Cover Letter Basics

What is a Cover Letter?

An cover letter (sometimes called an Application Letter) is usually submitted together with your CV or application form. Cover letters allow you to provide a short personal introduction to the information (employment history, academic qualifications and relevant skills) contained in your CV.

What is the purpose of a Cover Letter?

A company looking to take on a new employee in Zambia may request a CV and a Cover Letter as part of the job application process. The purpose of a Cover Letter is to introduce oneself and to support your CV. A well written Cover Letter can help you stand out from other applicants and is therefore vitally important.

How is a Cover Letter different to a CV?

A Cover Letter is different to a CV as it allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation, the position you are interested in, and the reasons why you want to work for the company.

Is there a standard Cover Letter format?

There is no standard Cover Letter format. That said, unless your job application states otherwise you should:

  1. Find the name of the individual and/or address of the department for the organisation that you would like to submit your CV.
  2. Be concise – 1 or 2 pages should be enough for a Cover Letter.
  3. Demonstrate that you have done some homework on the organisation.
  4. Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and succinct.
  5. Ensure that the letter looks professional and has no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

Example Cover Letters

To view some sample Coer Letters (PDF) please click on the following links:

Further Information

To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice

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