When posting a CV to a potential Bournemouth employer should you always add a covering letter too? What should this say? We at AllBournemouthJobs want to assist you in increasing your chances of getting that excellent job so here is our recommendations on covering letters.

Should you always include a covering letter?

Easy answer, YES!

A CV will inform a potential Bournemouth employer of your work history, education etc but not why you are applying for their role with their employer. It also provides your CV a personal touch which demonstrates to the employer that you have made a determined effort to apply.

So what do you say to aid you in getting that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, remember that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should reflect this:

• If the name of the person you are sending the CV to is in the advert then make sure you address it to them. For example, you may find ‘please apply to Mr Joe Plumber, Bournemouth branch’ at the bottom of the advert


• If it is not on the ad then telephone the business and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If their name is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’


• Remember to finish with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you do not know the name)


• We would recommend do this also when applying to one of Bournemouth recruitment agencies as they also will need to think that you are suitable.

Secondly, bear in mind that you are putting your best foot forward in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you could want to include are:

• Explain that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Bournemouth role advertised.


• Express interest in the Bournemouth position


• Explain briefly what you have been doing with your work history


• State the skills you think you have and how you could apply them to this position


• Finally, Say that you would be delighted 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 feel that would be suitable for the job so explain that to them. A perfect covering letter could be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have precisely the necessary skills or experience but think that you can make up for it in others ways.

Remember to alter your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Bournemouth Borough Council / Dorset County Council jobs and Bournemouth University / Bournemouth & Poole College of Further Education / The Arts Institute at Bournemouth jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.