Candidates

Covering Letter with Example

The two most important tools when applying for any scientific job vacancy are your covering letter and CV.

The covering letter is your introduction to a prospective employer and first impressions count. It must be immaculately presented with no typos or spelling errors. The same applies to the details you send to a recruitment consultancy.

While your CV is likely to remain similar for the majority of applications, your covering letter allows you to tailor your application to each individual vacancy, highlighting particularly relevant experience and information.

Although you may wish to modify your covering letter for each application, there are several key features that should always be included:

  • Use good quality white or cream paper that is free of smudges or stains.

    Type the letter – it is more professional than hand written.

    Use a business format with short paragraphs and good spacing.

  • Address the letter to a specific person in the company if you can.

  • Include the company’s full name and address including postcode.

  • Refer to the vacancy title, any reference number and the title of the publication it was advertised in, if appropriate.

  • Include a brief skills profile. One or two short paragraphs or bullet points drawing attention to your most relevant skills will attract the recruiter’s immediate attention.

  • A closing paragraph should express your interest and availability to provide additional information, or for interview.

  • Don’t forget to sign the letter in blue or black ink.

  • Remember, the covering letter is a brief introduction to gain interest. It must be clear, concise and to the point. If it is more than one page, it is too long.

Why not have a look at our example cover letter (.doc format)