The structure
What a cover letter is actually for
Your CV lists what you have done; the cover letter explains why it matters for this role. It is your chance to connect the dots a recruiter would otherwise have to guess — to show you understand the job and give the specific reasons you would do it well. Keep it short: one page, three or four focused paragraphs.
Seven steps to a strong cover letter
Read the job description and research the company
Note the responsibilities, the must-haves, and what the company seems to value. You will write to those, not to a generic template.
Address a real person if you can
A name beats "To whom it may concern." Check the posting, the company site, or LinkedIn; a specific greeting signals effort.
Open with a specific hook
Skip "I am writing to apply for…". Lead with why this role, or a relevant result — something that makes the reader want the next line.
Connect your experience to their needs
Take two or three of the role's key requirements and give concrete evidence you meet them. Mirror the wording of the posting wherever it honestly fits.
Show you understand the company
A line or two on why this company specifically — what they do, a value you share — proves you are not mass-applying.
Close with a clear next step
Restate your interest briefly and invite the conversation. Confident, not pushy: "I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help."
Cut it down and proofread
One page, no typos. Read it aloud, remove anything that just repeats the CV, and double-check the company and role names are correct.
Common mistakes
- Restating your CV line by line instead of adding context.
- Sending the same letter to every employer — reviewers can tell.
- Going over one page, or leaving a previous company's name in by mistake.