Cover Letter

hoody

Have an idea that might be of use in this forum (maybe?). Just looking at the plethora of answers that Google throws up when you search for 'cover letter' etc, I was wondering would it be a decent idea to get people to post up any cover letters they may have had that proved successful for them? ...Obviously with any personal/work details blacked out. Think it would be interesting and useful to seek what works and what doesn't? ...Any thoughts? Wish I had one to start off with myself but not yet

Furious-Dave

Ok I'll start. This is the format I was given on a C.V preparation course I did which helped me get a job with Vodafone Retail -

[FONT=&quot]Dear Sir or Madam,[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]

Please find enclosed a copy of my Curriculum Vitae in response to the job entitled ‘Retail Sales Assistant’ as advertised on [enter jobs-website address].

My name is [name]. I am [age] and live in [address]. I have recently returned from traveling abroad and am seeking to continue my employment in the customer service/retail sector. I have a number of years’ combined experience working with a large volume of customers in both direct retail and telephone based customer service. From my experience in dealing with customers I have come to enjoy the variety and challenge that direct customer contact offers. I am also educated to diploma level in computers which I believe is of benefit in any work role today.

By nature I am a thorough and diligent person happy to accept responsibility. I am well organised and like to take a proactive approach to matters. I am a naturally friendly person and get along well with both colleagues and customers. I like to engage with other people without being too forward.

I am available for interview at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,
[name].

miec

Whilst I didn't get the job this cover letter did get me that all important interview so I think it worth using as a template and tweaking it to suit a particular job.

___________

Dear [state name if possible]

I am applying for the position of [job title] as advertised on [name of website / paper/ etc]. I want to develop my career with [name of company you are applying to] as I am both qualified and passionate about working in [state career type, in my case it was arts administration]. Having read the job description, I know I have the personality, experience and passion to contribute to the continuing success of [said company].

My role with the [name of former company I worked for] was extremely varied and I gained a wealth of experience such as developing and maintaining excellent relationships with a number of people at senior level, marketing tasks such as promoting the work of the [old company] and [name of their website] website. I increased the [old company] revenue and membership by actively attracting new members over the phone and through the internet; ensuring existing subscriptions were paid up to date and selling advertising space on the website.

Whilst working for [another former position] I was responsible for the day to day accounts, including credit control and liaising with numerous suppliers, as such I am very confident working with figures. I am passionate about providing excellent customer service that I developed through all my former positions. I enjoy working with the public and I have worked with people from all walks of life. Finally, I have a number of transferable skills from my time in 3rd level education; these include time management, analytical skills and the ability to handle multiple projects within strict deadlines.

I would love to work with the [said company] and help achieve its goals and ambitions for the future and I would relish the opportunity to meet with you and discuss my application with you in further detail.

Yours sincerely

[name]
_____________
Other tips I would suggest is keep it to one page, give them specific examples of how you can do the job, which means reading the job description carefully and try to mirror what they are looking for. I think using a similar tone and language as the job description is helpful because it shows you are linked into their way of thinking. A good idea OP for this.

hoody

Thanks for those, they're a little longer than what I've been sending out so maybe I should try and out some more detail in my own. Also, what would the opinion be on cover letters sent as emails?

Furious-Dave

hoody wrote: »

Thanks for those, they're a little longer than what I've been sending out so maybe I should try and out some more detail in my own. Also, what would the opinion be on cover letters sent as emails?

I always send my letter and cv via email. Unless I'm out and about in which case I'll have them printed. I know some individuals prefer to receive a hand written letter but IMO they are obsolete.

miec

Hi Hoody

I sent the cover letter that you read as an e-mail, I do this unless they specify that they want it posted to them, most of them don't. You could either put the letter in as the e-mail or add it as an attachment. I tend to put it in the e-mail section rather than as an attachment as it saves them a little bit more time.

threebeards

Can I add 3 pieces of advice in addition to the previous posters:

1. Spellcheck
2. Spellcheck
3. Spellcheck

There's no better way to get a letter or a CV thrown in the bin by a prospective employer than typos left right and centre. So many people don't know the difference between of/off, their/they're/there or quite/quiet etc. Just make sure that the letter is concise and typo free and you're giving yourself a fighting chance of interview.

Eoin

A cover letter should be very customised to the role and company you are applying to; it should not be a generic letter that you just plug the company name into. You want the cover letter to briefly match the main requirements of the role with your experience. Your CV should be tailored to suit the job as well.

Also, what would the opinion be on cover letters sent as emails?

The email itself is the cover letter, you don't need to attach a separate document.