How to write a cover letter (with a simple structure)
A cover letter explains why you want this job and why you’re a good fit, in a way a CV can’t. Keep it to one page, write it for this specific job, and make every paragraph earn its place.
Do you need one?
Send one whenever the job ad asks for it, and whenever there’s an option to add one. A short, specific letter can make the difference between two similar CVs. Skip it only when the application system gives you nowhere to put it.
A four-paragraph structure
1. Opening: the job and the hook. Name the role and give one strong reason you’re a fit. “I’m applying for the Staff Nurse role on your surgical ward. I bring five years of acute surgical experience and I’ve acted as nurse in charge on nights for the past two years.”
2. Evidence: your best match. Pick the two or three requirements in the job ad that matter most, and give a short, real example for each. Use numbers where you can, as you would on your CV.
3. Why this employer. Show you know who they are. Mention something specific, such as their services, a project, their values or where they’re growing, and connect it to what you want to do next.
4. Close. Thank them, say you’d welcome the chance to discuss the role, and sign off.
Tone and format
- Address a person if you can. “Dear Ms Byrne” is better than “Dear Sir or Madam”. If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.
- Sign off with “Kind regards” or “Yours sincerely” (UK, Ireland and Europe) or “Sincerely” (US and Canada), followed by your full name.
- Keep it to 250 to 400 words. Recruiters skim.
- Use the same font and style as your CV, and save it as a PDF unless asked otherwise.
- Don’t repeat your CV line by line. Pick the strongest points and explain them.
Common mistakes
- Sending the same letter to every employer.
- Starting with “My name is…”. They already have your name.
- Talking only about what you want rather than what you’ll bring.
- Leaving the wrong company name in from a previous application. Read it once more before you send it.
Start from an opening line
Each of our CV examples includes a cover letter opening line for that job, which you can adapt as your first paragraph.
Build an ATS-friendly CV
Start from an example for your job, then download a clean PDF or Word file. Free, no sign-up.
Open the CV builder