Cover Letter Help Needed

Beechleigh

Hi everyone

Well I've had a read of this forum and there's some good advice on here, so thought I'd ask for some help about my cover letter.

I know that I can't use the same cover letter for each job, but I need a starting point. So here it is for you all to have a look over it and hopefully show me where I can improve it.



Dear ***

Re: Vacancy

I was very interested to read your advertisement for a Showroom Consultant on the Job Centre website and would like to apply for the position. I have enclosed my CV for your information.

I am currently working as a Sales Representative for ***, since February 2012. This is a busy and varied role involving both telesales, and meeting with clients. I am responsible for generating new clients and maintaining effective working relations with current clients. I have experience of meeting targets and closing sales.

I have worked as an Administration Assistant at *** from July 2010 to December 2011. During my time working at ***, I was the first point of contact on reception for customers who had any queries. I also dealt with customer complaints, ensuring that any problems were resolved and that the customer was satisfied with the outcome. I carried out general office duties such as recording and distributing messages, typing, filing, sorting mail and sending faxes, checking invoices and entering onto the computer, and inputting customer details onto the database.

I have previously worked as a Sales Assistant in ****. During that time I enjoyed helping the customers to choose the best product to suit their requirements, by identifying their needs and finding the most suitable product. I also sold the additional warranty to the customers and dealt with product returns.

If you feel that my application is suitable, I would be pleased to attend an interview with you at your convenience and with this in mind, I look forward to hearing from you shortly.


Yours **

theoretica

That seems very much about you, and not so much about their job - they will have umpteen letters of application so make it easy for them to see how you match their job and don't expect reading between the lines. This reads more like stuff probably in your CV.

For instance, if the advert/specifications asks for meeting targets and selling additional warranties say something like 'I have exceeded all £X000 a month sales targets in my current sales representative role. In a past job as sales assistant I sold Y% additional warranties.' It is no bad thing to even put them in the same order as the job specification!

AP007

Read very like a cv and not a cover letter

Errata

All a cover letter needs is "I would like to apply for the position of xxxxx
and attach my CV" The CV contains the details of who/what/when/where.

hcb42

Having read over 300 CVs and "covering letters" recently, my experience is that 90% of the population either don't do one at all or do a dreadful job.

OP, your CV is generally well written etc, but it is almost a rehash of your CV, what you need to do is discuss more how your experience matches their requirements and why you want to work for them/in this role.

Good luck!

hcb42

Errata wrote: »

All a cover letter needs is "I would like to apply for the position of xxxxx
and attach my CV" The CV contains the details of who/what/when/where.

I wouldn't agree with this approach, especially if the application process asks for a letter.

I have lost count of the number of CVs I have received, with a one line covering letter (if at all) and I am supposed to second guest why they want the role, the CV doesn't give this information, and indeed is rarely tailored to the exact position in any event. The lack of a decent covering letter is the most frustrating thing I have experienced in recruiting recently. It is also a good opportunity to assess the candidate's skills a bit further.

Beechleigh

hcb42 wrote: »

Having read over 300 CVs and "covering letters" recently, my experience is that 90% of the population either don't do one at all or do a dreadful job.

OP, your CV is generally well written etc, but it is almost a rehash of your CV, what you need to do is discuss more how your experience matches their requirements and why you want to work for them/in this role.

Good luck!

Yes I can see that now but I'm not sure how to fix it. I don't know how to go about this. I suppose it might be like the answers you'd give in an interview, for when they ask about certain skills, and then I'd have to give an example?

hcb42

use the job description or advert, take each point in turn and try and write a sentence in your own words describing how your prev experience achieves that objective

that would be a good start

Coraline

In general a cover letter should express where you came across the vacancy, why you are interested, why you think you would be a perfect candidate for the position, and quickly summarise several key accomplishments in your career that fit in with aspects of the job you're applying for.

It's like an invitation to spark the reader's interest to read you CV. Most applications now are processed by software that scan for keywords and automatically reject if the computer deems you not a "good fit" based on the words you use in the CL & CV.

Anyway here's an example of what a cover letter (in my opinion from reading thousands of them and writing many for colleagues & friends) should be. Hope you find it helpful, but always write with your own "voice..." recruiters will spot something copy & pasted before it leaves the printer!


Dear Sir or Madam:

I am interested in the Secretary position (Ref#####) advertised on jobwebsite.co.uk. Previously I worked as (insert position here) and as my CV demonstrates my experience makes me a perfect candidate for this position.

My expertise spans (insert skills & talents here).

I am well versed in (insert software programs & qualifications like First Aid training or whatever here)

My past supervisors have praised my ability for (insert some awesome attribute about yourself here, initiative, work ethic, etc). For example (insert example of something really awesome you did here—the key is grab attention, but not to brag!)


My career spans (brief summary of relevant positions, but more importantly focus on skills).

(Here right some stuff about why you’re looking for this job…example: eager to join the workforce in an exciting and challenging position where I can best use my expertise in doing whatever you do)

Last paragraph: Something positive that puts across to the employer that you are looking for a great match, and what YOU CAN DO FOR THEM! I can’t stress that one enough! Something like: Making people's work lives easier via my expert and creative approach to clerical support is my passion, I never disappoint, etc. Then end it with something like “I look forward to hearing from you to discuss this opportunity and how matching my skills to your needs can create a fantastic working relationship”

Yours Sincerely,
Name here

jobbingmusician

I have an individual and very successful approach to writing a cover letter - but my letters can go on for pages! They take ages to write, but employers really like them.

Take their person specification, and summarise what they want in this. Then make sure your letter addresses these points.

For example:

Your person specification specifies knowledge of Excel and other computer packages. In my post at Dillydolly's, I designed spreadsheets for the grommet makers which recorded all the grommets they produced, wastage, and calculated opportunities for savings by recycling grommets. I was also responsible for training other admin staff in using this spreadsheet, and I calculated that this programme was responsible for saving the life of millions of grommets every year.

You ask for a team player. I worked as part of a team on a specific grommet rescue operation which ensured that someone was on call at all times to fit wet grommets with tiny lifejackets.

etc etc......

[Deleted User]

Whilst I always felt my letters covered a multitude of sins!...

First para - I write to apply for vacancy of xxx as advertised xxx - lose the "I'm interested in applying"... (unless maybe your requesting application form!)

Second para - I list most recent job duties relevant to position I'm applying for so this tends to be most tailored like you've done with targets, explain I am computer literate/use to computerised systems, used to working to company standards/procedure, part of a team etc and point out some positives/usp - adaptable, willing to learn, use to shift work, flexible, blah blah

Third para - Thank you for your time in considering my application for this position with insert company name, (nice touch?) I look forward to hearing from you in due course, please see my details above/below if you need any further information. don't know why but I have never mentioned interview in a covering letter, that said back in the day I used to take great joy in the 'confirming an interview letter', sad I know but used to earn me brownie points as admin job interviewers would comment I was very organised! but I think that and record of achievements are fossil now!