Covering Letters

colin79666

Quick question really.
Should I include a covering letter with an application form?
I know that CVs should always be accompanied by a well though out letter but does the same apply to application forms? I ask because all the jobs I have been applying for have involved forms rather than accepting a CV and so far I have been unsuccessful in even getting an interview. I did go and see a careers advisor to get some advice about filling in the forms and he seemed to think the content of my form was spot on so I'm now wondering what is amiss

McKneff

There really is no point in a covering letter unless it is specifically asked for.
All the information is usually on the application form, even a space normally asking you why you would like to work for them and asking for any further information that would support your application.

The worst thing you can do is not fill in the form in fully.
We get application forms in which actually says on it 'please complete fully in your own handwriting' Often it is completed by partner/mother/friend, not fully completed and so goes straight in the bin. If they cant follow a simples instruction on a form......well..........

Good luck.

colin79666

Thanks for the quick reply. Just wanted to check whether or not it is the done thing.

I have been completing them fully and followed all instructions to the letter. I am disappointed that some organisations haven't even replied given how quick and cheap it is to send an email.

albionsarah

I think a covering letter never does any harm. In my previous job, if lots of people were applying for the same position, those with a well-written covering letter always stood out and we often got those people in for interview first.

It did used to annoy when people started their letter with 'Dear Sir' when all the managers were female!

Hope this helps and good luck

vtiqs

If you are planning on sending in your application by post or handing it in personally then a covering letter will do no harm, and so few people send in covering letters these days that it might just be enough to get your application noticed. Especially if you hand write the letter and address it personally to the person recruiting.

If you are applying via a job board then there is little point since its unlikely the letter will be read.

A word of warning, your cover letter MUST be very good; grammar, spelling, quality paper etc. And if it is hand written make sure you have neat handwriting, The recruiter must be able to read the letter.

Some of this is obvious but often overlooked.

Hope this helps.

McKneff

albionsarah wrote: »

I think a covering letter never does any harm. In my previous job, if lots of people were applying for the same position, those with a well-written covering letter always stood out and we often got those people in for interview first.

It did used to annoy when people started their letter with 'Dear Sir' when all the managers were female!

Hope this helps and good luck

All formal letters should be addressed Dear Sirs

You are writing to the company, not any individual in particular, its just etiquette, thats all

The same etiquette that rules that if you start a letter 'dear sirs' you end it with 'yours faithfully' and
if you start with 'dear john or dear mr smith, then you finish with ' yours sincerely' again, just etiquette.

If your colleagues get annoyed at this then why do they/you call them selves managers and not manageressess .........

anamenottaken

McKneff wrote: »

All formal letters should be addressed Dear Sirs

You are writing to the company, not any individual in particular, its just etiquette, thats all

The same etiquette that rules that if you start a letter 'dear sirs' you end it with 'yours faithfully' and
if you start with 'dear john or dear mr smith, then you finish with ' yours sincerely' again, just etiquette.

If your colleagues get annoyed at this then why do they/you call them selves managers and not manageressess .........

If we are being pedantic:

a formal letter could begin "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" - if addressed to an individual whether or not they are named but the gender is known

the matching complimentary close is "Yours faithfully" (I mention this because sometimes a capital F is used when it should be lower case.)

McKneff

I wasnt being pedantic or certainly didnt mean it that way, i was posting facts as i saw them and have been a secretary for the past 25 years.
I dont do pedantic, i just like things to be right.

And your right, it should be Yours faithfully, but i suppose things change over the years. Everything now is blocked to the left, which is easier all round.
No full stops after Mr or Mrs, again easier.

Do you think in 10/15 years they will all be writing in text speak. God forbid,
but its creeping into the forums here a lot lately, and for us oldies it is very hard work to read.:rotfl::rotfl:

albionsarah

Yes I know 'Dear Sir' is CORRECT but I was just giving my opinion that it used to annoy me!

I liked those that somehow (?) found out my name and addressed it to 'Miss XXXXX', I thought it showed a bit of initiative.

And why we call ourselves managers is probably just laziness - 'manageresses' is a bit of a mouthful isn't it?

Hope the OP has some success with their jobhunting soon! x

DCFC79

vtiqs wrote: »

A word of warning, your cover letter MUST be very good; grammar, spelling, quality paper etc.

spelling etc yes i agree with but for paper i just use asdas or tesco's own value stuff, its not done me any harm yet

ableandy

For me the application form is the first sift. As others have said, if you can't complete it correctly as per the instructions how can you folow simple instructions at work. My pet hate is people writing over the application form "as per CV" or "see CV attached". I asked for an application form and that is the only thing I want, and I want it completing properly.

As for a covering letter, this just ends up in the bin - sorry.

Next time you don't make it past the application form stage, send the company a polite letter, enclosing a SAE asking them if your application form was incorrectly completed or asking for advice on why you didn't make it to Stage 2.

I recently advertised for 20 operators and received 450 applcation forms so was very strict with my filter criteria, received a very nice letter asking why and was more than happy to offer advice, I guess everyone my not have time but it is worth a try.

Good luck