A cover letter explains why you want this particular job and why you are a good fit. Your CV lists facts; your cover letter connects those facts to the employer's needs. Keep it to one page.
A simple four-paragraph structure
Paragraph 1: the opening
Name the role you are applying for and where you saw it, and give one sentence that captures why you are a strong candidate.
Example: "I am applying for the Graduate Trainee (Finance) role advertised on your careers page. As a recent Accounting graduate with internship experience in payroll and reconciliations, I am keen to build my career in a firm known for developing young professionals."
Paragraph 2: your strongest evidence
Pick two or three requirements from the job advert and show, with specific examples, how you meet them. Use numbers where you can.
Paragraph 3: why this organisation
Show that you know something about the company: its products, values, growth or a recent project. Explain why that appeals to you. This paragraph is what separates a real letter from a copied one.
Paragraph 4: the close
Thank the reader, say you would welcome the chance to discuss your application in an interview, and sign off politely with your full name and phone number.
Tone and format
- Address a named person if you can find one. Otherwise, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine.
- Be confident and professional, not desperate. Avoid phrases like "I am begging for this opportunity".
- Use short paragraphs and simple, clear sentences.
- When applying by email, the email itself can be a short version of your cover letter, with your CV attached as a PDF and a clear subject line, for example "Application: Graduate Trainee (Finance) – Amina Bello".
Mistakes to avoid
- Repeating your CV line by line instead of explaining the most relevant parts.
- Using the same letter for every company, sometimes even with the wrong company name.
- Talking only about what you want rather than what you can offer.
- Spelling errors, especially in the company's name or the job title.
- Making it too long. Three to four short paragraphs are enough.
Final checklist
- Correct company name, job title and contact person.
- At least two specific examples that match the job requirements.
- One paragraph that could only be written to this employer.
- Proofread aloud before sending.