Cover and Speculative Letters

Examples

Example 1 from: https://www.icover.org.uk/speculative-cover-letter-examples/

Example 3 from Google Images

Example 2 from Google Images

Example 5 from Google Images

Example 4 from Google Images

Similarities

All examples are in a formal format, address the person the letter is for and signed of formally by the writer. They reveal what the person has done that relates to the work they wish to do with the company. The examples are specific for the one company they are writing to, as they write the company’s name in the letter. Another similarity is that all examples show research into the role they wish to do, mostly because they have done it before. Example 2 and 3 show research into the company, written at the start of the letter, which reveals that they specifically want to work for them. All examples main target is to reveal what they have done, work experience wise and skills, and they all mention that they will get in touch with the company soon about their CV. (usually a week later) They also have written the fact they have enclosed their CV, which further explains their qualifications and experiences, with their cover letter.

Differences

Apart from example 2 and 3, the other examples do not mention why they want to work with that company specifically, this may be due to the fact these examples are for others to base their own cover letters on. Example 4 writes at the top that they found the advertisement for the job at a website, whereas the other examples do not mention this, which may be because this example is focused on the job listed instead of speculative. Example 1 is very generic and simple, and despite the fact this is a template, it is my least favourite example. The other templates have more detail and are written much better.  Example 3 is the most unique out of them all, it includes a bullet pointed list of his achievements and his social media contact information. The other examples do not separate this information in this way.  Example 5 and 3 are better written than the others because they do not start with “I am”.  I find both of these examples better to read than the others and more engaging.  Example 3 is the best example out of them all.