Cover Letters

Writing a Cover Letter

This may be the first thing that they read and creates a positive and persuasive first impression.   The cover letter highlights and summarises the main points of your DV.   The details should provide evidence of the more general statement you make in the letter.  The letter should be targeted to who you are writing to so if you can show them you are interested in the position and how your are suitable, that is great.  Show them what you know about the company. The more knowledgeable, the more you are likely to stand out.  

As with CV and personal statements, it is vital that the grammar, style, clarity and fluency are good as these are scrutinised often so even if English is your first language, it is a good idea to get it proofread.   Keep the writing simple .   Make the content appropriate.   It is normal to have a short opening paragraphing introducing yourself to the reader saying why you writing, then why you want the job, and even where you saws the job.  sounding keen but demonstrating that you’ve done your homework in finding out about the position. This is where you can try to stand out.  Then sell yourself as in giving reason why they should be interested in you and have the qualities.   This should reflect your relevant skills, interests and past experiences.   Link your skills and requirements of the job.  Then a closing paragraphing in a polite but optimistic way.

Try to address to a named individual.

Academic jobs may require a different sort of CV
-           more educational detail/achievements
-           more on technical skills/work
-           past, current and future research interests and expereince
-           publications/conferences and presentations
-           teaching/mentoring and admin expereince
-           2 to 3 referees (all academically related)
-           can be more than 2 pages

Non academic jobs have a different slant
-           relevant transferable skills appropriate to role
-           relevant rsearch, courses and projects
-           reselevant work experience
-           avoid technical jargon
-           focused profile or skills summary
-           2 referrees (academic and employer)
-           no more than 2 pages normally


Application forms are used to deter unsuitable appoicants, compare information/see who stands out, create a focus on areas relevant to jobn, assess diversity of experience.