You should think about your cover letter as an introduction. It is the place where you let the hiring manager know who you are and what has led you to this place. It allows you to write more freely than you would in your CV, which will enable you to personalise it a bit more. You don't need to follow the same structured format as you would with a CV, it is a free-form style of writing. It can also allow you to include additional information that might intrigue the hiring manager, such as any significant achievements and your motivation for applying for the role. We would always suggest you include a cover letter when applying for a job unless there is no option to attach this or the employer explicitly requests a CV only.
These are some tips for creating a cover letter that will attract the hiring manager's attention.
Short and sweet
If your cover letter is the size of a novel, the hiring manager is unlikely to take the time to read through it. A long cover letter could turn them off from reading it at all. A cover letter should only be around one page in length. You should not just reiterate the details from your CV; this is a more informal, personalised introduction to the CV. You may wish to mention why you applied for the role, discuss any gaps on your CV, and talk about your main achievements.
Formal Greeting
Your CV should always include a formal introduction. It should either be the primary contact's name, if this is on the job advert, or you can write 'recruitment team' if this information is not readily available. You should not say 'hi' or 'hello' as this is too informal. Instead, it should be something like 'Dear Mr. Graham.'
Avoid Generic Introductions
With a cover letter, you don't have much time to make an impact, so you want to get to the main highlights of your experience and skills from the offset. Avoid generic introductions such as 'I am writing to apply for the administrator role advertised in the job centre, as I feel I am the right fit for the role.' Instead, something like 'I would like to apply for the job of administrator as I am a highly organised individual who increased efficiency in my last role by 50%’, would be much more impactful.
Include a call to action
Let the hiring manager know what you want them to do through a call to action at the end of your cover letter. Are you keen to discuss the company and role in more detail? Would you love to be invited to interview? Let the hiring manager know what you want them to do next. For example, 'I am excited about this role and would relish the opportunity to discuss it in more detail.'
At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with a tailored CV and cover letter to suit your needs. You can order online or email us at
