When posting a CV to a prospective Gatwick employer should you on all occasions submit a covering letter too? What should your covering letter say? We at AllGatwickJobs want to assist you in increasing your chances of getting that good job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.
Should you always include a covering letter?
Simple answer, YES!
A CV will inform a prospective Gatwick employer of your employment history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their position with their business. It also gives your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the organisation that you have made a special effort to apply.
So what do you say to aid 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 reflect this:
- If the name of the receiver of the CVs is contained in the advert then make ensure you address it to them. For example, you may find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, Gatwick branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement
- If it is not on the ad then telephone the business and request for a name to address it to as it displays an extra effort. If the name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
- Remember to finish with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you do not know the name)
- You should do this also when applying to one of Gatwick recruitment agencies as they also will need to feel 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 Gatwick vacancy advertised.
- Express interest in the Gatwick position
- State briefly what you have been doing with your work history
- Indicate the skills you think you have and how you could apply them to this role
- Finally, Say that you would be pleased to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.
Endeavour to be honest and passionate. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you feel that you can do the job so explain that to them. A excellent covering letter could be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the right skills or experience but consider 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 relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Crawley Borough Council / West Sussex County Council jobs and Central Sussex College / Crawley College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.
