[jack1123]

I am trying to get some work experience with my MP (on my gap year atm), I have already made contact with him over email, he asked me to send him a cv, so i was wondering, as i have already made contact with him should i send a cover letter with my cv? Thanks, any quick responses much appreciated

[Good bloke]

You should always send a covering letter with any document that you are sending someone, unless the situation is highly informal (which this clearly isn't).

See the advice on covering letters for job applications in the CV help forum.

[*Rufus_Doofus*]

cover Letter!

[jack1123]

ok, thanks alot, i think ill send it off on the cv helper bit, not feeling too well today getting it checked over is probably a wise idea i feel

[onders12]

Spend some time on your cover letter - it's the first thing your MP is going to see.. Good luck!

[jack1123]

Originally Posted by onders12

Spend some time on your cover letter - it's the first thing your MP is going to see.. Good luck!

Thanks! It was actually a personal response I received from him on my email, which was a pretty comprehensive email, so on the cover letter ill reiterate my intentions, as well as address a couple of questions he asked me in the email

[EskimoJo]

Yes.
Even if it's just a short note saying 'here is the cv as requested in relation to so and so position at your company. If you require any more information, I am available for interview at so and so times; please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope to hear positive news from you soon as I feel I am right for the job and would relish the opportunity to work with your company. Yours faithfully (or whatever) etc.'

Something like that?
Oh, and good luck!

[Good bloke]

Originally Posted by EskimoJo

Yes.
Even if it's just a short note saying 'here is the cv as requested in relation to so and so position at your company. If you require any more information, I am available for interview at so and so times; please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope to hear positive news from you soon as I feel I am right for the job and would relish the opportunity to work with your company. Yours faithfully (or whatever) etc.'

Something like that?
Oh, and good luck!

That text (or anything like it), though, would most likely lose you the opportunity. You have to do the job properly and in a manner that will enhance your application.

[EskimoJo]

Originally Posted by Good bloke

That text (or anything like it), though, would most likely lose you the opportunity. You have to do the job properly and in a manner that will enhance your application.

Ok. If you say so. Would've thought he could shorten it as he's already made contact and had the cv requested and it's only work experience (didn't spot that before) and a full covering letter might look like he's just sending out a load of letters/CVs and has forgotten that they've already 'spoken'. I suppose it depends what was in the email. I dunno!

[Good bloke]

Originally Posted by EskimoJo

I dunno!

Quite. You should never err on the side of informality with job applications, and assuming a certain familiarity with the recruiter is a recipe for disaster.

[onders12]

It's about your showing you're keen and you want the job most of all - if you make this cover letter personalised and show him that you really want the job, then you're already another step ahead. That doesn't mean you should waffle though, or beg!!

[EskimoJo]

Originally Posted by Good bloke

Quite. You should never err on the side of informality with job applications, and assuming a certain familiarity with the recruiter is a recipe for disaster.

Whatever mate.

[jack1123]

Originally Posted by Good bloke

Quite. You should never err on the side of informality with job applications, and assuming a certain familiarity with the recruiter is a recipe for disaster.

I agree, I think I slipped into informality due to the friendly tone of his response, but as you say, keep it formal

[Good bloke]

Originally Posted by onders12

It's about your showing you're keen and you want the job most of all - if you make this cover letter personalised and show him that you really want the job, then you're already another step ahead. That doesn't mean you should waffle though, or beg!!

Covering letters, unlike UCAS personal statements, are not about showing how much you are interested in the job. They are about highlighting aspects of your experience and skills that are particularly relevant to the position being applied for.

[BJP]

A cover letter, always. Even if only a short one, maybe enclose a copy of your correspondence so far too. Best of luck!