A covering letter should be sent with your CV explaining the reasons for your interest in the specific company and identifying your most relevant skills or experiences. Your covering letter can explain things that your CV can't.

Your cover letter can make the difference between getting the job interview and having your CV ignored, so it's important to take the time and make the effort to writing effective cover letters.

Whenever possible, any cover letter should be sent to a named individual. Some employers have been known to throw away any letter that does not address them by name.

Your covering letter should be...

• No more than 1 page long max 2-3 paragraphs
• Written with clear positive language with no slang
• To a named individual wherever you can
• Different for each job application
• In black ink on clear white paper

Remember to include all of your personal details and when you are available for an interview, use good quality paper and envelope.

Finally get a friend or relative to check it all over just in case!

Some good links to get you going

Wiki Job

The Guardian

My Leeds Jobs