When submitting a CV to a prospective Oxford employer should you always include a covering letter too? What should your covering letter contain? We at AllOxfordJobs want to help you in maximising your chances of getting that fantastic job so here is our advice on covering letters.

Should you always include a covering letter?

Straightforward answer, YES!

A CV will tell a potential Oxford employer of your career history, education etc but not the reason you are applying for their position with their business. It also gives your CV a personal touch which shows to the business that you have made a determined effort to apply.

So what do you say to help you in securing that job and ensuring you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, remember that you are presenting yourself to a professional person and your covering letter should reflect this:

• If the name of the person you are sending the CV to is in the advert then make sure you address it to them. For example, you could find ‘please apply to Mr Fred Bloggs, Oxford branch’ at the bottom of the ad


• If it is not on the advert then contact the organisation and ask for a name to address it to as it shows an extra effort. If it is still not available then address it ‘Dear Sir/Madam’


• Remember to end with ‘Kind Regards’, ‘Yours Sincerely’ (if it’s to a named person) or ‘Yours Faithfully’ (if you do not know the name)


• You should do this also when applying to one of Oxford recruitment agencies as they too will need to think that you are suitable.

Secondly, keep in mind that you are selling yourself in particular relation to the job for which you are applying. The things you may want to include are:

• Mention that you are attaching your CV for their reference for the Oxford position advertised.


• Express interest in the Oxford position


• Explain briefly what you have been doing with your work history


• Mention the skills you feel you have and how you could apply them to this vacancy


• Finally, Explain that you would be happy to discuss this further if they would be kind enough to invite you to interview.

Endeavour to be honest and passionate. Think about why you are applying, there must be reasons you consider that you can do the job so explain that to them. A perfect covering letter might be more important than the CV itself particularly if you don’t have exactly the wanted skills or experience but feel that you can make up for it in others ways.

Remember to alter your covering letter for each job to which you apply so that it remains relevant and strong. Note: organisations such as Oxford Borough Council / Oxfordshire County Council jobs and University of Oxford / Oxford Brookes University jobs may not require covering letters as they have extensive online forms.

Best of luck with your job hunt.