A cover letter is not a job application - it's a short and specific letter that should always accompany your CV to a prospective employer. It is the ideal opportunity for you to expand on the skills and experiences that are highlighted in your CV whilst also enabling you to express your personality.

You might be applying for a specific, advertised job or you might be marketing yourself for possible future work (speculative application). Either way, your cover letter aims to:

i.Introduce you

ii.Highlight your key selling points (skills, experience or achievements)

iii.Encourage the reader to discover more about you through your resume

iv.Finish with a 'call to action', e.g. requesting an interview (if it's a specific job) or meeting (to discuss more general work prospects)

Just as it is with CV, there are two types of cover letter; (i) Response to an advert and (ii) Speculative. 

If a cover letter is in response to an advert, it is advisable to make sure that you actually match any essential criteria specified in the job advert before you send in your application. Also be sure to read the advert very carefully so that you can address the letter correctly and mark it for the attention of the designated member of staff. You should also include the title of the job you are applying for and any reference numbers given; this means addressing your letter to a real person (not 'To Whom It May Concern') and for a specific job.

When writing your cover letter, mention where you saw the advert and on what date. The letter should then go on to highlight your skills and experience in more details. If certain criteria are mentioned in the advert, you should ideally try to explain exactly how you match these.

Lastly, end the letter with any other information requested in the advert such as salary range and availability for interview.

Even if you are speculating a job, you must still try to address the letter to a specific person rather than addressing it to an open recipient or '' to whom it may concern''. This means a bit of extra work. You may need to call an organisation and find out how you need to address your letter. Spend some time researching a company (using the internet is often the easiest way to do this) so that you can make your letter relevant to a specific job or a particular company.

In conclusion, it is important for you to show that you are enthusiastic and have a positive attitude towards the role and the hiring company.

You need to demonstrate to a potential employer that you understand the job requirements and can do the job. So include the skills and experiences you have that match the job description.