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Getting them to read your cover letter for job application
An effective and focused covering letter is an integral part of many application processes and you will
certainly use one if you are applying by CV. The idea is that a persuasive covering letter introduces your
CV and says why you want to work for that employer and what you have to offer.
Writing, “I would like to apply for a role with your organisation and I enclose (or attach) my CV” is not
going to get you anywhere. Fortunately, the rules of writing a good cover letter for job application are not complicated.
There is also no such thing as a ‘generic cover letter’ as your cover letter should be personalised and tailored to each company and role you apply for. In this, article we will explore how you can write best cover letter for job application with few demo cover letters.
Top Tips to write cover letter for job application
- Your cover letter for job application should be no more than one side of A4.
- If sending your letter by post, use plain white paper.
- If sending your letter by email, attach as an appropriately named PDF so the formatting doesn’t change.
- Alternatively, if they haven’t asked for a cover letter you can include the content of your cover letter in your email.
- Start with your address on the top right of the page and include a professional email address and your mobile number (make sure you have a professional answerphone message!).
- Date your letter.
- Put the name and title of the person to whom you are writing with the address of the organisation on the left-hand side of the page.
- You can begin your cover letter for job application with: “Dear Sir or Madam “– but only if there is no alternative.
- Writing to a named person, “Dear Ms Smith” is more effective and research shows that your application has an increased of chance of actually being read (if you don’t know the name of the person, try phoning the company to find out).
- Remember to spell the name and title correctly, and if writing to a woman be careful to use their preferred mode of address, either Miss, Ms or Mrs (if in doubt use “Ms”).
- Tell them the purpose of your letter and include their reference number if applicable, e.g.: Re: Placement Opportunity in Product Design (6-months), ref JR 325.
Section 1 – Context for cover letter for job application
Say how you heard about the vacancy. Did you see it advertised through their website, LinkedIn, job sites? Did you hear about it at a recruitment fair? Did someone they would know recommend that you contact them?
Section 2 – Why are you applying for this position?
It’s crucial to explain why you are interested in working for them. It’s not enough to put a formulaic
reason such as, “I want to work for a reputable organisation with an international profile.”. You need to
be specific about the company / role.
“I want to work with Toyota because I know that you have increased your share of the UK car
market by 6% over the last four years and that you will shortly bring on a new range of models
based on your new lean-burn engine. You have manufacturing agreements with firms in Poland
and Brazil and all this suggests a successful operation that I would like to contribute to.”
Have an in-depth look at the company website to see details of recent projects and clients and to see
what their values are as an organisation. Background research is easy with larger firms – as well as
Google the business pages of the Independent, Guardian and Daily Telegraph can provide real insights.
You could also include your personal knowledge of the company; what does the brand mean to you?
What has inspired you about this company? If you have met anyone from the company, you could
explain what you have learnt from them. Use your research to show why you want to work there.
Section 3 – What can you offer them?
You also need to say what you can offer them. In order to do this, you should use the job advert to
identify what they are looking for and then give evidence of your relevant key selling points for the role.
These will be four or five personal qualities or periods of relevant experience. These qualities have to
be genuine and should reflect what is on your CV. You need to express your key selling points in clear
and enthusiastic language.
Section 4 – Positive and professional sign off
End your letter on a positive note and say when you will be available for interview. Usually at any time
but you may have dates when you can’t attend because of exams. Finish with “Yours sincerely” if you
have written to a named person or “Yours faithfully” if not. Don’t end with simply “Yours” or “Yours
truly.”
Before you send it:
• Check the spelling and grammar – many rejected applications result from basic mistakes in the
covering letter
• Read it out loud to see if it flows well
• Ask somebody else to read it for a second opinion
• Check your whole application against the job advert – have you included everything they have
asked for?
• Read the instructions – make sure you are sending it to the right person in the right format.
Find a Job
Demo Cover letter for job application- Example cover letter-1
Shangharsh Sinha
21 Moor Road
United Kingdom
M: 07896 20120403
Email: contact@thebiologybro.com
Ms Julie Hemingway, Head of Design
HiTech Design Solutions
Oldham Road
Manchester
24 February 2023
Dear Ms Hemingway,
I am writing to apply for your Assistant Product Designer post, which was advertised on the
Nottingham Trent University Employability Team’s website.
I first became aware of HiTech Solutions at Nottingham Trent University’s Recruitment Fair in March
2022 and I was impressed with both the company profile and the staff on the stand. My subsequent
research introduced me to the innovative display designs you have produced for clients such as Max
Factor, Rimmel and Maybelline and the Gold Award you gained at the 2014 International
Merchandising Exhibition in Barcelona.
The HiTech website emphasises customer focus and improving quality and efficiency. My degree in
Product Design offers a firm foundation of theory and practice and my final year dissertation
examined developments in high street displays. I am also a keen reader of the financial press and
aware of current trends and developments within the retail sector. I believe that commercial design
can only flourish if it meets customer needs.
My CV shows the range of roles I have undertaken which require high-level communication,
interpersonal and interpretive skills. This is best demonstrated by my successful completion of a 6-
month work placement at Design Nation, Leicester where I performed precise and exacting tasks in
a fast-paced working environment with a very demanding customer base.
I believe the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with clients and colleagues is key
skill that I can bring to the role of Assistant Product Designer.
While the advertisement for the post states that Maths at ‘A’ level would be an advantage, I believe
that my grade A at GCSE Maths demonstrates both an aptitude and practical number ability which
would be an asset to HiTech.
I hope that after reading my CV, you will recognise my potential to perform well and to make a real
contribution to your organisation. I can be available for interview at any time. I look forward to
hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Shangharsh Sinha
Demo Cover letter for job application- Example cover letter-2
Kamal Pandey
21 Moor Road
Haldwani
M: 07896 20120403
Email: contact@thebiologybro.com
Mr Ashneer Gupta
Thermo Fisher
Oldham Road
Mumbai
24 February 2023
Dear Mr Ashneer Gupta
I am writing to express my interest for the position of Field Applications Specialist (FAS) Intern – Pharma Analytics advertised on your official website.
Currently, I am pursuing Masters in Molecular Cell Biology from Nottingham Trent University and I am looking for a sandwich placement opportunity for one year. This position as a field applications specialist intern is an ideal opportunity for me to gain industry experience in the life sciences domain while also furthering my education.
With 3.5 years of laboratory research experience now I am eager to explore the real-world business experience in the life science field. As a field application specialist intern, I will be able to learn about the industry, including the latest products, techniques, and trends, while also developing my communication and customer service skills.
My knowledge of molecular cell biology and laboratory techniques will be an asset in this role, as I can assist Thermo Fisher customers in selecting the right products that will fit their current and future needs.
My CV shows the range of roles I have undertaken which require high-level communication, interpersonal and research skills. This is best demonstrated by my successful completion of Junior Research Fellow position at National Institute of Technology Rourkela, where I worked in cancer research. Thereafter, I worked for Indian Council of Agriculture Research as a Senior Research Fellow and also did my bit in a team of researchers testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the Indian population during the pandemic.
I believe the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with clients are key skill that I can bring to the role of Field Applications Specialist Intern.
I hope that after reading my CV, you will recognize my potential to perform well and to make a real contribution for Thermo Fisher. I am open for an interview at your convenience and eagerly anticipate your response.
Yours sincerely,
Kamal Pandey
