When submitting a CV to a prospective Eastbourne employer do you on all occasions include a covering letter too? What should your covering letter contain? We at AllEastbourneJobs want to help you in improving your chances of getting that excellent job so here is our advice on covering letters.
Should you always have a covering letter?
Easy answer, YES!
A CV will inform a potential Eastbourne employer of your employment history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their opportunity with their organisation. It also gives your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the organisation that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to assist you in securing that job and making sure you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, bear in mind that you are presenting yourself to a business person and your covering letter should show 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 could find ‘please apply to Mr John Smith, Eastbourne branch’ at the bottom of the advert
- If it is not on the advertisement then contact the employer and request for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If the name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to close 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)
- We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Eastbourne recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.
Secondly, keep in mind that you are selling yourself 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 Eastbourne vacancy advertised.
- Express interest in the Eastbourne position
- Indicate briefly what you have been doing with your working life
- Say the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy
- Finally, Say 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. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have entirely the wanted skills or experience but think that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to alter your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Eastbourne Borough Council / East Sussex County Council jobs and Eastbourne College / University of Brighton jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
