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How to Write a Cover Letter
A cover letter is an extension of your CV. It enables you to provide further details of your skills and experiences, alongside motivations for joining an organisation.
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What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is submitted in order to support your CV. It is an extension of your skills and experiences, enabling you to outline your motivations for wanting to join the organisation alongside how your skills match the requirements for the role. They are usually a text-only document and is typically no longer than one side of A4.
What to Include
- Top and Tail Your Document
Research who will be reviewing the Cover Letter – usually there is a hiring manager who you can address it to.
- Introduction
A brief introduction that includes the role you are applying for.
Example:
‘I am currently looking for a new and exciting opportunity within Consultancy (industry) and am writing to you regarding your Graduate Consultant (role name) position.’
- Second Paragraph
Highlight your inspiration for the role. The below example shows how you can draw upon previous experiences, highlighting the use of specific skills which are suited to the role’s requirements.
Example:
‘My interest in consultancy developed whilst working on a project during my internship at X Consulting; I utilised my analytical and research skills to effectively analyse behaviours and processes within one of the UK’s leading retail banks.’
Your cover letter should not be a direct repeat of your CV. Whilst your experiences may be the same, use the cover letter to add additional context and key areas of interest.
- Third Paragraph
Why are you interested in the company? Is there anything that sets it apart from other companies within the industry? The example below showcases research into the company’s social responsibility campaign and draws upon this as a motivating factor behind the application. It’s important to find motivating factors that resonate with you, as they may ask you to elaborate on these during an interview.
Example:
‘The drive for excellence, in conjunction with your commitment to social responsibility, as represented through projects such as X Recycles, is a key motivator for my application.’
You can also find out more about a company by looking at their Events page or Early Careers web pages. There are often free events you can go to / attend virtually in order to find out more.
- Fourth Paragraph
Re-iterate your key selling point for why you are the best fit for the role. The example below highlights again how your previous experiences are relevant to the role, as well as beginning to outline practical skills that you have acquired.
Example:
My demonstrated skills and competencies, highlighted by my previous employment and studies, will allow me to work effectively and productively at X Consulting. Alongside my passion for this area of business, I have several practical skills that I am able to contribute…’
- Closing Sentence
A simple sign-off to end the cover letter.
Example:
‘Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my application further with you.
Regards,
John.’
Note: the above examples are insufficient in detail and should be altered and developed to suit your previous experience and role requirements.
Cover Letter Tips
- Format
Keep your font and size the same as your CV for consistency, as they will likely be sent together. Your cover letter should be well presented, using clear paragraphs and concise points.
- Tailored
Ensure your cover letter is tailored to the role and organisation you are applying to. For example, when writing about your motivations for joining the organisation, use examples that resonate with you specifically from that employer.
- Experience
When drawing upon previous experience or skills, be clear about your personal impact and how that had a positive effect on the outcome, e.g. I made x sales, contributing to 40% of revenue for the week.
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