What makes a good Cover Letter?

1. It should be brief (one page), precise, and written in a business letter style.

2. No spelling or typing errors. Not even one. Check and recheck for accurate spelling and grammar. Do not rely on spell-check.

3. Address it to the person who can hire you. Resumes sent to the personnel department have a tougher time of it. If you can find out (through networking and researching) exactly who is making the hiring decision, address the letter to that person. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. A touch of formality is good too: address the person as "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," "Miss," "Dr.," or "Professor." Cover letters should never include the salutations "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Hiring Partner," or "Dear Sir or Madam."

4. Write it in your own words so that it sounds like you – not like something out of a book. Employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm, focus.

5. Show that you know something about the company and the industry. This is where your research comes in. Don't go overboard – just make it clear that you didn't pick this company out of the phone book. You know who they are, what they do and you have chosen them!

6. Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. (This is where your industry research and networking come in.) Your cover letter should match your professional and personal qualifications with what the organization specifically needs for the position, it is not self-centered. If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in BOLD type. For example: the ad says – "2 years' experience processing magnetic media (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit plan design, contracts and claims; and business background with strong analytical & technical skills – dBase, Excel, R&R, SQL." Make sure your cover letter contains each of these requirements and shows how you measure up.

Language Development

Exercise 1. Cover Letters

The letter of application you send with your CV is sometimes called a Cover Letter (Covering Letter). It is usually the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer, so make sure it is well-written and presented. It should normally contain 3-4 paragraphs.

1. Letter Content

Here is a list of points you should include:

• Say that you would like to apply

• Say where you found out about the job

• Say why you would like the job

• Say why you are qualified to do the job

• Say you can provide more information if necessary

• Say when you would be available for interview

2. Useful phrases

Select the correct words from the brackets so that this Cover Letter is in good English.

Dear Mr Saleh,

I am writing to (apply; ask; request) for the position of Editorial Assistant which was (shown; advertised; presented) in the latest edition of Gulf News.

I am currently (worked; employed; used) by a Market Research company as a research assistant, but am keen to (out; pursue; take) a career in publishing, because I enjoy reading and write my own poetry.

As you will notice on the (included; mentioned; attached) CV, I graduated in European Literature. At University I gained considerable (experiment; expression; experience) working on the student magazine, so I am (familiarised; familier; familiar) with editing techniques. I work well under (anxiety; demands; pressure) and enjoy working in a team. In addition, I speak English (well; fluently; strongly).

I would be (available; around; accessible) for interview from next week. Meanwhile, please do not (wait; hesitate; stop) to contact me if you require further information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Margareth Roan

Margaret Roan