When posting a CV to a prospective Brighton employer should you always have a covering letter too? What should this say? We at BrightonJobSearch want to assist you in maximising your chances of getting that ideal job so here is our advice on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will tell a potential Brighton employer of your career history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their role with their business. 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 ensuring you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, keep in mind that you are presenting yourself to a business person and your covering letter should reflect this:

• If the name of the receiver of the CVs is contained in the advert then make ensure you address it to them. For example, you could find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, Brighton branch’ at the bottom of the advert


• If it is not on the ad then contact the employer and ask for a name to address it to as it demonstrates an extra effort. If it 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 Brighton recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.

Secondly, keep in mind that you are selling yourself in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you could want to include are:

• Say that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Brighton position advertised.


• Express interest in the Brighton position


• Say briefly what you have been doing with your working life


• Explain the skills you think you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy


• Finally, State that you would be delighted 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 consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A perfect covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have exactly the desired skills or experience but consider 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 Brighton & Hove City Council / East Sussex County Council jobs and University of Brighton / Sussex University jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.