Covering letter for job application - What to say?

[Eglu]

I'm applying for a new job and it's been some time since I've done this. What are the main points I need to put in a covering letter?

I'm generally rubbish at these things. I really want this job, it is perfect for me. But, I know that in the current climate it is harder to get a job.

Okay, I'll stop waffling now. Please help.

[jkklpu]

Explain why you want the job but don't take too long on that part. More important (from the employer's point of view) is to explain why you are the right person for the job.

So, do say that you have lots of relevant experience of X and Y (from the job description), that you are adaptable and creative, can work unsupervised (if you reckon this kind of thing is what's asked for).

Try as far as possible to pretend you are looking to hire someone for the job and what you would want to see in a motivation letter. And don't put in anything that might be a red flag, eg say up-front you can't work on Wednesday afternoons, let slip that you're coming back to work after a break (for whatever reason) and need some extra support to ease back in.

And pay lots of attention to what the job description says so you can match it as far as possible. Don't point out any gaps in your experience, just note the positives.
Good luck.

[Eglu]

Thank you jkklpu, I much appreciate it.

[RedTartanLass]

Eglu you could start the letter something like this:

You will see from my CV that my skills, experience and qualifications closely match your requirements for this position. In particular may I draw your attention to the following in support of my application.

Then list 4 or 5 points from the Job Decription, i.e. Communications Skills or Building Relationships and within each heading descibe how you match these criteria uusing the STAR method. Situation or
Task, Action you took, Results you achieved

Ususally works for me, and as you apply for more jobs, you can jsut cut and paste for the different skills.

[ajpics]

At Waterstones you can buy such a book The Ultimate Jobs Search Letters Book by Martin Yates, gives you loads of examples and you can cherry pick great lines out of some of the letters.

[Eglu]

Thank you. RedTartanLass. THose are some great tips.