Right People,
A quick and simple question for you as I asked a friend if he knew anywhere there were jobs going and he has given me some very promising leads for jobs in the driving industry. (Sorry folks but please dont ask for them as he has asked me not to make it public knowledge, but if i get a job and there are more available I will let people know as and when)
thanks for your time
Gib,
Got this from the t’internet. Hope it might help you sir.
Rarely are résumés or curriculum vitae (CVs) presented as lone documents; in the majority of cases, a “covering letter” is attached. Typically, this cover letter contains information that expands upon the CV contents. Below, we’ll look at various cover letter elements and why they are essential or helpful.
The Overall Tone
As with all letters, the CV cover letter should be written in a business format (even if you’re sending your CV and cover letter via email.) This means that handwritten notes or unformatted typed or computer-generated letters are unacceptable. Instead, you need to set up your document as if you were writing a formal professional missive (block style is often suggested, as it’s easy to use and scan.)
Additionally, your cover letter should contain no graphics beyond a logo (if applicable). The purpose of this communication isn’t to entertain; it’s to inform. Thus, keep the font simple (and no less than 11 points) by sticking to one font style throughout the whole piece.
Choose the style of your paper with care; make sure it doesn’t overshadow your letter. White or cream colored light-to-medium weight sheets are fine. Many feel that linen paper makes a nice impression; though it certainly isn’t necessary, it can subtly “jazz up” the overall effect of your cover letter. (Again, don’t let this bog you down; in the end, it’s what your cover letter says that will win you a position, interview, or client.)
The Introduction
Having trouble starting your CV cover letter? A simple way to begin is to explain why you’re sending your CV to the recipient. For instance, if you’re providing someone with a CV in response to a job advertisement, your opening statements could be:
Dear Mr. Job Poster,
I noticed with interest your job advertisement for a mid-level accountant in the “XYZ Times”. Therefore, I am submitting my CV (see attached) for your consideration.
Your opening lines do not have to be long or flowery; keeping the message simple will encourage your recipient to continue reading.
The “Core”
Once you’ve gotten past your introductory paragraph, you’re ready to tackle the “meat” of your cover letter. It is during this portion of your missive that you’ll be “selling” yourself.
Take some time and compose approximately 1-3 paragraphs that highlight the reasons you’re sending your CV to the recipient. If you’re responding to a job opportunity, for example, you may want to echo some of the phrases as stated in the job advertisement; hence, if the posting asks for “someone with extensive experience in the field of public relations,” you might write:
“As a public relations professional for nine years, I have had many opportunities to promote products and services, work with a variety of media outlets, and attend conferences to increase my PR knowledge.”
Even though you have probably already indicated that you are a qualified applicant in your CV, it’s expected that you will somewhat repeat yourself in the cover letter, as indicated in the sample above.
The Sign-Off
When ending your CV cover letter, make sure you include your contact information. That way, your recipient can reach you for more information. Also, be polite; never forget to say “thank you” in some way. Not only is it considered proper etiquette to do so, it speaks volumes about you as a person.
When you sign your cover letter (unless it’s sent via email), do as you would all business correspondence. This means you should use only blue or black ink; the use of other ink colors or pencils is considered inappropriate and unprofessional.
Some Final Thoughts…
Though a few business persons choose to write long cover letters, it’s usually not necessary. Keeping yours short is generally best.
Additionally, some people are unsure whether to paper clip or staple their cover letter to the CV. Again, this is a personal preference; just keep in mind that some recipients have the habit of removing the cover letter anyway if many copies of the CV are to be made.
Lastly, remember that your cover letter is a professional document. Even if you know your recipient well, it’s best to keep all the wording on a business level. And, of course, proofread everything twice; grammatical errors tend to stand out on cover letters and can detract from the value and impact of your CV.
I’ll paste for you my covering letter. It’s not for a driving job, but you can find it useful. It’s checked and corrected by a proffesional from careers service:
For the attention of the Personnel Manager
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Sir / Madame
I am writing to enquire whether you have an opportunity for a Polish translator / interpreter or will have in the near future. I enclose a copy of my CV for your consideration.
As you will see from my CV, I have a considerable experience of working in multi-lingual environment. Since I commenced my studies in AAAAAAAA everyday usage of the English language has been essential, as highly specialized literature in the discipline is rarely translated into Polish. During my studies I collaborated with student’s monthly magazine which was actively involved in international student’s press movement. Thanks to that I took a part in international conference “BBBBBBBBB” in Croatia. I was also invited to collaborate with leading Polish IT magazine “CCCCCCC”. Due to nature of the industry I again had to work mostly with English materials.
Since I came to Scotland I have been working mostly as a lorry driver. This has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people from different regions in UK which has been very useful for me in becoming used to various local accents. During my residence in Scotland, I have been helping other Poles with their English — for example, writing letters or filling in forms with them, helping them with translations or interpreting in various situations such as visits to the doctor, conversations with lawyers, interviews with employment agencies or social services. I have also had to interpret during a police intervention.
As a lorry driver, I have also been helping British lorry drivers who travel to Poland. As well as interpreting, I have been guiding them through Polish paperwork and researching some issues regarding international transport law. As a person familiar with the haulage industry, I was asked to translate the user’s manual of EEEEEEEEEEE, an electronic device created to help truckers to comply with a working time regulations. My clients have been satisfied with my work and I received really good references.
Last year I commenced language studies at XXXXXXXXX. I am taking CCCCC and VVVVVV language as my main subjects. It also provides a great opportunity to witness problems encountered by English native speakers when trying to speak in Slavic languages and therefore to see differences in “language thinking” between these two language groups.
I can supply good references and would be delighted to discuss possible vacancies with you at your convenience.
If you do not have any openings at present I would be grateful if you could keep my CV on file for future reference.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
thanks for the advice fella’s.
i have heeded all yoru advice and fired off, this weekend, about 25 emails and printed out about 10 letters and cv’s to send to various companies and i will see where it gets me.
i’ll try to keep you informed
All I would say is try and get a name of the person who is recruiting.
Edit your CV for the company you are asking for a job. True you might be able to do the perfect Dolly Knot, no good if you are only using box trailers.
DO NOT B…T. It will only make you look stupid later.
Do not make your CV look like one of eighty nine that you have sent out. Research the company you are looking for work from and edit your CV/job application.
Chunky:
All I would say is try and get a name of the person who is recruiting.Edit your CV for the company you are asking for a job. True you might be able to do the perfect Dolly Knot, no good if you are only using box trailers.
DO NOT B…T. It will only make you look stupid later.
Do not make your CV look like one of eighty nine that you have sent out. Research the company you are looking for work from and edit your CV/job application.
thats what i have been doing mate, i will try everything to get a job, dont want to be on teh dole and my reative lack of ecperience will hold me back a bit but hopefully not much.
i guess we will see…
A covering letter is your opportunity to tie yourself, as exemplified in your CV, to the advertised job.
You should always address it to the person if at all possible. Dear Mrs Smith makes it personal and shows you did your homework and didn’t just print off a standard letter.
Always say how you knew there was a vacancy — name the paper or refer to your contact (if appropriate).
Link your experience to the job and say why you are just the man they are looking for. If it’s nights and you have never worked nights then say how much you are looking forward to the more relaxed nature of night work; if it’s supermarket work — say how much you will enjoy the regular hours and the positive side of a big company employer; if it’s an agency then say how much you will enjoy the variety.
As said before — check and double check, and get someone else to check, for grammar and spelling. Even a truck driver should demonstrate that kind of attention to detail, and badly spelled sloppy letters are taken to indicate that type of personality.
My wife, who did HR, before switching over to Accountancy has said this to me:
CV & Covering Letter
The covering letter should always start with “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Should be in a professional format (so no comical fonts, always use Times New Roman or equivilent,) and no longer than 4 paragraphs.
Should elaborate on skills already in your CV.
Explination of why you are looking for employment in that particular company.
Your CV itself needs to stand out, use different pastel coloured paper for each CV, dont forget the company might get hundreds of CV’s a day all on white paper.
These companies that proclaim to teach you to do a CV are useless. Your CV should contain no more than your personal info, experience (10 yrs), school history (exam results), further education (inc. non job related qualifications), interests and hobbies, and finally, references if you can fit them on.
The CV should be no longer than 2 pages long and be printed single side only. Dont forget employers only want to see certain information, anything other than that is just gumpf, why would they want to read War & Peace when they can read Janet & John.
DON’T phone up chasing your CV and application, it will make you seem desperate, and will put people off.
Interview.
Always research the company before hand, know the history and exactly what it is that they do.
When asked at the end of the session if you have any questions never say “No you’ve covered all the bases.” Always say “Yes I have a couple,” and keep them to base points, such as Wage Structure, Nights Away, etc etc.
Always look smart, make sure shoes are polished, hair combed, breath fresh, etc etc.
I hope this helps, it certainly has me in the past. As, I’m sure, shuttle will testify, I’m not exactly the best looking guy in the world.
just because you can write a cv doesnt mean you can drive a truck,you get somebody read it who has never turned a wheel and they can tell by a cv you are the best driver for them,bull,
ken57:
just because you can write a cv doesnt mean you can drive a truck,you get somebody read it who has never turned a wheel and they can tell by a cv you are the best driver for them,bull,
i know they cant but it helps you get an interview and maybe an assessment…
thanks for your input but try not to let the door hit your arse on the way out!
orys:
I’ll paste for you my covering letter. It’s not for a driving job, but you can find it useful. It’s checked and corrected by a proffesional from careers service:For the attention of the Personnel Manager
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Sir / Madame
I am writing to enquire whether you have an opportunity for a Polish translator / interpreter or will have in the near future. I enclose a copy of my CV for your consideration.
As you will see from my CV, I have a considerable experience of working in multi-lingual environment. Since I commenced my studies in AAAAAAAA everyday usage of the English language has been essential, as highly specialized literature in the discipline is rarely translated into Polish. During my studies I collaborated with student’s monthly magazine which was actively involved in international student’s press movement. Thanks to that I took a part in international conference “BBBBBBBBB” in Croatia. I was also invited to collaborate with leading Polish IT magazine “CCCCCCC”. Due to nature of the industry I again had to work mostly with English materials.
Since I came to Scotland I have been working mostly as a lorry driver. This has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people from different regions in UK which has been very useful for me in becoming used to various local accents. During my residence in Scotland, I have been helping other Poles with their English — for example, writing letters or filling in forms with them, helping them with translations or interpreting in various situations such as visits to the doctor, conversations with lawyers, interviews with employment agencies or social services. I have also had to interpret during a police intervention.
As a lorry driver, I have also been helping British lorry drivers who travel to Poland. As well as interpreting, I have been guiding them through Polish paperwork and researching some issues regarding international transport law. As a person familiar with the haulage industry, I was asked to translate the user’s manual of EEEEEEEEEEE, an electronic device created to help truckers to comply with a working time regulations. My clients have been satisfied with my work and I received really good references.
Last year I commenced language studies at XXXXXXXXX. I am taking CCCCC and VVVVVV language as my main subjects. It also provides a great opportunity to witness problems encountered by English native speakers when trying to speak in Slavic languages and therefore to see differences in “language thinking” between these two language groups.
I can supply good references and would be delighted to discuss possible vacancies with you at your convenience.
If you do not have any openings at present I would be grateful if you could keep my CV on file for future reference.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
I wouldn’t recommend starting with “Dear Madame” !!!
TC
The_Catman:
I wouldn’t recommend starting with “Dear Madame” !!!
Yeah, I am using too many languages.
Interesting that noone noticed before 
Thanks 