A cover letter is a short letter, one page at most, that uses two examples from your experience to show why you fit the job and want the company. It does not repeat your CV. It links the strongest parts of your CV to what the job ad asks for.
Step by step
- 1
Greeting and role
Address the recruiter by name if you know it, and name the job you are applying for in the first line.
- 2
A specific opening
One or two sentences on your specialty and the strongest thing you offer this role, instead of generic lines about wanting to join.
- 3
The proof paragraph
Two examples from your work or studies that match the two main requirements in the ad, with a clear result.
- 4
Why this company
Two lines that show you have read about it: a product, a market it works in, or a value it states that connects to you.
- 5
The close
Thank the reader, say you are available for an interview, and give your contact details.
- 6
Format and sending
One page or less in the language of the ad. If you apply by email, use a shorter version of the letter as the body of the email.
A generic letter that could go to any company is spotted from the first line. With every application, change at least the opening, the proof paragraph and the reason you chose the company.
- cover letter example for a job application
- how to write a cover letter with no experience