How to write the perfect covering letter

The aim of a covering letter

Employers often receive hundreds, maybe even thousands of applications for each position they want to fill. If you are among the thousands of applicants, how do you ensure your application gets short-listed and not discarded? Writing targeted, employer-specific and effective cover letters is one proven way to do it. Your cover letter is a powerful tool that differentiates your application, provided it is well-written.

HINT: If possible, find out the name of the person in charge of the position and address the cover letter to him/her.


What to include in a covering letter

The content of your covering letter should always reflect the role you are applying for. In general employers expect to see the following information:

- The details of the job you are applying for and where you saw it advertised
- A brief summary of your experience, education or skills (which reflect the demands for the role)
- Why your experience, education or skills make you the ideal candidate for the role
- Your contact details

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Case Study: The best cover letter this executive received

David Silverman, an entrepreneur, executive, and author, writes about the best cover letter he's ever received:

He complains that most cover letters are terrible because they either recap the CV, are merely a formality, or get way too personal.

There are only three situations when a cover letter should be written, he says: when you know the hiring person's name,when you know something about the job's requirements or when someone refers you.
The best example he's ever seen is short and sweet and goes like so:

Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxxx, which I believe may report to you.

I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.

I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.

Best regards,
Xxxxx Xxxxx


"Here's what I like about this cover letter," Silverman writes. "It's short. It sums up the CV as it relates to the job. It asks for the job."

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