Cover Letter Help

[Jordan0526]

Has anyone got any advice on writing a cover letter, i've never written one before and dont really know what to include.
Also I worked at a business for about a week until i quit due to the hours and the job not being what was described, would i include that i worked there just not include how long unless asked because i have no experience other than that.

[Buenchico]

From the University of Kent:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm
and the Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples

[fiction-factory]

The cover letter should make it clear why your skills, experience, knowledge, qualities, etc make you the ideal candidate for this particular role, say why you particularly want to work for this company and show how keen you are to be invited to interviews.
I'm not sure what to say about the one week role. Did you learn any new skills or gain any invaluable experience?

[Jordan0526]

I was given training on selling, i was outside for 8/9 hours a day trying to get people to sign up to things etc so i learnt how to deal with angry people pretty well

[Buenchico]

PS: I suggest not mentioning that one week's work in a cv (or covering letter) as it might read as if you're the type of person who gives up too easily.

However you might refer to it in an interview if you could turn it to your advantage. e.g. "I did try a self-employed job where I was asked to sell credit cards to people. I gave it up fairly quickly because, as well as hardly making any money, I wasn't happy in a position where I was required to sell people something that they didn't really need. I'd be much happier working for you because I'd feel that I was really contributing something, both to the company and to its customers"

[Jordan0526]

That was really helpful thank you :)