When submitting a CV to a prospective Chichester employer should you always have a covering letter too? What should this contain? We at AllChichesterJobs want to assist you in increasing your chances of getting that excellent job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Straightforward answer, YES!
A CV will tell a prospective Chichester employer of your employment history, education etc but not why you are applying for their opening with their organisation. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the business that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to help you in getting that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, remember 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 could find ‘please apply to Mr John Smith, Chichester branch’ at the bottom of the advert
- If it is not on the advert then contact 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 finish with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you do not know the name)
- It is advisable to do this also when applying to one of Chichester recruitment agencies as they also 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 may want to include are:
- Say that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Chichester role advertised.
- Express interest in the Chichester position
- Explain briefly what you have been doing with your working life
- Say the skills you are of the opinion you have and how you could apply them to this position
- Finally, Say that you would be delighted to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Try to be honest and passionate. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A perfect covering letter can be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have entirely the desired skills or experience but consider that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to alter your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Chichester District Council / West Sussex County Council jobs and University of Chichester / Chichester College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
