How To Write A Cover Letter

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a fantastic accompaniment to your CV when applying for a job. It allows you to expand on the content of your CV and talk about why you are a great fit for the role. Thus, outlining what you can bring to the team and why you want the position. You can follow a generic outline for cover letters if you are not sure how to begin. This will save you time in the long run, whilst also ensuring that you are putting forward the best possible application

How to tailor a cover letter?

Our three top tips for tailoring your cover letter, are:

Colour

A great example of tailoring your cover letter is to use the colour palette of the company in which you are applying for. This will stand out, show that you have an eye for detail, and they will appreciate the subtle effort.

Keywords

Go over the job description and highlight any keywords. Identify the skills that they are looking for in their ideal candidate and the responsibilities that this role includes. Then, try to include these words in your cover letter when describing your abilities.

Values

Research the company values and make sure to mention these in your cover letter and your interview. Paragraph two is an ideal place to fit these in.

How to write a compelling cover letter

Here is a paragraph by paragraph breakdown of how to write an open-worthy cover letter.

Paragraph One: Sell yourself!

Capture your employer’s attention and sell yourself, as this could be the first thing that they read. Make your opening sentences engaging and show eagerness. You can then save your educational background and work experience for your CV! Make sure you have read through the job description carefully and look out for key desirable skills that you can include in your cover letter! Take this opportunity to explain who you are by outlining your goals, attributes and qualities you have, that you think would align with the job description.

Example: “I am a confident, driven, adaptable young professional who is currently looking for opportunities in the Customer Service sector."

Paragraph Two: Why are you the best candidate?

Explain this by highlighting why you are applying for the role, and make sure to use point, evidence, and evaluation. (PEE method).

Example: “I am applying for the role of Customer Service Assistant because I have a huge passion for helping others. When I saw that you were recruiting at (name of company) I jumped at the chance to apply because it would be an excellent start to my career to work for such a reputable business.

Paragraph Three: Why is this company the best fit for you?

Here is where you can draw on your past experiences and talk about the skills and strengths that would make you an ideal fit for this role.

Example: “I would be a great fit for this role because of my fantastic interpersonal and communication skills. I have had the opportunity to develop these skills over my time spent working at Primark as a Customer Advisor. I have also been lucky enough to have completed a week’s work experience in a local hotel. These experiences have well prepared me for greeting customers, dealing with complaints and queries and ensuring I go the extra mile for clients to make sure they are having the best experience.”

Paragraph Four: Conclusion

Your conclusion should sum up why you want the role and why the company should hire you over any other applicant.

Example: “To conclude, I feel I would be a great addition to your team due to my previous experience in the sector, and my excellent interpersonal skills. This, combined with the fact that I am willing to learn and get stuck make me incredibly well suited to the role of Customer Service Assistant.“ What is great about this conclusion is that it links back to evidence previous in the cover letter. And showcases how the candidate is dedicated and eager about the opportunity. This keeps the cover letter short and punchy, but also memorable to the employer

Helping Your Child Build Their Future

For more useful resources like this, download our Building Bright Futures Support Pack.