Having taken the decision to leave my current position without a new role I need to fine tune my covering letter.

My present company has put me on gardening leave and I need to ensure that any prospective employers are aware it was my decision and not see it as negative.

Any thoughts much appreciated...

Reply by Peter Fisher your-career-change.com to the question about a covering letter when gardening leave is applied.

The issue is really about the extent to which the gardening leave prevents you from starting a new job. If you are unable to join a new employer for say 6 months you would need to advise the employer of the delay.

Otherwise it is less of a problem.

'Gardening leave' is the term given to a situation that arises when an employee is required to serve out a period of notice at home and not be required to come to work. During this period the employee continues to receive all salary and benefits but is prohibited from commencing employment with a new employer until the gardening leave period has expired. It is a practice which employers often adopt with employees of a certain status, usually those who have access to confidential information or clients and when they leave may intend to join a competitor.

During the gardening leave period the employee’s access to such information or customers is either restricted or completely prevented.


In general terms, whether you chose to leave or not will make no difference to the covering letter you need to write. Your letter should focus on your suitability and qualifications for the new job and provide enough relevant information to encourage the employer to want to meet you for an interview.

Now, if you go into anything about leaving your last job, or being placed on gardening leave, your covering letter is likely to set some alarm bells ringing, if only because there might be 'complications' or 'implications' and any seed of doubt in the employer's mind could find you being rejected.

My advice therefore is to concentrate on the application letter; your reasons for applying, the unique skill-set that you possess and the ways in which you anticipate being able to add value to the new organisation.

Don't focus on why you are leaving your last job, concentrate on why you want the new job and then communicate that to the potential new employer in your covering letter.

There are lots of cover letter examples on this site which should help you to get your covering letter written well.

I hope that helps you...

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