How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

It’s hard writing about yourself. You sit down, still wondering how to write a cover letter, and 3 hours later, all you have is a very cheeky cursor flashing on a blank screen.

Remember that a cover letter gives you a chance to let the recruiter get to know you and see you in the role. And it’s not at all that hard once you find out how to create a cover letter. And I will teach you how to do it in less than 10 minutes!

This guide will show you:

• What is a cover letter, and why should you have one
• How to write a cover letter that gets you invited for a job interview.
• Examples of perfectly-written cover letter parts (and some you should avoid!)

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your CV. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

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Sample Cover Letter for a CV—See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here.

Navigate this article with ease! Simply jump right into what interests you most:

• What is a cover letter?
• Why should you write a cover letter? 
• How to write a cover letter (with dos and don’ts examples)

Before we even figure out what is a cover letter and let alone how to write a cover letter, I'll show you an example of what a cover letter should look like.

Cover letter example 

Now that’s one of those perfect cover letters examples UK should be filled with, to make recruiters’ job easier. Now let’s find the answer to how to write a cover letter question that’s been bothering you!

But first…

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter (also known as a covering letter) is a letter you attach to your CV and it’s a crucial part of your job application. It explains in detail why you're the perfect fit for the job and for the company you're applying for. The perfect cover letter length is about 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

In a cover letter, you demonstrate that you have the skills and professional experience the hiring manager wants. You are selling your candidacy. Trust me: in a competitive labour market, you need to know how to do it right. 

Your cover letter isn't just some separate document you need to submit, but rather it compliments your CV. In the end, your CV and cover letter should go together like Peppa and George.

So now you know what is a cover letter: an addition to a CV, which has one goal and one goal only. To back the CV in selling your skills, experience, and qualifications to your future employer. Before I'll show you exactly how to write a cover letter, let’s find out more reasons to do it, and to do it well!

Don’t have any relevant experience up your sleeve yet? Don’t worry, I've a guide for you: How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

How to write a cover letter (with dos and don’ts examples)

To write a good cover letter, start with a usual business letter style. Add your contact info along with the employer's information. If possible, directly address the hiring manager and, within a range of 200–400 words, elaborate on your unique accomplishments, skills, and professional background that makes you the ideal candidate for the job.

Here’s a how to wrtie an application letter for a job:

1. Choose the perfect format for your cover letter

Before you start writing your masterpiece that will conquer the hearts of any recruiter in the United Kingdom and beyond, you should decide on the format of your document. Do it at the beginning, as adjusting the font size, the margins, and the spacing will help you keep it at the proper length. Not to mention following the outline of how to structure a cover letter.

How to format a cover letter?

• Select a cover letter template matching a CV you’ve written. That’s the best way to show your attention to detail from the very first impression.
• Set a one-inch cover letter margin on all sides of your cover letter.
• Use 1 or 1.5 spacing throughout your document. Use double space between paragraphs to boost the readability even more.
• Place all contents on the left alignment of the page, except your own contact info, which should be placed on the right-hand side.
• Select a respectable cover letter font. Set its font size to 11 or 12 points. Arial, Cambria, and Helvetica are only some safe ones you can choose from.
• Avoid justification. It’s against standard business letter formatting rules.
• Structure your cover letter properly. If you’re wondering what to include in a cover letter, follow this outline:
• Your contact info.
• The company’s info. 
• Dear (hiring manager name). 
• Paragraph #1: an introduction + a great job-fitting achievement
• Paragraph #2: your key skills + the reason you’re the perfect fit for the job
• Paragraph #3: your passion + why you want the job you’re applying for 
• Paragraph #4: your CTA 
• Best regards + your name + your title
• P.S. add value
• Keep the correct length of your cover letter. Just as I’ve mentioned before, it’s 3–5 paragraphs. That’s 0.5–1 page or 250–300 words. That’s how long should a cover letter be.
• Save your cover letter in PDF format. That way, you make sure your layout remains untouched.

Pro tip: Lying on a cover letter is like lying on a CV. Sooner or later, your superior will figure it out and trust me: nothing good will come from it.

2. Start with a header

Start your cover letter with a header. That’s obviously the first thing the hiring manager sees, so you can’t botch this up. A cover letter header should be identical to a CV header, however, in this case, it’s more important where you place it.

How to create a proper cover letter header:

• On the right-hand side, always include the following contact information: 
• Full name
• Job title
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• On the left-hand side, always include the following information about your addressee:
• Their name 
• Their title
• The name of the company 
• The company address.

Add the current date, et voilà! But before we move on, let me show you some examples of how to address a cover letter (and how not to!):

Cover letter header examples

In my opinion, the first example is simply perfect. The second one makes it hard to tell where details about the writer end and details about the reader begin. Also, how can you do the job if you can’t type in an address?

Pro-tip: The structure of your cover letter header can differ if you choose a modern cover letter template, available in online cover letter building tools.

3. Address a cover letter properly

Before I start explaining how to address a cover letter, let’s talk a bit about how not to do that. Please, listen to my advice and always avoid the “To Whom It May Concern” line. It’s just pure lazy writing. Oh, and Queen Victoria is long gone. Don’t begin with “Dear Sir or Madam,” either.

Did you know, that according to the studies, people respond well to seeing their names? Use that information to your advantage! But remember, whether you should use the recruiter's first or last name depends on the company culture:

• If you're applying for a position in a relaxed startup, go for the first name
• Use the last name if the company you're applying to is more conservative.

Once you make the effort to find out more about the person you’re writing to, the reader will want to know about you in return. To find the name of the recipient of your cover letter, Google the company and look for a hiring manager position. Visiting LinkedIn can be helpful. If that fails, try to contact the office directly and ask the receptionist for a hint.

And if everything fails, opt for “Dear Hiring Manager”, as it’s way better than a dull “To Whom It May Concern”, or the “Sir/Madam” one.

Now let me present you with some examples:

Cover letter salutations examples

The right examples are perfect. The first three wrong examples don’t show any effort being put into learning about the reader. The fourth example is just too chummy. And the fifth is just wrong!

Pro Tip: Be careful with spelling. Making a silly mistake at this point is a huge red flag for your potential employer.

4. Make an impressive introduction

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds looking at a CV? I think we can safely assume that they spend less looking at a cover letter. So you must start strongly. An opening paragraph of your cover letter will determine whether the recruiter will keep reading. Your first few sentences must be as witty as Stormzy’s lyrics.

How to write a cover letter’s opening paragraph:

• Avoid overly vague and cliché statements. Instead, grab the reader’s attention with a tailored introduction. 
• Begin with a personal greeting to engage with the reader right from the start. Try to include the information about the company you're applying to.
• Show your excitement. Write passionately and enthusiastically. This is a perfect moment to prove that you are interested in working with this specific company. 
• Make it personal by addressing again that you want this specific job and not just any other job. Referring to their company, and dropping some relevant names is always a great idea.

Also, when writing your cover letter introduction, ask yourself these questions: 

• Am I passionate about the company? Start with how their brand is the reason you’re applying.

• Do I have a passion for the role? Begin with how your professional or personal passion is the basis for why this job is for you.

• Do I have an accomplishment that really stands out? Demonstrate that your achievements are exactly what the company is looking for.

Let me show you some examples: 

How to write a cover letter: example of the first paragraph

The first example is powerful and concise. The hiring manager knows that they’re definitely dealing with a professional. And then, there is this example in which the author tells why they are writing a cover letter in the first place. The recruiters already know that you’re writing to them about the advertised opening, you don’t need to tell them. 

Make sure to personalise each cover letter by mentioning specific details about the company and role. Demonstrating that you've done your homework and expressing genuine interest can significantly enhance your application's appeal.

Remember: few things annoy a hiring manager more than a cover letter that is obviously sent in the exact same format to several job openings across half of Britain. Always tailor your cover letter, and the introduction is the best place to do it.

Now you know how to write a cover letter opening. But what about its main body?

When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional CV template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s CV builder will score your CV and tell you exactly how to make it better.

5. Clarify why you’re the perfect fit

After a great introduction comes the main body of your cover letter. What you must remember is that it won’t be enough to simply list your experience. It’s not how you write a CV, let alone a cover letter! 

Instead of rehashing your CV on your cover letter, you must demonstrate why you truly are the best possible candidate for the role. Writing a cover letter is all about showing, not telling.

This is how to write a second paragraph of a cover letter:

• Highlight your accomplishments and skills. Nothing proves that you're an outstanding candidate for the position more than what you’ve achieved and what you’re good at.
• Add some numbers. That shows you pay attention to what you have accomplished. And it’s solid proof that your achievements had an impact. 

Let me present you with a few examples:

How to write a good cover letter: examples of the middle paragraph

The first example really demonstrates that the candidate has a deep understanding of the role and what it takes to be excellent. Who wouldn’t want an employee like this? 

The second example, on the other hand, mentioned skills, but you can hardly spot the difference between this cover letter and a CV.

Now, I'll show you a different example of how to assert your value using numbers, which could be useful in tech, business and analytical industries.

Cover letter second paragraph examples

As you can see, these more analytical or technical experiences and skills can be easily rendered in a bulleted list and backed with numbers. It’s quite an effective technique! 

Pro Tip: Keep it humble. You may be an experienced, talented musician, for example, but no one is going to believe that you’re the greatest thing since the Beatles.

6. Explain why you want to join this specific company

You’ve already covered why you’re great for them. You wrote about your skills and achievements, and you presented yourself as the one they’re looking for. Now I'll focus a bit more about why they are great for you. 

Writing a good cover letter is not only about dropping compliments and making them feel great. It’s about convincing them that you would love to work with them and not just with any other company. Workers who enjoy their time at one company are likelier to stick with their workplace longer. 

How to write a covering letter’s third paragraph?

• Make it personal by addressing again that you want this specific job and not just any other job. 

• Refer to the company and the issues it's facing. Visit their social media and website to stay in the loop of what’s happening in their company. 

• Drop some relevant names. Perhaps the CEO has given an interview recently, had a discussion panel or posted something interesting on LinkedIn?

Have a look at the cover letter examples I've selected for you:

Cover letter third paragraph examples

The first example has everything. The author casually drops the CEO's name and mentions the company name a couple of times, while still writing about their current projects. That means being prepared for this specific job opening, and not just any other.

The second example doesn’t mention any name. It’s just generic and could have been (and probably was) sent to tens of other job openings.

Now that the body of your cover letter is ready, let me tell you everything about the cover letter ending.

Pro tip: When visiting the company’s website and social media, gather as much information as possible. It will come in handy in your upcoming interview!

7. Conclude your cover letter flawlessly

It’s time for a cover letter ending. This is the moment where you can reiterate your interest in the role, express an interest in the company you’re applying to, and most of all: provide value. But they should also help you secure getting invited for the job interview. Let me show you how it can be done.

How to write a cover letter ending:

• Express your excitement about the chance to meet them in person, discuss how your experience can help the company, and ultimately to work in the company you're applying to. 
• Compliment your potential employer. Dropping something nice at the end of your cover letter is how you can get remembered as a genuinely polite person.
• Repeat how your experience, skills, and passion might help the company. Remember: from your potential employer’s perspective, that’s what you're there for!
• Try to schedule an interview. Convince them that both sides can win something by meeting face-to-face.

Let me show you some examples:

How to write a cover letter ending: examples

The first example is enthusiastic and engaged, and it shows the candidate is interested in more than just earning money at some random job.

The second one? Obviously, this candidate can’t be bothered with doing anything more for this role other than copy-pasting from some generic cover letter they found on the internet.

Pro tip: What seems like a bold move to take actually puts the ball in your recruiter’s court. That’s why asking for an interview and giving a precise time and place is a good idea. Also, that’s how you show your determination!

8. Sign off your cover letter 

You’re almost done. It’s time I teach you how to create a cover letter sign-off. It would be a shame to have a perfectly written cover letter and then throw it away as an inappropriate signature, don’t you think?

How to write a cover letter sign-off?

• Use “Yours sincerely” if you know the addressee’s name, e.g. ‘Dear Mr Sergeant’.
• Use “Yours faithfully” if you don’t, e.g. ‘Dear Marketing Team Manager’.
• Do NOT use informal sign-offs.
• Remember to sign your signature by hand if you’re handing a printed copy of it. If you’re feeling particularly creative, feel free to add a digital signature for a bit of personal charm.

Now let’s see some examples of good and bad cover letter sign-offs:

Cover letter closing examples

Now, I'll present you with an example taken straight from our cover letter sample:

Writing a cover letter: sample sign-offs

You might think your cover letter is already written. But there’s one more step you can take to boost your chances of impressing a hiring manager.

Pro Tip: Unless you apply to a laid-back startup, keep it formal. In this case, you can aim for something a bit more relaxed. However, remember that it is always safer to go with the list above than a sing-off such as Cheers!, May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favour, See Ya Later Alligator, or Ta-ra!

9. Add a postscript

You’ve got your cover letter ready. But don’t hit that “Send” button just yet. There’s one more trick you can use, and it’s the postscript. Trust me: it’s like a cherry on top of your job-winning cover letter. And it’s how you can highlight one more impressive thing about you.

How to write a cover letter postscript?

• Choose one of your achievements that will impress the recruiter. Write about something remarkable about your career, even if it’s not really related to the job opening.
• Express that you would love to share how you achieved it, what difference it makes, and how you see a chance of using that experience in their company.
• Give the promise to share your knowledge during an interview. It works like a hook which makes them interested in what you have to say.

Let me show you an example:

Cover letter postscript examples

The first example uses the postscript well. It mentions the achievement, but it doesn’t give any numbers—and that’s okay too! It keeps the reader interested and wanting more. What did this candidate achieve by that? Let’s find out during an interview, but it must be something special since it is highlighted in the postscript.

The second example? Sounds like yay, but works like nay.

One more thing and I promise you can send your cover letter!

10. Check it

No list is complete without this step. Once you write an amazing cover letter with an ideal header, a captivating introduction, a jaw-dropping middle and an ending that keeps the reader interested in more details about your candidacy… Don’t let any error change those effects.

Always double-check your cover letter. You can ask for help from your friends and family. Or you can use a checker available in online cover letter builders. It will help you not only to check your document once it’s written, but it will also be helpful when you lack inspiration.

Getting pro tips and hints from CV and cover letter specialists will boost your chances of getting hired and boost your confidence in landing that interview you’re after. 

And once your confidence is sky-high, nothing can stop you from getting the job of your dreams!

You know all the how's. Now I'll show you why you should write a cover letter in the first place!

Why should you write a cover letter?

Did you know that 83% of recruiters claim that a cover letter is an important part of every application process? You don’t want to take the chance of your CV landing on a desk of those 17%, right? Better not to risk it. You better have a jaw-dropping, job-winning cover letter ready.

Here’s why writing a cover letter for a job application is always a great idea:

• It persuades your recruiters you’re the perfect fit for the job. You often won’t have enough space on your CV to express your interest in working for that particular company, to evaluate your hard and soft skills, and your relevant achievements. 
• It tells your employer that you’re taking the job offer seriously. Written well, it proves you’ve done your research, and you fully understand the challenges the company might be facing. 
• It shows that your career goals and vision align with company goals. And you can present your skills and experience as precisely what they are looking for by addressing the job ad they posted.
• It presents the recruiter with what they will gain after hiring you. And you can use that to your advantage right at the end of the cover letter. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

Now you know all there is to know about a cover letter: definition, how to write a cover letter, and why you should do it. Time for a quick recap!

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

Create my cover letter now

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

I am sure you’ve gained useful insight and tips that will let help you write yours in a jiffy.

To have your cover letter be a star in your award-winning application, keep these best practices in mind:

• Create a proper cover letter header.
• Address your cover letter professionally.
• Start your cover letter introductory paragraph with a strong opening statement.
• In the next paragraph, show how the company can benefit from your skills and knowledge.
• Express why the company is a great fit for you and make them believe you’ll be a loyal employee.
• Finish your cover letter with a professional closure 
• And a professional sign-off.
• Add a postscript to highlight one more achievement and make them want to meet you in person.
• Proofread it to spot all the mistakes you might have made.

But with a cover letter guide like this, you won’t make many mistakes anyway. Good luck!

I hope you found this guide useful! Let me know any questions or comments you may have in the comment below!

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Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1647299/#R5
• https://career.mercy.edu/blog/2019/11/08/eye-tracking-study-shows-recruiters-look-at-resumes-for-7-seconds/