| A resource for new graduates & Chartered Physiotherapists
Cover Letters - adjust for the job you're applying for
Keep it short (1-page maximum) and to the point. Be polite and respectful. Catch the reader's interest from the start, and hold onto it. Don't be afraid to sell your talents and abilities - no one else is going to do it for you.
Remember if successful this will be read in conjunction with your CV so it's a good idea to use the same font, size, colouring, style as the CV. Ask someone to read it before you print it, and to be critical - check the spelling and grammer, check that each sentence makes sense, etc.
Cover Letter
A cover letter should accompany the CV you are sending to a prospective employer. The cover letter’s purpose is to highlight the key points in your CV and to emphasise your interest in the job and the organisation. As this letter is the first document the employer reads, it is vital that it impresses.
Ensure your cover letter is addressed to the appropriate person by using their name – if uncertain, telephone the company/department in advance to clarify.
Key points for cover letters
- Length: Restrict yourself to a single-sided A4 page
- Presentation: Typed on good quality, white paper
- Contents: Introduce yourself and include the following:
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Why are you writing? e.g. Where you saw the advertisement/Whether you are writing speculatively?
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Why do you want to work for this particular organisation?
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Why do you want this particular job?
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Why are you good candidate? What is the relevance of your qualifications, skills and experience to this particular job?
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What next? - request an interview or suggest that you will follow up with a telephone call
123 The Road I Live On
Village
Town
Ms Manager's Name
Manager's Title
Work Address
16-November-2013
Dear Ms Manager
I wish to apply for the position of Staff Grade Physiotherapist.
This is the part where you make your mark - why you are great, why it's in their best interests to hire you, and why you are the best fit for this, and any other, jobs that they have to offer.
Every paragraph should be a well-written mini-essay, with a specific point to make, no waffle, and dressed to impress. Be confident - not subtle, or cocky (it's a fine line!).
Round it all off in the last paraghraph, stating the obvious. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. If you would like any further information please contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
My Name
Email: icheckthisregularly@gmail.com
Tel: 00353-87-123-4567
Tip:
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Don't let the parts in italics fool you! This is a sample, to give you the general idea - Ctrl+C, V combo is never a good idea
Tip:
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Leave some space to sign your name after you print the letter