A cover letter tells the employer why you want this job and why you are a strong match. It should be short — usually under one page — and written specifically for the role.
A simple four-paragraph formula
- 1
Opening
Name the position, where you saw it, and one sentence on why you are a strong fit.
- 2
Your value
Pick two or three requirements from the advert and show, with examples, how you meet them.
- 3
Why this employer
Show you understand what the organisation does and why it appeals to you.
- 4
Close
Thank them, say you are available for an interview, and sign off professionally.
Before you send
- Address it to a named person where possible
- Match the job title exactly as in the advert
- Proofread — then ask someone else to proofread
- If applying by email, keep the email short and attach the letter and CV as PDFs
- Follow every instruction in the advert, including the subject line
