Recruiters claim to read cover letters; candidates spend hours writing them; and yet most cover letters are utterly forgettable. Here's how to write one that actually makes a recruiter stop, read, and pick up the phone.
Does Anyone Read Cover Letters?
It depends on the employer and the role. In a high-volume hiring process with hundreds of applicants, cover letters may be skimmed at best. For professional roles, senior positions, or companies that specifically request one, a strong cover letter can be a genuine differentiator. The safe rule: always write one unless the application specifically says not to.
The Three-Paragraph Structure
The most effective cover letters follow a simple three-paragraph structure:
- Paragraph 1 — Why this role: What specifically about this role and this company has attracted your attention. Be specific — "I was attracted to your graduate programme" is weak; "I've followed your expansion into renewable energy infrastructure, and I believe my structural engineering thesis on offshore wind installations is directly relevant" is not.
- Paragraph 2 — Why you: Your most relevant experience and achievements for this specific role. This is not a repeat of your CV — it's a curated argument for why you're a strong candidate, using your most powerful evidence.
- Paragraph 3 — Next steps: A brief closing that expresses enthusiasm, notes that your CV is attached, and invites them to contact you. Keep it short and confident.
The one rule: Your cover letter should answer one question — "Why this role, at this company, with this person?" If it could be sent to any employer without modification, it's not doing its job.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
One A4 page maximum. Three to four paragraphs. Hiring managers are time-poor — a cover letter that runs to two pages will likely not be read in full. Every sentence should earn its place.
Address It to a Named Individual
If at all possible, find the name of the hiring manager and address the letter to them directly. LinkedIn, the company website, or a quick phone call to reception can usually identify the right person. "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine; "Dear James Carter" is better.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
- Starting with "I am writing to apply for..." — this is the most clichéd opening in existence. Start with something more compelling.
- Repeating your CV verbatim — the letter should complement, not duplicate
- Making it all about what you want ("This would be a great opportunity for me to develop...") rather than what you offer
- Using flattery ("Your company is an industry leader...") without substance
- A generic opening that could apply to any company
💡 Tip
Read your finished cover letter from the hiring manager's perspective. After reading it, can they immediately articulate what makes you stand out from the other 80 applicants? If not, your letter needs another pass.
What About Email Cover Letters?
If applying by email, the cover letter goes in the body of the email — not as a separate attachment. Keep it shorter: two to three paragraphs. Attach your CV as a PDF.
Want a personalized first draft instead of starting from a blank page? Try our free Cover Letter Generator — fill in a few details about the role and your experience, and get a structured draft in seconds.
Once your cover letter is strong, make sure your CV matches. Use our free CV generator to create a professional PDF CV in minutes. Or hire a specialist cover letter writer on to craft a compelling application for your target role.
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