Top tips - what to include in a covering letter

There are many web sites offering random cover letters and selling advice.  But all it takes is common sense and a belief that one day you will be successful. 

In today's society, it is very easy to over-complicate.  Don't.  Remember KISS - keep it simple stupid.  

Follow these very board tips and you will hopefully make life a lot simpler - and more effective.

1.            Check what the application rules are.  Does the company accept e-mails?  When I was interviewing candidates, there was nothing more annoying than people who put in CVs when I had specifically stated I wanted on-line applications in a specific format.  These people were automatically dismissed - they obviously could not take instructions.  Do not let this happen to you.
   2.     When you write a covering letter, its the small things that matter.  Check your spelling.  Check your grammar.  Has anything negative crept in?  
   3.   Have you written the most appropriate type of letter: -
   ·        application letter - this is written when you are applying for a specific job referral
   ·        cover letter - this includes the name of the person who referred you  
   ·        letter of interest - this is a general enquiry letter
   ·        networking letter - this requests job search advice 
   4.   Ensure you provide all your contact details (head of the letter if you are sending snail mail, auto signature if sending via e-mail).  It’s surprising how many people forget to mention that they are male / female, day time telephone number etc.
   5.   What to include – review the skills in the advert and ensure that they are reflected in your CV and briefly mentioned in your covering letter
   6.   Give a brief summary of your skills and experience.  Do not duplicate what is already in your CV.  Emphasise your suitability – but be specific, explain why.
   7.   Does the content of your letter fill the page appropriately? 
   8.   If you applying to a person, mention that person’s name.  Follow it through to the end of the letter i.e.
   ·        If you start with a name (e.g. Dear Mrs Smith) sign off Yours sincerely,
   ·        If you start without a name (i.e. Dear Sir / Madam), sign off Yours faithfully.
   9.   When are you free for interview? 
   10.   Finally – stand out from the crowd.  If over 200 people are applying for this post, what makes you stand out?

Can I start a new job before my notice has expired?

Yes - if you negotiate it.

If your new job starts before your redundancy notice expires, try to negotiate with your employer for early release without losing your redundancy pay. Employers are often happy to make these arrangements.

If your employer doesn't agree to let you go early you should give them 'a written counter notice' stating when you would like to finish. Your employer should write back to you and say whether or not you can leave early.

If you leave early without your employer's permission you run the risk of losing some or all of your redundancy pay. Normally this only becomes an issue if your employer has given you a longer redundancy notice period than the statutory minimum.

Time off for job hunting

If you have been continuously employed for two years by the date your notice expires, you are allowed a reasonable amount of time off during your notice period to:

• look for another job
• arrange training to help you find another job

How long you can take will depend on your circumstances. If you attend an interview or two and do not take excessive amounts of travelling time, then this is likely to be reasonable.

Whatever the amount of time off you take, your employer only has to pay you up to two-fifths of a week's pay for it.

For example, if you work five days a week and you take four days off in total during the whole notice period, your employer only has to pay you for the first two days.