CVs and covering letters
Covering letter makeovers
Your covering letter can make all the difference to your application. A persuasive and enthusiastic covering letter is as important as the CV itself.
Here are some examples showing the differences between a covering letter which could be overlooked (the before version) and a covering letter which really sells your skills and abilities (the after version).
David's covering letter for an advertised vacancy
David's story: David's currently working as an assistant hospitality manager. He's worked in hospitality for seven years, four of which were in management roles.
Career goal: David's looking to take the next step up the ladder so he's applying for the post of hospitality manager.
The situation: David's responded to many jobs with his CV and covering letter, but he's not having much success. He's convinced he has the right experience, and his CV is up to scratch. He’s wondering if it's his covering letter that's letting him down.
He admits he doesn't really know what to put in the covering letter, so he tends to cut and paste sections from his CV. He also says he might have rushed his covering letters in the past.
Nicola's covering letter for a speculative enquiry
Nicola's story: After time spent bringing up her children, Nicola is keen to return to work.
Career goal: Nicola is interested in working as a teaching assistant.
The situation: Nicola wants a career change and wants to find out the best way to highlight the transferable skills she can use in her new career.
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