiting for your CV.

[jammy_basturd]

Good article to read: http://www.titleneeded.com/blog/the-best-cover-let...

[m3coupe]

jammy_basturd said:

Good article to read: http://www.titleneeded.com/blog/the-best-cover-let...

Not sure that approach is going to work though I get the shock factor to get noticed.

Been told by a career advisor that had compiled a rather good cv for me that they are worthless.

In saying that, contacting a company tomorrow who I have found out have a job opening with my skill set but haven't advertised the position externally yet going to have to write something to make an impression.

[ChasW]

I think a covering letter is really important. A CV should demonstrate that you meet the desired profile. The letter is "why me". A headhunter contacted me out of blue recently. I did not know that his firm had my details on file. When I asked why he was contacting me he said he remembered a letter I had written about three years ago when he was with another firm. My profile wasn't quite right for that particular role but apparently my letter was really well constructed and told a good story. When I recruit I typically scan the CV and read the letter thoroughly. If the person has made a good case in the letter then I return to the CV to look at the detail.