A covering letter is now considered a must for any job application.  It is your first impression, first chance to sell yourself and can make or break your chances of progressing to interview.  Here are a list of important things that you should look to include in your covering letter:

10 Covering Letter Hints and Tips - What to include:

1.  The hint is in the title - LETTER.  It should take on the form, style and visual effect of a letter.  Include standard features such as addresses, names, contact numbers etc.  Keep the letter formal and concise.

2.  Get to the point.  Say why you are applying, the reason you are interested in the role and company and why your skills make you the most desireable candidate.

3.  Tailor each covering letter to each individual job.  Recruiters can spot copy and paste attempts, and have a keen eye for recycled "standard template" applications.  A good covering letter can embody standard features, but personalise them to you and the job you want.

4.  Know the name of the person you are writing to.  Not only does it show a level of research, but it also makes the covering letter more person.  To 'Whom It May Concern' and 'Dear Sir/Madam' are to be avoided.  Most company websites or corporate brochures/leaflets list a direct person to contact.

5.  Print the letter off and mail it together with the rest of your application rather than email (if possible or unless otherwise specified).

6.  Keep in mind when writing your covering letter that it should be a demonstration of why you want the job.  Your CV tells the recruiter your skills and qualifications, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your desire to fulfill the role.

7.  Keep it limited to one page.  Avoid waffly pointless content, repeating yourself or information contained in your CV.  Be concise, direct and convincing.  Resist begging.

8.   Spelling and grammar checks are vitally important.  Get someone else to read through it before sending, and at the least allow a word processing program to check it for obvious errors.

9.  Encourage the recruiter to interview you with loaded content.  This can be done by referring in your letter to your willingness to expand upon your suitability, applicable skills, experience and qualifications at the interview stage.

10.  Have professional contacts?  Inform the recruiter that you could bring these contacts and their knowledge with you for the benefit of the firm.

The interview stage is perhaps the most daunting part of the whole application process.  After all of the hard work of writing a good CV / Resume, applying and being successful, you now have to sell yourself face to face.  Here are 10 tips and pieces of advice that can assist you prepare for your interview:

1.  Re-read your own CV / Resume, know yourself inside out and try to anticipate questions that will be asked of you in relation to your skils, education and interests.

2.  Research the firm you have applied for by reading their website, annual report and press releases.  Browse the internet for news stories that the firm might have been involved in so that you can show a wider knowledge of their business.

3.  Have prepared a couple of questions with which to ask the interviewer yourself.  These should not be questions that could be answered easily by looking at the company's website or promotional literature (for example).  Resist asking about money!

4.  Practice a strong, assured handshake.

5.  Have your travel to and from the interview venue clearly planned and pre-arranged.  Lateness will not impress a potential employer and a rushed journey will do nothing to calm any nerves.

6.  Generally speaking you attend wearing a smart suit, with a plain matching shirt and tie combination.  Make sure you have these.  Smart, clean formal shoes are also a must.

7.  Work on a positive, relaxed body language to adopt during the interview.  Plan where to put your hands so you do not fidget during the interview.

8.  Have prepared additional copies of your CV / Resume to hand out as there may be more than 1 interviewer on the panel. 

9.  Be up to date on the latest industry / sector developments.  Ensure you are to date on the big happenings and the latest news.

10.  Turn your mobile phone off or better yet, leave it in your car or at home!