What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a 3 – 4 paragraph summary to employers that explains your interest in the job and the company you are applying for as well as your fitness for the role. Cover letters should be a one-page document which expresses your interests in the role and is typically submitted along with your CV in a job application. You should aim to relate your cover letter to the role you are applying for with specific skills, experience, and achievements in your professional career. Unlike your CV, a cover letter will allow you to go into more detail on why you are best suited for the role and for the company compared to other candidates.
A well-written cover letter has the potential to impress employers and set you apart from other candidates. To avoid a generic looking cover letter, you should conduct in-depth research on the company and the role you are applying for prior to writing your cover letter.
Cover Letter Format
You should format your cover letter like a business letter and include the following sections:
Header with your contact information and the date
A formal greeting
Opening paragraph
Middle paragraph(s)
Closing paragraph
Letter ending and signature
The font should also be professional i.e., Arial or Helvetica (10 – 12 points in size) with left alignment and single spacing 1-inch margins.
6 Steps on How to Write a Cover Letter
1) Start with your Header
As with any standard business header, you should include some personal and role specific information at the top of your cover letter. This should include your contact information, date of application and the recipient’s contact information. You can always centre your name and address at the top of the page so it mirrors your CV.
Cover letter template:
Your name
Your city and postcode
Your telephone number
Your email
Date
Name of recipient
Title of recipient
Company name
Company address
Example cover letter header:
Joe Bloggs
joe.bloggs@email.com
Axwell House, Dunston
NE11 9HU
01912615205
1st January 2025
Company executive 1
Company way
location
postcode
It will make it easier for the hiring manager or recruiter to follow up with you regarding the position by including a professional and detailed heading.
2) Include a Greeting
In your research, aim to find the name of the person who will be reviewing the applications for the role. Address your letter to the person with a common business greeting e.g., “Dear” or “Hello”.
Example greetings:
Dear Hiring Manager
Hello Mr X
Dear Joe Bloggs
3) Write an Opening Paragraph
In the first paragraph of your cover letter, mention the job title of which you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. Also, explain your specific interest in the role and the company so the recruiter knows you have carried out research and have genuine interest. Briefly explain the main qualifications and experience you have that makes you a good fit. The first section of your cover letter will also be the first impression the recruiter will have of you, so it is important to appeal to that person succinctly.
4) Follow up With a Second Paragraph
This paragraph should be a brief overview of your background as it is relevant to the position. Within this paragraph, you should include key achievements and skills that make you particularly suited to perform well in the position. Try to focus on one or two points and provide specific details about your success including measurable impacts you made.
Pay attention to certain key words listed within the job description and include those in which you identify with in your cover letter.
5) Include a Closing Paragraph
In your closing paragraph, you should focus on another key achievement or skill that is relevant to the position. Rather than repeating details from your resume, expand on specific stories or anecdotes that convey your fitness to the role. Like the previous paragraph, focus on stories that demonstrate the skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
If you are changing careers, this will be a good opportunity to talk about transferrable skills or relatable experiences from your career.
6)Finish with a Professional Sign Off
You should end your cover letter with a paragraph that summarises the reasons you are applying for the role and why you would be a great fit for it. Keep this paragraph brief and say you look forward to hearing from the employer with the next steps. Also put your signature at the bottom.
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