Top recruitment consultants tell us how to bring out your best qualities when compiling your cover letter.

Robert Half International

Mention three points that highlight your specific expertise in the area relevant to the job. Then mention three points explaining how your achievements show that you can add value to the company

Avoid making a letter too long - best keep it to a maximum of three lines

Tailor it to the industry - a cover letter to a bank is unlikely to be the same as a letter to a media production company, which may offer more scope for creativity

Keep it succinct. If you elaborate, you lose the effect. Recruiters are busy people. When they're flicking through piles of applications, it's the cover letter that will get you in in the first place

Don't try to get your personality across in a cover letter. It's not really possible to do that without some kind of verbal communication. Save it for interview Forget about modesty, this is the time to show off. Be careful, however. You want to appear confident, not arrogant

Adecco

Give reasons for your suitability for the job. Emphasise relevant qualifications, experience and interests

Use no more than one side of A4 paper

Use white or cream unlined paper. Envelopes should match the paper or be of 'office' type. Send the letter or application form flat; do not fold it

State clearly when you are available for interview

Manpower

Look at the job advert, pick out key words or skills, and include them in your covering letter

Keep your letter short, sharp and concise. Any longer than an A4 page and you will lose the interest of the recruiter. Bullet points can be good for highlighting particular points

Address your letter to the right person and be sure to spell their name correctly. There's nothing more annoying than getting a letter with an incorrectly spelt name. This immediately shows a lack of attention to detail

Check and double-check that your letters contain no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors

Kforce

Avoid starting with tired phrases like 'This letter is written in response to', 'Please consider this application for the position of' or 'Enclosed please find'. Plump for something specific to the job or organisation instead

Stay positive. Rather than 'despite the fact that I have minimal LAN experience', try 'Unlike others who have spent a lot of time in this area, I bring something extra to the table'

Forget about modesty, this is the time to show off. Be careful, however. You want to appear confident, not arrogant

Work out what the needs of the organisation are, state them and go on to show how you can fulfil them. If that's not possible, go for the things that are always valuable: leadership skills, cost-cutting successes or contributions to company image

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