A cover letter is not a summary of your CV. It is your chance to speak directly to an employer, explain why this specific role interests you, and make the case — in your own voice — for why you are the right person for it.
When done well, a cover letter can be the thing that gets a borderline CV through to interview. When done badly, it can undo a strong CV. Here is how to get it right.
Before You Write Anything
The most common cover letter mistake is writing before you have thought. Before you open a blank document, do the following:
- Research the company: Understand their mission, values, recent news, products, and customers. A cover letter that shows genuine knowledge of the company is rare and memorable.
- Analyse the job description: Identify the three or four most important requirements. These are what your cover letter needs to address directly.
- Think about your fit: What specific experiences, skills, or achievements make you a strong match? How have you demonstrated them in the past?
Format and Length
- Length: 250–350 words. Half to one A4 page. No more.
- Font: Match your CV — Arial, Calibri, or a similar clean font at 11–12pt.
- Header: Your name, contact details, the date, and the employer's name and address at the top.
- Salutation: Use the hiring manager's name if you can find it. "Dear Mr Smith" is better than "Dear Hiring Manager."
Structure: Four Paragraphs
Paragraph 1 — Opening
State the role you are applying for and a specific reason why it interests you. Not a generic reason — a real one. What is it about this company or this particular opportunity that appeals to you? If you cannot answer that, you probably need to do more research.
Paragraph 2 — Your Suitability
Highlight two or three of your most relevant skills or experiences, with brief examples. This is not a repeat of your CV — pick the highlights and give them context. Use numbers and specifics wherever possible.
Paragraph 3 — Your Value
Explain what you will bring to the company. Connect your skills to their specific needs. "Given your focus on expanding into European markets, my experience managing multilingual campaigns across Germany, France, and Spain would be directly applicable."
Paragraph 4 — Closing
Reiterate your enthusiasm and include a clear call to action. "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background fits your requirements. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you."
What to Avoid
- Repeating your CV: A cover letter should add information, not summarise what is already on the page next to it.
- Generic language: "I am a hardworking, motivated individual" tells an employer nothing. Be specific.
- The same letter for every job: Employers can always tell. Tailor every cover letter to the specific company and role.
- Starting every sentence with "I": Vary your sentence structure. It reads better and feels less self-centred.
- Explaining what the company can do for you: The focus should be on what you bring to them.
A Note on Tone
Match the tone of the company. A cover letter for a creative agency can afford to be more conversational and personality-driven. A cover letter for a law firm or financial institution should be more formal. When in doubt, lean professional — you can always relax your tone once you are in the room.
Read your cover letter out loud before you send it. If it sounds like a robot wrote it, rewrite it until it sounds like you.