When posting a CV to a prospective London employer should you on all occasions add a covering letter too? What should this say? We at LondonAreaJobs want to help you in maximising your chances of getting that fantastic job so here is our advice on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Easy answer, YES!
A CV will inform a potential London employer of your career history, education etc but not why you are applying for their role with their employer. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the business that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to aid you in securing that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, bear in mind that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should reflect this:
- If the name of the receiver of the CVs is contained in the advert then make ensure you address it to them. For example, you may find ‘please apply to Mr Joe Plumber, London branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement
- If it is not on the advert then contact the employer and request for a name to address it to as it displays an extra effort. If the name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to finish with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)
- You should do this also when applying to one of London recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.
Secondly, remember that you are putting your best foot forward in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you could want to include are:
- Indicate that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the London position advertised.
- Express interest in the London position
- Indicate briefly what you have been doing with career
- Mention the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this role
- Finally, Mention that you would be happy to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Try to be honest and passionate. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A great covering letter could be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the needed skills or experience but consider that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to amend your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as London Borough Councils jobs and London Universities / London Colleges jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
