How to write a cover letter

A good cover letter can help you get a job interview by convincing an employer that you have the skills to do the job. It will also demonstrate your written communication skills.

Include contact details

Your details

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone and mobile numbers
  • Email address.

Employer's details

  • Name
  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Address.
Opening and closing the letter

Employer's name known

  • Dear Mr/Mrs (name)
  • Yours sincerely (your signature and name).

Name unknown

  • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Your faithfully (your signature and name).

Content

ParagraphDetails
1. Purpose of your letter If replying to an ad, include the job title and reference/job number (if known). Perhaps say how you found out about the job. Sound enthusiastic about wanting the job.

If enquiring about potential work, briefly include your current career circumstances and specialised professional abilities. Be specific about the type of job you are interested in.
2. Why you want this job Explain how your qualification and career plan match the job.

The details you provide should show that you know what the job, company and industry want.
3. Your specialist skills that are relevant to the job Describe your specialist skills. Give examples to support your claims.

Briefly describe your course (if not finished include your finishing date), majors or specialisations and results if they are strong.
4. Your general skills that are relevant to the job List your general skills such as communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork, initiative and enterprise, problem solving, planning and organising, self-management, technology.

Give examples from your university team projects, paid work, voluntary work, community activities or sport.
5. Closing Refer to your resume and any attachments.

Say you are interested in an interview and say when you are available. For cold contact letters, say when you will call to follow up.

Finish on a positive note and thank the employer for their time.

Format and style

  • One A4 typed page with margins not too narrow
  • 10-12 point standard fonts (eg Times New Roman, Arial)
  • Plain business English (avoid abbreviations, jargon and slang)
  • 100% accurate spelling and grammar
  • Short sentences
  • Clear structure - one main idea per paragraph
  • White space between paragraphs
  • A positive tone (do not include your weaknesses)

Check the document

Resources

Sample cover letters

Defining your general skills

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