When submitting a CV to a potential Devon employer should you on all occasions have a covering letter too? What should this say? We at AllDevonJobs want to aid you in maximising your chances of getting that fantastic job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will tell a potential Devon employer of your career history, education etc but not why you are applying for their opportunity with their business. It also provides your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the company that you have made a determined effort to apply.

So what do you say to aid you in securing 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 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 Fred Bloggs, Devon branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement


• If it is not on the ad then contact the company and request 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 have not been able to find out the name)


• It is advisable to do this also when applying to one of Devon recruitment agencies as they too will need to feel that you are suitable.

Secondly, remember 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:

• Explain that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Devon position advertised.


• Express interest in the Devon position


• Explain briefly what you have been doing with career


• Mention the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy


• Finally, Indicate that you would be pleased 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 feel that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A excellent covering letter might be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have precisely the right 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 pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as Devon County Council jobs and The University of Exeter / Exeter College / South Devon College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.