Covering Letter Advice

Covering letters have one purpose and one purpose only. To get the recruiter to read your CV. So how do you do that? Quite simply, you make it obvious that the recruiter will be missing out if he or she does not.

Here are ten rules for writing a successful financial sector covering letter:

  • Ensure that you have full, correct contact details. If you are applying to a job from totallyfinancial.com, this information is included on the website.
  • Always give your letter the date of the day you intend to post or email it.
  • Each job advertised on totallyfinancial.com has a reference number and job title. Include these at the start of your cover letter: the recruiter will thank you for it later. He or she receives dozens of CVs every day, so help make their task of sifting through them easier.
  • Keep your letter short – no more than one page of A4 paper. This also makes it easier for the recruiter.
  • The first paragraph should provide a brief introduction, covering where you saw the advertisement, the position you are interested in and the fact that you are enclosing a CV.
  • The second paragraph should contain a sales pitch to get the recruiter to read your CV. Think about how you can match your skills and experience to the requirements of the job. Bullet points can help highlight any key selling points.
  • End the letter on a positive note, asking for an interview or meeting.
  • Present the letter in a similar format to your CV. To make it look professional, use the same paper and typeface. Paperclip the letter and CV together before posting.
  • Only include your current salary details if asked to. You want to leave discussions on this until later. See our tips on negotiating your remuneration package for more.
  • Dont forget to keep a copy of your cover letter to refer back to when preparing for the interview.

 

Example

7 Llewellyn Mansions, Hammer Smith Road,

West Kensington.

Tel: 0207 234 7564

Mr A Professional

A Company

2 Financial Street

London

EC4 2NN

1 January 2009

Dear Ms ProfessionalRe: advert for Senior Risk Analyst, Energy & Commodities, Job Ref

I was particularly interested to read on FinancialJobsinLondon.com of your vacancy for a Senior risk analyst, energy & commodities.

Having read your advertisement closely, I believe that my background ties in exactly with your requirements. Please note in particular from my CV that:

  • I have an excellent academic record with a 2:1 from Warwick University.
  • I qualified as an ACA and gained good experience with an accountancy firm in London.
  • I have 6 months post qualification experience.
  • Since qualifying, I have gained in-depth and wide ranging experience.

Although I believe I could make an outstanding contribution as a member of your team, I would welcome the opportunity of meeting you to discuss further how my skills and experience match your requirements.

I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

 

A Analyst