Writing the perfect email covering letter

If your CV is attached to the email, then use the main body of the email as your covering letter. Tell the employer how you meet their key requirements so that you can immediately make a good impression and entice them to open the attachment and look at your CV in more detail.

  • In the subject line of the email, list the vacancy title, reference number and where you saw or heard about the vacancy
  • Use the body of the email to convince the recruiter in three to five bullet points that you are the right person for the job
  • Send the CV as an attachment clearly labelled with your name
  • Spell-check before sending the email

 

Email covering letter template

To: Ann Brown

Subject: Project Manager, ETD, Ref No. 1234 Management Today

Attachment: MWoodProjectManagerCVfeb13.doc

Dear Ann,

I am interested in applying for the above job as I believe my substantial experience in project management combined with my knowledge of the telecommunications sector will be of particular benefit to your organisation.

ABC has an excellent reputation for innovation and having worked on a number of ground-breaking technological projects from the planning to the implementation stage, I believe that I can make a significant contribution to your organisation.

In particular, I have:

  • 10 years’ experience in managing teams of between 5 and 15 people on a variety of complex telecommunications projects
  • An engineering background which gives me the ability to quickly grasp new technical detail and assess implications for operational planning
  • Experience and qualifications in PRINCE2 project management software
  • Superb relationship-building skills enabling project team members to focus on tasks even during challenging times

My CV is attached, providing further information on how my career background meets your requirements. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss this further.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mike Wood

Tel: 07777 555 555

                           

CV & Email Checklist

Remember, first impressions are very important. The following is a quick checklist before sending off those emails.

 

Your CV attachment if sending in Microsoft Word:

• Arial or Times New Roman size 10–12 for body of text and size 14 for headings

• Standard margin lengths

• Bold used sparingly, principally for headings

• No columns or boxes

• No graphics, photos or Jpegs

• No shading

CV attachment if sending as PDF:

• Checked that recipient/website can upload or view these

CV attachment sending from or to a Mac:

• Double-check format to ensure CV is compatible with recipient’s software

 

  • Has all the spelling and grammar in the email covering letter been double-checked?
  • Have you specified in the Subject Line of your email the vacancy/reference number of the job for which you are applying?
  • Does the email covering letter state why you are a good candidate?
  • Is the covering letter written formally, using full sentences with bullet points to reinforce key selling points?
  • Have you addressed the individual by name, if known, in the covering letter?
  • Have you labelled your CV attachment with your name?
  • Have you created an email address just for job-searching?
  • Have you included your telephone number in the main body of your email to make it easy for people to contact you?

If you’re considering a career change, exploring your options or need effective job search support, do not hesitate to get in touch

Writing the perfect email covering letter

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