A cover letter is a one-page letter sent with your CV that explains why you want the job and why you are a good fit. A strong cover letter is tailored to the role, opens with a clear reason for applying, evidences your key skills with examples, and ends with a confident close. Keep it to three or four short paragraphs on a single page.
A cover letter is your chance to connect your experience to a specific job in a way a CV cannot. The best ones are short, tailored and evidenced, not generic templates sent to every employer. This guide shows the standard structure, gives an example to learn from, and explains how to write one that gets read, so you can adapt it to your own application rather than copy it.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a short letter, usually one page, that accompanies your CV when you apply for a job. Its job is to introduce you, explain why you are applying for this specific role, and show how your skills and experience match what the employer needs. A CV lists what you have done; a cover letter tells the employer why it matters for their role, and shows your written communication in the process.
What is the structure of a cover letter?
Most cover letters follow the structure below, kept to a single page.
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Header and greeting | Your contact details, the date, and a named greeting where possible. |
| Opening paragraph | The role you are applying for and a clear reason you are interested. |
| Body paragraph(s) | Your most relevant skills and experience, evidenced with examples. |
| Fit paragraph | Why do you suit this employer and role specifically? |
| Closing paragraph | A confident close, thanks, and a call to action such as an interview. |
Cover letter example (what good looks like)
Below is a short illustrative body paragraph. Notice it evidences a skill with a specific result rather than just claiming it. Use it as a model, then write your own with your details.
In my current role at a busy retail store, I increased weekly online orders by a fifth by redesigning the product listings and improving the photography, which taught me how small changes to presentation drive sales. I would bring the same eye for detail to your e-commerce assistant role.
The strong version names a specific action, a result and what it taught you, then links it to the job. That is the pattern to repeat: claim, evidence, relevance. Clear, well-structured writing matters throughout, the same clarity our how to write a first-class essay guide covers.
How do you write a cover letter?
- Read the job advert closely and note the key skills and requirements it lists.
- Open with the role and a genuine, specific reason you are applying, not a generic line.
- Match your experience to the advert: for each key requirement, give a brief evidenced example.
- Show you know the employer, referring to something specific about them or the role.
- Close confidently, thank the reader, and ask for the next step, then proofread carefully.
For the step-by-step process in more detail, see our how to write a cover letter guide, which expands each stage.
Cover letter dos and don’ts
- Do tailor every letter to the specific job; generic letters are obvious and ignored.
- Do keep it to one page and three or four short paragraphs.
- Do evidence your skills with specific results, not just adjectives.
- Do not repeat your CV word for word; add context and relevance.
- Do not leave the old company or role name from a previous application.
Frequently asked questions
What should a cover letter include?
A header and greeting, an opening that states the role and why you are applying, body paragraphs evidencing your relevant skills, a paragraph on why you fit the employer, and a confident close with a call to action.
How long should a cover letter be?
One page, usually three or four short paragraphs. Employers read many applications, so make every line count and keep it concise and specific.
Can I use a cover letter example?
Use examples to learn the structure and style, but tailor the content to the specific job and employer. A generic or copied letter is easy to spot and rarely works.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a CV?
A CV lists your experience, skills and qualifications; a cover letter explains why that experience makes you right for a specific role, and shows your written communication.
