Here's what to put in your cover letter for every job application

It's a common misconception that recruiters no longer read cover letters. While your CV is essential, a cover letter is equally important. If your CV is a highlight reel of your achievements, consider your cover letter the glossy brochure showcasing your unique value and enthusiasm. Stand out by knowing what to include in a cover letter. Read on to learn about the non-negotiables.

What to include in a cover letter

There are seven essential elements to include in your cover letter, regardless of the job you're applying for. These include:

  1. Contact information: Include your contact details and the job ID or reference number.

  2. Salutation: Address the letter directly to the HR or hiring manager by name.

  3. Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for in a concise, engaging manner.

  4. Qualifications and experience: Summarise your relevant qualifications, experience, and key achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role. If space allows, highlight any additional qualifications or experiences not fully covered in your CV.

  5. Alignment with the company: Reference the company's mission, values, or accomplishments, and explain how your skills and experience support its goals.

  6. Closing paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the role and include a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview or further discussion.

  7. Sign-off: End your letter with a polite and professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards," followed by your full name.

Let's dive into how to write each section for your cover letter.

1. Contact information

Start your cover letter with your contact information, including your name, location, phone number, and email address. If relevant, add links to relevant social media profiles, like LinkedIn. 

Avoid unprofessional email addresses – partyking99@gmail.com might give you and your friends a giggle, but it won't impress a hiring manager. If necessary, create a new, professional email using your name, like janedoe@gmail.com or a.smith@gmail.com. 

Also, avoid using your current work email or phone number, as this can raise red flags with your employer.

It can also be helpful to include the job ID or reference number at the top of your cover letter. It should sit just under your contact details. Examples of how this might look include:

  • Marketing Coordinator - Job ID: MC2024

  • Customer Service Representative - Ref#: CSR-1258

  • Administrative Assistant - Position Ref: AA-567

  • Software Developer position

2. Salutation

You may have come across some suggestions for addressing your cover letter where “Dear hiring manager” and “To whom it may concern” are suitable. This is wrong, and you should avoid generic greetings. 

Address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager or HR representative. If the name isn't listed in the job posting, check the company's website or LinkedIn to find the appropriate contact.

3. Opening paragraph

Time is tight for recruiters and HR managers, so you must grab their attention quickly. Start your opening paragraph with a compelling elevator pitch that succinctly highlights who you are, what you do, and why you're a great fit for the role. 

For example, if you're an entry-level job seeker, you might talk about your schooling ‒ modules, dissertations or even extra-curricular activities that speak to your goals. If you're more established in your career, focus on the defining elements of your professional history, such as your areas of expertise. 

Leverage your professional interests and your unique perspectives on the industry, but remember to avoid industry jargon that might confuse someone outside your field. 

A great opening paragraph for your cover letter might be:

“I'm excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at Bright Horizons Media. With a background in digital campaigns and a knack for creative storytelling, I'm drawn to your company's bold and innovative approach to marketing. I'm eager to bring my experience in managing impactful projects to your team, where I'm confident I can help drive Bright Horizons Media's next big success.”

Now that's a pitch that might make even the most non-technical hiring manager sit up and take notice!

4. Qualifications and experience

After capturing the hiring manager's attention, continue to show them why you're a strong candidate. In the next paragraph, zoom in on your relevant qualifications and experience, providing specific examples of achievements that demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's success.

Just like customising your CV for a specific job vacancy, your cover letter should be tailored to the role too. As you do this, remember that your cover letter should not be a regurgitation of your CV. It should complement, not duplicate. While some information may overlap, present it in a conversational yet professional tone to engage the reader effectively.

Optional: additional qualifications

If you have space, use this section to emphasise any extra qualifications or experiences briefly mentioned in your CV. 

Focus on unique skills or notable achievements that distinguish you from other candidates, and relate them directly to the company's needs or the specific role. This is your chance to provide a fuller picture of how you can add exceptional value.

5. Alignment with the company

In your cover letter, you also need to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company's culture and goals too. In this paragraph, highlight how your values and experiences align with the company's mission and achievements. 

For instance, if the company is known for its innovative approach to sustainability, explain how your experience in developing eco-friendly marketing campaigns supports this initiative. This demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely invested in contributing to their success.

6. Closing paragraph

In your closing paragraph, restate your interest in the role, and emphasise your greatest selling point that makes you a strong candidate. 

Thank the HR manager for considering your application, and include a proactive call to action. For example: 

“I am keen to explore how my experience and skills align with the goals of Bright Horizons Media. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.” 

This approach shows your readiness and enthusiasm for the next steps in the hiring process.

7. Sign-off

Finish your cover letter with a professional and friendly sign-off, followed by your name. Courteous closings such as “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Thank you for your consideration” are great options that leave a positive final impression.

Writing a good cover letter

Now that you know what to include in a cover letter, it's time to fire up your favourite word processing program and start writing. Once you've written one really good letter, you can use it as a template for others – but you still need to take the time to customise each and every cover letter you submit.

A generic-sounding letter ‒ or worse, one that includes bits of information from a previous job application – will get binned. A cover letter that clearly shows the recruiter both your excellent qualifications and your professionalism, however, can move you up to the next stage of the hiring process.

Make sure your CV is as strong as your cover letter. Get a free CV review to find out where yours stands.

This article was originally written by Wendy Connick and has been updated by Lauren Settembrino and Laura Slingo.

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