Do I need a covering letter?

Yes - you always need to send a covering letter with your CV or application form except in the following circumstances -

Recruitment fairs: handing CV direct to employer, so not targeted to any one particular job
Recruitment agencies: agency will be sending your CV on your behalf to a number of employers
Online applications

What should a covering letter include?

Your covering letter forms an integral part of your application together with your CV or application form and should include:

Reason why you are applying for that type of work
Reason why you are applying to that organisation
Further explanation of any particularly relevant work experience, projects or knowledge
Explanation of poor exam results, gaps or changes
Dates that you are not available for interview or based at a different address
Any special circumstances such as disability, at your own discretion

General rules for covering letters

Use the same paper, font and layout as your CV
Include your address, the organisation's full address and the date - as with any business letter
Use 'Yours sincerely' when you begin 'Dear Mr Jones', Use 'Yours faithfully' if you begin 'Dear Sir'. It is never correct to say 'Dear Colin' (unless you know him personally) or 'Dear Mr C Jones'
use only 1 side of A4 paper
Keep a copy

If you are looking to change jobs, also check out the section Preparing a cover letter when you have experience in your field

Covering Letter Examples

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