Covering Letter

Advice on CV Covering Letters

Should I attach a covering letter? Yes is the answer. Always include a CV cover letter with your CV, but make sure to use the same principles as your CV:

• Make it relevant
• Keep it to the point
• Sell yourself
• Don’t put details of your hobbies or references in a covering letter
• Do include all your relevant skills and experience

Read your covering letter and be critical of it, is there anything in there that doesn’t relate directly to the job that you are applying for? If there is, take it out! Remember the purpose of the covering letter is to get the reader to think positively about your CV before they open it, to make them think you are the person for the job.
CV covering letters should be one side of A4 and no longer.
Remember with most offshore jobs the employer is looking for someone that looks like they can hit the ground running on an oil rig. It is expensive to mobilise a rig worker offshore, rig safety training, trade tests, inductions, hotels, taxis and finally the seat on the helicopter which can cost many thousands of pounds. The employer will be looking for people who look like there is no doubt that they can do the job once they land on the rig. So with your CV cover letter, make it clear that you are the person for the job, tell them when you are available and make sure you get that job on the rig.
Style of CV covering letters
The covering letter must be formal and courteous in nature. Always address the employer by their surname, never the first name. Write your CV cover letter as with a normal letter, with your address in the top right hand corner and theirs lower down on the left. Make it well spaced and orderly – this will give the impression of your ability to be organised and tidy and create a good first impression. Do not use different typefaces in your CV cover letter, don’t use all capital letters, as this will make your letter look untidy and unreadable. Finally make sure you read it over, (several times), check for spelling and grammar, first impressions do count!


Content of CV covering letters
CV covering letters should contain the following information in separate paragraphs:

• The reason for your application, ie in response to an advert
• The job you are interested in applying for
• Your relevant work experience and qualifications
• When you are available
• Address any issues regarding relocation
• Summarise
• Always end yours sincerely / faithfully

Don’t be shy in putting yourself forward in your covering letter. Show you have relevant skills and experience. Don’t be afraid to use a little flattery either, if there is something about the organisation that impresses you, then explain this to the employers. Be positive.
Good Luck!