When posting a CV to a prospective Portsmouth employer should you on all occasions include a covering letter too? What should this say? We at AllPortsmouthJobs want to assist you in increasing your chances of getting that fantastic job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Simple answer, YES!

A CV will tell a potential Portsmouth employer of your employment history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their vacancy with their employer. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the business that you have made a special effort to apply.

So what do you say to aid 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 professional 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 may find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, Portsmouth branch’ at the bottom of the ad


• If it is not on the advert then telephone the organisation and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If their 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 do not know the name)


• You should do this also when applying to one of Portsmouth recruitment agencies as they too will need to think that you are suitable.

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

• Indicate that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Portsmouth opening advertised.


• Express interest in the Portsmouth position


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


• Indicate the skills you believe you have and how you could apply them to this opportunity


• Finally, Indicate 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. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter can be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the desired 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 relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Portsmouth City Council / Hampshire County Council / Southsea Town Council jobs and The University of Portsmouth / Portsmouth College / Highbury College jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.