Cover letters

You will need to send a cover 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