Cover LetterC1

Video : Watch the video and answer the questions

Short, personal and to the point.

The decision maker.

Try and find out something about them.

To make that person read the document that it accompanies, for e.g. CV.

It makes a personal connection.

What?

• What is a cover letter?

• Why write a cover letter?

• What makes a good cover letter?

The cover letter should always be included when sending your CV for a possible job interview.

This letter of application serves the purpose or introducing you and asking for an interview.

The most important aspect of a successful cover letter is to introduce yourself as an ideal candidate for the job.

What?

• What do I include in a cover letter?

2. One or two specific examples of your job experience that matches the job advertisement exactly .

1. How you found the job advertisement.

3. A reference to your resume

Introduction

Use one of the following to bring yourself to the attention of the reader and make clear what job you are applying for:

1. Summarize the position

2. Name the opening

Middle paragraph(s)

Use one of the following in each of your middle paragraphs to provide the reader with plenty of reasons to invite you to an interview:

1.Education2.Work experience3.Ability to work with others and/or alone4.Interest in your field5.Interest in the company6.Responsibilities in previous positions

Closing Paragragh

Make it easy for the reader to follow-up by providing your telephone number and email address.

You can ask for an interview appointment time, stating that you will be happy to come to the employer's office when convenient.

Useful Language

• I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for...

• As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements.

• During ...., I improved (furthered, extended, etc.) my knowledge of...,

• I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person. (OR to speak with you personally)

1. Standard, conservative style you. This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against

Dear Mr Black,Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 10th November.The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating.I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it.Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.Yours sincerely,

2. Standard speculative letterThis may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you're applying to.

Dear Mr Brown,I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information.As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team.I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I'm flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I'm keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name].I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities.Yours sincerely,

Guardian CareersThe Careers Blog

Important things to remember

1 - Begin your cover letter by placing your address first, followed by the address of the company you are writing to.

2 - Use complete title and address; don't abbreviate.3 - Always make an effort to write directly to the

person in charge of hiring.4 -Always sign letters.

Write a cover letter for a position which you hold or would like to hold in the future

Assignment