Writing a Cover Letter
Write a compelling cover letter that convinces employers to read your CV and call you for an interview.
📖 Lesson
What You Will Learn
You'll learn how to structure a professional cover letter, highlight your strengths naturally, and avoid the mistakes that make recruiters delete your application immediately.
Explanation (with real-life context)
A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself before anyone reads your CV. Think of it like a first impression at a coffee shop interview — you've got seconds to seem genuinely interested, not just desperate for any job.
The key difference between a good cover letter and a rejected one? Specificity. Don't write "I'm hardworking and team-oriented" (everyone says this). Instead, show why you want this job at this company.
Structure:
- Opening: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. State the position and where you found it.
- Middle paragraph: Connect your experience to their needs. Use examples, not just claims.
- Closing paragraph: Express genuine interest and call to action.
- Sign-off: Professional but warm.
Examples (natural sentences from daily life)
"When I saw your job posting for a Marketing Manager, I immediately recognized how my experience managing the social media campaign at TechStart aligns with your need to increase brand awareness." ✓
Not: "I am very interested in this position because I am a hard worker." ✗
"During my internship, I increased customer retention by 23% through personalized email campaigns — exactly the kind of measurable impact your company values." ✓
Common Mistakes
- Using a generic template: "To whom it may concern" screams you didn't care enough to research.
- Repeating your CV: Summarize, don't copy. Add new information and context.
- Being too casual or too robotic: Balance professionalism with personality.
- Making it too long: One page maximum. Recruiters spend 6 seconds scanning.
- Spelling errors: Proofread three times. One typo kills your chances.
Quick Tips
• Research the company culture and mention something specific you admire
• Use "I" statements but focus on what you can do for them, not what you want
• End with a specific next step: "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute"
• Save as PDF with your name in the filename (not "Cover_Letter.pdf")
• Match the tone to the industry — creative agency ≠ law firm
🃏 Key Vocabulary — tap to flip
5 words✏️ Fill in the Blank
Type the missing word to complete each sentence.