cover letter examples uk university

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces and markets you effectively by complementing your CV.

A cover letter tells your story by highlighting your relevant strengths and motivation for the person and organisation you are writing to, rather than listing all the things that can already be seen on your CV.

Always take the opportunity to submit a cover letter if you are given the chance.

The cover letter gives you scope to showcase what interests and drives you, and your enthusiasm for an organisation and the role. You can use it to align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and culture, and highlight in a targeted way your knowledge and strongest, most relevant skills for the position.

The content and style are up to you, but a logical and engaging structure is key. Below are some guidelines.

How to Write Cover Letters

Aim for a professional tone that conveys your message to the reader succinctly - remember it's not an essay or dissertation! Write in clear, concise English – take care not to drown the reader with your detail and avoid jargon they may not understand.  The Plain English Campaign  has some good guidance on improving your writing style.

Structure it like a business letter, brevity adds power and aim for no longer than 1 side of A4 in length. However, if the organisation gives you very specific instructions about the structure. length and content, follow their guidance. 

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an advertisement, state where you saw it. This tells the recruiter why they are reading the letter, and it gives them feedback on which of their advertising sources are working. You need to think about how you would like to introduce yourself; it could be that you mention the course you are studying and when you plan to finish it along with your place of study.

Why this job?

Explain why you are interested in the job and the organisation. Tailor the letter to the organisation and job description to make it clear that you haven't sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different employers. 

Draw on your research, especially what you have learnt from speaking with their staff (e.g. while meeting them at a fair or event, or during work shadowing/experience) as this will demonstrate an awareness and understanding of them that goes beyond the corporate website. Be specific about why the position is particularly attractive for you, and back this up with evidence from your past, or by linking this to your overall career plans, and what you find exciting about this sector, don’t just repeat the text from their publicity material.

Explain why you are well-suited to the position. Refer to the most relevant skills (c.3-5), experience and knowledge you have and match what you say to the requirements outlined in the job description. Tell your story and highlight key evidence so that you are building on your CV, but not using exactly the same phrases. Make sure you read our guidance on  demonstrating you fit the job criteria  for more advice.

As your aim is to convince the recruiter that you are a suitable candidate for the job,  focus on your accomplishments and the transferable skills that are relevant to the role. State explicitly how you match the job criteria – don’t expect the person reading your letter to infer your skills or experiences for themselves. 

Support your claims by referring to examples that are already detailed in your CV. You can make a stronger, more credible case by linking different experiences that highlight similar skills or competences. For example:

• You first demonstrated your organisational skills by creating (an event) at school, and you  have developed them further by raising (£xx) at last year’s fundraiser and, most recently, by leading (another event) for your society attended by (number) of people.
• The role (applied for) would allow you to further explore your interest in mental health well-being  which has driven your success as college welfare officer and the personal sense of achievement gained from working as a peer counsellor.

Reiterate your desire to join the organisation and end on a ‘look forward to hearing from you’ statement, followed by ‘Yours sincerely’ if writing to a named individual and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you have not been able to find a named contact. 

• Write to a named person if you can
• If you have not been able to find a named contact, you could use ‘Dear Recruitment Manager’ or ‘Dear Recruiter’. 
• Check your spelling and get someone else to read it over.
• Check that it says clearly what you want it to say.  Are there any sections that are hard to read, overly long sentences? If yes, try to simplify the language, avoid jargon, use shorter sentences or take out that section completely.
• Make the letter different each time. If you insert another company name, does the letter still read the same? If so, tailor it more specifically to the firm - you may need to do further research
• Don’t start every sentence with “I”.
• Give evidence for all your claims.
• Be enthusiastic and interested.
• Don’t repeat your whole CV.
• It’s normal to find cover letters tricky to write. Give yourself plenty of time before the application deadline to redraft.
• A careers adviser at the Careers Service can give you feedback on the content and structure of your cover letter and CV, and advise you on how best to target particular sectors – write one first, book an appointment on CareerConnect  and ask a careers adviser for feedback.

Academic Cover Letters and Statements

Academic cover letters.

Academic cover letters vary in length, purpose, content and tone. Each job application requires a new, distinct letter.

For applications that require additional research or teaching statements, there is no point repeating these points in a cover letter – here, one page is enough (brief personal introduction, delighted to apply, please find enclosed X, Y, Z documents).

Other applications ask for a CV and a cover letter only, in which case the letter will need to be longer and require more detail. Others ask explicitly for this detail in the form of a supporting statement that sets out how you fulfil the job criteria. Aim for a maximum length of two pages, though for roles at associate professor level and above it may extend to 3-5 pages. In all cases it is important to use the space effectively and show that you can prioritise according to what they are looking for.

In all cases:

• Your letter is a piece of academic writing – you need a strong argument and empirical evidence
• Write for the non-expert to prove that you can communicate well
• Make sure you sound confident by using a tone that is collegial (rather than like a junior talking to a senior)
• Demonstrate your insight into what the recruiting department is doing in areas of research and teaching, and say what you would bring to these areas from your work so far.
• Give quantifiable evidence of teaching, research and funding success where possible.

Teaching Statements

What is a teaching statement and why do you need one.

When making an academic job application, you may be asked for a teaching statement (sometimes referred to as a ‘philosophy of teaching statement’). These statements may also be requested of candidates for grant applications or teaching awards.

A teaching statement is a narrative that describes:

• How you teach
• Why you teach the way you do
• How you know if you are an effective teacher, and how you know that your students are learning.

The rationale behind a teaching statement is to:

• Demonstrate that you have been reflective and purposeful about your teaching. This means showing an understanding of the teaching process and your experience of this
• Communicate your goals as an instructor, and your corresponding actions in the laboratory, classroom, or other teaching setting.

Format and style of a Teaching Statement

There is no required content or format for a teaching statement because they are personal in nature, but they are generally 1-2 pages, and written in the first person. The statement will include teaching strategies and methods to help readers ‘see’ you in a lab, lecture hall, or other teaching setting. The teaching statement is, in essence, a writing sample, and should be written with the audience in mind (i.e. the search committee for the institution(s) to which you are applying). This means that, like a cover letter, your teaching statement should be tailored for presentation to different audiences.

Articulating your teaching philosophy

Consider your experiences as both teacher and learner, and always keep your subject at the forefront. Consider all opportunities that you have previously had to teach, mentor, or guide, and determine instances that were both successful and perhaps not so successful. Understanding why and how learning happens is an important part of your teaching philosophy.

Here are some general areas to focus on in your teaching statement:

Goals : Convey your teaching goals. What would you like students to get out of your courses? What matters most to you in teaching and why?

Strategies : List effective teaching strategies. How will you realise your goals? What obstacles exist to student learning and how do you help students overcome them?

Evidence : Specific examples of your teaching experience are powerful in a teaching statement. Provide evidence that your students have learned (or not) in the past.

Research Statements

Some applications ask for a short research statement. This is your opportunity to showcase your vision for your research, propose a research plan and show how this builds on your current expertise and achievements. It forms the basis for discussions and your presentation if you are invited for interview.

Remember to:

• Provide a big picture overview of your research vision
• Make sure there are clear links between your proposal and the work of the recruiting institution.  Each statement must be tailored to the particular role you are applying for
• Write about your research experience stating the aims, achievements, relevant techniques and your responsibilities for each project
• Write as much (within the word limit) about your planned research and its contribution to the department, and to society more broadly
• Invest time and ask for feedback from your supervisor/principal investigator or colleagues.

Tips for Junior Research Fellowship or JRF Applications

Read the job description carefully to understand what is prioritised by the recruiting College or institution(s) beyond furthering your research.  If there are additional responsibilities such as outreach, mentoring, expanding or fostering academic networks, you will need to provide evidence of your interest and experience in these areas, as well as statements about how you would fulfil these roles when in post.

Try to meet current junior research fellowship (JRF) holders to gain further insight into what the role entails on a daily basis and what is expected by senior colleagues.

Show how your research contributes to, extends and/or maximises the impact of other work going on in the university. Then state why the JRF would enable you to further these in specific ways.

Think about how to demonstrate your experience in the following areas:

• Your research vision.  Can you outline a big picture view of the research you want to do and its impact, for the department, the field and the wider society
• Publications, think broadly here and include journal articles, book chapters, policy papers, expert reviews, public commentaries and any other type of media coverage
• Funding, give prominence to any funding awards and to your grant-writing experience
• Participation in professional activities such as establishing collaborations with people or organisations outside the university, reviewing journal articles and membership of relevant societies
• Outline how you intend to participate in knowledge exchange and public engagement within your fellowship. These activities are now recognised as significant components of academic life

Look at  Vitae’s Research Developer Framework  to identify any other academic-related competencies that you could demonstrate in your application (particularly project-management, leadership, developing innovative partnerships/strategic thinking).

Have your application reviewed by a careers adviser by booking a short discussion appointment on CareerConnect . 

Our Resources

Example cover letters.

• Sample cover letter
• Sample cover letter for management consultancy
• Sample cover letter for voluntary organisation
• Sample speculative cover letter   (see speculative applications)
• Sample cover letter for first lectureship, Arts and Humanities
• Vitae  for examples and advice relating to academic cover letters

Related pages

• Demonstrate You Fit the Job Criteria
• Application Forms

External Resources

External websites with guidance and examples.

• TARGETjobs: Cover letter essentials
• Prospects: Cover Letters

Artificial Intelligence (AI) generators and other paid-for services

A growing number of websites offer AI-generated cover letters, either for free or for a fee. There are also numerous organisations offering to write your cover letters for a fee. We believe that if you follow the advice above and come for a (free) cover letter review at the Careers Service as part of a 20-minute 1:1 appointment, you will get the best service for you. 

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Cover Letters

A cover letter is a document you send to an employer alongside your application. It helps to introduce you and outlines your interest in the role.

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On this page

Your CV should always be accompanied by a cover letter. This is unless the employer tells you otherwise.

It is a key part of your application. Your letter should:

• explain your motivation for applying
• show your suitability for the vacancy
• highlight the most important parts of your CV

Your letter should only be one side of A4 and you should use the same font style and size used in your CV.

We also run regular workshops on writing cover letters during the academic year.

What to write in your cover letter

We'd suggest the following structure for your cover letter.

The order for the second (why you) and third paragraph (why them) is flexible. You can swap these around if you prefer.

• Write to the correct person. It's important to get their name and job title right. If a name is not given, try to find out who you should address your letter to. You can do this by contacting the organisation or checking the website.
• If you are making a speculative application you should contact the organisation to ask for a key contact who can help with recruitment .
• Address your letter correctly. Use their title and last name only. If you're unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, you can use their full name. If you can't find out the name of the person, use a generic term such as ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Recruitment Team’.

First paragraph: Introduction

• Briefly explain what you are doing now and why you are writing. If the job or placement was advertised, include where you saw the advert.
• A strong, confident and positive opening statement makes a good first impression. For example: 'I believe I have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in this role and in your organisation.'
• If you are applying speculatively, be as specific as you can about what you are looking for. Consider giving the employer a range of options. If there are no vacancies available, you could get involved another way. This could be work experience, shadowing or even the chance to meet and ask questions.

Second paragraph: Why you? Summarise what you have to offer

• Summarise the most relevant skills from your CV. What can you bring that makes you attractive to the employer?
• Keep your summary concise, with specific examples from your experiences. Try to avoid highlighting generic skills and qualities in isolation. Instead, focus on how you developed your skills. For example, 'I am a reliable and trustworthy person with good communication skills' doesn't show how you developed your skills.
• If you’re not applying for a specific advertised post, you may not have a job description to help you. You’ll need to work out which skills are required. To help with this, look at the job profiles on the Prospects website.
• Convey your enthusiasm for the job and what you can bring to the company, rather than talking about yourself in a general way.
• Give reasons why the organisation should consider you. What have you got to offer them? Talk about any relevant experience, knowledge and skills and how you could contribute. Your examples could come from a variety of places. Your degree, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering or extra-curricular experience are all valuable.
• Try not to repeat phrases from your CV. Make sure that your CV clearly provides evidence for statements that you make in your letter.

You can split this paragraph into two, depending on how much you have written.

Third paragraph: Why them and why this role? Target the employer

• Each letter should be tailored to the organisation and role. Recruiters will not be impressed with a generic covering letter. This is especially important if you are applying speculatively. Find out as much as possible about the field of work, the company and the type of role you are interested in.
• Explain why you want to work for this organisation. This could be their ethos, training or product/services. Mention any contact you have had with the company.
• Show that you have researched the company and know what they do but don't just repeat what is on their website.

Optional paragraphs: Other relevant information

It may be relevant to include other information in your covering letter. This could be explaining the circumstances of disappointing academic grades. Come and talk to us if you have concerns about explaining these or other issues in your letter. To do this, b ook a CV appointmen t via MyCareer.

For advice on asking for adjustments from an employer, see these websites:

• asking for reasonable adjustments
• British Dyslexia Association: applying for jobs and promotions. This includes examples of reasonable adjustments employers could make during the application process.
• example of disclosing a disability in a cover letter
• Finish your letter in a polite and friendly way, saying when you would be available for interview. End on a positive note. 'Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you' is a good example.
• To end your letter, write ' Yours sincerely ' if you know the name of the person you're writing to. It is ' Yours faithfully ' if you don't know the name, followed by your signature.

How to follow up a speculative application

A speculative application involves contacting an employer to ask about opportunities. The employer may not be advertising a vacancy, but they may have opportunities that are not advertised . 

Follow up a speculative application with a polite phone call or email a week later. This shows you're proactive and motivated.

Reiterate your interest in working for the organisation and the reasons why you're a suitable candidate. Keep your call or email brief and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

Example cover letters

See our example cover letters to help you think about structure and content. They can also give you ideas on how to demonstrate your skills. Compare your own draft and see if there’s anything you need to add or improve.

Cover letters for graduate and part-time jobs

• Graduate job cover letter example  (PDF: 72KB)
• Part time job cover letter example  (PDF: 118KB)
• Speculative graduate job cover letter example  (PDF: 120KB)

Advice about writing effective cover letters, with examples 

Find further advice about writing cover letters on these websites:

• Cover letter essentials for graduate vacancies
• How to write a cover letter - this includes advice and example cover letter endings
• Example cover letter for an internship .
• Cover letters - there are tips and example cover letters, including speculative cover letters. There is also a cover letter showcasing how to disclose a disability
• Academic cover letter template - this is a teaching-focused lectureship post.

CVs and Cover Letters workbook

For more advice on writing CVs and cover letters, see our  CV and covering letter workbook for students  (PDF: 384kb).

Additional tips

For more advice on writing an effective cover letter, see the following websites:

Get Feedback

Our online AI-generated checker, CareerSet gives you instant feedback 24/7.

CareerSet scores your cover letter on key skills that recruiters look for. It focuses on impact, brevity and style . You can use the feedback to edit your letter and re-submit it to CareerSet as many times as you like. You can also match your letter with a job description, to help you tailor it to a specific role.

You can access CareerSet directly or via MyCareer .

After using CareerSet, we recommend you book an online or in-person CV appointment to go through your cover letter. Alternatively, you can send your cover letter to us for written feedback via MyCareer. You don’t need to have achieved a specific score on CareerSet to do this.

If you would like any of the content in an accessible format , you can request this from CareerSet. See their accessibility statement  for details.

How to Use CareerSet

1. Log in to CareerSet

You can  access CareerSet directly  or via the  CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

Log into CareerSet with your  Newcastle University email address  to get an authentication link. This will log you in for the duration of one session. Your account will be created on your first login.

To access CareerSet you’ll need our Newcastle University  graduate voucher code . This is listed in the  CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports. This helps us develop further support and advice, but your CV is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s  data protection policy .

2. Accept the:

• privacy policy
• terms of use

3. Click on Review my Covering Letter. 

Upload your cover letter. This takes about 30 seconds. Your cover letter must be in  PDF format:

• how to  convert a Word document to PDF

You can also copy and paste the job description you want to compare your cover letter to or choose an example. 

4. Review your score and work your way through the feedback and tips to help you improve your cover letter.

There’s no such thing as a perfect cover letter, so you don’t need to try to get to 100%. We’d suggest aiming for a score above 70%, but if you’re struggling to reach that, don’t worry.

You can book an online or in-person CV appointment to get help from a CV adviser. You can then upload your cover letter again to see if you’ve improved your score. 

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports to help us develop further support and advice, but your cover letter is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s data protection policy .

What CareerSet can't do

CareerSet is a valuable tool for getting feedback on your cover letter, but there are certain things it can’t do. Instead, you can book an in-person or online appointment or submit a query via MyCareer if you:

• don’t have much work experience to add to your cover letter. Book a information appointment for help on how to find relevant opportunities and develop your skills
• want to discuss how to include reasonable adjustments or extenuating circumstances on your CV

Feedback from a CV adviser

Before you book a CV appointment or send us your cover letter for feedback, you need to complete the CV and Covering Letter Pathway on MyCareer first. This includes uploading your CV/cover letter to CareerSet.

Once you have completed the Pathway and made any changes suggested by CareerSet, you can then receive 1:1 feedback from a CV adviser. 

You can also send your cover letter (in Microsoft Word ) to us for written feedback. This can take up to 5 working days. Click on Queries/CV in MyCareer (top right hand corner) to submit your query and CV.

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Your covering or cover letter is a polite and professional introduction that accompanies your CV when applying for an advertised vacancy or enquiring about potential job opportunities in a company. 

• It builds on two or three key pieces of information within your CV and expands them by explaining in more depth how those skills and experiences match the job role.
• Use the covering letter to show you are keen to work for the company by demonstrating that you have researched the organisation thoroughly.

A well-written and researched covering letter, sent alongside a targeted CV will help you secure you an interview.

Your next steps

What works best for you?

Book an appointment to have your covering letter reviewed

Book your place on a covering letter workshop

Take our short online course

How to write an effective covering letter

Hayley Gillmore, Students' Union Employability Manager, gives her top tips on writing an effective covering letter when applying for a job vacancy. 

An employer's perspective

When we read covering letters we look for someone who can demonstrate a strong 'can do' attitude to work. They might not necessarily have the knowledge, but more important to us is that they are able to articulate their determination to really want to do it.

Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR 

How long should my covering letter be? 

Length and font.

Your covering letter should be well presented, concise and to the point. It should ideally be no longer than one side of A4. It's a good idea to pick a modern font such as Calibri or Sans serif, font size 11 or 12 - it's advisable to use the same font as your CV.

How should I attach or send my cover letter?

Emails and covering letters.

When applying for a position by email, you can either use the email itself as a covering letter and attach your CV, or write a brief email message and attach a separate covering letter as well as your CV. If you choose this option, your email should be professional in style.

If you attach a CV and covering letter to your email, avoid repeating information in the email which is in your covering letter. The email should be brief and professional, referring to your CV and covering letter attached.

When attaching your CV and cover letter, ideally do this in PDF so it’s readable on any device. Also remember to name the file appropriately, such as ‘your name’, ‘date’ ‘company name you’re applying to’. First impressions count even down to the little details.

What tone and language should I use? 

Using active verbs when talking about tasks you've undertaken can be very effective. Here is our list of active verbs.

Action verbs for covering letters 

Levels of formality

Choosing the right tone for your covering letter is key to its success. If you are unsure about the tone of your covering letter, make an appointment with our team to clarify any doubts.

While you want to come across as respectful and professional, being too formal and over-polite is not advisable either.

While linguistically correct, these three statements come across as too ceremonious:

• I hereby apply for the position of graphic designer
• I would highly appreciate the opportunity to have my application considered and thank you in advance for your time and attention

Over-familiarity can be equally easy to fall into, so avoid sentences:

• I hope this email finds you well
• Consider me for this project and you will not be disappointed

Keep it simple as shown in these two examples:

• I am delighted to have the opportunity to submit this application.
• I am applying for the post of graphic designer advertised on your website as I believe I have the skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to Sigma Solutions.

Structuring your covering letter 

Example covering letters.

These covering letter examples will demonstrate how to present your covering letter based on the advice provided on this page. We have three examples depending on your circumstances.

1. Covering letter and CV for an advertised vacancy

2. covering letter to send to a company to enquire if they have vacancies, 3. covering letter and cv to highlight online work experience.

Post pandemic, many companies have adapted to a more hybrid working culture. As part of this, some in-person activities such as internships, part-time jobs and volunteering experiences have moved online. These activities are just as important for your personal and professional development and you will have developed a new range of skills, such as collaborating on group projects remotely using new software.

We have created a covering letter and CV in response to a job vacancy to highlight how to showcase your experience of virtual activities and the skills developed. More on CVs.

How should I start the covering letter?

At the start, include your personal contact details and the date to the letter. Ideally you should address your covering letter to the person who will be reading it.

The covering letter should be addressed to a named person and often you can find the name of the hiring manager in the job advert, for example: Dear Dr. Harman, Dear Mrs Stevenson, Dear Alex Wozniak, if possible

If no name is given, or you are sending a speculative application, then take the time to find the appropriate contact using LinkedIn or the company's website to find the head of human resources or the head of the department the vacancy is based within. 

It is good practice to include a job reference number or the name of the advertised role. This helps your application get to the right person within the organisation.

What should I include in the opening paragraph?

Open positively and politely, with a short introductory statement that explains the purpose of the letter and details how you found out about the job advert. For example:

• I am applying for the position of graduate management trainee advertised on your website as I would welcome the chance to work for Transco Exports

Then briefly highlight your relevant qualifications or experience that make you a strong fit for the role.

What should I include in the main part of the letter?

The body of your letter should be two or three concise paragraphs to outline

Why you want to work for the organisation

Why your previous experience or skills make you a good candidate

Explain your motivation to work for the company

You should include a paragraph that demonstrates you have researched the company and explains why you want to work for them.

You should research and mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as its mission, values, recent projects, or achievements. Explain why you are attracted to the company and how you can contribute to its success.

Find out how to research a company

Explain why you’re the ideal candidate

To do this, ensure you understand the job requirements and what they're looking for in applicants. You can then:

• highlight how your skills, experiences, and achievements align with their needs
• provide specific examples that demonstrate the skills required for the role
• include examples from your studies, work experience including part-time jobs, and other activities you're involved in
• quantify your achievements whenever possible to make them more impactful

Make sure to refer to your CV, especially to highlight any key experience that’s relevant to the role. A simple line such as, “My attached CV outlines my academic and work experience to date.” will be fine. 

Our example cover letters can demonstrate good practice (see above).

Some more examples of good practice

To help structure your information and provide evidence in a professional way, we have included some examples.

• I have developed sound organisational and presentation skills during my degree
• I have developed sound organisational and presentation skills during my degree by participating in student working groups and research projects, giving presentations to staff and fellow students
• As you can see from my CV, I have previously undertaken similar duties to the ones required by this post
• I have previous experience of providing technical support and dealing with client requests in a pressurised environment, as shown in my CV

Relate examples to the post

If you present personal experiences as evidence of having certain competencies, relate your achievements to the post as clearly as possible. In the following examples, the second version is much more specific and better connected to the job. For a post of assistant events organiser:

  Not specific enough

• The various parties I organised for the Spanish Society were amongst the most popular on campus – they were always full to the brim, people had a great time and I became well known at university as a result

Much more specific

• I organised three parties for the Spanish Society covering all costs through sponsorship and ticket sales. Attendees highlighted a vibrant atmosphere and excellent value for money, and I was asked to help organise other events as a result

Focus on the employer's needs

Focus on the employer’s requirements and how you can meet the employer’s needs – not how the post can meet yours. Check these examples:

• This post constitutes a great opportunity to update my design skills and will also help towards the costs of my studies
• This post constitutes a great opportunity to build on my design skills complementing the knowledge gained in my masters studies

Avoid clichés

Employers will read about countless ‘ambitious recent graduate looking for a challenging position’ who can ‘think outside the box’ and are ‘team players equally happy to work by themselves’ as well as ‘fast learners with a can-do attitude who always give 100%’.

How should I close the covering letter?

Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position and expressing your desire for an interview. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

• If you know the recipient’s name, then end with Yours sincerely. 
• If you do not know the recipient’s name, then end with Yours faithfully 

Should I include information about my disability?

Sharing information about disability.

Telling a perspective employer any information about a disability(s) is a personal choice. It is up to you if, when and how. If you are unsure at any stage, consider what would be the advantage of sharing at that point. If you decide that you want to, think about what would be most relevant for the employer to know at this specific stage of the recruitment process. For more information, see our page on  applying with a disability

And finally...

Who can check over my covering letter.

Read your draft carefully for grammar, punctuation, capitalisation and spelling, and have it proofread by someone with a sound knowledge of English and an eye for detail. You can use tools such as Grammarly.com to help you with this.

You can make an appointment to have your covering letter reviewed by our team and discuss any queries you may have. However, we are not able to offer a proofreading service.

The Centre for English Language Education (CELE) offers help on the appropriate use of language for job applications, cover letters, interviews and presentations. Personalised one-to-one consultations allow you to guide the focus according to your needs. This is not a proofreading service, but a tutor can offer advice on language choice, formality and structure to help your application stand out.

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A good application, whether a CV and cover letter or an application form, is critical in getting to the interview stage. Our CVs & Applications books are packed full of examples, so whether you’re preparing for the annual graduate recruitment cycle, or an academic researcher looking for your first lectureship position, you’ll find something inside to help you.

Written by Careers Consultants at the Cambridge University Careers Service - pick up a free copy or download the book below.

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CVs and Applications for Undergraduates and Masters

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CVs and Cover Letters for PhDs and Postdocs

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Short CV Guide - Quick application help

NB: These books are designed to help you to write CVs for use in the UK. The style and content of your CV may need to be very different for use in other countries. GoinGlobal gives information on international careers, including CVs for different countries.

Check and improve your CV

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CareerSet is an online CV optimisation platform, which enables you to submit your CV 24/7 and receive an instant overall score plus suggestions for improvement. You can also upload a job description and see how well your CV matches. Read our  Getting Started Guide  for a quick introduction to the software.

You're still very welcome to discuss your CV with one of our Careers Consultants but you might like to use CareerSet first for some initial feedback, or just to do a final check. Login to CareerSet

Note that CareerSet is  not configured for academic CVs, so we'd suggest using the CV guide above and booking an appointment to talk to an adviser about  your academic CV. 

Careers Essentials

As part of our Careers Essentials - Getting Recruitment Ready series, we have put together two videos which cover how a CV is used to make decisions, types of CV, and how to bring all your information together.

Part 1: Getting Started

Part 2: Tailoring for an opportunity

Write the perfect Cover Letter (Five mins)

Write the perfect CV 

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Cover letters

It's important to get your cover letter right. It's your one opportunity to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Find out how to write and format a cover letter and take ideas and inspiration from our cover letter templates

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application.

Cover letters are necessary as they give you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore, you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

Not to be confused with  personal statements for your CV , cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it. The consensus among recruiters when it comes to the length of these documents is the shorter the better. Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page.

If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters.

Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

How do I write a good cover letter?

Before writing your cover letter it's important that you do your research. While reading the job description thoroughly is essential, it's not enough on its own. To help you craft a successful cover letter you’ll need to find out more about:

• who will be reading your cover letter
• the organisation and its culture
• the industry it operates in and any relevant news
• company competitors and market position.
• the organisations goals over the next five years.

When writing your cover letter keep it brief, while making sure it emphasises your suitability for the job. Cover letters can be broken down into the following sections:

• First paragraph  - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.
• Second paragraph  - Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.
• Third paragraph  - Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you're interested in working for the company and what you can offer the organisation. This is a good opportunity to show off your knowledge of the company.
• Last paragraph  - Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for an  interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates.

Once finished read through the document and cut out any unnecessary words and sentences. Don't fill up space by repeating what's already covered in your CV. As a rule, only mention your current salary or salary expectations if the employer has specifically asked you to. If you're asked to include this information, put it between the third and last paragraphs.

Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine. Windows PCs and Macs don't always work in harmony - Windows use a .docx file extension and Macs .pages but if the recruiter uses the opposite system, they may not be able to open your file. Using a .PDF file extension should solve this.

If you need help with your CV take a look at  how to write a CV .

How should I address a cover letter?

Always try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be reading it. Bear in mind that you're more likely to receive a reply if you send it to the right person.

If you're struggling to find a named contact, you can use a general greeting such as:

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Dear Hiring manager
• Dear Human resources director.

However, general greetings should only be used once you have exhausted methods of finding a named contact.

How do I sign off?

How you sign off your cover letter depends on how you addressed it. If you include a named contact, sign off 'Yours sincerely'. If you use a general greeting, finish with 'Yours faithfully'.

Example cover letters

• Sample cover letter  - Used to highlight your skills and experience and to express your suitability and passion for the job, cover letters are used to encourage recruiters to look at your CV. Attention to detail is crucial and spelling, grammar and formatting needs to be spot on. Take a look at our sample cover letter for inspiration.
• Speculative cover letter  - These can sometimes be an effective method of creating an opportunity. To ensure that speculative cover letters are successful you'll need to do your research on the company you're applying to. Using our cover letter template, discover what to include in speculative applications.
• Cover letter by a Masters graduate  - You probably embarked on a Masters to expand your subject knowledge, gain industry contacts and improve your job prospects but to really make it work you need to know how to sell your postgraduate qualification to employers.
• Cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience  - It can be tough applying for a job with no experience, but our example cover letter shows you how to promote yourself to an employer if you haven't got any directly related work experience.
• Explaining a gap in your CV  - Knowing how to navigate around gaps in your CV can be tricky but it's a mistake to try and gloss over them. Your cover letter is the perfect place to explain these gaps in your employment history to potential employers. Take a look at our sample cover letter to find out how to go about it.
• Cover letter for changing career  - Find out how to explain a change of direction in our example cover letter for career changers. You'll need to briefly cover why you want to change career and relate your past experience and wealth of skills to the industry/job you’re applying to.
• Cover letter by an international graduate  - If you'd like to expand your horizons by working abroad, take a look at our cover letter of an international student applying for a job in the UK. You’ll need to do your research if you apply for a job in another country, as application rules may differ.
• Disclosing a disability  - Just like your gender, marital status and dependants your disability doesn't affect your ability to do a job and you're not legally required to disclose it on your CV or in your cover letter. However, if you would like to disclose a disability to outline any adjustments you may need, this sample cover letter will show you how.
• Internship cover letter - To set yourself above the competition you need to successfully sell your relevant skills and experience while conveying your passion for the role. As well as explaining to employers what the opportunity could do for you, you'll need to communicate what you could do for the company. Discover how to craft the perfect application for a formal internship with our internship cover letter template.
• Apprenticeship cover letter - Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into work, as well as a great alternative to university. Find out how to apply for these roles with our apprenticeship cover letter example.

For inspiration and guidance on crafting a CV see example CVs .

When should I follow up my application?

It's always a good idea to follow up on a job application if you don't hear back. If two weeks have passed and you've had no response, send an email to the hiring manager to check that your application has been received. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and why you think you'd be an asset to the company.

Keep this email brief. It shouldn't act as a second cover letter or attempt to replace or repeat the original.

What are some top tips for writing a cover letter?

With employers often receiving lots of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure that your cover letter makes a lasting impression for the right reasons. These tips will increase your chances of success:

• Tailor to the organisation  - You should rewrite your cover letter every time you apply for a position in order to target the company. Sending out a generic letter for all applications rarely yields positive results and recruiters can spot your lack of time and effort from a mile away.
• Format  - Presentation is important so you'll need to format your cover letter properly. Make sure the document is as uncluttered as possible, use the same font and size as you use in your CV and if you're sending it through the post or handing it in use good quality plain white paper to print it on.
• Use keywords that appear in the job advert - This lets the employer know that you’ve read and understood the job description. It also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to the job.
• Identify your USPs  - They're your unique selling points. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how your skills and experience meet those requested in the job description. Demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate.
• Include examples  - Back up the claims in your cover letter with real evidence or examples that show how and when you've used your skills and experience.
• Save a copy - If you’re invited to interview you might need to refer back to it.

If you're a student or recent graduate, you can make an appointment with your university's careers and employability service to access further help when writing your cover letter. You'll be able to talk with specially-trained advisers, get advice on what to include and have a professional eye look over your application before sending.

To make sure you don’t trip up read about the  5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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How to write your cover letter

Advice on what to include in your cover letter and how to structure it.

Cover letters are not an exact science, but you need to sound like you want the job and you can show why you would be a good fit for it. Employers can tell when you haven't given much thought to why you are applying. This is your opportunity to show your motivation and suitability - so take it! 

Top Tips Cover Letters recording from 2023

What to include 

Your cover letter complements your CV and gives you the chance to demonstrate your motivation and suitability for the job.  Your cover letter should answer three questions: 

why do you want this job? 

why do you want to work for this organisation? 

why are you right for the role? 

Use the cover letter to highlight information you need the employer to know, and to explain anything such as extenuating circumstances which you want them to take into account.  

You should: 

demonstrate that you have researched the organisation  

evidence how you have the skills and experience listed in the vacancy 

aim for one page in length with about three to five concise paragraphs.

Watch the recording above to find out more about how to write your cover letter.

To explore examples of cover letters, access Careers Service Plus (University of Edinburgh login required):

Cover letters examples  

Using generative  AI  to create your cover letter

Technologies such as ChatGPT can provide a reasonable basic structure for you to build upon, but what they give you is unlikely to be tailored convincingly and will be bland and generic, and unlikely to impress employers. Use them as a support and starting point if you like - but edit their product to make the end result your own.  

Remember these points:

• adapt the content generated, to make it more closely related to you -otherwise it will lack impact
• be cautious about submitting any personal data, as whatever you put in could be in the public domain 
• you may be risking plagiarism, as these systems incorporate, in their output, content produced by other people without acknowledging or referencing them 

Guidance on using AI has been produced by the Bayes Centre at the University of Edinburgh. 

AI guidance for staff and students   

This article was published on 2024-05-14

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Need help? Here's how we can support you with your cover letters. If you’ve struggled with cover letters in the past and you’re worried they’re holding you back, we can help. Step 1:  Use the information below to write your cover letter Step 2: Upload your cover letter to  CareerSet for immediate feedback Make sure you read the whole of the feedback report, not just the bullet point highlights Edit your cover letter and reupload - repeat as many times as you like Step 3:  If you have a specific question that CareerSet can’t help you with, upload your cover letter to your documents on  Handshake  and message the careers Information Team, requesting a review. We do not offer a repeat cover letter 'checking' service, so when you have applied the feedback, you should return to CareerSet to help further refine your cover letter.  Read the  Talk to Us  page for more information about our support. Postgraduate students should also visit the Graduate Research School's  Applications and interviews  page.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter (or covering letter) is a document that accompanies your CV when you are applying for jobs. It’s a chance for you to expand on your CV and explain why you’re interested in and qualified for the job.

Letter or email?

It’s unlikely that you’ll actually post a job application, but even when emailing an application many employers still prefer you to attach a cover letter and CV, rather than put the content of your cover letter in the body of your email.

Saying that, don’t worry too much. Just do what the employer asks you to do. If they say to apply with a CV and cover letter, attach a CV and cover letter to your email. If you’re unsure, ask us.

How to lay it out

Set out your cover letter as a formal letter. That means your name and address on the top right and the address of the employer on the left. Include the job title and/or job application reference. Sign off your letter ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ depending on who you have addressed the letter to (‘Yours sincerely’ when your letter is addressed to a person, ‘Yours faithfully’ when your letter is addressed to the organisation or ‘Sir/Madam’).

What to include

Unless you’re told otherwise, keep your cover letter brief. One side of A4 is enough. Here’s a general structure:

• Paragraph One: Introduce yourself and explain what’s motivated you to apply for this role. Explain why you want to work for the employer and why you want that specific role.
• Paragraph Two/three: Explain why you are suited to the role. Highlight your strengths, skills and experiences that are relevant. You can refer to sections of your CV but don’t just repeat what’s on there.
• Final paragraph: Conclusion. Draw everything together and end on a positive note.
• If you’re given instructions, follow them. Sometimes you’ll be given a word count or be told to write a cover letter no longer than one page of A4.
• Remember that your cover letter is a chance to show off your writing style and your ability to be concise. Do not ramble or write your letter like an academic essay.
• When outlining your skills, refer back to the job description to make it clear how your skills are relevant.
• If you’re sending a speculative application (applying for a role that isn’t being advertised) try to address your cover letter to a specific person. Letters addressed to the company or to ‘Sir/Madam’ are easily ignored. Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the name of the best person to contact.
• Proofread, and consider asking a family member or friend to check it. We can give you feedback on your cover letter but we do not provide a proofreading service. Use  Texthelp tools to get your computer to read out your answers to help you spot mistakes.
• If you are thinking of using AI (artificial intelligence) to write your cover letter, have a look at some of the things to consider as an applicant.

Speculative applications

A lot of jobs are never advertised; sometimes a job may even be created for you if you are the right person. Read our advice on sending speculative applications:

• In order to write a good speculative letter/email you will first need to do some research into the organisation you are writing to. This way you will be able to target your application to their needs and demonstrate your passion for the company, role and industry
• Catch the attention of the person you are writing to. Give them a clear reason to want to contact you and take things further. For example, demonstrate that you have relevant skills, perhaps through extra-curricular activities and explain how offering you work experience will be of benefit to them (not just you!). Include a web link to your best work if possible. Also demonstrate that you understand what they do as an organisation - perhaps mention an interest in the clients they work with/your enjoyment of a documentary they made/an article you read that resonated with you – ie really tailor the application to that particular organisation
• Be explicit about what you are asking for and what you can offer
• It is a good idea to write to a specific named individual. If necessary phone to clarify who the best person to contact would be before sending your letter/email. Company websites, X/Twitter and LinkedIn profiles may also be useful for this
• Follow it up! It’s a good idea to contact the organisation a week or two after you have sent it. Ask if they’ve had a chance to read it and whether there will be any opportunities for you. If not, find out if they know of anyone else you could approach for work experience opportunities
• Create an online presence: use social or professional networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Not only can you find out about companies in this way, they can find out about you! Use X/Twitter to follow individuals working in the roles you are interested in - this will help you keep up to date with their news, but could also lead to job opportunities (eg they could put out a last minute call for help if a runner lets them down). However, remember they can check you out online, so think about the impression you want to give and lock down your privacy settings of anything personal you wouldn’t want them to see.

Cover letter examples

• Sample cover letter  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter for a speculative application  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter and speculative work experience approach  on TARGETjobs
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Covering letters

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Submit a covering letter with your job application as a way of introducing yourself whilst highlighting your strengths and motivation for applying for the role and company. 

For most roles, aim for one A4 page with three or four paragraphs. 

Academic positions may require around two A4 pages, while senior roles can extend to up to five pages. 

Make a professional impression by using a proper greeting and closing in your covering letter. For example, Dear Hiring Manager, Yours sincerely (further information on formal letter writing can be found in the Resources section below). 

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by checking the job advert or contacting the company. 

Opening: Introduce yourself, mention where you found the job, and explain your reasons for applying. 

First paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role. Show your knowledge about the organisation and sector. Align your career aspirations with the company's values. 

Second paragraph: Match your skills and experiences to the job description. Highlight relevant examples and achievements. Emphasise transferable skills if you lack direct experience. 

Closing: Stay positive and showcase your suitability for the role. Convey enthusiasm and end with a closing statement like "I look forward to hearing from you soon." 

• Address a named person whenever possible. 
• Proofread for spelling and grammar - get feedback from friends, family, or your Careers Adviser. 
• Include a cover letter unless instructed otherwise. 
• Customise your letter for each role and company to avoid generic content. 
• Support your statements with examples using the STAR Technique .
• Let your enthusiasm shine through!

Further support

Get cover letter writing tips at the Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter  workshop or explore our Cover Letter LinkedIn Learning Pathway for ideas and inspiration.

Recommended by our careers advisers

• Writing a Covering Letter  (includes four examples)
• Prospects Cover Letters
• Target Jobs Cover Letters
• Balance Careers: Sample letter format
• Balance Careers: Closing a formal letter
• Jobs.ac.uk: Academic Cover Letters

Speak to a Careers Adviser

Get guidance from our friendly team of Advisers. Book an appointment  or call 0161 295 0023 (option 5, option 3). 

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Cover letters

Featured story, your cover letter.

Explain why your experience, skills and personal interest make you perfect for the job

Suggested structure

Dear …   (try to find out a named person)

First Paragraph State the job you are applying for and where you found out about it. Introduce yourself and say a little about your skills and experience.

Second Paragraph What do you know about the company and why do you want to work there? Why you are interested in this type of work? Research the company and their values, and relate them to your own. Third Paragraph Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation. Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job. Last Paragraph Thank  them, and mention any dates that you won't be available for interview.

Yours sincerely/faithfully,

What should I put in an email when attaching my CV?

Put your covering letter as the body of your email, and add your CV as an attachment. You could save your CV as a PDF, as the formatting cannot be changed, and it will appear exactly as you want it to on the employer’s screen. Stick to simple text with short paragraphs and plenty of spacing.

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Sample CVs and cover letters

We have a number of examples to help you get ideas of how a CV or cover letter can appear, but do not just copy these. To be successful, your CV and cover letter needs to be individual to you by reflecting your experience, skills and achievements.

It also needs to be targeted closely to the job or course you are applying for. So, make sure you've read all the advice on our webpages and thought about what you want your CV and cover letter to emphasise. Some of our CVs have added annotations to highlight how you can put our advice into practice. These can be viewed by selecting the CVs marked ‘annotated’.

Example CVs

• General CV [annotated]
• Academic CV [annotated]
• Postgraduate study CV [annotated]
• Finance CV [annotated]
• Skills based CV [annotated]
• Tailored international student's CV [annotated]
• Teaching CV [annotated]
• Tailored CV
• Part-time work (1 page)
• Technical CV
• Postgraduate researcher's CV (non-academic)
• Active words for CVs

Example CVs and complementary cover letters

• Skills-based CV and letter
• Public relations CV and letter
• CV with profile and letter
• Mature students’ CV and letter
• Part-time work CV (1 page) and letter
• Part-time work CV (2 pages) and letter
• Science PhD CV and letter

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• Cover letter and application Pathway
• Cover letter template
• Example cover letter
• Speculative cover letter

Sample Cover letter for a placement

[email protected]

07777 777 777

XX September 20XX

Dear recruiter/recruitment team,

Application for 12-month Professional Placement, reference number GEN-11

I was made aware of your industrial placement scheme following discussions over LinkedIn with two of your current placement holders. As a 2 nd Year student of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, I am looking to expand my professional horizons and I believe a placement in your firm would allow me to gain a better grasp of the industry and put my learning into practice. I can offer many of the skills you specify in your essential requirements, as outlined below.

Based on my LinkedIn research, I am conscious that your company puts great emphasis on safety and process efficiency. I feel this is a work ethic I can wholly embrace, as I have had to adjust to good lab practice and economical process design through my Year 1 studies. I was also very encouraged to read your online case study on addressing the ethical sourcing of feedstocks. My volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders has allowed me to see first-hand the societal damage done by processes which go around ethical guidelines, and I would be proud to work for a company which champions good practice in this area.

As mentioned above, I have carefully considered your essential and desirable requirements. Those which I feel are my strongest areas are analytical problem solving, innovative thinking and communicating across multiple levels. The first two were tested during my first year design project, which saw me selecting and rejecting different plant components based on design specifications. This included economic constraints, for which I designed a Pivot Table in Excel to compare and present options to my team. My outreach work as a STEM ambassador with local schools has meant adapting my communication style to fit my audience, be they A-level or primary school pupils. It has also taught me the value of good preparation and organisation, and the application of MS Office packages, also mentioned in your requirements.

Outside academia, I have had the opportunity to develop my team-working and self-motivation through volunteering, both as a class rep at university and with EWB (above). Though I have not yet secured full-time work experience in engineering, I have sought out opportunities to shadow process engineers in the industry. This had to move to online discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I was still able to add to my experience during this time. This has given me valuable insight into the need to adopt more sustainable approaches, as well as needing to get up to speed with new concepts and processes quickly.

In summary, I hope I have shown that I meet the criteria you have set out in your Person Specification, particularly with regard to analytics, innovation and communication. I am confident that a placement in your company would give me the foundation to build my industrial career. I am available for interview online or in person at your convenience, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

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Careers Service, The University of Manchester

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How to write a cover letter

Find out how to write a cover letter to accompany your CV.

Book a place at a CV and applications workshop where you will be guided through what to include.

go to careerhub

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send to an employer alongside your CV. It is your chance to show an employer how you meet the criteria for the role you are applying for. Your cover letter should be tailored to the role and organisation you are applying to. 

It should be presented as a formal letter and be no longer than one page. 

What to include

Your cover letter should include four main paragraphs, which details: 

• an introduction – who you are and why you are writing, with some background about whether you are a student or a graduate
• why you have applied for this job and are interested in the organisation – demonstrate that you have done some research on their website and know what they do, giving an example of an aspect of their work that particularly impresses you
• how you meet their requirements – use the job advert to structure your bullet points and show how you fulfil them. Start your bullet point with a positive word and then the skill before giving an example to demonstrate it
• what you want to happen next – reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and organisation, and say when you are available for interview.

You should address your letter to a named person or use Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Recruiter, if you don ’ t have a name.  

Close your letter with Yours sincerely if you are writing to a named person or Yours faithfully if you are writing to Dear Sir/Madam.

Download an example  cover letter  to help guide you. 

If you are applying for an academic or non-academic role following a PhD,  see our example of a cover letter . 

Sending a speculative cover letter 

If the industry you want to get into is highly competitive, roles may not be formally advertised. In this case, you may decide to send a cover letter and CV to the them in advance, this is called a speculative cover letter.

Like a standard cover letter, your letter should be persuasive and outline why you are interested in the organisation and what you can offer them. 

Example 

Download a   speculative covering letter .

Telling an employer about a disability

You may choose to tell the employer about your disability on your cover letter, or you may decide to tell them later in the application process e.g. at interview. See an  example cover letter  from Prospects. 

Find out more about your disability rights .

More support

We have partnered with  EmployAbility  to provide students with disabilities and long-term health conditions with individualised advice and support. The EmployAbility team will also advocate for you with an employer to ensure you receive the adjustments you need.

Further help and advice

If you need futher help and advice while writing your cover letter,  Ask a Question  in CareerHub.  

See more from How to apply for a job

How to write a cover letter

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What is a cover letter and why is it important?

When do you need a cover letter, how should you structure your cover letter, what should go in your cover letter.

A cover letter is a letter that you write about yourself and submit alongside your CV when applying for a job. Within it, you explain why you’re the right candidate for that role, based on your experience and skills. 

A potential employer might use a cover letter as an introduction to you before moving on to your CV, so it’s important to make a strong impression.

Just like you would tailor your CV to the specific role you’re applying for, you should write a cover letter with a particular job in mind. The concise structure of a CV can make it hard to stand out. But the structure of a cover letter gives you more room to showcase your skills and personality. 

A job application will tell you whether you need to include a cover letter or not. Most applications do ask you to, or some may get you to fill out some online questions instead. You probably won’t need a cover letter for a part-time job as a student, for example.

If a job description doesn’t say anything about a cover letter, play it safe and include one just in case. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show you’ve gone the extra mile.

A cover letter should be roughly one side of A4 and broken up into short paragraphs so it’s easy to read. Just like your CV, stick to a sensible font type, size, and colour.

Ideally, you should submit it as a PDF version with a clear filename, so it always looks the same regardless of the device it’s opened on.

Contact details

You should include the same contact information at the top of your cover letter as you would for your CV, in case it gets separated.

• phone number
• email address

Who to address your cover letter to

Ideally, you want to address your cover letter to the specific person who will be reading it. The job listing should say who this is. This might someone who works in HR or the person you will report to if you get the job.

If the job listing doesn’t clarify who this is, don’t be afraid to get in touch directly by phone or email. This shows initiative and is an early opportunity to make a personal connection, which can work in your favour.

If you’re struggling to find an individual to address your cover letter to, you should write ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ instead.

Clarify the role you're applying to

Begin by stating the role you are applying for. Sometimes it can be useful to say how you heard about the role, whether it was on a particular website or through someone you know..

I am writing to apply for the Data Analyst position in your organisation, as advertised on your website.

Now you’ve clarified the role you’re applying for; you can highlight why you’re the right candidate for it.

Describe yourself and your experience

Next, say who you are – easy, right? You don’t need to tack on any bells and whistles.

If you’re a school or college student applying for a part-time job, say where you go to school, what year you’re in, and what you’re studying. You may want to drop in your future plans (if you have any).

I’m in my second year of my A-levels at St John’s College, studying English, biology, and drama. I've received a conditional offer from the University of Sussex to study English and drama in September.

If you’re a graduate applying for your first job out of uni – say where you’ve graduated from, your qualification and grade.

I’m a graduate of the University of Sussex with a first class bachelor’s degree in English and Drama.

If you've taken a gap year, include what you did and how this has made you a stronger candidate for the role.

For example

I’ve spent the last six months volunteering in Ethiopia, leading a missionary programme – a role that’s been personally fulfilling, and has equipped me with a range of skills that I’m excited to bring to a role like this, including motivating a team and problem-solving.

If you’re currently working and applying for another job, outline the field you’ve been working in, including some of your key responsibilities.

I’ve been working in digital marketing for a charity for the past three years. My main responsibilities are email marketing, social media management, and content creation.

By highlighting a few of the areas you’ve been involved with, you may be kept in mind for another role if you're unsuccessful here.

Why you’re looking for a new role

You will want to touch on why you’re applying to this role, especially if you’re currently employed. Below are some tips about tailoring this to the role you're applying to.

• Do you want to move into a new field? Perhaps one that you’ve had a taste of and really enjoyed? 
• Do you want to do the same role, but in a different sector, such as moving from a commercial business to a charity? 
• Are you looking for more responsibility which you can’t get in your current role to progress on to a long-term goal? 
• Have your personal circumstances changed? An example would be relocating to be closer to family.

Demonstrate your key achievements

Now it’s time to show what you’ve done or achieved up to now, and how this makes you the perfect fit for the role in question (including any standout achievements or stats to back this up).

Don’t forget to relate these to the key skills or knowledge that have been set out in the job description and use the extra space to elaborate on these. Don’t just repeat your CV word for word.

• If you’re a school/college student applying for a part-time job or a degree apprenticeship, what have you achieved in your studies that demonstrates these key skills?
• Have you won any awards or come top in your year in your exams – this would show your work ethic. Have you headed up any clubs or societies where you’ve had to be organised, or lead by example?
• Are you involved in any societies or sports teams where you’ve worked closely with and motivated others?
• Have you completed any volunteering or internships?

As editor of the university newspaper, I was responsible for overseeing the production of over 40 issues, including sourcing exciting new contributors and managing strict budgets. In that time, the paper won several awards for its investigation into X.

If you’re currently working and applying for another job, you’ll have already mentioned the general areas you have experience in, but now it’s time to highlight the impact you’ve made.

After just a few months of completing the company’s graduate scheme, I was promoted to the role of account manager for several clients across different sectors, involving planning, implementing, and reporting on all their paid display activity. While it was challenging, I’ve continued to meet key targets. My ability to manage clients’ expectations satisfactorily was pulled out as a key strength in a recent client review survey.

You might want to back this up with key statistics:

One client has seen sign-ups climb 31% in a year since I’ve led on their account, resulting in a 5% growth in annual revenue.

Or being part of a project that's been big news in your field.

I was part of the team that worked on Project X, which received critical acclaim within the X industry. I was specifically responsible for overseeing X, Y, and Z in this project. This wonderful experience early in my career was capped off by winning an X award for Y.

Why that company/organisation/field?

This is your opportunity to show you’ve taken some initiative, done your research, and are passionate about getting this role especially. You want to prove this isn’t just another application you’ve churned out. Is there something about this role that makes it stand out from similar roles elsewhere?

The chance to apply my skills and collaborate with Dr Jane Smith and her team is one I couldn’t let slip. Also, the opportunities to grow in this organisation through X, Y, and Z fill me with confidence.

Is the organisation entering a particularly significant period that you’re keen to be a part of (and most importantly, that you feel you can contribute to in a big way)?

The organisation’s expansion into South America is something I would be thrilled to be a part of. My sixth-month stint in Mexico delivering the X project gave me a whole new perspective on this market but was all too short. Returning to the continent with the experience I now have would be a fresh, exciting challenge.

Is the role or organisation involved in something you’re personally invested in?

A family member’s recent experience with X has given me a whole new appreciation of the work Y do. I have been volunteering for Z for the past six months, something that has been a great source of fulfilment. To contribute further in a professional capacity would be all the more rewarding, while I believe my distinctive perspective would benefit the work I do and the organisation as a result.

This is where it may help to mention any ambitions or goals you have for the future, although be careful not to take your eye off the role you’re applying for.

Conclusion: reiterate with impact

Finish up with a short, punchy conclusion reiterating some of the key aspects you’ve outlined above.

Do this in a way that will make an employer excited to meet you for an interview (or at least get across your enthusiasm to meet them and learn more about the role).

If you’ve addressed your cover letter to a specific individual, sign off with ‘Yours sincerely.' If you don’t know the name of the recipient, stick to ‘Yours faithfully.'

You might also like to read

How to write a cv, how to prepare for an interview, sponsored articles ucas media service, how to find a job, top tips on funding and scholarships, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter.

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Cover letters

Personal statements.

A cover letter will often accompany your CV when you are applying for a work or study opportunity. So even if you spend lots of time perfecting your CV, your application can still be affected by the quality of your cover letter. It is therefore important that you take time to create a well-structured cover letter targeted to each and every opportunity you apply for. View some examples of cover letters on the Target Jobs website .

The purpose

• To encourage an employer to read the accompanying CV or application form
• To draw together relevant facts from your CV or application form and shape them to the needs of the employer; demonstrating your ability to do the job/course
• If speculative: to explain why you are sending your CV

If you are asked to send a ‘letter of application’, you might treat this as an extended cover letter. The tips provided in these pages will also help you to construct this type of letter.

Preparation

• Research the company or organisation using resources such as the company or organisation's website, recent news articles or their social media.
• Thoroughly research the role/course you are applying for including the main duties and responsibilities of the opportunity are or what modules and projects are available throughout the course
• Identify aspects of the role or course that are most important to you
• The length of a cover letter should be about one side of A4, using a font of no smaller than 11. Using a matching font and style to your CV gives your application a coherent and professional look. If the employer is asking for a lot of information and you can’t fit it onto one side, don’t reduce the font size any smaller – it’s better to go over two sides in a readable font than squeeze your information onto one side
• Occasionally you may be asked for a handwritten cover letter. As handwriting generally is larger than typed text, it is usually OK to go onto two pages

A top tip we can offer is to tailor your cover letter for each application. You can adapt information you cut and paste from previous applications, however be very careful that it is appropriate to the job you are applying for.

When planning, consider the following points:

• What are your key strengths in relation to the opportunity?
• What has motivated you to pursue this opportunity?
• You may need to illustrate how your skills satisfy the requirements (e.g. Leadership, Team work, Communication) so think of some examples of where you will have demonstrated these (such as work experience, university experiences, volunteering, Leicester Award, Internships, interests, hobbies)
• What differentiates this job and company to you from their competitors?

Writing your first draft

Make sure that your cover letter/statement has a clear structure, so that the employer can easily recognise what you are addressing. We suggest using a structure similar to this:

I.C.M.E Structure

I – Introduction: A brief opening to introduce yourself and outlining the position or opportunity you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.

C – Capability: One to two paragraphs that explains why you are suitable for the role. You should refer to the job/course description and demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the opportunity.

M – Motivation: One to two paragraphs that detail why you are interested in the company/institution and the position/study. Make sure you are specific and demonstrate that you have done your research.

E – Ending: A couple of lines that thank the reader for his/her time and state that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Refer back to the specific course or job requirements.

Use subheadings and bullet points to highlight key information and help your cover letter stand out by using direct, positive and appropriate language.

TOP TIP: Expressing things more positively can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful application. Below are a few examples:

• “I am a good communicator” rather than “I feel that I am a good communicator”
• “I have excellent communication skills” rather than “Some people have told me I am good at communicating”
• “During this experience I successfully managed seven people” rather than “During this experience I had to manage seven people”

Proof-reading and amending

After all the time and effort you have spent developing your cover letter, it would be a shame to send it before you have proof-read and thoroughly checked it through. To make absolutely sure, get someone else to read it – the best of writers miss mistakes in their own work due to familiarity with the text.

Using MyCareers

How to access MyCareers as a graduate.

Learn more about Linkedin and how you can write a great profile.

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