How to Write a Covering Letter

Ok, so you have three or four paragraphs to sell yourself to your future employer. How do you start writing the covering letter? First things first, dont write anything until you have properly read the job advert. Then highlight the key things they are looking for. If they dont specify, then put yourself in their position and think about what they would be looking for. Alternatively, you could always give their HR team a call. Next, research the company properly. This means doing more than reading the about us section on their website. Think about what the organisations values: What makes them different from other competitors? Who are their customers? What kind of candidates do they want to attract? Its also vital to think about wha t really attracts YOU to their company and how you think your skills will benefit them.

Thinking over, lets get writing

A great, hulking covering letter DONT is to repeat exactly what your CV already says. The trick is to highlight the relevant points in the CV and give them more information about them. The covering letter should be the filling and icing (and silver

Innovation is also one of our founding values. We always have in mind the fact that our company was founded by a scientist. Innovation is essential because beauty is an endless quest that constantly requires a higher level of performance. At LOral, it is vital. Always wanting to push back the limits of knowledge means discovering new ways to create products that are truly different and surprising. To always stay one step ahead. Because there is no innovation without daring, without taking initiatives, LOral has always given priority to the individual rather than to organisations. Entrepreneurial spirit, a synonym for autonomy, challenge, and adventure, has always been encouraged and embodied in a specific management style. Today it is still the driving force behind a Group built above all on a belief of the importance of each individual and their talents. Another value that has been guiding us since the Groups foundation over a century ago is Open-mindedness. Listening to consumers and understanding their culture, being open to others and benefiting from their differences are absolute priorities in order to respond to the infinite diversity of beauty aspirations around the world. They are inseparable from our business and our mission.

These four values are inextricably related to our fifth value, the quest for Excellence. A value that permeates every aspect of our business, in every country and that is expressed in a state of mind and a constant pursuit of perfection. We all share this desire to surpass ourselves to be able to provide the best for our consumers. Finally, whether the Group is innovating or showing its entrepreneurial spirit, it has always done so with a sense for Responsibility. LOral's first invention, the safe hair dye was already an expression of this fundamental concern for effective, safe and innocuous products. But our sense of responsibility goes far beyond that. As a world leader in beauty, we have, more than others, the duty to preserve the beauty of the planet and to contribute to the well-being of our employees and of the communities in which we are present.

What tone should you use? It needs to be professional and formal, but, at the same time, you need to convey your own personal voice. We dont mean wittering on about your Bieber obsession, but rather avoiding clichd expressions and formulaic business speak. Think of different ways to structure and formulate your sentences to really show off your writing style. It should be interesting, but economical. Keep it concise. Your cover letter should be no more than one side of A4. You can create a general covering letter template, but it should be modified for every job application. Heres a basic structure, but you can play around with it:

First things first

Try and address your covering letter to a named person (find out who you are writing to). Use a formal business letter template: your address and the name and address of recipient should be at the top of the letter. If you are emailing them, put the covering letter in the body of the email and omit the addresses.

Paragraph 1
This is where you tell them who you are and why you are writing. Dont start with I am writing to Everyone, EVERYONE, starts with this. Mention the role you are applying to and how you heard about the job (particularly if you were referred by a mutual acquaintance). Give a unique reason why you personally would be great for the job. Feel free to show a little bit of enthusiasm, but dont go overboard. No: I am WETTING MYSELF at the thought of working for you.

Paragraph 2

Here you should outline why you want to work for this particular company, in this job, in this sector. Really think about why you want to work for the organisation and try to come up with a reason that sounds genuine and unique. Again, keep it concise.

Paragraph 3
Here you can highlight any relevant skills, work experience, or education that you think show why you would be great for the position. You should always, always back them up with evidence: its about showing rather than telling. Make sure you showcase the skills that they ask for in the job brief; this is where you give them evidence that shows youre a top-notch candidate for the job. Be confident, but no bragging.

Paragraph 4
This should be very brief. Say when youre available for interview and cover any practical issues they ask about (e.g. what your salary expectations are). Be positive: Im looking forward to your reply. You should end the letter Yours sincerely if its being sent to a named person; if you havent managed to find out a name then use: Yours faithfully followed by your name (obviously!).

Finally
If youre emailing your covering letter or theyre likely to read it onscreen, then use a font designed to be read on a screen, such as Verdana or Helvetica (Arial is a bit pass, darling!). You should also use shorter paragraphs in emails as well. So youve written it, but it isnt over until the proofreader sings. By proofreader, we mean you. Scour every inch of your covering letter for spelling and grammar mistakes. Get someone else to do it as well. So many people make schoolboy errors, such as misspelling the name of the company, the addressee or referring to the wrong placement. Dont be a schoolboy. Check, check, check and check again!