UEL Get That Job

To impress your potential employer, ensure your covering letter is laid out in a simple and logical order and follows the below rules.

The Rules

• Your covering letter should be no more than one side of A4.
• The letter should be written in black ink and use the same font and styles of your CV. It should be printed on the same high quality paper as your CV.
• Your covering letter should be typed and printed, unless you have been specifically asked to hand write the letter.
• If at all possible, address your covering letter to a named individual.
• Your covering letter should be laid out like a conventional letter. See the Useful links guide for a list of websites with more advice on writing covering letters.
• Ensure you cover the seven key sections to a business letter:
  • Your address and telephone number.
  • The date.
  • The address of the person you are writing to.
  • The opening greeting.
  • The main text – this is split into 3 sections(the opening, supporting and closing statements).
  • The appropriate complimentary close (e.g. ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’) and your signature.
  • The enclosures section for any documentation sent with the letter e.g. Enc. CV.
  • When you have printed out your covering letter, remember to sign it in the space left for signature.