Most employers ask for a cover letter when you apply for a job. Learn what to outline to make yours stand out.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a written statement that introduces you to an employer. It allows you to show your interest in a role and what relevant experience you can bring. It's usually three to five paragraphs long.
Why include a cover letter?
A cover letter is a valuable opportunity to impress an employer with your enthusiasm and ambition. It can play an important role in the success of an application and is particularly helpful for speculative applications.
When writing a cover letter, it's essential that you start by researching the company and reading the job description. You can highlight the skills you have that match what the employer is looking for.
What to include in a cover letter
Try to personalise your letter by addressing it to someone by name. This should be the person recruiting for the role. If you can't find a name, you can start it with 'Dear Sir or Madam'.
You should then break your letter down into the following four sections:
- what job are you applying for?
- what interest, skills and experience can you offer?
- why do you want to work with this company?
- when are you available for an interview?
Top tips for cover letters
- Tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for
- Follow any specific instructions from the employer
- Try to present your skills and experience in a relevant and interesting way
- Use the same font size as your CV, ensuring it's a minimum of 10pt
- Check your spelling and grammar after writing the cover letter
- Keep a copy of the letter to help with your interview preparation
Help and advice
You can find a range of resources and examples in the Career Discovery section on CareerZone.
For tailored help with writing cover letters, book a one-to-one careers appointment.
You can also email us at [email protected]Email us about cover letters.