Selling yourself on paper: how to write a covering letter A good covering letter for a new job is like a firm handshake. It's a good way to be remembered and to say 'choose me'! It accompanies your CV and is just as important. 'A covering letter is read before a CV, so make sure that it grabs the reader's attention: says Paul Laurie, the operations manager at the employment consultancy Manpower. Many employers don't even bother to read the CV if the letter has poor spelling and punctuation, forgets to include contact details or omits reference to what the job is. These apparently are all common reasons for not even making the interview stage. The other point to note is that it isn't just an optional extra. Even if the advert only requires you to email your CV, you need to introduce why your CV is there and what you stand for. It should set the scene and make the reader want to open the attachment. Many applicants begin with the rather anonymous fear Sir or Madam, but if the job advertisement doesn't name a contact, call human resources to find out who will be shortlisting applications. The sooner you get on personal terms with the head of human resources, the better. Laurie also advises you to 'keep it punchy'. This means that three or four paragraphs should be sufficient to convey your motivation, experience and personality. It isn't replacing your CV but summarises your suitability for a role by matching your experience to the job advertised. This doesn't mean crossing that line between truth and fiction. 'There is selling yourself and then highlighting what you have done: Laurie says. 'Avoid statements such as \am the ideal candidate\strong candidate\ Of course, you might not be replying to a job advert but simply writing a speculative application. Perhaps you recently read something in the trade press or met someone from a firm at a networking event? If so, give a clear reason for writing and this will tell the company that you have been doing your homework. Recruiters are always impressed by any evidence of research into their company's goals, achievements and vision Also, with this speculative application letter. don't be discouraged if you don't get a job straight away. There may not be a job to suit you at the time of writing but most IHR managers will keep impressive letters and CVs on file. It's also worth making a follow-up call a month or so later to remind them that you exist. More and more covering application letters are now actually sent in the form of entails. But don't see the email as a shortcut. A good email requires just as much patience as a legible handwritten letter. You can also make an email work harder by writing a subject line with your key point, for example 'Engineering Graduate'. And as with letters, don't point out any weaknesses and then attempt to justify yourself -- you're giving reasons to interview you, not delete you. Finally, sign off with confidence and ask for an interview. Ending with 'I'll expect your call' sounds overly confident whereas writing that you expect to meet to discuss the role sounds professional.