covering letters
what to write
A good covering letter follows a formula. It must always contain the following information: name of the sender, addressee, place and date, salutation, subject, your motivation for applying, your suitability for the role, a conclusion and your signature. Enclose a copy of your CV. Always state your motivation and suitability in a positive way.
type it
An application letter should stand out for the right reasons. It has to invite someone to read it. A handwritten letter isn't always easy to read. So type it.
triple-check it
Many people stop reading a letter as soon as they encounter a mistake. Even a tiny one. So double and triple check your letter carefully for errors in language, spelling and grammar.
Whilst a computer’s spell and grammar check will catch most mistakes, it’s never foolproof. (Try typing “I road along the rode”, and see whether spell-check spots the mistake). If possible, have someone else read through your letter. A fresh pair of eyes always helps.
send it to the right person
Usually a job advertisement will state to whom the application should be sent. If it doesn’t, or if you’re writing a speculative application, then check with the company first. It shows you’ve made the effort and stops your letter from going to the wrong person, which may lead to it getting lost, or even being thrown away. Do not forget to ask for the person's initials, as well as the correct spelling and his/her job title.
template to download
Randstad has prepared a simple covering letter template for you to download and amend as appropriate:
