A CV or an application form should almost always be accompanied by a covering letter. A covering letter breathes fire and life into a CV. As it is a letter it will definitely be the first thing a potential employer will read..

Thus, be aware that a covering letter full of mistakes and badly organised will make a future employer not even look at your CV.

A covering letter more often than not targets a specific person in the organistaion and makes them focus their attention onto your CV. The covering letter should also be typed on good quality paper and like the CV make the employer feel as though you are specifically targetting their organisation, and not applying to every graduate employer found in a prospectus. (even if that is the case!)

If there is no job advertised and you have applied to the firm speculatively make sure you have researched the firm well and include in your covering letter evidence that you have done so. For example you were impressed with their commitment to training graduates. Be concise about the role you are applying for, don't just make one up in the hope that one is available. You should also address the letter to the person most relevant to recruiting for the position that you are applying for. The covering letter is a very useful tool in highlighting points not covered in your CV,

Essential tips

Use only one side of A4 - around 3/4 paragraphs.

Make sure that its free of spelling mistakes and easy to read.

Make sure that you have addressed it to the correct person or it might get passed around and binned. Telephone the organisation to confirm who would be best suited to reading your CV and covering letter.

Don't simply churn out the same information that be obtained from your CV. Use the covering letter to highlight skills which you haven't covered on your CV such as skills gained from work experiences like team working etc.

Always end on a bright note saying that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Finally make sure the covering letter is legible, clear, concise and easy to follow. Keep a copy of all CVs and covering letters you send out for your reference.

Remember that the covering letter should make the employer want to read your CV. It might be a good idea to begin the letter 'interestingly' so as to make the employer take notice of the first few paragraphs. He or she is shure to read on then. But you don't have to go over the top and taking ten minutes to think of a new angle might just give your letter that extra edgea

Next month Student Image will tackle interview techniques.