How to write a cover letter

What is a Cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application. A cover letter is necessary as it gives you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

Not to be confused with personal statements for your CV, cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it. The general consensus among recruiters when it comes to the length of these documents is the shorter the better. Typically three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page.

If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters.

Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

How to write a cover letter

Keep your cover letter brief, while making sure it emphasizes your suitability for the job. It can be broken down into the following sections:

• First paragraph - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.
• Second paragraph - Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you're interested in working for the company, and what you can offer the organization.
• Third paragraph - Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.
• The last paragraph - Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for a personal interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates. Finish by thanking the employer and say how you are looking forward to receiving a response.

Once finished reading through the document and cut out any unnecessary words and sentences. Don't fill up space by repeating what's already covered in your CV.

How to address a cover letter

Always try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be reading it. Bear in mind that you're more likely to receive a reply if you send it to the right person.

Advertised positions usually include a contact name, but if not, it is worth taking the time to find out to who the letter should be addressed. You can do this by searching the company's website for details of the hiring manager or alternatively you could call the organization to ask who you should address your letter to. Don't be afraid to do this, many employers appreciate you taking the time and initiative to do so.

If you're struggling to find a named contact you can use a general greeting such as:

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Dear Hiring manager
• Dear Human resources director.

However, general greetings should only be used once you have exhausted methods of finding a named contact.

How you sign off your cover letter depends on how you addressed it. If you include a named contact, sign off 'yours sincerely'. If you use a general greeting, finish with 'yours faithfully'.

1.  Masters program Standard or conservative style

                                                                                                   First name and surname                                                                                                       Address and email                                                                                                                 Date

To the admission officer                                                                                                         Aston University, B4 7ET

 Re: Application into the MSc in Business Analytics

Dear admission officers, 

I'm writing to express my interest in the MSc program in Business Analytics at Aston University for the January intake 2021. As a marketing consultant with over 7 years of experience in retail B2B, I'm eager for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and acquire a new set of technical skills that would enable me to turn data patterns into business solutions. I equally have an MBA in international marketing with merit obtained from Bangor university but an MSc in business analytics can broaden my career options improving my technical skills.

I strongly believe this course has the potential to enable me develop the required skill set needed to match high-end competitive demand from top consultancy management firms like KMPG. In addition to that, it is equally an opportunity that would enable me to kick-start my career with a strong focus on analyzing and transforming consumer data for decision making. My contribution to this program might be beneficial to the diversity of and your institution, the research dynamics of the business school, peer's relevant academic network, ongoing course discussions. I would love to offer my leadership skills, a strong educational background, a motivating mindset, a strong attitude to succeed, and a dynamic approach to solving complex problems.

I choose Aston university because I was impressed with the module structure of the course which adopts a practical approach and focuses on the application of quantitative skills in identifying, analyzing, predicting, and presenting complex data using analytical tools. Aside from the University's ranking position and facilities, I was fascinated by the fact that students have the option and opportunity to undertake a placement to gain valuable working experience which many universities promise but fail to deliver. In addition to that, the module structure is unique and different from what other universities are offering with courses like decision models, descriptive analytics, performance analytics, data mining, web analytics, software analytics, big-data for decision making, advanced spreadsheets, simulation for managerial decision making just name a few.

Thank you for your time and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions in regards to my application.

Yours faithfully,

Name and signature             

Click here to download a free template

5 tips for the perfect cover letter

With employers often receiving lots of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure that your cover letter makes a lasting impression for the right reasons. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Tailor to the organization - 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.
2. Proofread - Never rely on a computer spellcheck program to pick up every mistake. Print off your cover letter and double-check for spelling and grammar errors before passing it to a family member or friend to look over. Also, make sure that your own contact details and the company name are correct.
3. 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.
4. 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. Demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate.
5. Include examples - Back up the claims in your cover letter with real evidence or examples that show how and when you've used your skills and experience.

If you're a student or recent graduate you can make an appointment with your university's careers and employability service to access further help when writing your cover letter. You'll be able to talk with specially-trained advisers, get advice on what to include, and have a professional eye look over your application before sending.