1 Learn the concept
A cover letter is your chance to make a first impression and stand out from other applicants. The best ones are short, specific and about the employer's needs rather than just your history. This lesson covers the techniques candidates use to write letters that get read.
2 See it in action
- Open with why this company and this role.
- Connect one or two of your strengths to something the employer needs.
- Back each claim with a specific example.
- Close with a clear next step, and keep it under one page.
Worked example
A cover letter in four short paragraphs
Paragraph 1: why this company and this role, with one specific detail.
Paragraph 2: one strength connected to something they need.
Paragraph 3: a short example with a result.
Paragraph 4: a clear next step. "I would welcome a short call to discuss how I can help."
Check: keep it under one page and remove every sentence that could be sent to any employer.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
A generic opening: "I am writing to apply for the marketing position." A specific one: "Your recent push into local events caught my attention, and I have run event promotion for a student group of 400." The second shows research and relevance in one sentence.
4 Apply it and download
- Research one company you would like to work for.
- Write an opening that mentions something specific about them.
- Draft the full letter with the template.
Worksheet Cover letter templateOpen, print or save as PDF