Why a cover letter

Take a look at our sample cover letter for inspiration on how to craft the perfect document. Speculative cover letter - These can sometimes be an effective method of creating an opportunity. To ensure that speculative cover letters are successful you'll need to do your research on the company you're applying to.

Using our cover letter template, discover what to include in speculative applications. Cover letter by a Masters graduate - You probably embarked on a Masters to expand your subject knowledge, gain industry contacts and improve your job prospects but to really make it work you need to know how to sell your postgraduate qualification to employers.

Cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience - It can be tough applying for a job with no experience but our example cover letter shows you how to promote yourself to an employer if you haven't got any directly related work experience.

Explaining a gap in your CV - Knowing how to navigate around large gaps in your CV can be tricky but it's a mistake to try and gloss over them. Your cover letter is the perfect place to explain these gaps in your employment history to potential employers.

Take a look at our sample cover letter to find out how to go about it. Cover letter for changing career - Find out how to explain a change of direction in our example cover letter for career changers. Cover letter by an international graduate - If you'd like to expand your horizons by working abroad, take a look at our cover letter of an international student applying for a job in the UK and apply these principles to the country of your choice. Disclosing a disability - Just like your gender, marital status and dependants your disability doesn't affect your ability to do a job and you're not legally required to disclose it on your CV or in your cover letter.

However, if you would like to disclose a disability to outline any adjustments you may need, this sample cover letter will show you how. Internship cover letter - To set yourself above the competition you need to successfully sell your relevant skills and experience while conveying your passion for the role.

As well as explaining to employers what the opportunity could do for you you'll need to communicate what you could do for the company. Discover how to craft the perfect application for a formal internship with our internship cover letter template.

Apprenticeship cover letter - Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into work, as well as a great alternative to university. Find out how to apply for these roles with our apprenticeship cover letter example. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success: Tailor to the organisation - You should rewrite your cover letter every time you apply for a position in order to target the company. Sending out a generic letter for all applications rarely yields positive results and recruiters can spot your lack of time and effort from a mile away.

Format - Presentation is important so you'll need to format your cover letter properly. Make sure the document is as uncluttered as possible, use the same font and size as you use in your CV and if you're sending it through the post or handing it in use good quality plain white paper to print it on.

Identify your USPs - They're your unique selling points. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how your skills and experience meet those requested in the job description.

Cover letter tips. Read the job description. A job description will usually list the desired qualifications for the job. Be sure to also pay attention to any application instructions written in the description. This step reveals what materials they need to review in order for them to consider your application.

Allocate your time properly. You should be sending most of your time customizing your resume and cover letter for the job. An employer wants to know how you can benefit the company, so your resume and cover letter should convey this. Create a portfolio. You can also include a copy of your resume, which makes it easier for the employer to see everything all on one page. If you get to the interview stage, consider having a print copy of your portfolio to show to your hiring manager.

Use our Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. These sample cover letters will help you get started and give you an idea of what to include in your own letters!

You are here Home Career Resources. Cover letters … the 3-minute version Video of Cover Letter video with Voiceover. Cover Letters. Related Resources Sample Cover Letters. How we work. Why do cover letters still exist? Share using Email. By Bryan Lufkin. Writing cover letters for applications is tedious and may seem pointless — but you need one now more than ever.

I look at it as kind of wearing make-up to an interview. More relevant than ever?