Cover Letter Guide

A cover letter is not a CV rewritten as prose but the answer to one question: why you, specifically, for this role specifically. This guide covers how to answer it.

The steps

1. Open with something concrete about the company or the role, not a stock phrase
2. Name the position you are applying for
3. Present one achievement that proves your fit
4. Connect your experience to a need stated in the advert
5. Close with a clear, understated request for an interview

Practical tips

• One page, three to four paragraphs
• Tailor it to each role — never send a generic version
• Spell the company name and job title correctly
• Avoid copying sentences verbatim from your CV

Common mistakes to avoid

• Copying the CV into letter format
• Opening with filler like "I am writing to apply for"
• Sending the same letter to several companies unchanged

Frequently asked questions

Is a cover letter necessary?

If the advert asks for one, yes without question. If not, it is a useful addition covering what the CV cannot — but never send a generic one.

How long should it be?

One page, three to four paragraphs. A long letter is not read in full.