It is important to include a covering letter or note with your application or speculative approach. This provides you with an opportunity to introduce yourself and your CV and to highlight specific aspects of your skills and experience which may be required. As CVs are submitted mainly electronically you can either provide a covering letter as a separate document, include it with the CV document or write the notes directly into the covering email.

Keep the note short and to no more than one side of A4. Address it to a named person.

For advertised positions we welcome covering letters which have taken the key requirements within the advertisement and summarised how you meet these.

Where the advertisement is branded use the letter/note to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation, why in particular the role is of interest and what in particular you would bring to the party. Be concise and use bullet points if appropriate.

End the letter on a positive note.

Check for any mistakes and test it on someone prior to sending it. Ask yourself - 'Would I interview this person' and if the answer is not a definite yes then rewrite it.

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