The layout of a cover letter is extremely important to ensuring you get noticed for an interview.  But so many get the basics wrong!

In the recruitment world, a cover letter should be used as means to introduce yourself and tell the employer what you can do for them – in 10 seconds flat. 

On most occasions your cover letter will not even be read at all, but the fact that you have one attached one to your email can be the determining factor as to whether you make it to the next stage of the process. If your cover letter is read, it won't be read thoroughly, rather it will be skimmed over with a keen set of eyes who have many cover letters to read through yet!

So let’s assume you have 10 seconds.  Should you write wads and wads of information? No!  It should be as clear and simple as possible, with an appropriate format.

Here are some of the basic formatting rules:

Addresses & Date

1) Recipient (their) Address:
This address should be on the left at the top of the letter 

2) Senders (your) Address:
Include your address at the top of the letter on the left hand side – underneath the recipients

3) Date:
Yes include the date!

Salutation or greeting:

1) Dear Sir or Madam:
It is always advisable to try to find out a name. If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, do not use Sir or Madam. This phrase is old fashioned/outdated and makes it obvious you don’t know the name of the recipient.

2) Dear Mr Brown:
If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. However, if an advertise says “contact Belinda” then feel free to write “Dear Belinda”.

Body of the Letter:  COMING SOON!

Closing a letter:

1)  Yours faithfully:
Use if you do not know the name of the person

2)  Yours sincerely:
Use if you know the name of the person

3)  Kind Regards / Kindest Regards / Best Regards
Only recommended for emails

Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not know whether you are male or female, put you title in brackets after your name.