Q.  How important are covering letters for applications? A lot of private sector ask for a covering letter.  Is there a format or something that you follow?  Is there certain things that must be included?

A. Covering letters are very important in private sector applications where you apply to an employer directly.  Recruitment companies focus mostly on the resume so all your selling points need to be easy to find in there.  You should not be saying anything in your covering letter that is not also found in your resume.  In the public sector the covering letter is just professional and ties together your application and any attachments you might be enclosing.  It is not scored in the short listing process.

General guidelines for Private Sector Covering letters:

• No more than 2 pages, preferably 1.
• Professionally laid out (letter head with your contact details, the recipients address, a formal signature block).
• No spelling or grammatical errors.
• Highlight your key features and the potential benefits to the prospective employer. You may want to use bullet points for a succinct communication style.
• Respond directly to the key requirements highlighted in the job ad and through your research about the position/company etc.
• Get somebody else to read over your letter before sending it.
• Try to include as much evidence that supports your claims as possible (actions speak louder than words remember)

I hope that helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.