Writing a cover letter that actually gets read

Not every application needs a cover letter, and plenty of hiring managers won't read one closely even when it's included. That's not a reason to skip it altogether though. A genuinely well-written cover letter can still make a real difference, especially when it says something your CV can't. The trick is knowing when it's worth the effort, and writing something that doesn't just repeat what's already on your CV.

When it's worth writing one

• The job advert specifically asks for one
• You're changing career direction and want to explain why
• There's a gap in your work history worth briefly addressing
• You're applying to a smaller employer, where a personal touch is more likely to be noticed
• You're genuinely excited about the specific role or company and can say why

If none of these apply and a cover letter isn't requested, it's usually fine to skip it and spend that time tailoring your CV instead.

Keep it short

Half a page to one page is plenty. Three or four short paragraphs will do it. Nobody's looking for a lengthy essay, and a letter that runs on too long is more likely to get skimmed or skipped altogether.

Skip the generic opening

"I am writing to apply for the position of..." tells the reader nothing they don't already know from the subject line. Open with something more specific instead: what drew you to this particular role, or a brief, relevant example of your work. It doesn't need to be dramatic. Just genuine, and specific to this application rather than something that could be sent to any employer.

A structure that works

Four parts cover most of what a good cover letter needs to do:

• A greeting using the hiring manager's name if you can find it (a general greeting is fine if you can't)
• An opening with a specific, genuine reason you're applying to this role
• A middle section with two or three examples connecting your experience directly to what the role needs, rather than repeating your whole CV
• A closing line that's short and confident, inviting the next step such as a conversation or interview

Address anything that needs context

If you're changing industries, returning to work after a break, or explaining a gap, a cover letter is a good place to frame that briefly and with confidence. A sentence or two is usually enough. It's far better for the employer to hear it directly from you than to be left guessing.

Proofread it properly

Same standard as a CV here. Read it aloud before sending, and get a second pair of eyes on it if you can. A single careless error can undercut an otherwise strong letter.

Used well, a cover letter is one of the few parts of an application where your own voice actually comes through. That's worth taking seriously when it's the right moment to include one.