How and when to use a covering letter

Online applications make volume applications easy; if you want to apply for multiple jobs quickly you can do so at the click of a button.

There is however the risk of adopting a ‘spray and pray’ approach without focussing on the jobs you are genuinely qualified for; and stand a real chance of landing. 

Covering letters can sometimes be perceived as ‘a bit old school’ but I still receive them with the majority of applications, and they can make a difference to my consider/reject decision. Perhaps your CV speaks for itself but a covering letter can provide additional and relevant information in a different way to a well targeted, tailored CV.

Here is what I would consider: