How To Write A Cover Letter

By D Brown

So, you've decided to write a cover letter. But what do you include? And how can you make sure it's effective? In this book, you'll find everything you need to know about writing a cover letter, from what to include (and what to leave out) to how to make sure it's engaging and interesting. You'll also find over 20 cover letter examples, so you can see what a winning cover letter looks like. Get that job!

• Language: English
• Publisher: D Brown
• Release date: Nov 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215783771

D Brown

David Brown, University of Bath, UK

Book preview

What is a cover letter?

Acover letter presents you to an employer and requests that they consider your application.

It's a brief letter (three to five paragraphs) that you should send together with your CV or application form.

When applying for a job with a CV, you should always include a cover letter. If you're applying online, you may send it as an email, or you can print a copy to include with your paper application.

Conduct your research:

When drafting a cover letter, demonstrate your interest in the firm by demonstrating that you've done your homework. Learn more about what they do by visiting:

their website,

current news items,

and conversations with people you know who work there.

Send it to the appropriate person:

It's critical to try to target your cover letter to a specific person. Check that you have the correct contact information.

You'll need their name as well as their desired title. For instance, 'Dr,' 'Mr,' 'Mrs,' 'Ms,' and their professional title. You should also double-check that you have the correct firm name and address, including the postcode.

If you don't know what their name is:

If the job advertisement does not include a name, you can look it up on the company's website. Look for information about the department head, human resources director, or recruiting manager.

If you are still unable to locate a name, begin your letter with 'Dear Sir or Madam.'

Begin your cover letter:

Introduce yourself and describe how you learned about the posted position. You can provide the job title and, if applicable, a reference number.

Tell them what kind of work you're searching for if you're asking about job opportunities but not applying for one. Show the employer how eager you are to work for them.

Demonstrate your suitability for the position:

Highlight your abilities and expertise that are relevant to the employer's requirements. Persuade them that you're excited about working for them. Inform them that you share their company's principles, culture, and style.

Provide further information:

If you have gaps in your employment history, you might discuss the skills you learned while unemployed.

If you noted on your CV that you have a handicap, you should elaborate on this in your cover letter. Disability UK and other organisations can help you with this. You are not need to mention your impairment at this point if you do not wish to.

Finish your cover letter:

Thank the employer for taking the time to review your application. Tell them they can receive additional information from your CV and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Inform them of the best way to reach you. Check that your contact information is correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Please sign off:

If you know the recipient's name, you should finish the letter with 'Yours truly'.

If you've addressed the letter to 'Dear Sir or Madam,' finish it with 'Yours faithfully'.

Remember to include the following information in your cover letter:

Make a fresh one for each job you apply for, and personalise it to the company and the exact post.

Use the same font and size as you would for your CV to ensure consistency.

Check that the firm name and recruiter information are correct, and that the language and tone are appropriate.

Maintain a professional tone and match the keywords used by the business in their job posting.

Be concise and to the point.

3 to 5 clean paragraphs are sufficient.

Demonstrate that you've done your homework on the position and the firm emphasise your most relevant abilities and experience to stand out from other candidates back up any claims you make with facts.

To assist with this, use the STAR technique. (We’ll cover this later!)

Before you email it, double-check the spelling and punctuation.

Maintain a copy of your cover letter. In an interview, they may inquire about it.

Calling all job seekers:

Your cover letter need your assistance...

Even if you know all there is to know about writing