what does a cover letter for job application look like

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Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

What is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing a letter that will get your application notice, and examples of letters and email messages sent to apply for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer that you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, explain your qualifications for the job, why you should be selected for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, today most cover letters are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure that your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the position, and to the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2022

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians to use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume. Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

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6 Tips for Formatting a Cover Letter

Your cover letter needs to grab the recipient’s attention and make an impact. It’s about showcasing your skills and standing out from other applicants.

Details matter, so it’s important to get the formatting right. A cover letter format is similar to a one-page business letter format. It should have one-inch margins on all sides, size 10–12 font in Times New Roman or Calibri, and 1.15 line spacing.

Once the formatting is squared away, your job is to make sure your cover letter is concise, relevant, and easy to read. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

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What is a cover letter format?

A cover letter format serves as a structure that organizes the information within a cover letter. Cover letters, like standard one-page business letters, include:

• A salutation
• An opening paragraph

Body paragraphs

• A closing paragraph

Cover letter outline

Follow this outline to write a cover letter that is concise and professional.

Cover letter headers should include the following details:

• The date you wrote the letter
• Your contact information: name, phone number, and email address
• The recipient’s contact information: name, company, and company address

Salutation and introduction

In your salutation, formally address the hiring manager by name.

Dear Ms. Lahiri,

When you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, try to narrow it down by team.

Dear Communications Team,

As a last resort you can use the generic “hiring manager” title.

Then, in a sentence or two, open your cover letter by explaining why the position appeals to you. In three sentences or less, highlight your most relevant experience based on the job description to show why you’re a good fit and compel hiring managers to keep reading. You’ll go into more detail in the next section.

The body of your cover letter should be two to four short paragraphs. This is where you describe relevant, quantifiable accomplishments and skills that fit the job description. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for that specific position and company.

In a few sentences, wrap up your cover letter with a conclusion and a call to action. The conclusion may expand on your interest in the company and why you want to work there. Then, thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

The following are examples of effective cover calls to action:

• I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to learning more about the position and your team.
• I welcome the chance to contribute my skills and work ethic to [company name]. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your needs. Thank you for considering my application.
• I am excited to learn more about the position and [company name], and I look forward to hearing from you.

At the end of your cover letter , sign off professionally and sign your name. Any of the following work as sign-offs:

• Respectfully

6 tips for formatting a professional cover letter

Now that you’ve written your cover letter , clean it up with these formatting tips.

1 Font style and size

Use a clean font style, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The cover letter font size should be 10 to 12 point for the body text. Use a slightly larger font size, like 14 or 16 point, for the header.

One inch on all sides is standard for cover letter margins. This provides a clear and consistent border around the content. If you do need to alter this standard, do not use a margin narrower than 0.75 inch or wider than 1.25 inches.

Use single-spacing or 1.15 line spacing for the body of the cover letter. Align the text to the left-hand side and maintain a consistent margin. Insert a blank line between paragraphs to create visual separation and make the content easier to read.

4 File format

The recommended file format for a cover letter is PDF (portable document format). Saving your cover letter as a PDF ensures that the formatting and layout remain consistent across different devices and operating systems. It also prevents the content from being easily edited or altered by the recipient.

5 File name

Your cover letter file should begin with your first and last name, include the words “cover letter,” and specify the job title or company name. Separate words within the file name using underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead of spaces to prevent any issues with file compatibility.

A cover letter should be a concise and focused one-page document. Around 250 to 400 words should cover the necessary information—and keep the reader’s attention without overwhelming them with excessive details.

Cover letter format example

Jeremy Bleau

[email protected]

617-555-4938

June 27, 2024

Nitesh Sharma MediGlobal 123 Main Street Redwood City, CA 94063

Dear Nitesh,

I’m writing to express my interest in the position of Senior Product Manager at MediGlobal. I have a deep understanding of digital product ecosystems and a passion for data-driven solutions in the healthcare industry. I’m excited to discuss how I can contribute to the ongoing growth and success of your organization.

I have more than five years of experience in marketing and digital product management, including three-plus years specifically in the medical device and biotech sector. Additionally, I have a proven track record of driving strategic global marketing initiatives, with a success rate of 85% in increasing B2B brand awareness via email marketing and search, resulting in a 21% boost in annual revenue. My expertise lies in developing and implementing shared analytics strategies that align with company objectives and enhance overall reach.

Beyond my strategic marketing skills, I bring a deep passion for data and analytics, recognizing their crucial role in informing decision-making and driving business outcomes. I’m adept at leveraging data, capturing analytics, and ensuring interoperability between digital assets and services. Throughout my career, I have established strong relationships with key opinion leaders and collaborated closely with R&D, IT, and cross-functional partners to drive digital asset development. My entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with my strategic thinking and execution abilities, enables me to identify unmet needs and implement optimal solutions.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth of MediGlobal and its digital care team applications and welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my skills and expertise align with the goals and requirements of the Senior Product Manager role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of MediGlobal.

Cover letter format FAQs

What is the purpose of formatting a cover letter.

Formatting a cover letter is important because it helps you present yourself professionally and makes your letter easier to read for the person reviewing it.

What are the key components of a cover letter?

The key components of a cover letter are:

• An introduction
• A conclusion

What are 6 tips for formatting a cover letter?

• Use a simple font like Times New Roman or Arial in 10 to 12 point.
• Set margins to one inch on all sides.
• Use 1.15 line spacing throughout and insert a blank line between each paragraph.
• Format your cover letter as a PDF.
• Name your cover letter file with your first name, last name, the words “cover letter,” and the job title or company name.
• Keep your letter within 250 to 400 words and less than one page.

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How to write a cover letter that will get you hired

Between updating resumes, submitting applications, scheduling rounds of interviews and assessments, and dealing with rejection emails, it's safe to say applying for jobs is not an easy journey. But for many job seekers, nothing is more dreaded (or annoying) than writing a cover letter .

According to Glassdoor, 58% of professionals believe cover letters are redundant — only 10% feel that cover letters are necessary. And yet, ResumeLab found that 83% of recruiters, hiring managers and HR specialists consider the cover letter a vital part of their hiring decisions. It seems job seekers won't be able to avoid writing a cover letter, and ultimately, that's a good thing, says Toni Frana, lead career expert at Flexjobs , a remote jobs search platform. 

"Think about our career story, and the narrative we want about our career," says Frana. "A cover letter is an additional tool that allows the job seeker to maintain control over what they share about their experiences."

Read more: 5 common resume mistakes and how to fix them

Frana underlines that the purpose of cover letters is not only to provide details about work experiences and accomplishments but also to emphasize an applicant's passion for the role, company and industry. A cover letter should help the reader imagine what the applicant will be like in the prospective role and team, notes Frana.

To make it just a bit easier on job seekers, Frana answers these four common questions about cover letters that are likely on your mind.

Does anyone actually read your cover letter?

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What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?

What does a good cover letter look like? The format

What does a cover letter look like in terms of content, what does a cover letter look like takeaways..

At that point where you’re asking yourself: “What does a cover letter look like?”

Maybe you’ve found your one perfect job, or you’ve narrowed it down to a few great options.

You’re in the home stretch after working out all the details of your resume.

You want to submit your application because you know they aren’t going to wait forever.

But before you can submit anything, you know you need to put a cover letter together.  Even if the job ad doesn’t say you need one, the fact is, you know you‘re better off with one .

But you’re not 100% on it, and you wonder, “What does a cover letter look like?”

No worries, we’ve got your back! Follow the advice in this guide to put together a killer cover letter in no time at all.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• How to format a great cover letter
• The content you want for a successful cover letter

If you’re reading this because you’ve already got the basics about cover letters down, awesome, you’re in the right place!  If you want some clarification before going on though, take a few minutes to look over what a cover letter is (and why it’s important) and our guide on how to write a cover letter in 2023.

You may be wondering why it even matters what exactly your cover letter looks like.  The thing is, recruiters get hundreds of applications for jobs they post, and making a great impression is key to getting an interview.

What’s the first thing a recruiter is going to see?  Your cover letter.

So a great design for your cover letter is one of the best ways to make sure you catch that recruiters eye, and have them call you in for the next stage of hiring.

Down to the nitty gritty, what exactly are the expectations? Let’s start with details on the exact formatting you’ll want to use to get the best results.

Font - size + distance between characters

You want to be sure that the hiring manager who flips to your cover letter is immediately impressed and that they’re tempted to read it.  The best way to ensure that is to hit them with a one two of professionalism and clarity.

To that end, you always want to use an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point font. These are classic fonts that tell the person looking over your resume you mean business, and that font size is nice and legible.

You might be tempted to try a font that’s different, stylish, or edgy, but your cover letter isn’t the place to do that. Remember, you’re writing this for them, not yourself, so play to what a hiring manager would want: a professional employee they know they can rely on.

This is pretty straightforward: you want your margins all around to be set at 1 inch (or 2.54 mm for the metrics in the world)

Content alignment

Again, we don’t need you reinventing the wheel on this one. You want to align all your written content to the left side of the page. If you’re applying in an industry where a picture is acceptable or expected, you can align that to the right of the header (more on that just below!)

Header + what to have in it

Your header is the top section of your cover letter, and it’s the very first thing the hiring manager is likely to see.  You want to give them exactly what they’re expecting to see in this section, otherwise they might just move at without a second glance.

To that end, we definitely suggest you go over our cover letter checklist  before you send yours out. Even better, look over our cover letter examples or our cover letter templates to be sure you’ve got the best cover letter you can.

Specifically, they want to find your name, contact information, including your cell number, landline if you have one, and definitely your email. But you should also add any contact info that individualizes or adds to your application, like a social media link or URL to a portfolio or other work you’ve done.

To make it as clear as possible, your name should be the largest font of all text in your cover letter, and there should be clear sections dedicated to your contact information.

If you’re confident in your design skills, personalize your header by introducing a color scheme and resume headline , or again, use one of the links above to get a hand with that.

Two things to remember here:

• Your email must be professional - no jokes, nothing untoward, nothing random. Open a new account if you have to specifically for the job search, and leave your private one just that.
• Only link professionally relevant social media or other online links.  You don’t normally want to add your FB or Instagram, just job specific ones like LinkedIn, GitHub, etc…

Line spacing and paragraph spacing

Line spacing is a bit trickier; some things are single space, and some are double.

Here’s how it breaks down

• Single-space the header sections and the body of your cover letter.
• Leave a space between your header and greeting ("Dear…:").
• Leave a space between each paragraph.
• Leave one to three spaces between your sign-off ("Sincerely,") and typed name.

We know we write this like it’s no problem at all, and we promise, after writing a few it’ll feel like that for you too.  But if you want some extra help to make sure the cover letter you’re sending out is perfect for the job you’re applying to, try our cover letter builder - just answer a few questions, and we take care of the writing and design.

What format to save it so it's readable

The last thing you want is to put all this effort into writing your letter, and it turns out the file format you used can’t be opened by the hiring manager.  

Stick to PDFs, since everyone should be able to open them. Plus, you have the added confidence of knowing that the formatting will stay consistent across platforms and devices.

Each job and company you apply to is likely to best suit a slightly different approach to your cover letter. Of course, this means how and what your cover letter should say for each job is going to be a little different.

But the content you want to include in your cover letter can be broken down into four key parts .

Start with a personalized greeting .  Avoid old clichés like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”. A hiring manager is going to be way more impressed by seeing their name on that letter than by a generic greeting.  

The first paragraph in your cover letter should tie you into the company .  You want to personalize what you include here and let the hiring manager know why you - you specifically - are going to be a great fit on their team.

By personalizing your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re sending it to, you’re going to grab the recruiter’s attention, and:

• set yourself apart as someone who really wants to work with the company
• help them see you’re passionate about the job
• show you’re detail-oriented
• and build a personal connection right off the bat

These are huge advantages in your favor, and will put you ahead of a lot of your competition!

The main body of your cover letter is another 1-2 paragraphs.  This is where you’re going to explain your motivation for wanting to work with the company.

Remember, though, your cover letter is going hand-in-hand with your resume, so don’t repeat exactly the same things in both. Ideally, what you’re doing is complementing your resume with the cover letter.

The recruiter is going to use your resume to get a few more details about what you say in your cover letter.  But you can use the body of the cover letter to dig deeper into who you are and explain why you want the job and how the experiences you’ve had made you a great choice !

You're going to close your cover letter with a call to action paragraph . Think of this as your last chance to make your first impression.

Because of that, it’s crucial you nail it, and you should make sure you know everything you can about how best to close your cover letter .

The short of it though, is you want to sell them one last time on why you’re the best choice, thank them for their time, and then ask them specifically to reach out to you.  You don’t want to be vague about the ask, this is the call to action.

It’s pretty common for people to write something like “I look forward to hearing from you” as part of their last sentence. And while this may be polite, it… leaves a bit too much room for interpretation, in our opinion.

Instead, try one of these:

• I appreciate your quick response – It communicates you’re serious about a response without being forceful or threatening.
• Let me know if anything changes – It’s another way to give the initiative to the hiring manager without being too pushy.

And that’s it - easy as pie, right?  No, we know it might seem a little daunting still if you’re new to writing these.  

That’s why we have 500+ cover letter examples you can look over, from all kinds of industries, so you can get a real-life impression of what a cover letter that gets jobs really looks like.

And if this is your first time writing a cover letter, or if you want to be sure the cover letter you’re including is going to get you noticed, use our cover letter builder .  We take out all the guesswork - answer the prompts, and we can write and design a winning cover letter for you!

Good luck, you’ve got this!

• Every job application you submit should include a cover letter that’s personalized and tailored for the specific job and company you’re applying to.
• A great looking, clear cover letter that hits all the key points is crucial - recruiters go through hundreds of resumes and spend only a few seconds on each.
• Even though the content will vary from letter to letter, the general cover letter content we covered can be applied in every case.
• Your header should be eye-catching and draw a recruiter in.
• Your intro paragraph needs to really grab a recruiter’s attention - show them how you personally deserve their attention
• The main body of your cover letter gives the hiring manager a deep dive into one or two reasons why your experience makes you a great fit for the job.
• Close with a call to action: ASK, ASK, ASK for that call back.

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Three excellent cover letter examples

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them

• More CV and cover letter templates
• Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.

Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

1. Standard, conservative style

This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

2. Standard speculative letter

This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.

Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

3. Letter for creative jobs

We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.

Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards

Other helpful resources

How to write a perfect CV and cover letter

Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills

Five steps to the perfect graduate CV

School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV

How to write a personal statement for your CV

CV templates to fit every stage of your career

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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