Searching for a highly 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 present yourself.
The first acquaintance with a potential employer occurs by sending a resume. In foreign and domestic practice, it is customary to accompany a resume with a so-called “motivation” letter - a cover (covering) letter.
In this article, we will consider the basic rules for writing such a letter, as well as examples of covering letters in English.
There are basically three typical cases when there is a need to write a cover letter:
- When sending a resume to an open position, information about which is obtained, for example, from an advertisement.
- When sending a resume to the personnelan agency that is engaged in the search and selection of personnel (recruitment consultant).
- When sending a resume to a potential employer when he does not have an open vacancy, but there is an assumption that you, as a specialist, may be of interest to him.
Sending a letter with a resume to an open position
At the beginning of your cover letter, explain exactly what you are looking for, with a link to the ad from which the relevant job information was obtained. Please point to the enclosed resume.
In the middle of the letter, it is possible to clarify what determined your choice of this position, and why you think you are a suitable candidate for this position. You can also use this part of the letter to demonstrate knowledge about the firm or organization to which you are sending your resume, as well as provide a brief description of your experience in similar work.
At the end of the letter, show that you are expecting a response and are ready to provide additional information, if necessary.
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.
Sending a letter with a resume to a recruitment agency (recruitment consultant)
When contacting a recruitment agency, you need to demonstrate what kind of vacancy you are interested in and what your previous experience is. It is important to make the right impression, as a consultant will only forward information about you to a potential employer when they are fully confident in your abilities.
When communicating with a recruiting agency, do not forget to periodically remind yourself that you are still looking for a job. Your prolonged silence may serve as a basis for believing that you have already found a job. Call the agent before or immediately after sending the letter with the resume, specify how best to keep in touch with him, if you need additional information.
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 geographically, and the level of expected salary. In the final part of the text, it is important to demonstrate the seriousness of your intentions and readiness for communication.
Another example of 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 the Manchester area, but would be prepared to consider relocating for an exceptional position. I am looking for a salary inthe 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 a potential employer
As a sample for a 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 their time, the letter should begin with a question about your possible interest in hiring an additional specialist.
If there is a mutual friend who can be referred to in the letter as a recommender, it would be very appropriate to do this 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 that made a big impression on you and thus 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 required.
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 youregarding 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 of a cover letter in English with translation
English text.
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 the 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 yourequire, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
John Smith
Enc. CV
Translation:
Dear M. Wilson!
I would like to contact you regarding the employment of a vacancy for a legal assistant, information about the opening of which I learned from the newspaper “Yurydichesky Vestnik” on September 10th. Attached is my detailed resume.
I am currently a paralegal at Berkeley Law Firm in Manchester where I gained 4 years of practical experience, focusing primarily on commercial and information technology law.
In addition to serving key clients, I also help coordinate the firm's marketing strategy for IT clients. I am particularly interested in the open position as I know that your firm has significant expertise in its field.
I am fluent in German and use it in my daily work.
If more information is needed, please let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you.
John Smith
Resume attached.
This is what a cover letter for an employer looks like.
