A well-crafted cover letter can make a huge difference in your job search. It's your chance to show employers who you are, highlighting your enthusiasm, skills, and fit for the role. In this article, you’ll find all you need to know about writing a cover letter, from what to include to top tips for making your application stand out. Let's get started!

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a separate document that you submit along with your resume when applying for a job. Think of it as a personal introduction to the employer, where you get to explain why you’re a great fit for the position. While your resume lists your qualifications and experiences, a cover letter gives you the chance to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Not all job applications ask for a cover letter, so you don’t have to write one for every job you apply for. However, a cover letter can still help as it can offer additional insights into your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position, potentially influencing the employer's decision to consider you for an interview. But be sure to read the job description carefully, as some employers may explicitly state they do not require or accept cover letters.

When the job listing does specifically ask for a cover letter, it's important to include one.

What to include in a cover letter

A well-structured cover letter should include the following:

1. Contact information:
At the top of your cover letter, include your name, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address and voicemail are professional and appropriate. You might consider creating a new email address specifically for job applications. Also include the date you wrote the cover letter and the employer’s contact information.

2. Greeting:
Address the hiring manager by name if known. There is usually a contact name on the job description, but if you can’t find someone to address, you can simply write “Dear Hiring Manager”.

3. Introduction:
In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. This is important, as the company might be hiring for multiple roles at a time.

4. Body paragraphs:
A typical cover letter usually consists of three to four body paragraphs. In these paragraphs, you should address the selection criteria and highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Explain how these make you a great candidate for the job. Be specific and provide examples.

5. Conclusion:
Summarise your interest in the role and express your eagerness to discuss your application further. Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

6. Sign-off:
End with a professional sign-off, such as “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Cover letter writing tips

Do’s

Do personalise each cover letter:
Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company. Mention the company’s name and the role you’re applying for to show that you’ve done your homework. You could also include keywords from the job description to help your application get past the robots.

Do be concise:
Try to keep your cover letter to one page. Be clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary information. If you’re finding that your cover letter is a bit long, read over it and make sure you haven’t repeated information. A two-page cover letter may be acceptable in some circumstances, particularly when a role requires you to demonstrate extensive experience or a variety of skills.

Do highlight your achievements:
Focus on your accomplishments and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact. If you don’t have any previous work experience, you could focus on your achievements at school or other activities you were involved in (often called ‘extra-curricular activities’), such as volunteering for school events, contributions within your sports team or helping the neighbours or family friends with chores or small jobs.

Do use a professional tone:
Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid using slang or overly informal language. Some organisations might be a bit more casual than others, so you could also try to match the tone that the company has used in their job description.

Do proofread:
Carefully proofread your cover letter to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished letter shows attention to detail and professionalism. It could be helpful to have someone else proofread it too, like a family member, friend, teacher or someone else you trust.

Do format and label your document appropriately:
Save your cover letter in a PDF or Word document format to ensure its easily accessible and maintains its formatting across different devices. Some job ads may specify the preferred format, so be sure to follow those instructions if provided. Label the document clearly with your name and the position you’re applying for, such as "John_Doe_Cover_Letter_Sales_Assistant.pdf". This makes it easy for hiring managers to identify and file your application.

Cover letter examples

To help you get started, we've created a couple of cover letter templates that you can use as a guide. These templates are designed to be ATS friendly, ensuring that your application gets through the initial screening process. Simply download the templates, customise them with your information, and you'll be on your way to crafting a stand-out cover letter!

Cover letter template #1 - with work experience.docx

Cover letter template #2 - no work experience.docx

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Last reviewed August 2024.