OXFORD

D
APPLICATION ESSENTIALS
COVER LETTERS
Always submit a cover letter if you have the chance.
Aim to be focused and engaging.
Make a strong and persuasive case built on your research and supported
with evidence linked to your CV.
The cover letter gives you scope to:
] Showcase what interests and drives you, your enthusiasm
for an organisation and the role.
] Align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and
culture.
] Highlight your knowledge and strongest, most relevant
skills for the position.
Try to sound professional yet conversational, rather than wordy
or too stiff and formal. Write in clear, concise English – take
care not to drown your reader with detail, and avoid jargon
they may not understand. Search online for advice from The
Plain English Campaign which offers simple, clear guidance on
improving your writing style.
Whilst this may sound simple, your early cover letters may go
through 3 or 4 drafts (even more!) before you are happy with
them.
overnight (or at least for a couple of hours) before reading it
through – aloud.
As you read, listen to yourself:
] Does it say clearly what you want it to say?
]
Enthusiastic about to the company? Excited about the role?
] If you insert a competitor company’s name, does the letter
still read the same? If so, try to differentiate each letter
more!
] Are there any sections that are hard to read or follow? If
yes, try simplifying your language, using shorter sentences
or try taking that section out completely.
This advice also applies if you are writing a speculative letter
or application, perhaps asking an organisation if they can
offer you work experience. State clearly why you are writing
in your opening paragraph, and go on to outline two or three
organisation’s needs. Close with an indication of what you
would like to happen next.
MORE INFORMATION:
“Show your enthusiasm for the
organisation and the role,
to their culture and values.”
TOP TIPS FOR COVER LETTERS
The outline letter opposite provides ideas about content and
structure to enhance your letters.
] Keep it short – a concise letter demonstrates focus and
strong communication skills.
] Project confidence – write with the assumption that they
will interview you.
] Keep the tone and content professional – attempts at
humour are best avoided.
] Include specific relevant details that show your research
and how you consider they differ from their competitors –
do not cut and paste content.
] As for CVs, double check for errors and typos: using a spell
checker is not enough.
] Ask for feedback from a friend or a Careers Adviser.
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www.careers.ox.ac.uk