Aplying for a job online

[j0nb0y]

I need to apply for a job which has asked to send a cv and covering letter by email.
Do I need to compose my covering letter as a word document, then send it as an attachment with my cv, or do I write the covering letter as a standard email??

Hope the above makes sense. Never applied for a job by email before, so would like to get it right.

Thanks in advance.

[Buenchico]

The answer to your question might depend upon how much you want to add to what's in your cv.

If you're confident that your cv contains all of the important information, your covering letter might simply say something like this:
"Dear Mr Bloggs,
I wish to apply the post of head cook and bottle-washer. I attach my cv and I look forward to hearing from you"
Under those circumstances, it would be pointless to attach the covering letter to your email as a separate document. (You can just type those few words in the body of the email).

But if you want to write a detailed covering letter, explaining exactly why you're the best person for the job, it would make sense to create a separate Word document and to attach it to the email, which could then read:
"Dear Mr Bloggs,
I wish to apply the post of head cook and bottle-washer. I attach my cv, together with a covering letter, and I look forward to hearing from you"

Chris

[chris1957au]

In your letter address the skills and experience that that have listed in there advert match them against your skills and experience also in you email tell them which window and word you used to type your letter and cv ( ie windows 7 word 2010 )
as if they are using some thing diffrent it can affect the lay out if and when they print it, and you need your to look the best.

Chris R

[j0nb0y]

cheers for that. Didn't think I would get any answers at this time of night.
Both those answers are much appreciated and very helpful.

[bimbo123456]

Don't know what kind of job you are applying for but it might be worth popping to your local library. They will have a section of computer "idiot" guides (not saying you are one, that is what they are called". It may be worth having a look at these before applying. Good luck!!

[feona]

it would be better if you could convert your covering letter as well as resume in PDF.

[boxtops]

I agree with others - yes you send the letter as a word document. .pdf is ideal but not everyone has a .pdf converter, and word is fine. You can then use the letter to say briefly why you are applying for this job and how your c.v. demonstrates your suitability to be considered.
Your covering email then just says "please see attached my application letter and c.v. for the **** vacancy. I look forward to hearing from you further about this, in due course".. or something similar.
Good luck!

[ilovetohelp13]

The cover letter should be within the email; the CV is an attachment.