Your Covering Letter
The covering letter should accompany your CV or application form. It should be 3-4 paragraphs in length and its purpose is to:
Notify the reader what position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.
Introduce you to the recipient without repeating chunks of your CV, you want to draw their attention to your particular skills and any relevant experience you have.
Explain in a sentence or two why you are applying for the vacancy.
Let them know that you are available for an interview and hope to have the opportunity to meet them.
EXAMPLE COVERING LETTER:
Dear Ms Smith
Application for the position of Marketing Assistant
My CV is enclosed for your perusal in response to the above vacancy, advertised in The Guardian on 20 February 2012.
I have just completed a degree in Business Administration at The University of Kent and the nature of my course has prepared me for this position within your organisation. It involved extensive independent research and required high levels of initiative, self motivation and the need to pay close attention to detail. I also studied two Marketing modules and I found this subject interesting and stimulating.
I am a fast and accurate writer, with strong communication and time management skills. You will see from my CV that I have experience of managing databases and dealing with customers at all levels. I feel that I have the enthusiasm and determination to succeed and be an asset to Kent Events.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. I am available for interview at your earliest convenience and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application with you further.
Yours sincerely
Julie Brown