Applications and interviews Writing a covering letter Your opportunity to persuade the employer that you are right for the job. overing letters are a chance to really pitch yourself to an employer. A good covering letter should convince the reader that you want to work in their organisation, in a particular role, and that you have the right motivation, skills and experience. Key aims of a covering letter: • To express clearly and succinctly what job you are applying for, why you’re suitable for that job and why you want to work for them. • To highlight your specific strengths, motivations and reasons for applying. • To convey a confident, competent, enthusiastic and professional attitude. C Structure and content There is no ‘magic formula’ for covering letters, especially since they need to be adapted for each application, but the following outline should give you a useful structure to start with. Think of sections rather than paragraphs, since some aspects may require two paragraphs. Keep it to one side of A4. Greeting Always try to find a name, rather than a job title, as it demonstrates that you have done your homework and have researched the organisation. ‘Dear Ms Smith’ is much better than ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. 34 Introduction Include who you are (recently graduated with a 2.1 in geography from University College London), why you are writing (to apply for X position/looking for work experience) and where you saw the position advertised or, if it’s a speculative application, where you heard about the organisation. Why them? Use this section to tell the employer why you want this particular job and why them rather than someone else. By showing that you really know about the role and the company you can demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm. Vague statements and blatant flattery don’t work; instead be specific and illustrate your opinions with some original points. Researching the organisation through their website, Twitter or LinkedIn profile can help you. Why you? Make it easy for the employer to see why your skills, experience and personal attributes are right for the THE CAREERS SERVICE GUIDE London 2012 position by clearly linking them to the requirements of the job. Don’t worry about covering all of your experience, just illustrate your selling points with three or four good examples. The ending State your availability for interview and thank them for the time they have taken in reading your application. End on an optimistic and polite note. Top tips Presentation – Keep it clear, well presented and visually attractive. Don’t cram too much on the page and opt for good-quality A4 white paper. Use a word processor unless a handwritten letter is specifically asked for. Use positive language – ‘Power words’ can illustrate your experiences in a really effective way. For example, ‘initiated’, ‘instrumental in...’, ‘succeeded in...’. If you can’t think of any, take a look at the list on www.prospects.ac.uk for inspiration. www.careers.lon.ac.uk Applications and interviews Laid out as a formal business letter. Sam Chester 41 Station Road London NW1 8QP Always send to a named person. Mr B Jones Diamond Plus Bank 5 Wharf Road London E14 7MJ 9 January 2012 States clearly and concisely why she is writing and where she heard of the vacancy. Dear Mr Jones, nd Plus Bank p Programme with Diamo for the Summer Internshi ’s College, tion een era Qu sid at t con den for stu CV I enclose my second‐year economics a am I te. bsi we r you (DBP) as advertised on sequently, University of London. A level in economics. Sub nce when undertaking an a ly, fina in ent g rec rkin re wo mo , in and ted I became interes nomies’ lecture series Eco C BRI uld like wo on: I t cus tha ‘Fo me the events convinced at University, I attended ustry and in November 2011. These el ind pan the s Shows motivation and of g eer din Car g’ tan kin ers Ban ‘Working in to develop my und am seeking an internship commitment to the to go into banking and I business area. of seven to to gain experience. worked closely in a team relied on the Economics Society, I of and er gns mb pai Me cam tee al mit tion In my role as Com ularly to plan promo reg t me role me We . t‐ti 17% par by My s ing the campaign. grow membership number ions to nt elements of implement opt ere g diff inin the tra e out lor ry exp car to to one another took the initiative my self‐motivation, as I ining has enabled me at Curry’s demonstrates s. My work at Nexus Tra tem sys l rna inte ut abo dge er to successfully build wle ord kno in m’s ds tea tho further my I have adapted my me ere wh le, sty n atio nic mu up. Highlights key skills to refine my com nically diverse client gro ng their capabilities, relationships with an eth and backs them up. ced on individuals reachi pla sis pha em the is P DB of s the Queen’s College at tion rac me att One of the . This was highlighted for ility sib ts she has pon res ing tak e examples of new projec through learning and Graduate Trainee. She gav who enjoys B e DP a eon t me som I as , ere me wh to el s Careers pan k. This appeal a real impact in the ban ll Coach, where I was delivered, which have had ted in my role as Footba tra ons dem , gue ults res ing achiev the finals of the Small Lea taking responsibility for g a squad of 15 to get to ing sin ain ani rem org and y and teg ting stra tiva nt responsible for mo long‐term investme a t tha r the ven ove pro sia has B Rus DP in n, t of awards won Championships. In additio idends, as seen by the raf div to pay ch roa can Highlights commitment, app ons d diti ere con sid sensitive to local which has such a con keen to work for a bank and interest, by referring last few years. I am very to conversation with an investment. r Internship scheme. I am Shows interest in the sider me for the Summe con uld wo employee. you if ul . tef you m fro employer and ring hea I would be very gra to rd any time and look forwa demonstrates the available for interview at research she’s done. Yours sincerely, Samantha Chester Ends succinctly without padding. www.careers.lon.ac.uk THE CAREERS SERVICE GUIDE London 2012 35