When you are looking for work, your cover letter is an important tool - it’s how you introduce yourself to an employer.
Use this template when you’re applying for an advertised job. The purpose of this cover letter is to introduce yourself and create a link between your experience, interests, values or goals and what they need for this job.
What to include
Your contact information
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of letter
Opening greeting directed at the reader
Include a person’s name if possible i.e. 'Dear John'.
If this isn’t possible, you can address to letter to ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘To whom it may concern’.
Reference line
Before the body of the letter, include a reference line which names the job
Re: Application for <insert job role>
Body of the letter
The aim here is to get noticed. Make sure you use positive language and get to the point quickly.
Explain why you’re getting in touch and show that you’ve taken the time to find out something about the job and the business. If you know someone in the business, mention their name.
Now it’s time to ‘sell’ yourself. Show how your skills and experience match what they need for this job – and be as specific as possible.
If you have no paid work experience, you can use the cover letter template - no work experience as a guide for this part of your letter.
Your letter should finish by thanking the reader for their time and consideration, inviting them to get in touch with you and indicating that you will follow up with a phone call soon.
Closing
Make sure you use a formal closing such as ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’.
If you’re sending the letter via mail, include a handwritten signature.
