It is always a good idea to write a specific application/covering letter to accompany your cv. Employers or Recruitment Agencies have to read through many CV's and by including a brief, but informative application letter, you can only benefit yourself.

• It should be brief, but informative
  
• Make sure your name, address and contact numbers are clear and correct
  
• Always sign the letter, even if you typed it out
  
• Your name should appear under your signature
  
• Address your letter to the correct person, or if you are not sure who the person is, address it to: To Whom It May Concern:
  
• Pay special attention to your spelling and grammar, aswell as the layout of your letter, as errors will create a very poor impression and might be the real reason for your application being unsuccessful
  
• Make sure that paragraphs follow a logical order, in order for the reader to get a clear understanding
  
• Do not waste the reader's time, by including unnecessary information and sweet-talk as this might only irritate the reader and thus create a negative impression about the applicant
  
• The purpose of your letter should be included, i.e. "I am herewith applying for the position of ... which has been advertised in the ... (media) on the ... (date)"
  
• Provide reasons why you are interested in the position
  
• Include information on your availability for interviews
  
• The aim of an application letter/CV, is in fact to "sell" yourself to the reader/employer, so that he/she will invite your for a personal interview
  
• Your letter should be neatly and comprehensively presented in order for the reader to want to know more about you

Example of an application letter:

P O Box xxx
CAPE TOWN
8000
Tel: (021) 418-xxxx

9 January 200x

The HR/Personnel Manager
(or address it to the specific contact person, i.e. Mr. G. Smith)

Company name
P O Box xxx
Town
Postal code

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am herewith applying for the position of xxx as advertised in the xxx (media) on the xxx (date).

A paragraph containing your biographical details (age, marital status, country of which you are a citizen, languages).

A paragraph containing your educational background/qualifications, aswell as the institutions where you obtained your qualifications.

A paragraph containing a summary/overview of your work experience, relevant to the position you are applying for.

Also include the reasons why your are interested in the position and/or why you are applying for this position at this particular company.

Concluding paragraph, expressing your hope that your application will be considered favourably and that you will hear from him/her shortly, as well as providing information on your availability for personal interviews.

Yours sincerely

Name Surname (Mrs.)

Extracts from: Barkai, A. et al. (1991). Natuurlik kan ek! Parklands:A-Z Promotions (ltd).