WRITING A COVERING LETTER

• Content of the cover letter

An application letter always has to contain the following: the sender, addressee, place and date, salutation, reason, motivation, suitability, conclusion with signature, and your CV. Phrase your motivation and suitability in a positive way.

• Typewritten or handwritten

A good application letter has to stand out in a good way; it has to invite someone to read it. A handwritten letter isn't always easy to read, and it's not very contemporary. That's why you're better off typing your cover letter and CV

• Avoiding mistakes

Many people who work in personnel stop reading a letter as soon as they run into a mistake. So check your letter carefully for errors in language, spelling and typing: they slip in easily. Using a word processor's spell-checker catches most of the mistakes, but not all of them. If possible, have someone else read through your letter. Using a fresh pair of eyes is often worth the effort.

• Who should I send it to?

Usually the job advertisement mentions whom the letter should be sent to. If it doesn't, or if you're writing an open application, then check with the company first. That shows that you've made the effort, and stops your letter from winding up with the wrong person, which may lead to it getting lost, or even being thrown away. Don't forget to ask for the person's initials, as well as the spelling of the name and any possible title.

…Get the job you deserve…