When submitting a CV to a prospective Worthing employer do you on all occasions include a covering letter too? What should this contain? We at AllWorthingJobs want to help you in improving your chances of getting that great job so here is our advice on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Straightforward answer, YES!
A CV will inform a potential Worthing employer of your employment history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their opening with their company. It also provides your CV a personal touch which shows to the company that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to aid you in getting that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, keep in mind that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should show this:
- If the name of the receiver of the CVs is contained in the advert then make ensure you address it to them. For example, you could find ‘please apply to Mr John Smith, Worthing branch’ at the bottom of the advert
- If it is not on the advertisement then telephone the employer and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If it is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to close with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)
- You should do this also when applying to one of Worthing recruitment agencies as they too will need to think that you are suitable.
Secondly, remember that you are putting your best foot forward in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you may want to include are:
- Say that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Worthing position advertised.
- Express interest in the Worthing position
- State briefly what you have been doing with your work history
- Say the skills you believe you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy
- Finally, Indicate that you would be pleased to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Endeavour to be honest and passionate. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you think that you can do the job so explain that to them. A good covering letter can be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have precisely the needed skills or experience but feel 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 Worthing Borough Council / West Sussex County Council jobs and Worthing College / University of Brighton / Sussex University / Chichester University jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
