When submitting a CV to a prospective Poole employer should you on all occasions add a covering letter too? What should it say? We at AllPooleJobs want to aid you in maximising your chances of getting that great job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will inform a potential Poole employer of your work history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their position with their organisation. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the company that you have made a particular effort to apply.

So what do you say to assist you in getting that job and making sure you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, bear in mind that you are presenting yourself to a business 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, Poole branch’ at the bottom of the ad


• If it is not on the advertisement 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 finish with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)


• It is advisable to do this also when applying to one of Poole recruitment agencies as they too 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 might want to include are:

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


• Express interest in the Poole position


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


• State the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this opening


• Finally, Explain 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. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A good covering letter might be more important than the CV itself especially if you don’t have exactly the right skills or experience but consider 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 pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as Poole Borough Council / Bournemouth Borough Council jobs and Bournemouth & Poole College of Further Education jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.