Help writing a letter                                                                    

For expert help finding a job call into your Local Connexions Centre and ask to speak to a Personal Adviser.

*NEW* Quickly create your own CV using our online vacancy system?  You could find a job too!

         • *NEW* Create a CV online and search for jobs too!
            CV's can be saved, changed and printed at any time!
         • View sample CV #1
         • View sample CV #2
         • View sample CV #3


Help with letters

Depending on the circumstances, there are three types of letter you might want to send to an employer:-

1 Letter of application - CLICK FOR MORE
If a job advert says that you have to apply for a job in writing you need to write a letter of application.

3 Covering letter - CLICK FOR MORE
If you are sending a CV or an application form to an employer you need to write a covering letter.

                • Handy hints for writing letters to employers


You need to set your letter out like a business letter. If you have learnt to set out a business letter it is a good idea to use the style you already know. If you have not learnt a style you could look at examples of letters in your local Connexions Centre, in your local library or on the internet.

You could set out your letter like this:

• LETTER OF APPLICATION      [BACK TO MENU]

Use the job advert to find out what skills and experience the employer is looking for. Begin by saying what job you would like to apply for, and why.

You need to write a little about your skills and experience. If you have gained your skills through your hobbies and interests or through voluntary work you should include these things. You should also talk about the qualifications you have. If the advert asks for your references you need to put in their names and addresses.

Finish your letter by saying you will be happy to give the employer any further information which they might require. Do make sure that your contact details are clearly set out at the top of the page.

• SPECULATIVE LETTER      [BACK TO MENU]

Begin your letter by explaining what sort of job you are looking for and why you would like to work for the company.

You then need to write a little about your skills and experience. If you have gained your skills through your hobbies and interests or through voluntary work you should include these things. You should also talk about the qualifications you have.

Tell the employer if you are enclosing a copy of your CV. Finish your letter by saying that you will be happy to give the employer any further information which they might require. Do make sure that your contact details are clearly set out at the top of the page.

• COVERING LETTER      [BACK TO MENU]

Begin your letter by saying what job you are applying for. Write a little about why you are applying for a job. You might want to talk about your skills and interests, but don’t repeat the things on your CV or in your application form.

Finish your letter by saying that you enclose a copy of your CV or application form and that you will be happy to give the employer any further information which they might require.

 Handy hints for writing letters to employers      [BACK TO MENU]

• Do look at examples of letters in your local Connexions Centre, in your local library or on the internet
• Do write your letter in rough first
• Do proof read your rough copy and ask someone else to read it too before you do it in neat
• Don’t use more than one side of plain A4 paper
• Do type your letter or use black ink so that it is clear
• Do sign your letter in your own handwriting if you type the letter
• Do keep a copy of any letters you send to employers
• Don’t panic! Get help from Your Local Connexions Centre.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE