Writing a cover letter that’s comprehensive and aligns to the job description can really help your application to stand out. Taking the extra time and effort to write a unique cover letter positions you as a proactive candidate.
Even with the help of AI tools in today’s job searching, many applicants still don’t make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter. So, if you do, you’re more likely that to catch the attention of the reader.
A good letter needs to convey your interest in and suitability for the role, and should be written specifically for the employer, rather than a cover letter template that you use for every application.
This blog outlines what to do and what to avoid when writing a cover letter. We’ve also provided a cover letter example to help!.
What is a cover letter?
Before we begin, let’s go back to basics: what is a cover letter? This document is a simple job application letter, submitted alongside a CV, that serves as a professional introduction.
A cover letter enables you to:
- Summarise why you’re the right person for the job.
- Highlight relevant work experience.
- Demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
How to write your cover letter in 8 steps
Do your research
Before you begin, explore the organisation’s website and social media profiles, as well as any recent news articles or press releases. Use these to add references to their latest products, campaigns or industry stories, and make sure that their company values align with what you’re writing about.
Personalise your addressee
Writing ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ is not how to start a cover letter. Getting any names wrong or not addressing the cover letter shows a lack of attention to detail. It’s easier than ever to find out the relevant hiring manager’s name.
Start with a strong intro to hook the reader in
The opening paragraph of your cover letter will either grab the hiring manager’s attention or lose it. You should instantly explain how you’ll help to solve the hiring manager’s problems, incorporating keywords from the job specification and insights from your research. The ability to demonstrate relevant achievements, skills and experience works much better than a generic cover letter template intro, such as “I’m applying for the role of XXX.”
Specify whether you’ve been referred
If you have discovered an opportunity through a friend or former colleague, or have a previous connection with the organisation, mention it. Did this person introduce you to the hiring manager because they think you could be a good fit for the role? Or perhaps you crossed paths as an intern or an employee at one of the company’s suppliers or competitors? Mentioning a relevant connection within the company will help a hiring manager to validate your credentials.
Discuss what’s relevant to the role and organisation
While your CV should simply outline your career history and skills, your cover letter is an opportunity to go into more detail on the things that matter. Build on what you’ve included in your personal statement by explaining how this opportunity aligns with your talents and goals. Choose a few achievements from your Employment History and talk about how these apply to your potential responsibilities in this role.
Use keywords from the job description
You should have already scanned the job description for keywords (or prompted a generative AI tool to do it) when writing your CV. You should still be using these in your cover letter. However, don’t keyword-stuff in the hope that applicant tracking software (ATS) will pick up your application. It is possible to overdo your use of keywords.
Sign off your letter professionally
End the main part of the cover letter by clarifying your enthusiasm – for example: “I’m excited to talk more about how I can help your company succeed”. Then close with the formal and widely accepted “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.
Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct
If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it as a document first. Word or Google Docs will flag up obvious issues like spelling mistakes. Also, check that any formatting in your document translates properly into the email or online form.
How to write a cover letter – 8 final tips
Do
- Write a new cover letter every time – don’t just make a few minor adjustments from your last application
- Incorporate your research – show what you know and why it matters
- Be consistent – use the same font and style as on your CV
- Submit your CV and cover letter in the same document – this will avoid your letter being lost
Don’t
- Just repeat what’s on your CV – explain what it is about your background that makes you interested in this position
- Be too flattering – this could risk you coming across as insecure, insincere or sycophantic.
- Drone on – keep your cover letter succinct. The reader is interested in facts rather, than quirkiness or clichés.
- Overlook the details – confirm your availability and sign off appropriately
Our CV cover letter example
45 King Edward Street
Name
Phone Number
Email
LinkedIn URL
Organisation Name
Address
Date
Dear Mr Carl Smith,
Subject line: Experienced senior manager for X position
I was previously introduced to your company by your colleague, Susan Bainbridge, at the recent X trade fair, and became particularly intrigued by the work you do and the culture of the business. Subsequently, I was especially excited to see the role of X recently advertised on your website.
I believe my 15 years as a senior manager for one of the biggest names in the X sector, overseeing a 25 per cent rise in revenues over the last half-decade, uniquely equips me to build upon the experience I already have, apply my knowledge and skills to the role of X, and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to your business.
From reviewing the job description, I believe that I am a great match for this role and could become a key team player in helping your business to attain its ambitions. Pinsent Media is at a similar stage of its development to my present employer when I began my role with them, and I would love nothing more than to be able to help drive similarly incredible growth and success for your business.
I would like to draw your attention to the following skills and achievements that I would appreciate the opportunity to build on as your brand’s next X:
- Exceptional people, resource and process skills that have helped to drive consistent and measurable improvements in the company’s productivity, performance and sales in my present role – all skills that are well-matched to Pinsent Media’s search for an X with a “proven track record” in these areas
- An influential player in the transformation of my present company from a small business generating £2.2 million in annual revenue with an 18-member staff team, into one of the most thriving and respected firms in its industry, employing 48 staff and recording revenue of £26.2 million last year. I would be delighted to draw upon my skills and contacts to further Pinsent Media’s own ambitious growth objectives
- The conceptualisation and establishment of such strategic initiatives as X, X and X, as reported by Forbes and HuffPost and driving the company to new heights of operational success. These achievements are highly relevant to Pinsent Media’s intention for its next X to assist in significantly expanding its international media profile and reputation for innovation
Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my CV and look forward to speaking to you further about this opportunity.
Yours sincerely,
Simon M. Taylor
You’ve seen our cover letter example – what’s next?
Congratulations – you’re ready to apply for your dream job! If you’re not sure that you’ve covered everything, make sure to check out our full series on writing the perfect CV. You can find all our expert advice here.
