When posting a CV to a potential Guildford employer do you on all occasions submit a covering letter too? What should your covering letter contain? We at AllGuildfordJobs want to help you in increasing your chances of getting that superb job so here is our advice on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Easy answer, YES!

A CV will inform a prospective Guildford employer of your work history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their opportunity with their employer. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the organisation that you have made a determined effort to apply.

So what do you say to help you in securing that job and making sure you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, remember that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should show this:

• If the name of the person you are sending the CV to is in the advert then make sure you address it to them. For example, you could find ‘please apply to Mr John Smith, Guildford branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement


• If it is not on the advertisement then telephone the business and request for a name to address it to as it displays an extra effort. If their name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’


• Remember to end 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 Guildford recruitment agencies as they also will need to feel that you are suitable.

Secondly, remember that you are putting your best foot forward in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you could want to include are:

• Say that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Guildford opportunity advertised.


• Express interest in the Guildford position


• Mention briefly what you have been doing with your work history


• Explain the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this role


• Finally, Mention that you would be delighted 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 ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the necessary skills or experience but think 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 Guildford Borough Council / Surrey County Council jobs and University of Surrey / Guildford College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.