When posting a CV to a prospective Maidstone employer should you always have a covering letter too? What should this say? We at AllMaidstoneJobs want to assist you in increasing your chances of getting that good job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.
Should you always have a covering letter?
Straightforward answer, YES!
A CV will tell a potential Maidstone employer of your career history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their opportunity with their organisation. It also provides your CV a personal touch which shows to the organisation that you have made a determined effort to apply.
So what do you say to assist you in getting that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?
Firstly, bear in mind that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should reflect this:
- If the name of the person you are sending the CV to is in the advert then make sure you address it to them. For example, you may find ‘please apply to Mr Joe Plumber, Maidstone branch’ at the bottom of the ad
- If it is not on the advert then phone the organisation and request for a name to address it to as it displays an extra effort. If it is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to close with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you do not know the name)
- We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Maidstone recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.
Secondly, bear in mind that you are selling yourself in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you might want to include are:
- Explain that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Maidstone opportunity advertised.
- Express interest in the Maidstone position
- Mention briefly what you have been doing with your work history
- State the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this opening
- Finally, Say that you would be delighted to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Try to be honest and passionate. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you think that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have exactly the desired skills or experience but feel that you can make up for it in others ways.
Remember to change your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as Maidstone Borough Council / Kent County Council jobs and Maidstone University for the Creative Arts / Midkent College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
