Covering Letters

[pea12]

I have a job application form to send off.  Is it customary to enclose a covering letter, or do people just send off the form?

 

Thanks in advance

[luckystrike]

I would certainly advise including a covering letter, if even a few lines, and maybe say:

Dear Sirs,

Further to your advertisement in the 'Whatever Telegraph' on Tuesday 17th May, please find enclosed my completed application form.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

pea12

[Geekee]

Always enclose a covering letter, great example already submitted...

[Gef]

If it is a pre-printed form which you obtained from the employer and contains details of the job for which you are applying then there is no need for a covering letter.

[acw]

I'm with Gef on this one.  CVs ALWAYS need a covering letter.  Application forms not necessarily so.  However, a polite email or phone call to the relevant people in the firm will confirm what is needed.  It will impress them that you pay attention to detail and that you are keen to submit the best possible application.  Never be afriad to contact the firm for more information!!! 

 

If you do submit a covering letter, luckystrike's example is great BUT FOR two small things:

1. If you know their name - use it!  Again this shows attention to detail.   Of course the ending is then "Yours sincerely"
2. I don't mean to sound like a feminist, but these days you should write "Dear Sir or Madam".  Many recruitment staff are women and being "sexist" will only count against you.  In fact some men reading the letter may read more into "Dear Sirs" than you intended.  If competition is high for this job, tiny details can count.

 

Good luck - I hope you get the job! :-) 

[willow74]

You really should highlight parts of your suitability for the job in the covering letter aswell. just three or four key points.

i feel i am suitable for this position due to my experience of:

[5029]

With a preprinted application form, no covering letter is necessary.  It wont even be read.  However with a CV you need a covering letter to highlight which position you are applying for

[rampart]

It is a good idea to include one. It is also your chance to give a little more info on why you might be a fit for the job. Here are a couple of things to think about:

The resume is not just your life story. It should be highlights of your experience that relate to the job you seek. The cover letter is your chance to explain things that don't go in the CV. Your blanket form is fine, but add another paragraph that ties it all together.

AND during the interview, be sure you get the person's name, title, and address (ask for a card or ask the receptionist). Then as soon as you can, like that same day or the next, send a thank-you letter and add anything else you thought of after leaving the interview.

Proofread very carefully everything before sending anything!