Writing letters

There are three main types of letters that you might have to write to an employer:

• a general letter to ask for further information and/or an application form;
• a speculative letter, to ask whether they have any vacancies which might be suitable for you;
• a covering letter, to accompany your CV when you apply for a job. 

General letters

Normally, you’ll send a general letter in when requesting information about a job; some adverts will ask you to email or write in for further details.

• Where possible, send it to a named person – it looks better.
• Keep your letter brief.
• Explain why you are writing and the position you are interested in (sometimes more than one job might be on offer).
• Remember to include your full address, including your postcode.
• Include an SAE (stamped, addressed envelope) if required.
• Leave plenty of time before the closing date so that you can prepare your application without rushing.
• Don’t send your CV at this point, or any other details, unless you are asked to.

Speculative letters

Sometimes, a job that you might really want to do might not be advertised. This is particularly the case in certain areas such as charities, the media (newspapers, magazines, radio and TV and websites), where much work is found through word of mouth (knowing people who know people) or through speculative letters.

• Do some research online, in the phone book and in newspapers to see who might offer the type of job you’re interested in.
• Don’t send out loads of the same letter and CV in the hope that someone might reply.
• Personalise each letter and, wherever possible, try to find out whom to address it to. It creates a good first impression as it shows you have bothered to find this information out.
• Say why you’re interested in this particular job and the company.
• End by saying that you hope/look forward to speaking to them soon.

Covering letters

Application forms or CVs offer a chance to show your education, qualifications, work experience and skills in a set, structured way. Covering letters, on the other hand, give you an opportunity to introduce yourself more personally to employers and sell yourself as the right candidate for the job. The employer wants you to write to them stating your reasons for applying and why you think you are suitable.

• You normally have to send a covering letter whenever you are submitting a CV, application form or when you are sending a speculative application.
• For application forms, your covering letter can be shorter and not so detailed, as the application form will cover most areas.
• However, for CVs and speculative applications, make good use of your covering letter to highlight how you can benefit an organisation and why you’re perfect for the role.
• Show that you have researched the company and explain why you think you’d like to work for them.
• Never send a standard letter – make each one personal to each company you contact. Employers can tell if you’ve just sent out a load of general letters in the hope that someone will bite. This is an immediate turn-off and a quick way to get your letter in the bin!

General tips for all letter-writing

• Keep your letter to one side of A4 only.
• Write a rough copy first before hitting the ‘print’ button or sending it across on e-mail.
• Handwritten letters are fine, if you can’t access a computer and printer, but make sure they are neat and easy to read.
• Some employers prefer handwritten letters – if so, they will say so on their advert.
• Address your letter to the right person wherever possible – this shows attention to detail and will impress. End the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.
• If you can’t find the name, then start your letter ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and end it with ‘Yours faithfully’.
• Sign your letter underneath ‘Yours sincerely/faithfully’ and print your name under your signature.
• Take care with the layout. It should have your address at the top right and the address of the person you are writing to on the left.
• Always remember to include:
• your address
• the date
• the job you are interested in
• where you saw the vacancy advertised (if appropriate)
• your signature at the end
• an SAE (stamped addressed envelope) if you are required to do so.
• Keep a copy of everything you have sent so you can read it over again.

Downloads

• Writing a covering letter
• Sample letters to employers
• Writing letters