In our experience, writing a covering letter is one of the things job seekers struggle with the most—especially graduates looking for their first professional role. But there’s no need to panic. A covering letter doesn’t have to be complicated. If you follow these 7 key steps, you’ll already be well on your way to writing a strong and effective application.
Your covering letter should look professional, be easy to read, and follow a clear structure. Here’s how to lay it out:
Keep it to one page (3–5 short paragraphs is ideal)
Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 11 or 12)
Align everything to the left and avoid overly stylised formatting
Include a clear subject line if you’re sending it by email (e.g. Application for Graduate Marketing Assistant – Jane Smith)
Begin with a formal greeting – use the hiring manager’s name if known (e.g. Dear Ms. Jones). If not, Dear Hiring Manager is a safe option
End with a professional sign-off – use Yours sincerely if you’ve used their name, or Yours faithfully if you haven’t
Save your cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting, and name the file professionally (e.g. Jane Smith – Cover Letter.pdf).
Your opening paragraph should be short and to the point—2–3 lines is enough. Mention:
The degree you’ve completed or are currently studying
Your graduation date
The role you’re applying for
In one or two sentences, explain why you want to work for the company. Do some research—check their website, values, recent news, or what sets them apart from others.
If you’re applying through a recruitment agency and the company name isn’t disclosed, you can skip this section.
What is it about this specific position that excites you? Focus on a few key responsibilities or areas of interest from the job description. Be enthusiastic but authentic.
This is the main body of your letter and your chance to show why you’re a strong match for the role. Choose 2–3 key reasons why you’d be a great fit and support them with short, relevant examples. Think about skills, achievements, experience, or qualities that match the job spec.
Avoid trying to list everything—be focused and confident.
Use your covering letter to address anything in your CV that might raise questions. For example:
Are you planning to relocate?
Do you have a career gap?
Are you changing industries?
Answer potential doubts before they arise.
Wrap up by thanking the reader for their time and consideration. You can also mention your availability—for example, if you’re going travelling or have limited availability for interviews, let them know.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Writing a good covering letter is a skill—but it’s one that’s easy to develop with practice. Stick to this structure, tailor your letter to the role, and let your personality and professionalism shine through.
If you’re a graduate looking for a role, be sure to check out our graduate jobs here!
