I have decided to do a bit of reading up on covering letters so im sure to get it right.....i looked through a few cv books and none of them even mentioned the covering letter! but eventually i found a book with a whole chapter devoted to the covering letter :) Below is the key information i gained:
- Find someone to address it to! (highlights focus and specfic person will read it! also have a follow up name)
- brief never more than a page!
- follow protocol: date, employers name and address first, dear ........
- step one: grab the readers attention: think about the quality of the paper etc.
- step two: generate interest with content: explain how found and what you can offer. say it strong and straight.
- step three: turn interest into desire: form bridge as to job area, call attention to your merits, highlighting qualifications and 1 or 2 special achievements/contibutions.
- step four: turn desire into action: leave them wanting more, tell them you want to talk, how when and where to contact you and then you intend to follow this letter up.
other key points raised:
- no more than 4/5 paragraphs (200 words) long
- short sentences (av. 14 words)
- concise parargraphs - never longer than 2 or 3 phrases
- use action verbs that breathe life into your work
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