Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
Eighteen easy tips to write a cover letter that gets read, so you stand out kindly and clearly.
Short and personal. Say why you.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why a cover letter helps
A good letter shows you care, explains your fit and adds a human voice to your CV.
Write one.
Address a real person
Find the name of the hiring manager if you can. A name feels personal.
Find a name.
Start with a warm hook
Mention something you like about the company. A real hook shows research.
Write a hook.
Keep it to one page
Three or four short paragraphs are enough. Short letters get read.
Keep short.
Show how you fit
Link your skills to their needs. Match two or three points.
Match points.
Share one story or result
A short story proves your skill. Pick one that fits the job.
Add a story.
Be kind and honest
Use warm and clear words. Avoid big claims.
Be genuine.
End with a friendly close
Say you would love to talk and thank them. Keep it simple.
Close kindly.
Script: hook
I have followed your work on community learning, and I am inspired by your approach. Write it warmly.
Use it.
Script: fit
My experience in teaching and writing fits the role of training assistant. Write it clearly.
Use it.
Script: close
Thank you for your time, I would love to talk about how I can help. Write it kindly.
Use it.
Mistake: repeating the CV
The letter should add something new, so tell a story.
Add new things.
Mistake: writing too long
Long letters tire readers, so be brief.
Be brief.
Troubleshoot: when you do not know the name
Use Dear Hiring Team and make the rest warm.
Use the team name.
Troubleshoot: when you feel shy bragging
Share facts and thanks from others. Facts speak softly.
Use facts.
Drill: write a draft in twenty minutes
Set a timer and draft a letter, then edit once.
Write fast.
Drill: read it aloud
Read your letter aloud and fix awkward lines.
Read aloud.
Open with what excites you
Say why you want this role with real feeling. Warmth sets you apart.
Write a warm line.
Mention a person you spoke to
If someone at the company helped you, name them. A link builds trust.
Add a name.
Keep a friendly, simple tone
Write as you would speak to a respected neighbour. Avoid stiff language.
Read it aloud.
End with a clear next step
Say you would love to talk and thank them. Clear closings feel confident.
Write a close.
Example: the teacher to trainer
Mia wrote about teaching adults on weekends and loving it. She was invited to interview.
Share your link.
Example: the career changer
Tom linked his old customer skills to the new role in three lines. It worked.
Link skills.
Mistake: starting with I am writing to apply
It is dull. Start with your reason or a sentence about them.
Rewrite the start.
Troubleshoot: when you have no letter template
Use this shape: why them, why you, one story, thank you.
Use the shape.
Drill: write letters for two different roles
Notice how the second letter is faster to write.
Write two.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Dear Ms Lee.”
“I loved your new project.”
“My skills match your needs.”
“Here is one result.”
“Thank you for reading.”
“I would love to talk.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Research the company
Find the contact name
Write the hook
Show fit
Add proof
End kindly
Proofread
Further reading
- What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
- The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Finding the Job You Want”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Write a Clear CVNext: Polish Your Online Profile →
- Find Your Strengths and Interests
- Describe Your Ideal Job
- Research Roles and Companies
- Write a Clear CV
- Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
- Polish Your Online Profile
- Use Your Network to Find Jobs
- Talk to People in Jobs You Like
- Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
- Handle Rejection in a Job Search
- Keep a Weekly Job-Search Plan
- Look After Your Energy
