How to Write a Cover Letter 

You will have a much better chance of getting an interview if you submit both a strong CV and a well-written cover letter. You run the risk of your application not being read if you submit a poorly written cover letter along with your resume or application form. 

Types of Cover Letters 

Two types of cover letters most commonly written are: 

  •  Application – a response to a known vacancy
  • Speculative – inquires about possible vacancies.

Application cover letter

Normally, a cover letter for an application explains in great detail why you are qualified for the position you’re applying for. Effective cover letters highlight your most pertinent qualifications and skills while outlining your reasons for applying for the position. 

You can break the letter up in the following paragraphs: 

  • an introduction – why you are writing 
  • an outline – why you want this particular job with this particular company 
  • your skills – the skills you have relevant to the role 
  • a polite ending – thanking the employer 

Speculative cover letter 

You have the chance to inquire about job openings at a company by sending a speculative cover letter. You will explain in this letter why you want to work for the specific company, so make sure you thoroughly research them and highlight any aspects of the business that particularly appeal to you. Then go on to describe the kind of position you’re looking for and your skills and qualifications for it. Make sure you are enthusiastic and positive. 

The letter can be divided into the following paragraphs: 

  • an introduction – why you are writing why you want to work for this particular company 
  • your skills – the skills relevant to the role, sell yourself 
  • your availability – when you are available and the hours you can work 
  • a polite ending – thanking the employer for their time 

Examples of how to format your application and cover letter are:

Application cover letter example:

Your Name

Your Address

Your Postcode

Your phone number and/or email address

Employer

Company

Address

Date

Dear (Insert named person here, if not known write Sir/Madam)

Job Reference or Title (in bold and underlined) 

Introduction 

Explain why you are writing to them. Something along the lines of: 

I’m writing to apply for the [insert job title] position that has been advertised. After reading the job description and person specification, I am confident that I am the best person for the position. 

Your skills

Here, you should list your qualifications in relation to the job description. List three to four skills, then explain how you applied each one to your previous jobs. Keep it brief, include one sentence for each skill, and make sure it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

Ending

You should express gratitude for the person reading your cover letter and let them know you hope to hear from them soon. If you know who you are writing to, end your letter with “Yours sincerely.” Otherwise, use “Yours faithfully.” You could say something like: 

I appreciate you reading about my qualifications for the position and taking the time to do so. I’m hoping to hear from you soon. 

Yours faithfully/Yours sincerely, 

[Write signature here] 

[Type your name underneath the signature]

Speculative cover letter example:

Your Name

Your Address

Your Postcode

Your phone number and/or email address

Employer

Company

Address

Date

Dear (Insert named person here, if not known write Sir/Madam)

Reason for writing (in bold and underlined)

Introduction

Justify your letter’s purpose and the reasons behind your desire to work for the company in question. To prove that you have done your research on the company, be specific. You could say something like:

 I’m writing to ask if there are any openings at your company for the position of [job title you want]. I am writing to express my admiration for the morals and ethos of your company, the caliber of the products you produce [mentioned specific products], and the training opportunities [mentioned specific training opportunities] you offer to all of your employees. 

Your skills

Here, you should list your qualifications and experience and explain why having them would be advantageous to the company. Mention three to four skills and describe how you used them in prior positions. Remember to keep it concise; write one sentence for each skill. Make it pertinent to the position you’re applying for. 

Availability

If there is a potential opening, let the employer know when you would be able to start and the days and times you are available to meet with them to go over the position in more detail. Remember to be as flexible as possible. 

Ending

Thank the person for reading your cover letter, let them know you hope to hear from them soon, and end with “Yours sincerely.” You could say something like: I would like to thank you for the time taken in reading the reasons why I believe I am suited for a position at your company and how I could be of benefit to you. I’m hoping to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely, 

[Write signature here] 

[Type your name underneath the signature]

Here are some final points for you to consider before you write your cover letter: 

  • Keep your cover letter brief, short and concise, motivating the reader to look at your CV for more information 
  • Include your name, address and contact details. 
  • Address to a named person by finding out the correct person’s name. 
  • Follow instructions: if an advert asks you to write to a particular person and/or asks you to quote a reference, then do so. 
  • Use a title to reference the job you are applying for or job reference number. 
  • Explain why you have the skills for the role. 
  • Make sure your cover letter is no longer than one side of A4. 
  • Avoid gimmicks like coloured paper, fancy lettering to get you noticed. 
  • Grammar and spelling has to be correct so proofread. 
  • Be positive. 

Good luck!