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CV guide

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter is a short letter, sent with your CV, that explains why you are applying for a particular job and how you meet what the employer is looking for. Here is how to write one that gets read, with a short example.

How to structure your cover letter

  1. 1

    Start with the greeting

    Use the person's name if the advert gives one (“Dear Ms Patel”). If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine. If you are sending a printed letter, put your contact details and the date at the top.

  2. 2

    Say which job you are applying for

    In the first paragraph, name the job, say where you saw it and give one line on why you are a good fit.

  3. 3

    Show how you meet what they ask for

    In one or two paragraphs, pick the two or three requirements in the advert that matter most and give a real example of each from your experience. This is the heart of the letter.

  4. 4

    Say why you want this job

    Give a specific, true reason you want to work for this employer or in this role. A sentence that could be sent to any company adds nothing.

  5. 5

    Close politely

    Thank them, say you would welcome the chance to discuss the role, and mention when you are available. End with “Yours sincerely” and your full name.

An example cover letter

A short example for a warehouse team leader job. The person, employer and details are invented; yours should use your own experience and the words in your advert.

Dear Ms Patel,

I am applying for the Warehouse Team Leader role at Brightwell Distribution, advertised on your website. My eight years in logistics include four years leading a team on a busy distribution site.

Your advert asks for experience of planning shift rotas and managing stock accuracy. In my current role I plan the rota for a team of twelve across two shifts, and I run the weekly stock counts for our site, reporting any discrepancies to the operations manager. Training is also part of my role: I take every new starter through our warehouse system and safe working practices.

I would like to join Brightwell because of your growth across the Midlands, and because your advert puts a clear focus on developing team leaders, which is where I want my career to go next.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss the role, and I am available for interview at any time.

Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan

Mistakes to avoid

  • Repeating your CV line by line
  • Sending the same letter to every job
  • Going over one page
  • The wrong company name or job title
  • Claims you cannot back up at interview
  • Starting most sentences with “I”

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Questions about cover letters

How long should a cover letter be?
No more than one page: usually three to five short paragraphs. Employers read a lot of them, so a short letter that answers the advert is better than a long one.
Do I always need a cover letter?
Send one when the advert asks for one or gives you a way to. If an online form has a box for a covering statement, use it for the same purpose.
Who should I address it to?
Use the name of the person in the advert if there is one, such as “Dear Ms Patel”. If there is no name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.
Should I send it as an attachment or in the email?
Do what the advert asks. If it does not say, write the letter in the body of the email and attach your CV, or attach both as files with clear names if you are uploading them.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job?
No. A cover letter only works if it is written for that job. You can reuse good sentences, but the opening, the evidence and the reasons you want the job should change each time.