Why send a covering letter with the CV? The covering letter is your opportunity to tell a potential employer why you would be the right person for the job. Your aim in writing is to highlight your skills and experience so that you can get an interview. The basic rules of good business writing also apply - keep it brief, polite and relevant
Starting the letter
In the first paragraph, you should say why
you are writing: I would like to apply for the position of Sales Manager,
as advertised in The Oxford Express. I am writing in response to your
recent advertisement in The Oxford Express for a Sales Manager. I was
extremely interested to see your advertisement for Sales Manager in The
Oxford Express.
The
main part of the letter
In following paragraphs, you can give further
information. You should demonstrate how you fit the requirements of the job. To
keep what you write relevant, organise the information around the key words of
the advertisement. For example: "Oris computers are looking for a Sales
Manager with excellent customer service skills as well as significant experience
in account management. A team player, you will have overall responsibility for
all key accounts in the South East - a position that is responsible for the
highest turnover in the country. Reporting directly to the Managing Director,
you will be able to identify new markets and customers and implement effective
and suitable marketing and promotional activities.
Key words and phrases Customer service Significant experience Team player Overall responsibility for key accounts Identify new markets Implement effective and suitable marketing and promotional activities
Ways of using these key words and phrases
With five
years' experience of sales management at Thomas Trading, I am comfortable
with the requirements of the post. With the experience I have gained
at Thomas Trading, I fit the profile of Sales Manager as specified in the
advertisement. My experience at Thomas Trading has enabled me to gain an
excellent all-round understanding of customer service and support. As Sales
Manager for Thomas Trading, I have overall responsibility for a yearly
turnover of more than two million pounds. In my position of Sales Manager for
Thomas Trading, I work closely with the Promotions Department to
devise and implementa range of marketing activities. For example, we were
responsible for a print and broadcast campaign that generated more
than one million pounds in additional revenue. Part of my responsibilities
also include evaluating new markets and customers. I have initiated a
series of test and focus groups to evaluate potential products as well as to
gain a deeper understanding of key customer requirements.
Ending the letter
In the final part of your covering
letter, you should ask for an interview and thank the reader for their time and
attention. I would be delighted to discuss my application with you in
further detail. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my
application with you. I would be extremely grateful for a chance to
discuss my application with you. I look forward to hearing from you
soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.