When submitting a CV to a prospective Horsham employer do you on all occasions have a covering letter too? What should this say? We at AllHorshamJobs want to aid you in increasing your chances of getting that good job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Easy answer, YES!
A CV will tell a prospective Horsham employer of your work history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their position with their company. It also provides your CV a personal touch which shows to the company that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to help you in getting that job and making sure you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, keep in mind that you are presenting yourself to a business person and your covering letter should reflect this:
- If the name of the receiver of the CVs is contained in the advert then make ensure you address it to them. For example, you may find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, Horsham branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement
- If it is not on the advert then phone the employer and request for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If their name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to close with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)
- We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Horsham recruitment agencies as they too will need to think that you are suitable.
Secondly, remember that you are selling yourself in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you could want to include are:
- Mention that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Horsham opportunity advertised.
- Express interest in the Horsham position
- Indicate briefly what you have been doing with your working life
- Explain the skills you think you have and how you could apply them to this position
- Finally, Indicate that you would be pleased to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Endeavour to be honest and passionate. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you think that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A excellent covering letter could be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have precisely the desired skills or experience but consider that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to change your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as Horsham District Council / West Sussex County Council jobs and Central Sussex College / Northbrook College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
