Sarah Smith
27 High Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB
27th September 2016
Dear Mr Jones
Finance Analyst Placement
Introduction. Make it clear from the first paragraph why you are writing the letter. If in response to an advert mention the job title and where it was advertised. For a speculative letter explain what sort of role you are looking for. This should only be a brief paragraph.
Write about the company.Explain what appeals to you about the company and show that you have done some research. Don’t just regurgitate facts and figures, remember that the person reading the letter will already know this information. Instead explain why this information is of interest. For example, instead of: ‘I understand that you operate in 26 countries around the world and employ over 5000 people’ you could put: ‘I am drawn to your organisation as the international nature of your business would allow me the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people, something I already have experience of through my university trip to China, and an area I am keen to build on in the future.’
Write about the job role. Explain why you are interested in this specific job and show you really understand what it involves. Don’t just repeat what is written on the job advert. Explain why you are interested in the role in your own words, this may involve linking the role to your past education/experience or your future ambitions. If you don’t fully understand the role then you need to do more research, have a good overview of many different types of jobs, or you could use LinkedIn to find people doing similar work.
Sell yourself.Explain why you are suitable for the role or if for a speculative letter why they would want to employ you. Detail academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or personal traits. Back up claims with examples, and don’t just repeat what is on your CV. This should be tailored to meet the employer’s expectations, so if in response to an advert look at what skills/attributes/experiences they have asked for. Remember to include what you can offer them, it’s not just about you wanting the experience they can offer you.
Close. This is a brief paragraph to end the letter, you could thank them for considering your application, refer them to your CV, explain when you are available for an interview and/or list how they can contact you.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Smith
Telephone: 01234 567890
Email:
*Presentation is important, use the correct formatting (as per this example), use the same font as your CV and spell check and proof read very carefully