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The Why's and Wherefore's of a Covering Letter
By Bob Gammon |
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Unless you personally hand over your CV to the person who will evaluate it prior to interview, a covering letter is essential. In fact, some say that the covering letter is more important than the CV.
Why should this be so?
A brief letter that whets the appetite of a future employer or recruitment business, may succeed where your CV alone will not. A key word here is brevity. Yours may be one of dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs being considered for a particular vacancy. So ask yourself, 'Why should I be given priority over others?'.
Rouse interest and tempt the reader. Use the recipient's name and ensure correct spelling by telephoning the company if necessary. Answer the unheard question: Why should the company choose you?
Thank the reader for taking time to consider your application and request their action by responding to you.
Remember that whilst you will consider your application an overwhelming priority for the reader, he or she, may not. Either way, they will thank you for your clarity and for limiting your letter to one page.
Covering Letter Format
First paragraph - The Opener
Explain why you are writing.
Second paragraph - Awareness
Display your knowledge of the reader's company.
Third paragraph - Achievements
Describe why you should be considered. Link yourself to the company.
Fourth paragraph - Seize the initiative
Request action.
Ask for an interview.
Say you will make a follow up call.
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Sample Covering Letter
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Ms Joanna Brown
Head of Human Resources
Ace Pharmaceutical Services
Pill Street
London W1 2AB
Date
Dear Ms Brown
I am responding to your advertisement in the December issue of Clinical Research Focus for an International Project Manager.
I am aware of the growth of Ace Pharmaceutical Services since your merger with Jade Associates, particularly the increasing use of remote data collection techniques that you are employing in many projects.
As Clinical Programme Manager at Marvel Pharmaceuticals I manage a range of high profile projects where a primary responsibility involves speed of delivery of patient data. At many of the sites over which I have authority, data have been entered into laptop PCs in the clinic. This has substantially shortened the traditional clean up time. A copy of my CV is attached.
Marvel, like Ace, has a reputation for rapid data delivery. Having proven myself in this respect, I now look forward to extending my experience internationally.
I look forward to meeting you to discuss how we may work together. I appreciate your consideration of my application and I will call you in a few days to see when we might meet.
Yours sincerely
Peter Black
Copyright © 2009 PDR Partners, incorporating Bob Gammon Associates. |
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