When posting a CV to a prospective Basingstoke employer do you always add a covering letter too? What should your covering letter say? We at AllBasingstokeJobs want to help you in maximising your chances of getting that great job so here is our hints and tips on covering letters.

Should you always have a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will inform a potential Basingstoke employer of your career history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their opportunity with their organisation. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the company that you have made a particular effort to apply.

So what do you say to assist you in getting that job and making sure you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, keep 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 might find ‘please apply to Mr John Smith, Basingstoke branch’ at the bottom of the advertisement


• If it is not on the advertisement then contact the company and request for a name to address it to as it demonstrates an extra effort. If the name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’


• Remember to close with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you have not been able to find out the name)


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

Secondly, remember that you are putting your best foot forward 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 Basingstoke position advertised.


• Express interest in the Basingstoke 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 opening


• Finally, Explain 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. Consider why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A ideal covering letter might be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have entirely 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 pertinent and strong. Note: organisations such as Basingstoke Borough Council / Hampshire County Council jobs and Queen Mary's College / University of Winchester jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.