Cooperative Education & Careers Division

When sending a CV to an employer it should be accompanied by a cover letter. As the letter is the first document to be read, it is initially as important as your CV. The purpose of the cover letter is to highlight the key points in your CV and to emphasise your interest in the job and the company. It is important to address the letter to the appropriate person, by name. If necessary, telephone the company in advance to check the name of the Personnel Manager or whoever would normally handle applications. Then you can follow up the letter with a telephone call to that person.

• Key points for cover letters Length: Restrict yourself to one side of an A4 page
• Presentation: Use good quality, white paper
  The letter should be typed
  Check your spelling and grammar
• Contents: Introduce yourself and explain why you're writing
  Why the company? Explain why you want to work for that particular company.
  Why you? Highlight the relevance of your qualifications and experience to the job.
  Why the job? Explain why you want that particular job
  What next? Request an interview or suggest that you will follow up with a telephone call.

Download a Sample CV and Cover Letter