When applying for a job, your cover letter is just as important as your CV. It’s your first opportunity to impress potential employers and show that you’re more than just a list of qualifications. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and increase your chances of landing an interview.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an effective cover letter that complements your CV and grabs a hiring manager’s attention.
Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your personal sales pitch. It allows you to:
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Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
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Show your personality and communication style.
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Explain why you’re excited about the role and how you’ll add value to the company.
Think of your CV as a factual document and your cover letter as the story behind those facts.
Research the Company and Job Position
Before you start writing, invest time in understanding the employer. Researching the company and the role will help you tailor your letter so it speaks directly to the hiring manager’s needs.
Why it matters: Tailored cover letters show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
How to research effectively:
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Visit the company’s website to learn about its mission, values, and recent news.
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Study the job description carefully. Highlight required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
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Look for overlaps between your background and the employer’s needs.
Learn more: How to Research a Company Before a Job Interview
Structure of a Cover Letter
A great cover letter is concise, well-structured, and no longer than one page. Here’s a section-by-section breakdown:
1. Header
Include:
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Your contact information
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The date
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The employer’s contact details
2. Salutation
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Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible.
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If you can’t find a name, use: “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team.”
3. Introduction
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State the job you’re applying for and where you saw the listing.
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Give a quick overview of who you are and why you’re interested in the role.
4. Body Paragraphs
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Focus on two or three of your strongest, most relevant skills or achievements.
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Use specific examples to prove your value.
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Show how your skills align with the company’s needs and culture.
5. Conclusion
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Reaffirm your interest in the position and the organisation.
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Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
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Politely express enthusiasm for an interview.
6. Closing
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End with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
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Include your name and (optional) digital signature.
Read More: How to Build a Strong Personal Brand for Your Job Search
Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter
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Tailor Every Letter
Don’t copy-paste the same letter for every job. Personalise it for each company and role. -
Keep It Concise
Aim for three to four short paragraphs. Hiring managers skim — make it easy for them. -
Highlight Relevant Skills First
Focus on what matters most for this job, not every skill you’ve ever developed. -
Use a Professional Tone
Avoid slang and casual language. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors. -
Show Enthusiasm
Employers want motivated candidates. Let your passion for the job and company shine. -
Optimise for Keywords
Use wording from the job description so applicant tracking systems (ATS) flag your application as relevant. -
Follow Up
If you don’t hear back in 1–2 weeks, send a short, polite follow-up email.
Sample Cover Letter
Your Name
Your Address
City, Postal Code
Email Address
Phone Number
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
City, Postal Code
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With my background in [Your Field] and a passion for [Relevant Industry/Skill], I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team.
In my role as [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Company], I [describe a major achievement or responsibility that aligns with the new role]. This experience honed my skills in [specific skill], which I believe will directly benefit [Company Name] in achieving [specific company goal or value].
What excites me most about this role is your commitment to [company mission or unique aspect]. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my [specific expertise] to your organisation and support your ongoing success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can support your team’s objectives.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related: Free CV Templates that Pass the Applicant Tracking System
FAQs
Q: Do I need to write a cover letter if it’s not requested?
Yes, unless the job posting explicitly says not to. It’s a chance to stand out from other candidates.
Q: What if I can’t find the hiring manager’s name?
Use a professional generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Q: Should I explain employment gaps?
Briefly mention them if relevant and focus on how you used the time productively.
Q: Can I use bullet points?
Yes, but sparingly. They can help highlight specific achievements in a visually clear way.
Q: How soon should I follow up?
About one to two weeks after sending your application.
Writing a letter to accompany your CV is an essential step in the job application process. A well-crafted cover letter can make a strong first impression and set you apart from other candidates.
By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can create a cover letter that highlights your strengths, aligns with the job description, and captures the employer’s attention.
Remember to tailor your letter for each job application, keep it concise, and use a professional tone. With the right approach, your letter can be a powerful tool in landing your next job.