How to write a cover letter that gets read
A cover letter has one job: to make the person reading your application want to look at your CV. Recruiters often read dozens a day, so a short, specific letter beats a long, general one every time.
Keep it to three or four short paragraphs, under one page. Say which job you’re applying for, show one or two results that prove you can do it, explain why you want to work for this employer, and close politely.
Tips for using these templates
- 1
Make the achievement specific. Numbers help: “grew sign-ups by 40%” is far stronger than “helped with marketing”.
- 2
Research the company. Your “why this company” line should be something you could only say about them: a product, a value or a recent piece of news.
- 3
Use a name if you can. A named hiring manager feels more personal. If you can’t find one, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.
- 4
Match the job advert. Use the skills the advert asks for as your key skills, in the same words.
- 5
Read it aloud. Then adjust any line that doesn’t sound like you. A template is a starting point, not the finished letter.
All 3 cover letter templates
Experienced professional
For applying to a role like the one you do now, or a step up.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company]. With [Years of experience] years of experience as [Your current or most recent role], I have built strong skills in [Key skill] and [Second skill], and I would welcome the chance to bring them to your team. In my current role, [One achievement]. I am proud of that result because it shows how I work: I focus on outcomes, I work closely with the people around me, and I keep looking for better ways to do things. I am drawn to [Company] because of [Why this company]. I am confident that my experience in [Key skill] would let me make a real contribution from early on. Thank you for considering my application. I would be glad to discuss how I could help [Company], and I am available for an interview at your convenience. Kind regards, [Your name]
Career changer
For moving into a new field, with skills that transfer.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the [Job title] role at [Company]. After [Years of experience] years in [Your previous field], I am moving into this field, and the skills I have built, especially [Key skill] and [Second skill], transfer directly to this role. My move is a deliberate one. [Why you’re changing career, and how you’ve prepared] In my previous work, [One achievement]. That experience gave me a practical understanding of what it takes to deliver results, which I am keen to bring to [Company]. I am particularly interested in [Company] because of [Why this company]. I would welcome the chance to show how a fresh perspective, backed by solid experience, can add value to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, [Your name]
Graduate or entry-level
For your first role after school, college or university.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company]. I recently graduated from [University or college] with a [Degree], and I am eager to start my career in a role where I can use my skills in [Key skill] and [Second skill]. During my studies, [A project, internship or role from your studies]. This gave me hands-on experience and showed me how much I enjoy this kind of work. I am keen to join [Company] because of [Why this company]. I learn quickly, I take feedback well, and I am ready to contribute from day one. Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss it with you at an interview. Kind regards, [Your name]
Spend less time on applications
SwiftHunts finds jobs that match you, writes a tailored cover letter and CV for each one, and sends the applications for you.