Tips on writing great cover letters

• Each letter should match the job. Do not send a standard letter under any circumstances!
• Avoid copying directly from models of covering letters that you think look good. Use your own words.
• Always keep a copy of everything you send to a company when making a job application. This will be useful later – for example, during your interview preparation.

To write a good cover letter, you need to research both the job and the employer.

• You can research the job by reading the job description. If the job description is not part of the advertisement, try calling the employer and asking for a copy.
• You can research the employer by looking at their website, brochures, business directories, annual reports, and news.

Required skills and personal qualities

• Look at the employer's requirements, and write down those that are skills, and those that are personal qualities.
• Decide which of these are 'essential' (must have these for the job), and which are 'preferred' (ideal, but negotiable).
• Brainstorm the skills you believe you have that match those required by the employer. Describe any additional skills you believe could also be relevant. See Identify your skills.

• Use a word processing program to type your cover letter, such as Microsoft Word. The exception to this rule is if the employer asks you to handwrite it.
• Use the same style of font and quality of paper as you use for your CV.
• Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Remember to sign the cover letter if you are sending a hard copy.

• Use clear, correct language.
• Avoid mistakes in your spelling or grammar!
• Get someone to proof-read it for you.

• Demonstrate that you have done some research about the company.
• Provide a confident ending with details on how they can best contact you.

View a suggested layout for a cover letter here:

• Attend a workshop.
• A careers consultant can check your cover letter ('drop in' consultation - no appointment is necessary). Learn how Career Development and Employment Services can help you.