A cover letter is a single page of writing that accompanies your CV. Its purpose is not to repeat what is on your CV — it is to explain why you want this specific role at this specific organisation, and what makes you well suited to it. Recruiters read hundreds of cover letters. The ones that stand out are specific, well-structured, and honest. This guide walks you through every paragraph with a clear framework and example.
Do you always need a cover letter?
Not always — some online application forms replace the cover letter entirely. But when a cover letter is requested or optional, always submit one. A strong cover letter can move a borderline application into the interview pile. An absent one where one was expected will often remove you from consideration.
The basic structure
A professional cover letter has four sections: (1) Opening — state the role you are applying for and where you found it. (2) Why this organisation — one specific, well-researched reason you want to work there. (3) Why you — your most relevant experience, achievement, or skill, evidenced concisely. (4) Closing — express enthusiasm, confirm your availability, and thank them for considering your application. Keep to one page, roughly 300–400 words.
Paragraph one: the opening
Start by naming the role and how you found it. Keep it brief — one to two sentences. Avoid: "I am writing to apply for the position of..." — this is obvious and wastes the reader's time. Better: "I am applying for the Summer Internship in Investment Banking at [Firm], which I found via Nentra. I am a second-year Economics student at the University of Exeter with a particular interest in capital markets."
Paragraph two: why this organisation
This is where most cover letters fail. Candidates write generic statements about the organisation's reputation or size. Recruiters can spot this immediately. Instead, mention one specific thing: a live deal, a published piece of research, a programme the firm runs, a recent initiative, or something you learned in a conversation with someone at the firm. Show that you have paid attention. Example: "I am particularly drawn to [Firm] because of your recent advisory work on [specific transaction or project], which I read about in the FT. The way your team structured the cross-border element of that deal reflects the kind of complex, high-stakes work I am hoping to develop skills in."
Paragraph three: why you
Do not list everything on your CV. Pick one or two relevant experiences or achievements and explain them in two to three sentences. Include what you did, what you achieved, and how it connects to the role. Example: "During my summer at [Company], I analysed customer data for a pricing review and presented findings to the commercial team. The resulting change was implemented and contributed to a 4% margin improvement. This experience confirmed my interest in working at the intersection of analysis and business strategy."
Paragraph four: the closing
Close confidently and briefly. Thank them for their consideration. Note your availability for interview. Avoid ending weakly ("I hope you will consider my application") — instead try: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further and am available for interview at any time convenient to you."
Formatting and proofreading
Use the same font as your CV. Address the letter to a named person if you can find one — check the job posting, LinkedIn, or the firm's website. If unknown, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruitment Team". Sign off "Yours sincerely" (named recipient) or "Yours faithfully" (unnamed). Save as PDF. Proofread twice — first for content, then for spelling and grammar. Ask someone else to read it if possible.
Checklist
- Named the specific role and how you found it
- Included one specific, researched reason for choosing this organisation
- Evidenced one relevant achievement or experience with a concrete outcome
- Kept to one page (300–400 words)
- Addressed to a named person where possible
- Proofread for spelling, grammar, and consistency
- Saved as PDF with professional filename
Common mistakes to avoid
- Opening with "I am writing to apply for..." — it is obvious
- Describing the employer's reputation with no specifics
- Repeating the CV line by line rather than adding context
- Exceeding one page
- Using the same letter for every application without tailoring