How to Write a Cover Letter/Application Letter in 5 Minutes

In this article, we will discuss how to write an application letter or cover letter step-by-step. People often ask if they should include a cover letter with their resume when submitting an application for an advertised vacancy. I believe a good cover letter provides another opportunity for you to convince the recruiter that you are the type of person they should interview.

You need to write a new cover letter for every position that you apply for, and in order to write a good cover letter you need to find out as much as you can about the vacancy and the company. Looking at the company website is a good start, but many vacancies listed by recruiting agencies do not disclose the name of the company.

However, they show the name and contact details of a person, and you should make a point of calling the contact person before you start your application. Write down a list of questions before you make the call, and choose a quiet location where you will not be interrupted to make the call.

The Key Components of a Great Cover Letter

#1. Addressing the Hiring Manager

Your cover letter should be no longer than one A4 page, using 10-12 point font, and if at all possible it should be personally addressed. At the head of the letter you should provide your name and contact details, together with the name of the employer or contact person, the job title and reference number (if provided), the company name and address.

#2. Crafting a Strong Introduction

There will be a short opening paragraph indicating that you wish to apply for the advertised vacancy, and a concluding paragraph indicating that you are keen to discuss your suitability for employment in the position. This leaves two or three paragraphs for you to sell yourself.

There is no point in summarising your resume in the letter. If you can’t think of something different or special about you and your experience then there is no reason to interview you. Think of your cover letter as an opportunity to write down your elevator pitch.

In your second paragraph you should indicate why you want the job. Your discussion with the contact person should have given you a more detailed knowledge of the role and responsibilities associated with the position, so you can show the depth of your interest.

#3. Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements

The third paragraph should highlight how your specialist skills and experience match the requirements for the job. As you are talking about specialist or technical skills, make sure that this paragraph includes key words or phrases relevant to your area of expertise.

Try to use this paragraph to show what makes you better than, or different from other applicants.

#4. Closing with a Call to Action

If you need to include another paragraph before your conclusion, use this to emphasise the personal qualities you have demonstrated. You can indicate how you have demonstrated your excellent written and verbal communication skills; how well you have worked as a member of successful teams; and nominate tasks that required highly developed organisational and time management skills.

Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, prompt the reader to move forward with your application by inviting them to follow-up with you. Thank the reader for their time, and include your contact information.

Now that you know how to write a Cover Letter, Learn how to write a CV.

Quick Cover Letter Templates

If you need cover letter help, check out these cover letter templates for various careers and career levels in the following industries:

Job Search Cover Letter Examples

• Approach Cover Letter

• Career Change Cover Letter

• Early Career Change Cover Letter

• Mid-Career Cover Letter

• Interview Thank-You Letter

• Unemployed Cover Letter

Administrative/Support Cover Letter Examples

• Midlevel Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

• Manager Cover Letter

• Office Manager Cover Letter

Art/Design/Media Cover Letter Examples

• Graphic Design Cover Letter

• Journalism Cover Letter

Business Cover Letter Examples

• Business Analyst Cover Letter

Education Cover Letter Examples

• Elementary School Teacher Cover Letter

• Librarian Cover Letter

• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter

Engineering Cover Letter Examples

• Civil Engineering Cover Letter

• Electrical Engineering Cover Letter

• Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter 

Finance/Accounting Cover Letter Examples

• Financial Analyst Cover Letter

• Investment Banker Cover Letter 

Health Care Cover Letter Examples

• Caregiver Cover Letter 

• Dental Assistant Cover Letter

• Dental Hygienist Cover Letter 

• Medical Assistant Cover Letter

• Midlevel Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter

• Social Worker Cover Letter

• Vet Tech Cover Letter

Human Resources Cover Letter Examples

• HR Generalist Cover Letter

• Recruiter Cover Letter

Law Enforcement and Legal Cover Letter Examples

• Firefighter Cover Letter

• Judicial Clerkship Cover Letter

• Paralegal Cover Letter

• Police Officer Cover Letter

Marketing and PR Cover Letter Examples

• Account Manager Cover Letter

• Marketing Manager Cover Letter

• Project Manager Cover Letter

Military Cover Letter Examples

• Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter

Nurse Cover Letter Examples

• Nurse Cover Letter

Restaurant and Hospitality Cover Letter Examples

• Bartender Cover Letter

• Event Coordinator Cover Letter

Retail Cover Letter Examples

• Retail Cover Letter

Sales Cover Letter Examples

• Sales Cover Letter

Science Cover Letter Examples

• Research Assistant Cover Letter

Student Cover Letter Examples

• College Graduate Cover Letter

• Internship Cover Letter

Technology Cover Letter Examples

• Computer Science Cover Letter

• IT Professional Cover Letter

• Software Engineer Cover Letter

• Web Developer Cover Letter

Trades Cover Letter Examples

• Cosmetology Cover Letter

Transportation and Warehousing Cover Letter Examples

• Flight Attendant Cover Letter