📔 Cover letters

Check your cover letter is job search ready

Cover Letter Criteria

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out and allows you to explain how you’re the best fit for the role. It should demonstrate that you understand the job description, celebrate your accomplishments and highlight your motivation for the job.

Structure

A cover letter should first focus on the job requirements. You should demonstrate that you understand the requirements. Next, write about how your past experiences and skills make you suitable for the role. Finally, you should use the opportunity to highlight why you are motivated to apply for this role.

Essential Criteria

A good cover letter should be:

  • Concise
  • Easy to read
  • Factual (bonus points if it’s backed up by figures)
  • Have no Spelling or Grammar mistakes
  • Be directly related to the job description

General Criteria

Structure

  • The initial paragraph makes it clear that the applicant knows about the role they are applying to.
  • It is 3 – 4 paragraphs long and does not exceed 1 page in length.
  • It has a structure that builds on itself (the fewer repeats, the better).
  • The closing paragraph includes a call to action. (e.g. reinforces any shared values, passion for the role (with research), and/or suitability for the role, then prompts the reader to get back in touch)
  • It should be be ended professionally, for example:
    • Thank you for your consideration.
    • Yours kindly,
    • (Your name)

Tone

Information

References 📚