by A professional cover letter is a vital part of your job application. This will introduce yourself to your employer and tell them why you’re interested in the role. Whilst your CV will give an overview of your education, skills and experience, your cover letter will explain how your skills and experience relate to the job.
Many people struggle to know how to write a professional cover letter to grab the attention of employers. A great cover letter will help you to highlight your strengths, show your enthusiasm and explain why you may be a good fit.
A cover letter can be particularly useful if you are a fresh graduate, experienced professional, changing careers or applying for an internship. Whilst not all employers will require one, a clear and relevant cover letter can improve the quality of your application.
This guide will cover how to write a cover letter using the correct structure, key components, common mistakes and top tips to create a strong job application letter.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a short piece of professional writing that accompanies your CV or resume.
The main role of a cover letter is to explain why you are applying, what skills and experience you can offer and how it relates to the role.
A strong cover letter should be tailored to the role. This means that you shouldn’t include everything from your CV.
Instead, only include the most relevant skills and experience and clearly explain why you would like to be considered.
Cover letters are commonly used for roles within the private sector, internships, admin roles, teaching roles and many other professional roles. Some employers will require a cover letter for government or public sector roles, however this varies.
Why a Professional Cover Letter is Important
A cover letter can help you to explain your reasons for applying and your professional interests.
If you are a fresh graduate then you may not have much work experience but you can talk about any relevant projects from your studies, internships, practical skills and eagerness to learn.
If you are an experienced candidate you can talk about your achievements relating to the advertised role.
You can also use your cover letter to show your writing skills, attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
However, having a cover letter will not guarantee you an interview. There may be many factors that an employer considers including your skills, experience, application requirements and competition.
Understanding the Role
Read through the job advert to understand the role.
Identify the role title, main duties, skill requirements and what experience and skills you have that are most relevant.
For example if it’s an admin role you may need someone who is organised, has computer skills, good communication skills and record keeping. If it’s a marketing role you may need someone with good writing, research, creativity and knowledge of digital platforms.
Pick two or three relevant skills and explain how they relate to the role.
Research the employer using their official website if possible. This will help you to create a more tailored application.
Professional Cover Letter Structure
A professional cover letter will usually have several simple sections.
Your Contact Information
Start off with your name and any relevant contact details. Add your email and phone number if required.
Employer Information
If you know who the letter is going to then include the hiring managers name and role. You can also include the company name and address if you need to keep it formal.
If you don’t know who the letter is going to then use a professional salutation such as Dear Hiring Manager.
Introduction
Introduce yourself and state what role you are applying for. Briefly explain why you are interested in the role.
Include where you saw the vacancy if necessary. Keep this section clear.
Main Body
In this section you can explain what relevant experience, skills, qualifications and achievements you have.
Choose examples that are relevant to the role.
Conclusion
Conclude by saying you would be interested in discussing your skills further. Thank the employer for considering your application.
End with a professional sign off such as Sincerely and your name.
Writing a Strong Introduction
Your introduction should clearly state the purpose of your letter.
For example if you are applying for an admin assistant role then explain why you are interested in the role. This could include your education, computer and organisation skills relating to what is advertised.
Avoid generic statements that could be used for any role.
Also avoid making overly exaggerated statements about being the best candidate. A professional introduction will be more effective if it is confident, relevant and honest.
If you are applying for an internship then explain why you are interested in the field and what relevant experience you have from your studies.
Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements
In your main body explain how your skills and experience relate to what the employer needs.
Don’t just say that you have good communication skills, give an example of when you have used them.
This could include creating presentations for university, leading a group project, helping customers or writing reports.
If you have work experience then explain what your duties were and what achievements you had.
Try to be as specific as possible about what you achieved. Don’t make up numbers or achievements to make your application look better.
Fresh graduates can talk about projects from their studies, internships, volunteering, relevant courses and practical assignments.
Employers may value this as it shows that you really can do the role and are eager to learn.
How to Write a Cover Letter as a Fresh Graduate
Many fresh graduates worry that they don’t have enough professional experience to include in their cover letter.
However, you can focus on your education, relevant studies, practical experience, transferable skills and why you are motivated to pursue this career.
For example if you are a computer science graduate applying for an entry level technology role then you can mention any website or software projects you completed whilst studying.
If you are a business graduate applying for an admin role then you can mention your spreadsheet skills, group work, presentations and organisation experience.
Be honest with how much experience you have. Whilst you can show enthusiasm, don’t pretend to have professional experience that you don’t have.
How to Write a Cover Letter as an Experienced Professional
As an experienced professional you should focus on your relevant duties, achievements and knowledge.
Identify any experience you have that is relevant to the role and explain how it could benefit the employer.
If you are applying for a management role then you can mention coordinating a team, planning and delivering projects or other relevant duties.
If you are in sales then you can mention your customer relations, sales support or account management experience.
Don’t include all your work experience. This should be in your CV. Your cover letter should explain why you are a good fit for this role.
Keep it Clear and Concise
Keep your cover letter to one page unless instructed otherwise by the employer.
Use short paragraphs and simple language. Avoid repeating information and using complex sentences.
Check for any spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting errors.
Check that you have the correct role title and employer name. If you send your cover letter to the wrong company this will create a bad impression.
Use a professional font and easy to read spacing. If you have been asked to use a particular file type then follow this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use the same generic cover letter for all employers. Instead tailor your content to the role.
Don’t copy your whole CV. Instead explain how your experience relates to the role.
Avoid making unsupported claims, using casual language, spelling errors and adding extra personal information.
Don’t mention your salary expectations unless asked to.
Never fake any qualifications or experience. Employers may check your application details and this can harm your professional reputation.
Cover Letter Check List
Before sending your application check that you have the correct role title and employer information.
Check that your contact information is correct and that you have highlighted your relevant skills and experience.
Ensure your letter is clear, well structured and in the correct file type.
If you are emailing your application then ensure your subject line is clear and your documents are attached.
Check that the employer requires a cover letter and follow any instructions.
Conclusion
Learning how to write a professional cover letter can help you to showcase your skills and experience. A strong cover letter will explain why you are applying, highlight your relevant skills and show your genuine enthusiasm.
Fresh graduates can focus on their education and practical experience. Whilst experienced professionals can focus on their relevant duties and achievements.
The best cover letters will be accurate, concise, tailored and easy to read. Always read through the job description and follow the employers instructions.
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