Most job vacancies will have a brief and it allows the applier to see what would be expected of them. Never overlook the brief when you’re applying for a job because you may find you’ve wasted your time, or perhaps not applied for the position as strongly as you could have if you read their description.

The brief symbolises what the employer is looking for, and if you read it through carefully, you can use examples in your application to show how you match their requirements. A cover letter should always include examples relating to the brief, and if you submit an application that fails to show the employer you have the necessary skills they desire then you’ve given yourself no chance of getting that job.

Job hunts can e frustrating and some briefs will be long, overcomplicated and quite exhaustive but it’s an important aspect, especially for the job seeker.

Many employers ask you to send a covering letter with your CV or job application. Below are a few tips and guides on how to write a great cover letter.  Your letter should be about a page longer and no more than two. The idea of a cover letter is to give the reader an overview of what position you want to apply for and what you can offer to them. I usually advise people to split their letter in to 3 paragraphs.

The first paragraph should explain who you are and what position you wish to apply for.  You may also wish to state your current employment position i.e. I am currently employed as a receptionist at a Volkswagen dealership in Wales.

The second one should give the employer an overview of what skills and experience you have, do not go in to too much detail as you can do this on your /cv. You need to get a happy medium between giving information and not going on too much as to put the employer off.

The closing paragraph should basically thank them for their consideration and state that you would be happy to attend and interview or talk to them further if they have any questions.