When posting a CV to a prospective Southampton employer should you on all occasions include a covering letter too? What should your covering letter say? We at AllSouthamptonJobs want to assist you in maximising your chances of getting that ideal job so here is our advice on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Simple answer, YES!

A CV will tell a potential Southampton employer of your employment history, education etc but not why you are applying for their vacancy with their organisation. It also provides your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the organisation that you have made a particular 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 show 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, Southampton branch’ at the bottom of the advert


• If it is not on the advert then telephone the business and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If their name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’


• Remember to end with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)


• We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Southampton recruitment agencies as they too 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:

• Indicate that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Southampton role advertised.


• Express interest in the Southampton position


• Say briefly what you have been doing with your work history


• Mention the skills you are of the opinion you have and how you could apply them to this position


• Finally, Mention 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 consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A great covering letter might be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the correct 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 Southampton City Council / Hampshire County Council jobs and The University of Southampton / Southampton City College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.