Uptree

So what is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document (or longer if specified in the job description), structured in paragraphs, explaining how your experience meets the role criteria and why you would be the best candidate.

Many jobs will require you to write a cover letter as part of your application and if a cover letter is required, it is best practice to structure it as a letter.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a CV?

Many jobs will require you to submit a cover letter along with your CV.

The information in both documents will likely be very similar however the main differences are structure and content.

A CV outlines the facts - your education, qualifications, skills and job history. A cover letter expands on these facts to show how they make you the best candidate. Your cover letter should expand on:

• Your experience - tell us more about your roles/responsibilities and what you learnt. Clearly link back to the job description.
• Your research - outline why you want to apply for this role/company/industry.
• You could also refer to your education/qualifications - why are your subject choices relevant to this role/industry?

How do I structure my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be no more than one side of A4 (unless the role you are applying for states differently). You should aim to write around three or four paragraphs.

Open with a bit about yourself and why you're applying to this role - why is the industry of interest, what's your background and how does that relate to this.
Use the following two paragraphs to highlight your experience and connect this back to the job description. Don't waste valuable space on experience that isn't relevant!

Use the final paragraph to wrap it all together.

Don't forget to sign off politely!

Should I have a different cover letter for each role I apply for?

Absolutely!

You should tailor your cover letter to each role you apply for, even if it's at the same company as every role will have a different set of criteria.
That doesn't mean you have to start from scratch though! You can use a general template and then adjust it as needed.

Who do I address my cover letter to?

If you can, address the letter to the specific hiring manager - this might be on the job advert, but you can also do some LinkedIn research if not. Make sure you correctly spell their name and get their title right - if they've got a gender neutral name, look them up! It shows poor attention to detail if you write dear Mr Jones, when they're actually a Ms.

If you can't find a specific person, you can always write 'Dear Hiring Manager'.

How do I sign off my cover letter?

We recommend that you end your cover letter in a formal manner, for example: 'Yours sincerely, John Smith.
If that doesn't feel like you, you can also use slightly less formal options like 'Kind regards'.

How do I make my cover letter stand out?

Proofread! Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Even better - try and get someone (friend, family, teacher) to read through your cover letter to check for mistakes.

Keep it structured! Make sure that your cover letter is clearly structured and is easy to read. Every word and every sentence should have a purpose, be clear and concise.

Do your research! Make sure that you have researched the role, company and industry you are applying to. The role you are applying for will have a job description stating key skills and experience they are looking for in a candidate. You want to try and use their key words within your cover letter. For example, if they list communication and teamwork as skills they are looking for, make sure to provide examples of times where you have showcased these skills.

Make sure to say why you are interested in this specific company. Talk about the company values, any work they are doing that fascinates you, why this company would be a good suit for you and what you can bring. State why you are interested in this industry. What interests you about this industry? What are your dream roles? How has your work experience/education/skills prepared you for this industry?

Make sure your experience is all relevant and clearly links to the role/industry you are applying to. Include any experience you have with the company or industry. If you have limited experience, highlight your skills and how your skills prepare you for this role. Don’t be negative about having limited experience - this is okay! Focus on your accomplishments and your passion for the industry.

Finishing touches

Unless otherwise requested, always save your CV, cover letter and other documents as a PDF. This means that any formatting will show up the same, no matter what device the hiring manager is using. Use a sensible file name such as 'SJones Apprenticeship Cover Letter'.

If you're sending via email, make sure your documents are all attached! You should also write a brief message in the email body. For example:

Dear ..., Please see attached my application for X role. If you have any questions, please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, ...

Don't forget to write a subject line! Some job descriptions will specify what this needs to be, but otherwise just use the job title.

Need more help?

Check out our FREE Cover Letter template in the Student Resource Hub.