Writing a covering letter
A covering letter should be short - certainly no longer than a page. As for the C.V., you must remember that if you don’t demonstrate that you have what is required for the job in the early stages of the letter, the recipient (the prospective employer) will shut off very quickly.
A prospective employer within the UK health, fitness, sports or leisure industry will be expecting certain information in a covering letter. As such your covering letter should conform to certain 'rules'. These rules include:
- Don’t duplicate information – the purpose of the letter is to briefly introduce the CV.
- Since the C.V. is usually best in a bulleted format, the letter provides the opportunity to explain why you are suitable and why you want this particular position. Try to maintain the impression that the role is a natural progression and you have all the tools the opportunity requires. Set out your objectives matching them to the job description.
- You should include how you were made aware of the vacancy, as this is important for marketing appraisals to determine most effective recruitment strategies.
- You may also use the letter to reassure the recruiter on any negative points that are bound to come to light. e.g. if you live in Newcastle and are applying for a job in Bournemouth, you may put that you are happy to re-locate for this position, or that you have family in the area who would be happy to offer you accommodation. Failing to do this will give the recruiter the excuse they need to reduce their interview list.
- If you have any top tips for job applications please forward them to jamesb@thesportweb.co.uk. We will send a promotional gift to the sender of any tips published.
Courtesy of Leisure Jobs UK
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