Covering Letter

14 Any Avenue,
Lenton,
Nottingham, N4 2PP
Tel: (0116) 01234567
Mobile: 00701234567
E-mail: j.marcher@xxxxx.com
15 September 2014
Mr Ian Walker
ALS Computing
3 Any Deans Court
Birmingham B1 1NL
Address details
Use the formal layout of a business letter, even if you're sending it online. Add your
address at the top right and then the date. Add their address on the left.
Dear Mr Walker
Contact details
Try to address your covering letter to a named individual rather than 'Dear
Sir/Madam'. If possible, ring up the organisation and check who would be the most
appropriate person to write to.
Software engineering placement
I am currently a penultimate year student in the Department of Computer Science at the
University of Sheffield and I am writing to you about the possibility of undertaking a
vacation placement during the summer of 2014 as a software engineer. I feel I have the
skills and abilities required to make a valuable contribution to your organisation while on
such a placement.
Start your letter with a short introduction
Give your letter a subject heading, eg, stating the job title and reference for an
advertised position.
Explain what the letter is about. If it is in response to an advertised vacancy, say
where and when you saw it advertised. If you are making a speculative enquiry
about the possibility of a job or work experience, be clear about the type of work
you are asking for.
As you can see from my attached CV, I am currently studying for a BSc in Information
Technology Management which includes elements of JAVA programming, creating technical
specifications and instigating new web technologies. As part of my course of study I have
also undertaken real projects on behalf of local employers ensuring that I recognise the
importance of the practical application of my skills. You will see that I have significant work
experience as prior to starting university I completed a 'Year in Industry' placement and I am
currently working voluntarily developing a database for a local community project. These
experiences have enabled me to develop broader ranging skills which would be applicable in
your organisation such as team working, communication and project management.
Include a paragraph about why you are a good candidate

Referring to the evidence in your CV, state clearly how you match what the
recruiter is asking for in the advertisement (skills, experience, qualifications, etc).
With a speculative application, think about what you would expect them to be
looking for given the nature of the opportunity that you are seeking. It's
important to draw attention to the most relevant experience and skills you have,
and describe a recent example from your CV.
Don't repeat sentences from your CV though. Instead, use the letter to expand on
information.
Having researched a number of organisations I am particularly attracted to ALS Computing

because of the range of current projects your company is involved in and also the training
and support on offer to staff. The quality of this support is clearly recognised via
professional organisations, as I see from your website that it is accredited by both the British
Computer Society and the Project Management Institute. I believe that a vacation
placement with your company would provide me with the opportunity to gain invaluable
experience across a number of different aspects of IT development.
State why you'd like the job / study / research opportunity and why this
employer / institution
This paragraph sets out 'Why this job / study / research opportunity' and 'Why
this employer / institution'. These can be covered in two separate paragraphs but
can work just as well with one.
Describe what motivates you and attracts you to this opportunity show that you
have a realistic understanding of the role and can draw parallels with positive
experiences you have already had, whether in a similar role or in a completely
different setting. Try to show how your previous experience makes this
opportunity the logical next step for you.
Say why this organisation appeals to you. Use the research you have done into them
(eg, their website, brochure, contact with one of their representatives or employees,
etc) and explain what appeals to you about the organisation.
Try and find something that is unique to them if you can change the name of one
organisation with another and what you have written is still relevant, you haven't
been specific enough about the organisation. Don't waffle or make it up. You need to
focus on real reasons as you might be asked more about these at an interview later.
As a result of my enthusiasm, educational background, and previous work experience I feel I

can make a valid contribution to your organisation. I would be available for work from the
beginning of July and will contact you again in two weeks, by which time I hope you will
have had the opportunity to consider my application.
End with a positive conclusion
Your final words obviously depend on the context within which you send your letter
but, most likely, it will be appropriate for you to express your expectation of a reply,
eg, "....I look forward to hearing from you in due course." If appropriate, indicate
when you are/are not available for interview.
Yours sincerely
Signature
Joanna Marcher
Signature
If you start with a named person such as Dear Mr Walker, then end your letter with
Yours sincerely.
If you started with Dear Sir/Madam, then end your letter with Yours faithfully.

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14 Any Avenue,

Include a paragraph about why you are a good candidate

Having researched a number of organisations I am particularly attracted to ALS Computing

As a result of my enthusiasm, educational background, and previous work experience I feel I

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