Writing cover letters
You should send a cover letter when you apply for a job with a CV. Write it as a formal letter and attach it to the email along with your CV.
If you have less work experience on your CV, your cover letter can improve your application.
Aim to write half a page unless you're asked to do more. Cover everything that’s relevant, but keep the recruiter interested.
Standard cover letter
Use a standard cover letter for sectors like business, law, accountancy and retail.
Dear [insert name],
I am keen to apply for the [insert job title] position at [insert organisation name] as I have the skills and experience to fulfil this role to a good standard.
I can bring [insert your skills] and experience, which I gained working for organisations including [insert organisations].
Please find attached my CV for the post advertised [insert job advert location] on [insert date].
In my most recent role as a [insert job title] at [insert organisation name], I was responsible for [list relevant responsibilities]. This has equipped me with [discuss skills].
The nature of my [insert degree or course] has prepared me for this role. It involved independent research, initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. An understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential during my education.
I feel I have the enthusiasm and determination to succeed in this role. I would be very grateful for the opportunity, and I am available to take this position immediately.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
[contact details]
Present yourself positively
Disabled people face discrimination in the job market.
Disability discrimination at work
A short, powerful cover letter can help dispel any concerns that the employer may have. Be honest, do your research and take your time.
Use your cover letter to show your best self and to tell your story. You should include:
- who you are and what you can do for the company
- how you can do the job
- how you fit into the organisation
Describe the journey that you took to get to this point. Tell the recruiter why you're the right person for this job and how you're ready to step into it.
Describe who you are and what you can do
Research the company and role. Make sure you can answer these questions:
- What does the company do?
- What does the role involve?
- What essential skills do they want?
- Which skills do you have?
Being interested in and knowing about the company and role will help you to write a strong cover letter. It will also help if you get an interview.
Tell them how you can do the job
Use specific examples from past relevant employment if you have them. Link these directly to the job you are applying for. If you have less or no experience, use examples of skills from outside paid work.
Start by making a list of skills you can choose from. Present your skills positively, but be truthful and try not to exaggerate.
Choose skills that you think are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. When you mention a skill in your cover letter, add some detail and context that will explain why you are a good candidate. For example:
- Can you use Photoshop?
- What can you do with it?
- When did you use it?
- What did you do with it?
It’s fine to use an example from outside paid work if that’s the best way for you to prove that you have a particular skill.
Use the STAR method
STAR stands for
- situation: the situation you had to deal with
- task: the task you were given to do
- action: the action you took
- result: what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience
The STAR method (National Careers Service)
Here are some examples.
Retail
Retail skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Using a till | Using a till volunteering at a charity shop |
| Customer service | Charity fundraising, selling poppies for Remembrance Day, reception work |
| Stock rotation and control | Managing a kitchen, your own or someone else's. Recording what food you've got in and using it before best before dates. |
IT for clerical and administrative work
IT skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Word, emails, calendar | School work, life planning, using iCal or Google Calendar on your phone |
| Using websites and online forums | Any time you've engaged with online services. This could be with the council, government agencies, school or college work |
| Excel | Shopping lists, home budgeting |
Paper-based admin
Paper-based admin skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Filing | Organising anything alphabetically, for example by surname. |
Domestic work
Skills for domestic work and examples you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Childcare | Babysitting, childminding (not your own children) |
| Cleaning | Managing your own household, gardening. |
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Communication skills | Any time you've had to listen closely and speak clearly face to face or on the phone. This could be talking to people in shops, family members, support workers. |
| Building and maintaining relationships | Talking to your child's teachers, support or care workers and neighbours. Also, being able to make new friends. |
Managing people and delegating work
Example of a skill relating to managing people and delegating work and an example you can use to demonstrate them
| Skill | Example |
| Helping people to organise any kind of community event. | Helping to organise decorations for a street party. |
Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do
This can mean presenting information in a positive way or leaving out things if they're not relevant.
Example of a positive and negative interview response
| Negative | Positive |
| At present I do not feel able to offer 40 hours per week. I would be able to work up to 18 hours per week and would welcome the opportunity to learn and show what I can do. | I will be able to work up to 18 hours per week and live locally so could also accept a work placement. |
If you've recently become disabled
Focus on what the employer wants now, and what you can do now. Your CV will cover what you’ve done in the past, but your cover letter is your living story.
Formatting
Your cover letter should be concise and well-presented. Use clear paragraphs written in a font such as Arial. Do not use multiple colours, pictures or Word art.
Language
Be formal but natural when writing your letter. Imagine that you're speaking to your grandmother or a teacher. Do not copy and paste someone else's cover letter from Google. It will not be your story and employers can tell.
Structure
Addressing your cover letter
Address your letter to the person who is managing applications. This information should be in the job advert. If it is not, try to find out by tracking it down on the company website or LinkedIn. If you cannot find it, call and ask. You'll be able to address your letter properly and show that you're keen.
If you find a name, start the letter with 'Dear [person's name]'. Otherwise, 'Dear [name of company]' is fine.
First paragraph: State why you are getting in touch
As well as saying why you're getting in touch, it's also good to mention where you found out about the job. For example, say "as advertised on reed.co.uk" or mention someone's name if they referred you. Include the job reference number if you can.
Second paragraph: Say why you are suitable for the job
Briefly describe your professional and academic qualifications that are relevant to the role. Cover each of the skills listed in the job description.
Third paragraph: Tell them what you can do for them
Write about what you can do for the company. Talk about your career goals and make these relevant to the position you're applying for. Provide examples from your CV that prove you have the skills that they need.
Fourth paragraph: Sum up why you’re the right person for the job
Summarise why you're interested in the role and why you would be the right fit. Finish by saying that you'd like to meet the employer for an interview.
Signing off your cover letter
Use "Yours sincerely" if you know the name of the hiring manager, or "Yours faithfully" if you do not. Follow this with your full name. You may also wish to include your email address and phone number.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 28/10/2024
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