Open with the role and a reason
Name the exact position and one specific reason you are applying to this organisation, not any organisation.
Careers
Cover Letters
Three short paragraphs that connect who you are to what this specific employer needs.
Introduction
What this covers
A cover letter is not a repeat of your CV. It answers one question: why you, for this role, at this organisation.
Where an application says a cover letter is optional, send one anyway when you genuinely want the role. It is often the only place your motivation appears.
Why it matters
- It explains context a CV cannot: a career change, a study gap, a move into a new field.
- It shows you researched the employer, which very few applicants do.
- It demonstrates written communication — a skill in almost every job description.
Step by step
How to do it, in order
Give one proof
Middle paragraph: one concrete example from your experience that matches their top requirement, with a result.
Connect to their need
One line on what you would bring to their current work — reference a project or programme of theirs.
Close politely
Thank them, say you would welcome the chance to discuss it, and sign with your name and contact details.
Keep it under one page
Three or four short paragraphs, same font and header as your CV.
Common mistakes
- Addressing it 'To whom it may concern' when a name is available.
- Repeating your CV line by line.
- Writing about what you want from the job rather than what you offer.
- Sending the same letter with only the company name changed.
- Typos in the organisation's name — an instant rejection.
Best practices
- Find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn where possible.
- Reuse the advert's language for the requirement you address.
- Keep one flexible template and rewrite the middle paragraph each time.
- Send as PDF, named Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter.pdf.
Free tools & templates
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Next steps
What to do after this page
1
Attach this letter to the tailored CV you just wrote.
2
Prepare interview answers for the example you used in the letter.
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