Cover Letters

Cover Letters

Cover letters are a must, most people don't use them when applying for a job. If you nail the cover letter you will stand out from the crowd. A very well written cover letter will allow you to show your interest in the position and to showcase the key skills that you have for the role on offer. It will give you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and should intrigue the recruiter to read your full CV.

Keep the letter short, but highlight why you are the right candidate for the role – for example “I am a perfect candidate for this role as I have over 6 years’ experience working as a customer service representative with …….” You should customise your cover letter for each job.

Cover Letter Templates

We have drafted example cover letters, see links below. Once you downloaded a copy of the relevant template you can edit to suit your needs.

BASIC

<Date>

Re: <Name of job title you are applying for>

Dear <Name or Sirs / Madam>

I am writing in regard to your job opening of <Target Role>.

As a candidate with extensive experience in <job title>, I am highly skilled in <Hard Skills to JD>.

My solid background in <People Skills> has allowed me to manage teams with exceptional performance. The opportunity to join <Organization> greatly interests me because <Reasons>.

As a holder of <Degrees, Certs> I can competently execute <JD Responsibilities>.

I believe that I would make a valuable asset to your team and I offer my resume for your review. As per my professional summary, my qualities and experience make me highly suitable for the role of <Target Role>.

I am highly regarded for <Transferable Skills>.

I am proficient in <Systems>.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the highest levels of service and commitment to the mission of any organization I have worked for. <List 3-4 achievements relevant to the JD>.

Thus, if you are looking for an organized <“What” + “Who”> you are welcome to contact me to arrange an interview.

I am eager to learn more about how your organization can benefit from my contribution. I thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

<Your Name>

<Your Email>

<Your Phone Number>

<Your LinkedIn URL>

CAREER CHANGE

<Date>

Re: <Name of job title you are applying for>

Dear <Hiring manager’s surname or Sir / Madam>,

I am writing to apply for the <Job Title> position at <Company Name>.

I’ve spent the past <Number of years experience> years <List 2 - 3 of your main duties/tasks - that closely match the top 2 - 3 duties/requirements on the job description>. I now wish to transition into a <Mention job title/department> role within your team.

Although successful in my <Industry you’ve worked in> career, I have realised the aspects of my work I find most rewarding are all in <Main function of the job you are applying for>-related functions. I believe my enthusiasm for <Main function of the job you are applying for> and ability to learn on the fly, would provide value for your team by adding a unique perspective.

I’ve outlined how my skills fit with your specific needs:

<List transferable skill - related to the job requirements>: <Explain in the first person how you demonstrated this skill and include a positive outcome/result/achievement. Where possible - include numerical data - numbers/figures/%'s)>

<List transferable skill - related to the job requirements>: <Explain in the first person how you demonstrated this skill and include a positive outcome/result/achievement. Where possible - include numerical data - numbers/figures/%'s)>

<List transferable skill - related to the job requirements>: <Explain in the first person how you demonstrated this skill and include a positive outcome/result/achievement. Where possible - include numerical data - numbers/figures/%'s)>

I was also thrilled to see an opportunity to join your team for several reasons. Firstly, the role would allow me to continue pursuing my passion. <Reference what the role will allow you to do - something you enjoy doing>. Secondly, I personally identify with <Company Name>’s core values. I share the belief that <Mention a value or values that you share with the company - and explain why the value is important to you>. Last but not least, I would be honored to contribute to an organisation that’s leading the charge on <Mention what charitable/sustainable/social initiatives the company is working on or have done in the past>.

I feel that my broad experience in <Mention 1 - 2 transferable skills related to the job requirements> combined with my expert ability to <Reference an important responsibility of the job here - that you can do>, would make a valuable contribution to your organisation.

I have attached my resume for your kind consideration. Thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

<Your Name>

<Your Email>

<Your Phone Number>

<Your LinkedIn URL>

GRADUATE

<Date>

Re: <Name of job title you are applying for>

Dear Mr/Mrs. <Hiring manager’s surname or Sir/Madam>,

I am writing to apply for the <Job Title> position at <Company Name>.

I recently completed a <Number of years> year degree in <Course title> at <College/University name>, attaining a <Result you received>.

During my undergraduate program I developed my <Mention the skills you developed during your course - that are directly related to the job requirements>. For my final year dissertation <Explain how you developed these skills from your project work>. This significantly contributed to our team receiving a <Include a positive outcome/result or achievement>.

I was thrilled to see an opportunity to join your team for several reasons. Firstly, the role would allow me to continue pursuing my passion. <Reference what the role will allow you to do - something you enjoy doing>. Secondly, I personally identify with <Company Name>’s core values. I share the belief that <Mention a value or values that you share with the company - and explain why the value is important to you>. Last but not least, I would be honored to contribute to an organisation that’s leading the charge on <Mention what charitable/sustainable/social initiatives the company is working on or have done in the past>.

I feel that my academic qualifications, along with my <Reference the skills and knowledge you have gained from your college experience which make you a good fit for the job. Ensure that you match your skills with the main requirements from the job description> have provided me with the skills and experience required to succeed in a company such as <Company name>.

I have attached my resume for your kind consideration. Thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

<Your Name>

<Your Email>

<Your Phone Number>

<Your LinkedIn URL>

EXPLAINING AN EMPLOYMENT GAP

<Date>

Re: <Name of job title you are applying for>

Dear Mr/Mrs. <Hiring manager’s surname or Sir / Madam>,

I am writing to apply for the <Job Title> position at <Company Name>.

I can offer you <Number of years> of experience in <What you do best - related to the job description>. I am <List your strongest personality traits> with hands-on experience and excellent training, allowing me to <Mention what your skills and experience allow you to achieve - related to the job requirements>.

<1. Explain Gap> <2. Highlight achievement from your most recent job> <3. Explain how you remained proactive> <4. Explain why this job is the perfect opportunity for your return to the workforce>.

I feel that my broad experience in the <Name of the industry the job is in> industry combined with my expert ability to <Mention a key skill you have related to the job>, would make a valuable contribution to your organisation.

I have attached my resume for your kind consideration. Thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

<Your Name>

<Your Email>

<Your Phone Number>

<Your LinkedIn URL>

ADVANCED

<Date>

Re: <Name of job title you are applying for>

Dear Mr/Mrs. <Hiring manager’s surname or Sir / Madam>,

I am writing to apply for the <Job Title> position at <Company Name>. As a <Enter your current job title - related to the job you’re applying to> with <Number of years experience you have in the role> years of experience in <List the most important things you do in your job - match them with the job requirements>, I am confident that my skills make me a strong candidate to fulfill <Company Name> <Name of the department you are applying to>’s needs.

My most recent role was at <Mention the company you worked> where I <Include an achievement from your work experience that's related to the job description>.

I was thrilled to see an opportunity to join your team for several reasons. Firstly, the role would allow me to continue pursuing my passion. <Reference what the role will allow you to do - something you enjoy doing>. Secondly, I personally identify with <Company Name>’s core values. I share the belief that <Mention a value or values that you share with the company - and explain why the value is important to you>. Last but not least, I would be honored to contribute to an organisation that’s leading the charge on <Mention what charitable/sustainable/social initiatives the company is working on or have done in the past>.

I feel that my broad experience in <Name the industry you have experience in> combined with my expert ability to <Reference the most important responsibility of the job here - that you can do>, would make a valuable contribution to your organisation.

I have attached my resume for your kind consideration. Thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

<Your Name>

<Your Email>

<Your Phone Number>

<Your LinkedIn URL>

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