1. If you are quality, buy quality. Splash out and buy yourself some Verge de France paper or something similar - you can always use it for thank you letters later. Whatever paper you use will be a reflection on you, so veer away from the flimsy or cheap!
2. Use your own words. Make sure that your letter sounds like you, not like something out of a book. Your covering letter, as well as your CV, should be an accurate reflection of your personality. Employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm and focus.
3. Don't be too informal. Promote yourself as a professional. Your letter should be as close to a business proposal as you can get - not a plea for an interview. What do you offer that is of value? What objectives can you help them achieve?
4. Don't talk too much about yourself. Downplay 'I' and emphasise 'you'. Try to convert 'I haves' into 'you wants' for the employer. What can you do for the organisation that will create interest and arouse a desire for an interview with you?
5. Write a draft. Rewrite it however many times it takes until you are happy with it. Follow this structure:
a) A brief personal introduction and position for which you are applying
b) Where and when you saw the advert or heard about the position
d) Why you are applying ¡V describe what appeals to you about the job
e) Your personal attributes and preferred working, communication and management styles
f) Why you are interested in working for them (you may want to research such aspects as their successes, involvements, values or clients)
g) If necessary, explain any anomalies in your experiences, such as a gap or career changes
h) Thank the employer for reading and indicate your availability for interview
6. Faithfully or sincerely? Madam or Madame? Don't be over-familiar; stick to traditional letter etiquette. When the recipient's name is not known to you, address them as 'Dear Sir or Madam' and sign off as 'Yours faithfully'. When the recipient's name is known to you, address them as 'Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms XXX' and sign off with 'Yours sincerely'. Find out the recipient's name if you can.
7. Keep it brief. Try to fit it all onto one page only -dissertations are off-putting.
8. Tailor to fit. Write a new covering letter for each application. It may get repetitive, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
9. Forgetting to ask. If you don't ask...the primary goal of your covering letter is to get an interview. Be sure to ask for one at the end of your covering letter. Be prepared to initiate the follow-up communication yourself and let your prospective employer know you will be doing this. This may be just enough to get them to hold onto your letter and give it a more thorough reading.
10. Get someone else to read it.
First published in The Grocer 19th January 2008 issue.
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