The search for a well-paid, feasible and at the same time interesting job is a rather complicated process that requires skills, qualifications, experience, as well as a competent approach to how you submit yourself.
The first acquaintance with a potential employer takes place by sending a resume. In foreign and domestic practice, it is customary to accompany a resume with a so-called “motivational” letter - cover (covering) letter.
In this article, we will consider the basic rules for writing such a letter, as well as examples of covering letter in English.
There are mainly three typical cases when there is a need for a cover letter:
- When sending a resume for an open vacancy, information about which is obtained, for example, from an advertisement.
- When sending a resume to a recruitment agency that deals with recruitment consultants.
- When sending a resume to a potential employer in the case when he does not have an open vacancy, however, there is an assumption that you, as a specialist, may be of interest to him.
Sending a letter with a resume for an open vacancy
At the beginning of the cover letter, you need to explain what exactly you are looking for, with reference to the advertisement from which information about the relevant vacancy is obtained. Indicate the resume attached to the attachment.
In the middle of the letter, it is possible to clarify what determined your choice of this vacancy, and why you think that you are a suitable candidate for its occupation. It is also possible in this part of the letter to demonstrate knowledge about the company or organization to which you are sending a resume, as well as provide a brief description of your experience in similar work.
At the end of the letter, show that you expect an answer, and are ready to provide, if necessary, additional information.
Here is an example of a covering letter in English:
Dear Ms.
I wish to apply for the vacancy for a commercial lawyer advertised on the website www.legalservicejob.com yesterday. I enclose a copy of my curriculum vitae.
This position is of particular interest to me since I note that your firm is well known for its work for IT companies. I have had over three years of experience in IT law in my present position, and am keen to develop my expertise in this area further.
I look forward to hearing from you. However, if there is any additional information you require in the meantime, please let me know.
Recruitment consultant sending a resume letter
Turning to a recruitment agency, you need to demonstrate what kind of vacancy you are interested in and what is your previous experience. It is very important to make a proper impression, since the consultant will send information about you to the potential employer only when he is completely confident in your abilities.
When communicating with a recruiting agency, you must remember to periodically remind yourself that you are still looking for work. Your prolonged silence may serve as the basis for believing that you have already found a job. Call the agent before or immediately after sending a letter with a resume, specify how best to keep in touch with him, whether additional information is needed from you.
In the cover letter you can also indicate what kind of vacancy you are looking for, where it would be ideal for you to work locally, and the level of expected salary. In the final part of the text, it is important to demonstrate the seriousness of one's intentions and readiness for communication.
Another example of a covering letter in English :
Dear Ms.
I am looking for a position as an assistant commercial lawyer, mainly specializing in company commercial matters, in a large commercially oriented law firm. Ideally, I would like to remain in Manchester area, but would be prepared to consider relocating for an exceptional position. I am looking for a salary in the region of £ 25,000– £ 35,000 per annum.
My detailed curriculum vitae is attached.
If there is any further information you require, please let me know. I am keen to pursue this matter vigorously, and will telephone your Ms. Smith on Friday 25 September to discuss progress. I can be contacted at any time on my mobile, number: 045 321 2345.
Letter to prospective employer
As a sample for the cover letter in English, for this case, you can use the first example, with some additions and changes. When you decide to send a resume to such an employer, showing due respect for his time, the letter should begin with a question about the possible interest in attracting an additional specialist.
If there is a common acquaintance who can be referred to in a letter as a recommender, it will be very appropriate to do so at the beginning of the text. In any case, you should further try to explain why you decided to contact the addressee, something related to the employer, which made a big impression on you and prompted you to offer your services. At the end of the letter, in an unobtrusive way, show your willingness to provide all the information, if necessary.
Here is an example of a covering letter in English:
Dear Ms.
I am writing to enquire whether you might have a vacancy in your company commercial department for an assistant lawyer. I enclose a copy of my curriculum vitae.
I was recommended by John Smith, who has a long association with your firm, to contact you regarding a possible position in your company commercial department.
I am particularly interested by the possibility of working for your firm, since I note that you have strong expertise in the field of intellectual property. I have three years post-qualified experience working in the commercial department of my present firm, and have primarily focused on patent and industrial design rights. I am keen to further my expertise and experience in this area.
I look forward to hearing from you. However, if there is any further information you require in the meantime, please let me know.
Example cover letter in English with translation
The text is in English.
Dear Ms. Wilson
I am writing to apply for the vacancy of solicitor advertised on the Legal Jobs website. My CV is attached to this e-mail.
I have had twelve years of practical experience gained from Berkley Law Firm, Manchester, as the legal counsel. The company specializes on commercial and property law which has helped me to obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in such fields as contract drafting, client consulting, performing some registration tasks and claim preparation process.
I would like to acquire solicitor position in your company as being aware that the one has considerable expertise in area, besides it has a great deal of Russian clients. As I speak fluent Russian, I would like to implement my skills in your practice to be useful.
If there is any further information you require, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
John smith
Enc. CV
Transfer:
Dear M. Wilson!
I want to contact you regarding the occupation of a vacancy of an assistant lawyer, information on the opening of which I learned from the newspaper "Legal Herald" for September 10. In the attachment I enclose my detailed resume.
Currently, I work as an assistant lawyer in the law firm of Berkeley, in Manchester, where I got 4 years of practical experience, specializing mainly in commercial law and information technology law.
In addition to serving major customers, I also help coordinate the firm’s marketing strategy for IT clients. I am particularly interested in an open position, because I know that your company has significant competence in its field.
I am fluent in German and use it in my daily work.
If you need more information, please let me know.
Really looking forward to your reply.
John Smith
A summary is attached.
This is the cover letter to the employer.