COVER LETTER GUIDE
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter, also known as a motivation letter, is a formal one-page document submitted alongside your CV for each job application. It serves as a platform to “sell yourself” by highlighting why you are the ideal candidate for the role. A cover letter allows you to showcase your personality, express your enthusiasm for the organisation and position, and align yourself with the company’s values and culture. It also provides an opportunity to emphasise your most relevant skills and experiences in a targeted manner, demonstrating how you can contribute to the organisation.
FORMATTING TIPS
- Make sure your cover letter is only one page and is clear and concise.
- Keep the font size at 12 and use font style Arial or Times New Roman.
- Save it as PDF so the format is locked.
- Proofread your CV for possible spelling and grammatical errors.
- Don’t start every sentence with “I”.
COVER LETTER STRUCTURE
- Contact Information (Right Side):
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Home Address - Date:
Add the date below your contact information. - Company’s Details (Left Side):
- Company Name
- Company Address - Salutation:
Address the recipient by name if known, otherwise use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To whom it may concern.' - Introduction:
Mention the position you are applying for and how you found out about the opportunity. Introduce yourself as a student or recent graduate and express enthusiasm for the role. - First Paragraph:
Express interest in the position and company. Highlight relevant achievements and skills that make you a strong candidate. - Middle Paragraph:
Expand on your relevant skills and experiences. Use keywords from the job description to tailor your letter. - Final Paragraph:
Outline how you can contribute to the company. Demonstrate your work ethic and capabilities. - Conclusion:
Thank the employer for their time. Express enthusiasm and include a call to action such as "I look forward to hearing from you." - Signature:
Use 'Yours faithfully' if addressing 'Dear Sir/Madam' and 'Yours sincerely' if addressing by name.
HOW TO STAND OUT
RESEARCH!
A good cover letter is tailored to the company and role. Use these pointers to guide your research:
Company Overview
- Company’s culture and principles
- Mission statement
- Products, services, and clients
- Recent events and news
- Popular campaigns and programmes
Role Details
- Day-to-day responsibilities
- Required skills
- Routes to progression
No Work Experience? No Problem!
If you don’t have formal work experience, here’s how you can make your application stand out:
Show Off Your Education
- List any achievements and awards received in school.
- Did you reach or exceed your predicted grades?
- Even small accomplishments can be valuable to employers.
Be Enthusiastic
- Show genuine excitement and a positive attitude toward the role.
- Demonstrate your passion for the industry and company.
Transferable Skills
- Every extracurricular activity, project, or volunteer experience develops skills.
- Employers value soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
- You don’t need prior work experience to develop analytical or networking skills.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Writing Without Researching
Always research the company and role before writing your cover letter.
Discussing Irrelevant Experience
Focus on relevant experiences and transferable skills.
Repeating Your CV
Use the cover letter to expand on key achievements, not just repeat your CV.
Complaining About Past Experiences
Keep your cover letter positive and professional.
Exceeding One Page
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point.
Spelling and Grammar Errors
Proofread your cover letter to avoid mistakes.