How To Write a Covering Letter for IT Jobs
The main purpose of writing a covering letter is to convince a recruiter to interview you before looking at your CV. Many people when searching and applying for jobs often overlook the importance of a good covering letter for an IT role.
A letter, or more applicable to online recruitment – a covering email, will most likely be read before your CV. A covering letter gives candidates the opportunity to express things that they cannot comfortably fit into a CV's often-rigid structure. Together, a CV and covering letter will portray a candidate in the best possible light. If done properly, a covering letter can make the difference between success and failure.
How to write a covering letter
A good covering letter usually consists of four short, sharp paragraphs:
An introduction: Why you are writing, who you are and a reference to your enclosed CV
Why you want the job: What attracted you to this particular company, what attracted you to this particular job and why you want to work in this sector
Why the company should be interested in you: Related personal qualities and attributes to the job and relevant experience or studies
Conclusion: A reference to when you are available for an interview and of course thank the company for considering your application
Always remember to proof-read your letter and print it on good quality paper. If you are applying for a job online, still use a formal style in your covering email, although you are unlikely to need to write your address at the top of the page.
To find out more about writing a good covering letter and maximising your IT CV click here.
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