Covering and speculative letters

Covering and speculative letters are often your first chance to sell yourself to a prospective employer. If you don't get it right, you may not get a second chance.

A covering letter should:
• be sent with a CV or application form that has been asked for by the employer.
• clearly state the job you are applying for.
• contain the key information that will most ‘grab’ or impress the employer.
• be short and punchy. You don’t want to put them off before they even get your CV/application form.

A speculative letter should:
• be sent with a CV that you are sending to an employer in the hope they may have a vacancy to suit you. It is a great way to tap into the ‘hidden’ job market – all those vacancies that never make it into the newspapers, job centres or vacancy websites.
• not repeat everything you’ve put in your CV, but highlight the key skills and experiences that would really interest the employer.
• show that you have done some research into the company.
• be sent to a named person. Telephone the company in advance and ask who would be the most relevant contact for the type of work you are looking for.
• clearly state why you are contacting the employer, for example, full-time work, part-time work, an Apprenticeship, work experience placement or holiday work.
• state when you could start work.

General dos and don’ts

• Keep your letter to one page of quality A4 white or cream paper (match it to your CV). Use a good quality envelope too.

• Keep the letter short, uncluttered and to the point. Use five or fewer lines per paragraph and alter the length of sentences.

• Check your spelling and grammar. Ideally get someone else to check it over.

• Don’t forget to enclose either your CV or the application form.

• Don’t mass copy letters – personalise them.

• Make it sound as if you have chosen them above all others. Find out a little about them, for example how long they have been operating, if they specialise in a particular product.

• Make sure you highlight your skills and the needs of the company.

• Don’t forget to ask for an interview and ensure you are going to be around to go for one if asked. It won’t look good if you post a pile of speculative letters and then disappear on a three-week holiday!

There are plenty of examples of covering and speculative letters in books and on the internet – try your local Connexions centre or library. Customise them to suit the company you are approaching and use a style that you are comfortable with.