Never send a CV without a cover letter! Cover letters provide you with the ideal opportunity to introduce yourself in a few short paragraphs, briefly outlining your skills, qualifications, experience and availability, aimed at enticing the employer to read your CV.

A good start with a cover letter is to know about the company you're applying to. To be able to compile a targeted cover letter you will need to know about the company, including: their products, history and their culture. Personalising your cover letter in line with the company you're applying to will show your interest in the job.