How important is the covering letter for a job application?

[pattieG]

I need to write a cover letter for a job vacancy but I am really struggling to do so (years of being mentally unchallenged at work have had there effect!). The job is for a trainee Architectural Technician which is hopefully a step up from my CAD job I am stuck in at the moment. Should it just be a short letter saying please accept my application blah blah blah or more in depth and an attempt to sell myself to the company?

Thanks in advance.

[ecs]

It's a simple process of comprehension - take the requirements in the job spec and tell them why you meet them.

[Hoolio]

If you're applying to a company direct, and not using an agent, which sounds like you are then very important. However, don't give them chapter and verse. Make it short, sharp and punchy and tell them what skills you have and what you will bring to the role and why you are interested in the company and job. You may find it easier to do in bullet point form.

[elanfan]

I've a friend who headhunts candidates for very senior roles, he told me the CV is the factual stuff about you and the cover letter is where you sell yourself.

Briefly cover the job requirements but maybe add stuff like:

I'm a fast learner (if indeed you are)

Good timekeeper that won't let you down (assuming you are)

Willing to go the extra mile and do extra hours of study as needed (etc)

I'm sure you get the picture

[grumbledoak]

pattieG said:

I need to write a cover letter for a job vacancy but I am really struggling to do so (years of being mentally unchallenged at work have had there effect!). The job is for a trainee Architectural Technician which is hopefully a step up from my CAD job I am stuck in at the moment. Should it just be a short letter saying please accept my application blah blah blah or more in depth and an attempt to sell myself to the company?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, keep it short but sell yourself a bit and tell them what they need to know about your availability for the interview or to start. Write clearly - don't use that awkward "please accept" phrase. e.g.


Dead Sid

I would like to apply for the role as Trainee Architectural Technician, ref. # (or "as advertised in" or whatever)

I was educated at <home>, I am currently working as <tea boy>, I have always wanted to be a <goateed twerp in a polo neck>. I am punctual and hard working, I polish up okay and don't smell too bad.

I am available for interview immediately. My notice period would be <weeks>.

Yours faithfully.
Nigel Nigel, B.S.C.


I'm sure you get the picture. Tailor each letter to match the job - cut, paste, and adjust.

Best of luck.

[Jefferson Steelflex]

It depends on what the cover letter requirements are....

Cover letters are gaining more prominence as jobseekers will send in random CVs for jobs they are completely unqualified for - the employer wants to see relevant applicants, hence they ask for a 'cover letter outlining your suitability for the role'.

Take this literally. The job advert will detail the required skills and experiences, so select ones that are most favourable to you and highlight where/when you have met these. You could also briefly detail perhaps where you are a little short on one of the key requirements but offer other practical skills/experiences.

The overall secret though is to be succinct, cover letters should be less than a page and formatted properly, so there is a finite amount of space to write everything down.

NB - I personally would never comment on being a hard worker, punctual, etc. These are archaic and pointless sentences that just waste space on the letter. Just address the skills and experiences listed.

[98elise]

ecs said:

It's a simple process of comprehension - take the requirements in the job spec and tell them why you meet them.

This, make it easy for the person doing the recruiting.

I'm a contractor so I change jobs regularly. My covering letters points out where my experience matches their needs, and refers to the section in my CV where appropriate. It means I don't need to modify my CV for every role, as the emphasis is in the covering letter.