Should I include a covering letter with a job application form - DH says "don't bother!"

[DrZeus]

Just wondering what I should do. I think I should include a brief letter with my application form (for a vacancy at school), but DH has dismissed this as unnecessary and said just stick it in an envelope and deliver it. What do you think?
TIA

I would include a letter - it just seems more polite IYKWIM.

Yes I would definitely write a covering letter. Just don't copy and repeat everything you've said already on the form!
Just a brief one.

definitely enclose a letter.

Of course you should include a covering letter! What line of work is dh in and how long is it since he's sent off an application form?

You don't need one. The form is self complete.

Yes - schools expect covering letters.

Yes send a covering letter.

If it is a standard form, it's quite possible they won't read the letter anyway - but won't do any harm to include it.

Yes deffo covering letter...

YESSSS!!! This is where you can really bring out the key points of your application and show them how great you are, how you made the most of opportunities that presented themselves, why you're interested in the position and why you're so fantastic for the job. You can also say 'in this role I would do xyz' - just enough to whet their appetites.

Just imagine if everyone else sends a letter and you don't - do you think you'd get chosen?

Good luck!

What MrsTH said. Definitely. Covering letter almost more important than the CV - CV is facts and key skills, covering letter is the place where you get to say why they should employ you, and point out why the things on your CV mean you are the obvious person for the job.

It can't hurt to send it, and it might hurt not to send it. Therefore send it, but don't spend ages agonising over it. QED.

Thanks for all the replies. I've now written a letter a letter to go with my application form - not too long, highlighting how wonderful I am and how they absolutely must give me the job . Seriously, I am grateful for all the responses - I love Mumsnet!

Yes, as long as it's not long and rambly.