When submitting a CV to a prospective Brighton and Hove employer should you on all occasions have a covering letter too? What should it say? We at AllBrightonAndHoveJobs want to assist you in maximising your chances of getting that perfect job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Straightforward answer, YES!
A CV will inform a prospective Brighton and Hove employer of your work history, education etc but not why you are applying for their opening with their company. It also provides your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the company that you have made a particular effort to apply.
So what do you say to assist you in getting that job and making sure 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 person you are sending the CV to is in the advert then make sure you address it to them. For example, you could find ‘please apply to Mr Joe Plumber, Brighton and Hove branch’ at the bottom of the ad
- If it is not on the advert then phone the business and request for a name to address it to as it demonstrates 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)
- We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Brighton and Hove 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 might want to include are:
- Indicate that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Brighton and Hove opportunity advertised.
- Express interest in the Brighton and Hove position
- Say briefly what you have been doing with career
- Say the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this opportunity
- Finally, Explain 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. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have exactly the desired skills or experience but think that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to change your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Brighton & Hove City Council / East Sussex County Council jobs and University of Brighton / Sussex University jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
