Cover letter help ?

Moonbean

I'm currently working full-time in a Nursery and wanted to apply for some retail jobs.
I'm just wondering what I should write for a cover letter, I've never had to write one before.
I'm stumped on what to write for availability because I haven't left yet, don't want to leave until I have a job but also I need to owe a lot of time so I may need an extra 1-2 weeks on top of the leaving date.

My manager know's that I am thinking of leaving but couldn't tell her I wanted to as my final decision because I was ill last week for 2 days and she's on holiday. There is another manger available but I'd rather talk to the manger I spoke with.

I'm also stumped on just what to write on the cover letter too.


Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

daytona0

It isn't an exact art, and there are plenty of guides online.

My basic structure is usually in paragraph form with the following info:

1. Introduction, where you saw the role and summary of why you'd like it

2. Relevant experience

3. Personality or other information (ie education) relating to the job in question

4. Summary and other bits and pieces (like notice period for current employer) and then thanking the recruiter


As you're in a different line of work you can probably merge 2+3 into one paragraph, giving relevant examples to justify why you'd be a good choice.


As for availability, if you mean discussing what days you CAN work then I'd leave that out until at interview stage. No harm in giving your notice period though "I can start in 4 weeks". As for what notice period you need to give, I would recommend the minimum required plus 1-2 weeks (for a holiday!).

As for the phrase "I need to owe a lot of time so I may need an extra 1-2 weeks on top of the leaving date. " - what are you on about? Unless it is a really exceptional circumstance then you should just SOD THEM! The second your notice period ends you're gone. They'll have to make do without you (or take money off your last wage packet if you haven't worked enough hours)!

ohreally

Moonbean wrote: »

My manager know's that I am thinking of leaving but couldn't tell her I wanted to as my final decision because I was ill last week for 2 days and she's on holiday.

Do not disclose your wish to leave, or worse, tender your resignation, until you have an unconditional written job offer in your hand.

Moonbean

Thank you all for your advice.
I owe like 4+ hours for taking an hour or so here and there over a few months for emergency doctor appointments. So I'd have to work an extra hour a day until I've worked the hours owed or I'll just say take it out of my wages. Because over the *almost* year i've been there, I haven't really had the oppertunity to, so I don't think my luck will change now.

Do not disclose your wish to leave, or worse, tender your resignation, until you have an unconditional written job offer in your hand. - ohreally

I have made it clear I'm not going until I find somewhere. I need to tell them that I wish to leave so I don't get any more key children to look after. I have 7 already & I need to do all of their developmental folders. I lack on them as it is. (one of the reason why I'd like to leave; I am struggling really hard with it all)

dawyldthing

when I do a cover letter I normally write

Dear sir/ madam (unless theres a name then it's Mr/ Mrs Jones

I am writing to apply for the role of xxxxx. I think I would be good at the role as I have had experience in xxx (in childcare you have micromanaged children, communicated between parents and children, ran charity days, worked alongside different ages, in training/ while doing your course you ... - whatever if it is applicable).

I feel I could be good for the role as I am (list all the qualities - good communicator/ time keeper/ good as working part of a team/ problem solver etc).

I hope you are able to consider me fir this role and I hope to hear from you soon

Kind regards

....