Guidelines

Tips writing your cover letter

• Personalize it – ie address it to a named individual and refer to any previous correspondence, conversation etc.
• Do not write ‘to whom it may concern’ and ‘Dear Sir’ or ‘Dear Madam’ – get a name – phone if necessary.
• Always type the letter.
• Be yourself – don’t use complex, legalistic or bureaucratic language - and no humour.
• Catch the readers attention quickly – you need to stand out.
• Be confident, positive and polite – but don’t be arrogant or dema1nding.
• Be available - ie provide a phone number that will be answered and/or an E mail that is regularly checked.
• One page is enough.
• Check the spelling, syntax, grammar and layout.
• Make sure it is in the same format (same font, paper etc) as your Resume/CV – otherwise your Resume will look like a standard document out of your files.
• Sign it.
• Attach it to your Resume.
• Keep a copy with your Resume.

Finding a job	Your Resume / CV
The covering letter	Letters of recommendations
The interview	Negotiating the Deal