When submitting a CV to a potential Exeter employer do you on all occasions have a covering letter too? What should this contain? We at AllExeterJobs want to assist you in improving your chances of getting that good job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.

Should you always include a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will inform a prospective Exeter employer of your career history, education etc but not why you are applying for their opening with their organisation. It also provides your CV a personal touch which shows to the business that you have made a particular effort to apply.

So what do you say to help you in getting that job and making sure 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 might find ‘please apply to Mr Joe Plumber, Exeter branch’ at the bottom of the ad


• If it is not on the ad then telephone the employer and ask 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 close 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 Exeter recruitment agencies as they also will need to feel 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 may want to include are:

• Say that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Exeter role advertised.


• Express interest in the Exeter position


• Explain briefly what you have been doing with career


• Say the skills you believe you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy


• Finally, State that you would be happy to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.

Try to be honest and passionate. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you feel that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A good covering letter can be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have entirely the necessary skills or experience but think that you can make up for it in others ways.

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

Best of luck with your job hunt.