1.2.- Writing a covering letter.
The letter of application you send with your CV is sometimes called a covering letter. It is usually the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer, so make sure it is well-written and presented. It should normally contain 3 or 4 paragraphs.
Here is a list of points you should include:
- Say that you would like to apply.
- Say where you found out about the job.
- Say why you would like the job.
- Say why you are qualified to do the job. Include both objective (education, work experience) and subjective (what you think about yourself) information.
- Say you can provide more information if necessary.
- Say when you would be available for interview.
Remember to:
- Address your covering letter to a specific person.
- Customize your covering letter to the position you are applying to.
- State the elements of your background that are relevant to the position.
- Provide any information specifically requested
- Market yourself.
- Keep the tone and content professional.
- Be clear, concise, and focused.
- Proofread your letter.
Useful language: a formal letter.
- If you do not know the person's name start with Dear Sir/ Madam and finish with Yours faithfully.
- If you know the person's surname Dear Mr/Ms/ Mrs López and finish with Yours sincerely.
Layout/style:
- Put your address in the top right-hand corner with the date underneath.
- Put the name and address of the person you are writing to on the left.
- Don't use contractions.
- Write your full name under your signature.
- Write I look forward to hearing from you if you would like a reply.
Ejercicio Resuelto
Click to read the Spanish translation.
You should know
For more information on writing covering letters visit the following pages:
A step ahead
There are many web pages devoted to CVs and covering letters. Here you have a few good ones: