I am actively looking for a new job at the moment and I have been told that, while my CV is very professional, my covering letter needs more work. Any advice?
Your covering letter is as important as your CV since it is the first thing your prospective employers will read. The trick is to keep it as concise and minimal as possible and whatever you do, don’t send the same letter to different employers.

Tailormake it to the job you are applying for because that shows you’ve paid attention to the job spec.

If it helps, make a list of all the requirements they ask for in the application and make sure you address each one in the covering letter, highlighting all the relevant skills, qualification and experience you can bring to the company.

Don’t reel off places you’ve worked at or random jobs you’ve done because ­your CV explains all that, but highlight the personal qualities you need to mention, such as team building, organisational and communication skills. And, if the job asks for a lot of experience, briefly mention your career achievements and ensure this is relevant with your potential role. In particular concentrate on highlighting all transferable skills you have and how you would be able to utilise these in the post you are applying for.