Writing a resume is only part of the job hunting process. Howard Dowding has written an excellent guide covering all aspects of finding a new job. Some of this great advice appears here with his kind permission.

The reason for writing
No job is offered solely as a result of a letter of application. The purpose of your letter is to gain an interview. You should include only sufficient detail of yourself to whet the reader's appetite for more. If you give too complete a picture, the reader might think that they know enough about you, to reject you without seeing you at all. The reaction should be - 'This person sounds right for us. We must definitely arrange an interview to find out more'.

Personalizing your letter
If possible, address your letter to a person. Telephone and ask the receptionist who the appropriate person is and address the letter to that person by name. Explain briefly why you are writing, e.g. 'I am replying to your advertizement for office personnel'. Or, if you are writing directly, without seeing an advertizement - 'I shall be finishing my studies in July and I would like to work for your company, if there is a suitable vacancy. I am particularly interested in….' Official bodies and large organizations sometimes prefer you to write to a departmental manager, rather than a named person. In this case use 'Dear Sir (or Madam)' and 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours truly'.

Including the right contents
If you have little actual experience in the particular job or career for which you are applying, your letter of application must project a positive image of yourself through the things, which you have done. Include only those personal details which are relevant to the job, or which show aspects of your personality in a positive light. Cover in separate paragraphs; why you are writing, a brief review of your education, other relevant interests or activities, and finally, why you want to work for this employer. Above all, show enthusiasm for joining the organization and for making a positive contribution to it.
Don't include details on:

• Physical appearance (unless you are an actor/actress or model)
• Maritial status
• Politics
• Religion

• Group activities
• Initiative
• Previous jobs
• Academic success

The right style
To give maximum impact, make your letter no longer than one page. Always write a draft letter first and then review it, next day. You can use a computer, but if you write the letter by hand - use a large plain sheet of white paper (not small notepaper); place a lined sheet with wide margins underneath, so that your writing is neat and even; write with an ink pen, not a ballpoint pen, or pencil; never cross words out but rewrite the letter instead. Check your letter for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Sending it off
Fold the letter only a minimum number of times, before putting it in an envelope and then send it by post. If you are sent a form, fill it in and return it, with a covering letter. Don't enclose a resume unless specifically asked to do so, and in any case, include a covering letter as well.