How to write a cover letter

Some employers may ask you to send a cover letter alongside your CV. This is a formal letter explaining that you are interested in applying for the job, why you are interested and why you are the right person for the job. 

It should be structured like this: 

• That you are interested in applying for the job (make sure you specify which one) and where you saw it advertised. 
• Your current job (if you have one, if not you can mention your school/university or college) 
• Why you are interested in the job and the company 
• Why you are the right person for the job (here you can mention your skills and experience) 

If you know the name of the person who advertised the job and is dealing with applications you should address the letter to them. You should address them as Mr or Ms (only write Mrs if you know for a fact they are married). If you do not know who to address the letter to you should write “Dear Sir/Madam”. Do not write “To whom it may concern” as this is considered far too formal and quite old fashioned. 

End the letter by thanking the person for reading your letter and that you look forward to hearing from them. 

Do not simply repeat everything on your CV. See this as an opportunity to offer extra information to the employer that is not mentioned on your CV. 

Remember as it as a formal letter you should have your address and contact details on the top right-hand corner and the employer’s name and address in the top left-hand corner. 

Like your CV, you should double-check that there are no spelling/grammar errors. Ask someone to proofread it just to be on the safe side.