Not sure how to sell your application? We’ve got you covered…
Let’s be honest: when you’re scrolling through a job application and see ‘cover letter optional’, there’s a very strong temptation to skip it. Writing a CV is hard enough without having to produce a personal essay to go alongside it, right?
But treating the cover letter as an afterthought is one of the biggest mistakes jobseekers make. While your CV provides the hard facts of your career history, the cover letter is the colour commentary. It’s the personality, the pitch, and the handshake before you’ve even entered the room.
Here’s everything you need to know about cover letters, including what they are and why they’re important:
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“A cover letter is your chance to bring your application to life. It should complement your CV by telling the story behind your experience, such as why you’re excited about the role, how your skills align, and what makes you a great fit for the team. Use it to highlight your key achievements and show genuine enthusiasm.”
Simon Millar, Permanents Consultant | Reed
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit alongside your CV.
Unlike a CV, which is factual and bullet-pointed, a cover letter is a written narrative. It’s specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for, allowing you to highlight the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for that specific role.
It’s your chance to tell a story, explain any gaps in your employment, and show a bit of enthusiasm that a list of grades and job titles just can’t convey.
Why is a cover letter important?
You might be wondering, ‘If my CV is good enough, why do I need to write a letter?’
To put it simply, your cover letter is the easiest and most effective way to stand out from the crowd. Recruiters might see dozens of CVs with similar qualifications to yours. The cover letter is your differential.
It brings something extra to the table. Through this document, an employer learns about your communication style, your attention to detail, and your genuine interest in the company. It allows you to connect the dots between your past experience and their future needs.
Plus, let’s face it – personality counts. People hire people, not just skills. A well-written letter gives the hiring manager a glimpse of the human behind the application.
Cover letter examples and samples
What to put in a cover letter
Although cover letters are a lot less rigid than CVs, there are still some non-negotiables. You can’t just ramble on about your hobbies or copy-paste your entire CV.
Here are the essential elements of a winning cover letter:
The basics
Start with your personal details (name, email, phone number) and, if you can find it, the hiring manager’s name. Addressing a specific person always beats ‘To whom it may concern’.
The hook
Open strong. State clearly why you are writing and where you found the vacancy. Avoid generic openers like ‘I am writing to apply for…’. Instead, try something dynamic that shows your enthusiasm for the company.
The pitch
This is where you explain why you’re suitable for the job. Don’t just list skills; give examples of how you’ve used them. If the job description asks for leadership, tell a brief story about a time you led a team to success.
The value add
What can you do for the company? This isn’t just about what you want (a job); it’s about what they get (a solution to their problem).
The close
Finish with a strong closing statement. Reiterate your interest and thank the recruiter for their time.
If you need a step-by-step breakdown of how to construct these paragraphs, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter or download our free cover letter template.
View all cover letter help & tips
How long should a cover letter be?
Recruiters are busy people. They don’t have time to read your autobiography, no matter how gripping chapter three is.
So, how long should a cover letter be? Ideally, aim for around half a page of A4. And as for how many words should be in a cover letter, aim for between 250 and 400 words.
It needs to be long enough to be persuasive, but short enough to be respectful of the reader’s time. Keep it punchy, relevant, and to the point.
What does a cover letter look like?
Presentation matters. You wouldn’t turn up to an interview in a wrinkled shirt, so don’t send a messy cover letter. Think: clean, professional, and easy to read.
- Font: Stick to professional, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
- Spacing: Use plenty of white space. Break up large blocks of text into shorter paragraphs – usually 3 – 4 paragraphs is plenty.
- Consistency: Ensure your cover letter formatting matches your CV template. They should look like a matching set.
Are cover letters necessary?
The short answer? Yes.
The slightly longer answer? You should always submit a cover letter with your CV unless the application instructions specifically say not to.
Even if the job advert says a cover letter is ‘optional’, writing one shows you’re serious. It shows you’re willing to go the extra mile. In a competitive job market, being the candidate who put in the effort vs. the candidate who did the bare minimum can be the deciding factor.
Are cover letters necessary for every single job? Perhaps not for very casual, temporary work. But for career roles? Absolutely. It’s your first opportunity to build a relationship with your future employer.
How to: Overcome common cover letter problems
Can I use a cover letter template?
Yes. Yes you can.
In fact, we highly recommend it. Using a template ensures your formatting is spot on and helps you structure your thoughts so you don’t miss anything important. It takes the ‘blank page fear’ out of the equation.
Luckily, we know where there are some pretty good ones. Whether you’re a recent graduate, looking for a career change, or just need a standard professional layout, we’ve got you covered:
- Free cover letter template
- Graduate cover letter template
- Career change cover letter template
- Part-time cover letter template
- School leaver cover letter template
- Career break cover letter template
View all cover letter templates
Frequently asked questions
Is a cover letter the same as a CV?
Not quite. Your CV is a record of your work experience, skills, and qualifications – basically, the ‘what’ of your career. Your cover letter, on the other hand, is the ‘why.’ It’s your chance to show a bit of personality, explain why you want the role, and highlight which experience makes you a great fit. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job?
You definitely shouldn’t. Recruiters can spot a generic, copy-paste letter a mile away. It’s fine to have a ‘master version’ that you use as a base, but you must tailor the opening, the specific skills you mention, and the company details for every single application.
What if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
If you’ve checked LinkedIn and the company website and still can’t find a name, don’t panic. ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear [Department] Team’ is perfectly acceptable.
Do I need to include my address?
Traditionally, yes. However, in the digital age, simply including your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile URL is often sufficient. If you are applying for a remote role, listing your city and country is helpful for time zone purposes.
What is the best opening line for a cover letter?
The best opening lines are the ones that show genuine enthusiasm for the job and company. Try something simple and direct, like, “I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] because…” Bonus points if you add a quick fact about why you’re passionate about the industry or team.
Final thoughts
Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It’s simply a tool to help you sell your skills and tell your story.
By keeping it concise, tailoring it to the role, and injecting a little bit of professional personality, you can transform your application from ‘just another PDF’ into a compelling pitch that demands an interview.
So, the next time you see that ‘upload cover letter’ box? Don’t skip it.
Five things you need to stop doing on your cover letter
Still searching for your perfect position? Try our free cover letter template, or view all available jobs now
