Covering letters
You will need to send a covering letter with any applications you make
It should be well-presented to impress the employer.
You can also write to firms that you want to work for even if they are not advertising for staff. Many jobs each year are filled as a result of a ‘speculative' application’ or 'spec letter'
Keep a list of the companies you write to or email. If they do not reply after two weeks give them a follow-up telephone call.
Always try to address the letter or email to the person responsible for recruitment. Ring and ask for their name.
You could send your CV with a ‘spec letter’ to improve the chances of your CV being read.
For more help contact:
- The Progress Team - phone 0207 527 7031 or email progress@islington.gov.uk
- National Careers Service advice on getting a job
You may need help if you have a criminal record and are applying for work
Many employers will still consider you if they don’t think your conviction is relevant and you are not a risk. Applying for jobs in the right way will give you a better chance of getting a job. For more information, take a look at the advice from NACRO, Disclosing criminal records to employers.