When submitting a CV to a prospective West Sussex employer do you on all occasions include a covering letter too? What should it say? We at AllWestSussexJobs want to help you in improving your chances of getting that good job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Simple answer, YES!

A CV will tell a prospective West Sussex employer of your career history, education etc but not why you are applying for their role with their employer. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the employer that you have made a particular effort to apply.

So what do you say to help you in getting that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, keep in mind 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 may find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, West Sussex branch’ at the bottom of the ad


• If it is not on the advert then telephone the company and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If their 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)


• It is advisable to do this also when applying to one of West Sussex recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.

Secondly, keep in mind 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:

• Mention that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the West Sussex vacancy advertised.


• Express interest in the West Sussex position


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


• Mention the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy


• 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 consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have entirely the right skills or experience but think that you can make up for it in others ways.

Remember to alter your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as West Sussex County Council jobs and University of Chichester / The Univeristy of Sussex jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.