cover letter what you reckon?

stu_69

I have attached my CV for your consideration, I would like to apply for
the Support role you have advertised on the internet.

I have returned from a year working in Australia.I have three and a half years IT experience. Before I left for Australia I worked as a 2nd level desktop support engineer for Lockheed Martin, and in Australia I worked for 6 months for the Department of Public Works in Sydney as a 2nd level desktop engineer.

My technical skills include: Windows 95/98/NT/2000, MS Office 97/2000,
Novell Netware and Exchange 5.5, extensive hardware knowledge including
Laptops and peripheral support.I am looking for a salary of at about £2xxxx.

I am available immediately and I can be contacted on 079xxxxxx

Yours faithfully

WhiteWashMan

personally stu i never use a cover letter, so i dont know much about them.
but im not sure that all the techie stuff is needed in there as thats what your cv is for.
or your work history for that matter.
as far as i was concerned cover letters were to say hi, im so-and-so, id like to apply for the position advertised in blah di blah.
besides, i always use agencies, and you dont need a cover letter for them.

Hellrazer

Stu IMO you have put in too many"I have"s and also never mention the salary you want unless its categorically stated in the advertisement.
From my line of work its my opinion that a cover letter should be like an introduction to your prospective employer.
I would start it something like Dear sir.......Regarding your advertisement in blah blah I would like to apply for the position of blah blah and I include my Curriculm Vitae for your attention.My experience includes blah.....
Then add something personal about yourself like.... I feel that I would be an asset to your company due to the fact that I have.....blah etc.
Finish the letter by adding in the exact times you are available for interview,ie dont just say a day outright but try to narrow it down to a time-this gives the person overlooking the interview process a chance to remember you if he/she knows what time you are interviewing at.Also mention that you are available to start right away as if the position is seeking someone urgently you will be shortlisted on this statement alone.
Also dont put a phone number in the text of the letter-have it at the the top of your CV.
Hope this helps.

Static M.e.

I dont use cover letters no more either has most agencys dont
want them or pay attention to them , instead i use a little email
letter like this

Dear Ms.45678,

I wish to apply for the position of Technical Support in
Mayo or any other positions you might have available at the moment in the 2345678 Region.


I am currently working in 123456789 but I wish to seek a role in a more challenging environment perhaps working
with an IT support group or as part of an Desktop Team where I would have more leading role and a greater chance of developing my experience range.


I am currently available for interviews and would appreciate any help you might have to offer.

Yours sincerely
23456789

straight to the point , no kissing
( remove numbers though they dont like that )

Beruthiel

Stu I have to agree with Static on that one, your CV already has all the relevant information, a cover letter is just to introduce your CV, say where you heard about the job, say you are interested in the position and that you look forward to hearing from them ...

Victor

^^^^ Wot they said.

Trojan

Woohoo, I disagree!

Your cover letter should summarise the experiences that make you suitable for the job. You should also mention any relevant quals you have, like degree etc.

Do 3 paras, 1st saying "I'm applying for blah", 2nd saying "I feel that my experiences in $COMPANY make me suitable", and close with 3rd telling them to contact you wherever.

Well, that's what I did anyway.

Read the monster.ie cover letter page.

best of luck,

Al.

stu_69

Cheers lads all coments noted

CV Specialist

A CV without a formal cover letter is like a ship without a sail - unlikely to take you anywhere. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of this feature on cover letter creation.