hi i just wondered if anyone could enlighten me about what to put on a covering letter?
i am never really sure what to include on a covering letter when submitting your cv and headshots, and likewise i am never sure how i should start it or how long it should be? i would be grateful for any advice!
covering letters
Moderator: busybusybusy
Re: covering letters
I expect there as many answers to this as there are directors and casting directors and agents!
I'll give you my opinion though for what it's worth:
Make sure you know who you need to address it to. If you are writing a letter, address it to a named individual, not "Dear Sir or Madam". This might mean you need to make a phone call first to find out the correct name. This can help you, because you can then say "following my telephone conversation with...".
Then you just need to say why you are writing the letter. Are you seeking representation? Are you hoping for an audition for a specific role? Are you inviting someone to come and see you in a show or letting them know that you will be appearing on television?
Then you can draw attention to something pertinent on your CV or something else that has prompted you to write the letter. You need to find something that shows that you can be the solution to a problem or you need to find something that gives you the reason for writing to this particular person at this particular time. Have you recently seen a show by this theatre company? Have you seen that they need skilled martial artists and you have the black belt to prove it?
The covering letter need not be long. If you don't have much to say, don't waffle to fill the page - it won't help!
Opinions can be divided about how important the covering letter is.
This is how I react when I get photos and CV's:
1. I look at the photograph
2. I glance at the covering letter - if the spelling and grammar are poor or it is unsigned, or it says "Dear Sir or Madam", I pull on my judgy pants. It might not stop me employing you, but it definitely won't help your cause.
3. I look at the CV and see whether I see anything interesting or recognisable on it.
4. I look at the photograph again.
5. I read the covering letter.
Personally, the only things that put me off in a covering letter are: bad presentation, pleading, fawning or excessive length. I wouldn't be put off at all by something quite basic that said the obvious things!
6.. I look at the photo again.
7. If you have a showreel, I'll be really interested because it's a good way of finding out how you come across as an actor.
If your look and experience isn't right and I have lots of choice - then I'm afraid it won't matter how good your covering letter is. If your look is just perfect, I'll probably overlook everything else (even all the things that make me judge you!) and invite you for an audition or an interview. That's how unfair it is!
I'll give you my opinion though for what it's worth:
Make sure you know who you need to address it to. If you are writing a letter, address it to a named individual, not "Dear Sir or Madam". This might mean you need to make a phone call first to find out the correct name. This can help you, because you can then say "following my telephone conversation with...".
Then you just need to say why you are writing the letter. Are you seeking representation? Are you hoping for an audition for a specific role? Are you inviting someone to come and see you in a show or letting them know that you will be appearing on television?
Then you can draw attention to something pertinent on your CV or something else that has prompted you to write the letter. You need to find something that shows that you can be the solution to a problem or you need to find something that gives you the reason for writing to this particular person at this particular time. Have you recently seen a show by this theatre company? Have you seen that they need skilled martial artists and you have the black belt to prove it?
The covering letter need not be long. If you don't have much to say, don't waffle to fill the page - it won't help!
Opinions can be divided about how important the covering letter is.
This is how I react when I get photos and CV's:
1. I look at the photograph
2. I glance at the covering letter - if the spelling and grammar are poor or it is unsigned, or it says "Dear Sir or Madam", I pull on my judgy pants. It might not stop me employing you, but it definitely won't help your cause.
3. I look at the CV and see whether I see anything interesting or recognisable on it.
4. I look at the photograph again.
5. I read the covering letter.
Personally, the only things that put me off in a covering letter are: bad presentation, pleading, fawning or excessive length. I wouldn't be put off at all by something quite basic that said the obvious things!
6.. I look at the photo again.
7. If you have a showreel, I'll be really interested because it's a good way of finding out how you come across as an actor.
If your look and experience isn't right and I have lots of choice - then I'm afraid it won't matter how good your covering letter is. If your look is just perfect, I'll probably overlook everything else (even all the things that make me judge you!) and invite you for an audition or an interview. That's how unfair it is!
Re: covering letters
thanks pg for taking the time to answer as always!
just one quick question - should the covering letter on the headshots be the first thing you see when you open the envelope, or does it not really matter? thanks!
just one quick question - should the covering letter on the headshots be the first thing you see when you open the envelope, or does it not really matter? thanks!
Re: covering letters
I don't think it matter all that much.
I tend to have the covering letter on the top, then the photo, then the CV. Whoever opens it is likely to look at the photo wherever you put it, and the letter should be on the top in my opinion (after all, it is the "covering letter"!
).
I tend to have the covering letter on the top, then the photo, then the CV. Whoever opens it is likely to look at the photo wherever you put it, and the letter should be on the top in my opinion (after all, it is the "covering letter"!
).