This document provides tips for writing an effective covering letter to accompany a resume or CV. It advises addressing the letter to a specific person by name if possible, and contacting the company to find the right contact. The letter should outline relevant experience from the resume and why the applicant is interested in the position and company. The tone should be bold yet avoid overly formal language, and the letter should propose a follow up date to ensure follow through.

1. How to write a
great covering letter
from changeboard.com

2. What is a covering letter
for?
Your CV is the main event, but
your cover letter is what will
entice an employer to read it
A cover letter should outline
the relevant parts of your CV
changeboard.com

3. Who should you address it
to?
Find out who your letter should
be addressed to, either by calling
the company and asking, or
doing research on LinkedIn or
the company website
If you can’t find the right person,
write to a senior member of staff and
ask them to pass it on with a request
to contact you
The chances of the person in charge
of hiring not calling you back are slim
– who’s going to ignore a request
from the boss?
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4. Ignore your instincts
Axe the formal tone
Being yourself will allow
recruiters to assess whether
you’re suited for the role
You don’t want to get the job
just to find out you’re not the
right fit for the role
changeboard.com

5. Be bold
State a time when you will
follow up with them, and then
make sure you do
Choose a time and date that
gives you plenty of time to
prepare
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6. Submitting an application
If you’re submitting your
application in hard copy, hand-
write the recipient’s name and
address
Most people open handwritten
mail first
If you’re submitting an application
via email, craft an interesting subject
line to make yours stand out
For example you could use
“Introduction from…” if you have a
contact at the company
changeboard.com

7. Important questions to
consider
 “What do they want to
know?”
 “How am I going to add value
to the team?”
Tell them why you want to work for their
company, why you want the position,
and why they want to hire you
Let the answers to these questions guide
your writing
changeboard.com

8. For more tips…
For industry-leading careers advice and the latest jobs in human
resources, go to:
www.changeboard.com
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