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Cover letters

It's important to get your cover letter right. It's your one opportunity to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Find out how to write and format a cover letter and take ideas and inspiration from our cover letter templates

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application.

Cover letters are necessary as they give you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore, you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

Not to be confused with  personal statements for your CV , cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it. The consensus among recruiters when it comes to the length of these documents is the shorter the better. Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page.

If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters.

Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

How do I write a good cover letter?

Before writing your cover letter it's important that you do your research. While reading the job description thoroughly is essential, it's not enough on its own. To help you craft a successful cover letter you’ll need to find out more about:

  • who will be reading your cover letter
  • the organisation and its culture
  • the industry it operates in and any relevant news
  • company competitors and market position.
  • the organisations goals over the next five years.

When writing your cover letter keep it brief, while making sure it emphasises your suitability for the job. Cover letters can be broken down into the following sections:

  • First paragraph  - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.
  • Second paragraph  - Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.
  • Third paragraph  - Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you're interested in working for the company and what you can offer the organisation. This is a good opportunity to show off your knowledge of the company.
  • Last paragraph  - Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for an  interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates.

Once finished read through the document and cut out any unnecessary words and sentences. Don't fill up space by repeating what's already covered in your CV. As a rule, only mention your current salary or salary expectations if the employer has specifically asked you to. If you're asked to include this information, put it between the third and last paragraphs.

Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine. Windows PCs and Macs don't always work in harmony - Windows use a .docx file extension and Macs .pages but if the recruiter uses the opposite system, they may not be able to open your file. Using a .PDF file extension should solve this.

If you need help with your CV take a look at  how to write a CV .

How should I address a cover letter?

Always try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be reading it. Bear in mind that you're more likely to receive a reply if you send it to the right person.

If you're struggling to find a named contact, you can use a general greeting such as:

  • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Dear Hiring manager
  • Dear Human resources director.

However, general greetings should only be used once you have exhausted methods of finding a named contact.

How do I sign off a cover letter?

How you sign off your cover letter depends on how you addressed it. If you include a named contact, sign off 'Yours sincerely'. If you use a general greeting, finish with 'Yours faithfully'.

Example cover letters

  • Sample cover letter  - Used to highlight your skills and experience and to express your suitability and passion for the job, cover letters are used to encourage recruiters to look at your CV. Attention to detail is crucial and spelling, grammar and formatting needs to be spot on. Take a look at our sample cover letter for inspiration.
  • Speculative cover letter  - These can sometimes be an effective method of creating an opportunity. To ensure that speculative cover letters are successful you'll need to do your research on the company you're applying to. Using our cover letter template, discover what to include in speculative applications.
  • Cover letter by a Masters graduate  - You probably embarked on a Masters to expand your subject knowledge, gain industry contacts and improve your job prospects but to really make it work you need to know how to sell your postgraduate qualification to employers.
  • Cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience  - It can be tough applying for a job with no experience, but our example cover letter shows you how to promote yourself to an employer if you haven't got any directly related work experience.
  • Explaining a gap in your CV  - Knowing how to navigate around gaps in your CV can be tricky but it's a mistake to try and gloss over them. Your cover letter is the perfect place to explain these gaps in your employment history to potential employers. Take a look at our sample cover letter to find out how to go about it.
  • Cover letter for changing career  - Find out how to explain a change of direction in our example cover letter for career changers. You'll need to briefly cover why you want to change career and relate your past experience and wealth of skills to the industry/job you’re applying to.
  • Cover letter by an international graduate  - If you'd like to expand your horizons by working abroad, take a look at our cover letter of an international student applying for a job in the UK. You’ll need to do your research if you apply for a job in another country, as application rules may differ.
  • Disclosing a disability  - Just like your gender, marital status and dependants your disability doesn't affect your ability to do a job and you're not legally required to disclose it on your CV or in your cover letter. However, if you would like to disclose a disability to outline any adjustments you may need, this sample cover letter will show you how.
  • Internship cover letter - To set yourself above the competition you need to successfully sell your relevant skills and experience while conveying your passion for the role. As well as explaining to employers what the opportunity could do for you, you'll need to communicate what you could do for the company. Discover how to craft the perfect application for a formal internship with our internship cover letter template.
  • Apprenticeship cover letter - Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into work, as well as a great alternative to university. Find out how to apply for these roles with our apprenticeship cover letter example.

For inspiration and guidance on crafting a CV see example CVs .

When should I follow up my application?

It's always a good idea to follow up on a job application if you don't hear back. If two weeks have passed and you've had no response, send an email to the hiring manager to check that your application has been received. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and why you think you'd be an asset to the company.

Keep this email brief. It shouldn't act as a second cover letter or attempt to replace or repeat the original.

What are some top tips for writing a cover letter?

With employers often receiving lots of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure that your cover letter makes a lasting impression for the right reasons. These tips will increase your chances of success:

  • Tailor to the organisation  - You should rewrite your cover letter every time you apply for a position in order to target the company. Sending out a generic letter for all applications rarely yields positive results and recruiters can spot your lack of time and effort from a mile away.
  • Format  - Presentation is important so you'll need to format your cover letter properly. Make sure the document is as uncluttered as possible, use the same font and size as you use in your CV and if you're sending it through the post or handing it in use good quality plain white paper to print it on.
  • Use keywords that appear in the job advert - This lets the employer know that you’ve read and understood the job description. It also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to the job.
  • Identify your USPs  - They're your unique selling points. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how your skills and experience meet those requested in the job description. Demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate.
  • Include examples  - Back up the claims in your cover letter with real evidence or examples that show how and when you've used your skills and experience.
  • Save a copy - If you’re invited to interview you might need to refer back to it.

If you're a student or recent graduate, you can make an appointment with your university's careers and employability service to access further help when writing your cover letter. You'll be able to talk with specially-trained advisers, get advice on what to include and have a professional eye look over your application before sending.

To make sure you don’t trip up read about the  5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

Find out more

  • Learn more about applying for jobs .

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Cover Letter

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500+ ATS-Optimized, HR-Approved UK Cover Letter Templates

Delve into our extensive collection of over 500 UK Cover Letter templates, thoughtfully designed to harmonize style and substance. These Cover Letter templates are not only aesthetically pleasing; they are expertly crafted to pass through ATS systems while impressing HR professionals. Whether you are an experienced pro or just setting out on your career journey, our diverse range of templates offers a wide spectrum of choices to create a cover letter that mirrors your skills and aspirations, all tailored to the UK job market. Embark on your path to professional excellence with a cover letter that marries style and substance, opening doors to a realm of opportunities.

Accounting resume examples

An accountant’s primary duties include analyzing financial data and budget forecasts, creating balance sheets, profit and loss and taxation reports, and assisting organizations in finance management, tax strategies and effective use of resources. Accountants also work in specialized areas such as tax, cost, investment or management accounting.

Cost Accountant Cover letter Sample

  • Cost Accountant
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Accounting Administrator
  • Accounting Manager
  • Assistant Corporate Controller
  • Project Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Staff Auditor
  • Accounting Clerk

Administrative resume samples

Review some of these samples of a resume for administrative work for resume ideas to feature your organizational and collaboration skills.

Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Office Assistant
  • Assistant Front Office Manager
  • Office Manager
  • Administrative Assistant Manager
  • Administrative Officer
  • Administrative Coordinator
  • Procurement Analyst
  • Executive Assistant
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Facilities Manager
  • Receptionist
  • Administrative Front Desk Clerk
  • Front Office Assistant

Billing and collections resume examples

In addition to our featured example resume for billings and collections, we offer more examples of a resume for a job to help you shine in this industry. .

Bookkeeper Cover Letter Sample

  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Debt Collection Manager
  • Accounts Payable Manager
  • Night Auditor
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk
  • Payroll Analyst
  • Accounts Payable Receivable Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Collections Representative
  • Collections Team Lead
  • Accounts Payable Supervisor
  • Billing Specialist

Business operations resume samples

Examples of resumes for jobs in your field can help you write a great resume. These professional resume examples for leadership jobs show how to display your interpersonal skills.

Business Management Cover Letter Sample

  • Business Development Associate
  • Business Management
  • Enterprise Management Trainee
  • General Manager
  • Iso Management Representative
  • Liaison Officer
  • Operations Manager
  • Pmo Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Salon Manager

Child care resume examples

Use these samples of resumes as guides for displaying your ability to keep the household organized and your interpersonal skills.

Daycare Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Sample

  • After School Teacher
  • Daycare Teacher Assistant
  • After School Program Director
  • Daycare Worker
  • Playground Supervisor
  • Child Care Center Administrator
  • Day Care Center Administrator

Computer software resume samples

As detailed in the examples of good resumes for computer software jobs below, list programs required for the position and any additional certifications or training you have in software.

Engineer Cover Letter Sample

  • Cloud Computing Engineer
  • Java Developer
  • Software Engineering Manager
  • Ecommerce Qa Tester
  • Sql Developer
  • Remote Software Engineer

Construction resume examples

Let our construction work resume examples help you stress special skills like specialties, such as plumbing or electrical systems.

Carpenter Cover Letter Sample

  • Flooring Installer
  • Certified Crane Operator
  • General Laborer
  • Chief Estimator
  • Construction Manager
  • Construction Chief Executive Officer
  • Project Manager
  • Construction Laborer
  • Construction Safety Officer
  • Construction Worker
  • Construction Site Supervisor

Culinary resume samples

Find a resume example for a job in the culinary field from these sample resumes and grab some ideas on showing your expertise with specific cuisines and ability to collaborate with others.

Chef Cover Letter Sample

  • Bakery Assistant
  • Food Service Specialist
  • Personal Chef
  • Restaurant Assistant Manager
  • Restaurant Chain Manager
  • Restaurant General Manager
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Restaurant Shift Leader
  • Restaurant Shift Manager
  • Restaurant Shift Supervisor
  • Junior Sous Chef

Customer service resume examples

Use an example of a resume to apply to a job in customer service, emphasizing intangible qualities such as communication, teamwork and flexibility.

Banking Representative Cover Letter Sample

  • Customer Service Advisor
  • Banking Representative
  • Call Center Manager
  • Call Center Representative
  • Call Center Team Leader
  • Camp Counselor
  • Client Service Specialist
  • Customer Experience Manager
  • Customer Relationship Officer
  • Customer Service Assistant Manager
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Customer Service Supervisor
  • Director Of Member Services

Data & systems administration resume samples

Use these great resume examples for guidance on how to feature your key soft skills such as collaboration and problem-solving.

Backup Administrator Cover Letter Sample

  • Backup Administrator
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Cyber Security Specialist
  • Data Analytics Manager
  • Network Admin
  • Entry Level Network Engineer
  • Salesforce Administrator
  • Salesforce Developer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Telecommunication Project Manager

Fitness and nutrition resume examples

Follow our resume samples to see how to best display your fitness training experience and any knowledge or training you’ve had in diet and nutrition programs.

Dietician Cover Letter Sample

  • Dietary Aide
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness And Personal Trainer
  • Gym Assistant
  • Nutritionist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Yoga Instructor

Food service resume samples

Note how these professional resume examples feature skills such as a strong work ethic, the ability to work well with others, multitasking and flexibility.

Barback Cover Letter Sample

  • Bar Supervisor
  • Cafeteria Worker
  • Catering Server
  • Cocktail Server
  • Crew Member
  • Fast Food Server
  • Food And Beverage Manager
  • Food And Beverage Server
  • Restaurant Server

Healthcare Support Resume Examples

These professional healthcare support examples for a resume cover major health support fields. Use one of these sample resumes as a guide to writing a great resume.

Assisted Living Executive Director Cover Letter Sample

  • Assisted Living Coordinator
  • Assisted Living Executive Director
  • Companion Caregiver
  • Direct Support Professional
  • Healthcare System Administrator
  • Healthcare Operations Manager
  • Healthcare Program Manager
  • Home Health Aide
  • Intensive Care Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Patient Coordinator
  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Phlebotomist

Information technology resume samples

Take a cue from some of the best resume examples from My Perfect Resume and show off your problem-solving abilities. Let these examples of a good resume be your guide.

Assistant Project Manager Cover Letter Sample

  • Agile Project Manager
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Contracts Manager
  • Devops Engineer
  • Global Project Manager
  • Help Desk Support
  • Project Management Director
  • Technical Project Manager
  • Technical Support Engineer

Medical resume examples

Highlight specialized medical training and certifications using these medical job resume examples as a guide. Include experience in hospitals and private practice.

Clinical Director Cover Letter Sample

  • Anesthesia Technician
  • Clinical Director
  • Dialysis Technician
  • Ekg Technician
  • Hospital Volunteer
  • Intensive Care Physician
  • Medical Coding Specialist
  • Medical Records Specialist
  • Certified Lactation Consultant
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Optometrist
  • Pediatrician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Registered Mri Technologist
  • Speech Language Pathologist
  • Ultrasound Technician

Nursing resume samples

We have the perfect resume examples to help you display your interpersonal and communication skills, time management, attention to detail and empathy. Choose a nursing job resume example below to get started!

Acute Care Nurse Cover Letter Sample

  • Acute Care Nurse
  • Advanced Practice Rn
  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Labor And Delivery Nurse
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Oncology Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Registered Nurse
  • Public School Nurse
  • Trauma Nurse

Production resume examples

A professional experience resume example from the following list of resume examples for jobs in production can show how to display licenses for operating specialized equipment.

Assembler Cover Letter Sample

  • Apparel Production Manager
  • Assembly Line Operator
  • Chemical Plant Operator
  • Forklift Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • Picker And Packer
  • Pipeline Inspector
  • Pipeline Welder
  • Plant Manager
  • Production Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Telecommunications Technician
  • Logistics Assistant Manager

Retail resume samples

Use the example resumes below as guides to showcase your customer service skills and experience managing products and services on your retail employee resume.

Sales Associate Cover letter Sample

  • Retail Assistant Manager
  • Sales Associate
  • Bookstore Clerk
  • Clothing Sales Associate
  • Convenience Store Clerk
  • District Manager
  • Fine Watches Sales Specialist
  • Retail Management Professional
  • Retail Manager
  • Retail Parts Pro
  • Store Manager
  • Walgreens Service Clerk

Sales Resume Examples

Like the resume samples below, it’s important to provide details on experiences where you’ve hit sales targets. You’re sure to find a good resume sample among the professional experience resume examples below to help you do so.

Channel Sales Manager Cover letter Sample

  • Sales Assistant Manager
  • Channel Sales Manager
  • Direct Sales Representative
  • Franchise Owner
  • Independent Sales Representative
  • Inside Sales Representative
  • Sales Account Executive
  • Outside Sales Representative
  • Sales Representative
  • Experienced Telemarketer

Social Services resume samples

Show you can relate well with others and have a strong problem-solving approach,like the professionals in the social services job resume examples below.

Case Worker Cover Letter Sample

  • Case Manager
  • Case Worker
  • Child Protection Social Worker
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Community Service Coordinator
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Human Service Worker
  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • Juvenile Probation Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Drug And Alcohol Counselor
  • Medical Social Worker

Teaching resume examples

The following professional resume examples for teaching job resumes focus on important intangible skills such as communication, enthusiasm and patience.

Nurse Educator Cover Letter Sample

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Assistant Teacher
  • Early Childhood Teacher
  • Elementary Teacher
  • Esl Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • Homeschool Teacher
  • Language Professor
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Nurse Educator
  • Piano Teacher
  • Summer Teacher
  • Social services
  • Information technology
  • Healthcare and support
  • Food service
  • Fitness & nutrition
  • Data & systems administration
  • Customer service
  • Construction
  • Computers software
  • Business operations
  • Billing and collections
  • Administrative

500+ ATS-Approved, Recruiter-Preferred UK Cover Letter Templates

Discover our extensive collection of over 500 UK Cover Letter templates, meticulously designed to align with ATS requirements, meet UK formatting standards, and earn the nod of approval from recruiters. These Cover Letter templates are a perfect fusion of elegance and functionality, ensuring your cover letter navigates through ATS filters while making a lasting impression on hiring professionals. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just embarking on your career journey, our diverse array of templates provides a spectrum of options to help you craft a cover letter that reflects your skills, aspirations, and is tailor-made for the UK job market.

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Not every job application requires a cover letter, but every job application can benefit from one.

Along with a customised CV , which should include a strong personal profile, the cover letter lets you add specific information that puts you right at the heart of the job you are applying for. That means it’s really important to get it right.

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Writing a winning cover letter is a skill. If you’re unsure what to include, our guide will help you:

What is a cover letter and why is it still important?

How to research and plan your cover letter.

  • The basic format of a good cover letter

How long should a cover letter be?

  • Address the hiring manager
  • Use the job description
  • How to market yourself in your cover letter
  • How to structure and write your cover letter, with examples
  • Use a ‘cold’ cover letter to approach a company you’d like to work for
  • How to send your cover letter

A cover or covering letter is a brief, single-page document that accompanies your CV when you apply for a job.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself and to highlight your key skills, particularly those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It’s your chance to showcase both your personality and suitability.

It’s important to remember that the cover letter is independent of your CV – in other words, it shouldn’t be just the same information presented differently. It needs to position you as the right person for the job by highlighting skills that you have that are essential for the role. For this reason, your cover letter should be tailored to every application.

Some recruiters will receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a role, so your cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowd and it’s an essential component of the application process.

Download our cover letter template

“Failing to plan is planning to fail” is a saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and it’s true. Planning is key to the success of any endeavour, and it’s certainly true for your cover letter and your CV .

These are the important things you should research before you begin writing your cover letter:

  • Who will be receiving and reading your cover letter? This will likely depend on the size of the company doing the hiring – if it’s a small organisation, it may well be the CEO or owner of the business. For a larger company, it will most likely be the hiring manager or the head of HR.
  • What skills and experience are listed in the job description?  What skills do you have that this role calls for? Do you have other skills that you believe will be of benefit to the company and position? Put those in your cover letter and then detail why you think they’re relevant and important.
  • The company and its culture. Any reputable company will have some form of online presence where you can do this research. If they don’t have their own website (which is highly unlikely) then they will most certainly have some social presence: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are good places to check.
  • The company’s competitors and market position.  This information too can usually be found online. Some organisations have obvious competitors – Nike and Adidas, for example – but it won’t always be this obvious. There are free trials available with tools such as  Semrush , Ahrefs  that can help you identify a company’s competition.
  • The sector and any recent news or trends. Which sector or industry do they operate in? Do some online searches for news, using Google or any other search engine with a ‘news’ results tab.
  • The organisation’s aims for the coming year and beyond. This information can be trickier to find. You could start on LinkedIn and search for key employees; those with CxO roles may well share goals, roadmaps and more on their profiles.

Building up a good body of information about both the company and its industry will help you tailor your cover letter for each company you apply to. It also shows your passion for the job and sector.

The basic format of a cover letter

Every cover letter you write should be tailored to the specific job role or company you’re applying for, but there is a basic format to follow for every cover letter:

  • Paragraph one – The introduction
  • Paragraph two – The by-line
  • Paragraph three – Show your knowledge
  • Paragraph four – Conclusion

Brief, probably less than one side of A4 – 250-300 words maximum.

A cover letter is important but remember, it’s  an accompaniment to your CV , not your actual CV.

Address the hiring manager or recruiter

Just like your CV, every cover letter you submit should be written to match the job role you are applying for, and it should be comprehensive and, if possible, personalised:

  • Personalise it – find the name of the hiring manager or the person most likely to receive or read your application in the first instance. Addressing a named person shows that you’re thorough and thoughtful in your approach. Sign off with “Yours sincerely”.
  • If you don’t have that information and can’t specify a name –  then  start the letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” – but remember your grammar and sign off your letter with “Yours faithfully”.

You should also avoid tired and clichéd buzzwords .

Use the job description to tailor your covering letter

This is possibly the most vital aspect of the cover letter. If you don’t take the opportunity to state that you have the necessary skills and experience, you may as well not bother! 

Detail your skills and provide examples of how you have used them in the past to succeed in your own goals and those of the company you were working for. Mirror some of the phrases used in the job requirements list.

You will most likely need to use different skills and examples for each cover letter, as each job role will require different skills and abilities.  

Market yourself in your cover letter

A bit like your Personal Profile, your cover letter is your chance to sell yourself to the people doing the hiring. There are several good ways to sell yourself, and having done your research, they should be easy to include:

  • Demonstrate knowledge – of the role, the company, and the sector in which they operate
  • Outline your skills, qualifications and goals – any that are relevant to the role and company
  • Highlight your social and interpersonal skills – talk about the clubs and/or societies you are a member of, any volunteering you do – anything that shows your ideals and what you enjoy doing in your spare time

How to structure and write a cover letter

These days it’s unusual for cover letters or CVs to be sent as physical copies, but digital correspondence should still be written in formal business language.

There are several ways to format a business letter, but these are the elements you must include:

  • Your address and contact details, including a telephone number (mobile or landline) and email address
  • The company’s address
  • The opening greeting: Dear xyz

Here’s how it might look:

[Date] [Your address line 1] [Address line 2] [Address line 3] [Your phone number and email]   [Company name] [Company address line 1] [Company address line 2]   Dear [Name or  Sir or Madam ],  

Cover letter paragraph 1: The introduction

The position you are interested in and why you are applying for it – a brief introductory passage that covers three things:

  • Why you’re writing the letter
  • What job role you are applying for
  • How you found out about the job

Something like:

“I am writing to apply for the role of [job title] in response to an advert I saw on [name of job site]. Please find my CV attached.”

Cover letter paragraph 2: The by-line

This paragraph should be all about you and detail the skills you possess that are relevant to the role, particularly those that have been identified in the job advert or description. Be careful not to reproduce your CV. Mirror phrases and skills that are mentioned in the job advert or description.

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Cover letter paragraph 3: Show your knowledge

This is where you can demonstrate the research that you did before applying. Show that you know what sector they operate in and what they do, and demonstrate why you wish to work there, how you could make a difference, and how you align with the company’s ideals, culture and core values.

In short: show that you’re the perfect candidate!

Cover letter paragraph 4: Conclusion

Your cover letter, the masterpiece that it now is, should end with a clear call to action. You want to secure an interview for this position, so mention that and let them know when you’re available for a callback or contact to arrange it. Don’t be demanding, just be confident and clear. If you plan to follow up with a phone call, then let them know. If you’re not comfortable doing this then end your letter with:

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Thank them for taking the time to read your letter, and sign off with:

“Yours sincerely [ or faithfully  if you don’t know their name ] , [Your Name]”

Use a covering letter as a speculative approach to a company you’d like to work for

Have you noticed a company that you’d really like to work for, but they’re not currently advertising any open positions? In this case, a ‘ cold-contact cover letter ‘ makes a great speculative application letter. Here’s what to include in that cover letter:

  • Address the letter formally – Try to get hold of the name of the hiring manager; check their website or call the main number and ask. If not, then address it as “Dear Sir or Madam”. You could alternatively address it to the CEO or Managing Director – once they see it is a speculative application, they will probably pass it to the relevant person within the company.
  • Your reason for writing – As there is no vacancy that you are aware of, you should explain why you are writing and what attracted you to the company.
  • Mention any contacts – If a friend or acquaintance works at the company and has suggested or agreed that you should apply, then mention them by name and job title.
  • Detail your skills and experience – The body of the speculative application should highlight your skills and experiences and provide examples of how you have used them in previous jobs. Then state once more why you’re interested in working for the company; talk about the sector or industry they operate in and show that you have done your research.
  • Say what you would like – Which area or department of the company are you interested in? Where would you like to work – sales, marketing, front-of-house, for example?
  • Conclusion – Close the cover letter by thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in hearing from them about any job vacancies that might arise.

Remember, each speculative cover letter should be unique.

Send your cover letter

Because you are almost always going to be sending your cover letter online, we recommend that you attach it to your email in a .pdf format. This way, any computer will be able to view the file, and all your formatting will be preserved.

If you need to send your cover letter as the actual body text of your email, your approach will need to be slightly different. First, make sure you format the subject line of your email like so:

Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]

If you were given a reference number, include that in the subject line as well. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about the layout of your letter. The paragraphs can be the same as an original cover letter, but you can remove the addresses, date and signature.

If you’re applying for a job via a job board, you can sometimes afford to scale down your cover letter to its key components.

Check out this example cover letter:

Hi [Name],   I am interested in applying for the current vacancy you have for a [job title].   In my current role as [role title] with [company name], I am responsible for [insert relevant experience relating to job advert] but am currently looking to make a step up into a more challenging role with a reputable company who can offer career growth.   I am currently on a notice period of [notice period] and can interview immediately.   Kind regards,   [Name]   [Phone number]   [Email]

By following these covering letter guidelines and examples you’ll be ahead of many other applicants applying for roles, and one step nearer to securing an interview.

Try to have fun with it – we wish you the best of luck!

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Related Career Advice articles

Cover letter mistakes that are killing your application

StandOut CV

12 CV cover letter examples

Andrew Fennell photo

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

How to write a cover letter

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

Administrator Cover Letter example

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

Customer service cover letter example

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

Finance cover letter example

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

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Events CV cover letter

Events manager cover letter example

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

Executive assistant cover letter example

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

Graduate cover letter example

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

IT Support cover letter example

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

Marketing Cover Letter example

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

  • Academic cover letter
  • Account Manager cover letter
  • Accountant cover letter
  • Accounting cover letter
  • Accounts Assistant cover letter
  • Acting cover letter
  • Admin Assistant cover letter
  • Administrator cover letter
  • Apprenticeship cover letter
  • Architecture cover letter
  • Assistant Manager cover letter
  • Banking cover letter
  • Bar Staff cover letter
  • Barclays cover letter
  • Barista cover letter
  • Bartender cover letter
  • Business Analyst cover letter
  • Business Development Manager cover letter
  • Car Sales Person cover letter
  • Care Assistant cover letter
  • Career Change cover letter
  • Catering Assistant cover letter
  • Civil Engineer cover letter
  • Computer Science cover letter
  • Consulting cover letter
  • Copywriter cover letter
  • Cyber Security cover letter
  • Data Entry Clerk cover letter
  • Data Scientist cover letter
  • Delivery Driver cover letter
  • Digital Marketing cover letter
  • Electrician cover letter
  • Engineering cover letter
  • Estate Agent cover letter
  • Event Manager cover letter
  • Exam Invigilator cover letter
  • Executive Assistant cover letter
  • Fashion Designer cover letter
  • Finance cover letter
  • Financial Analyst cover letter
  • Google cover letter
  • Graduate cover letter
  • Graduate Engineer cover letter
  • Graduate Scheme cover letter
  • Graphic Design cover letter
  • Health Care Assistant cover letter
  • Hospitality cover letter
  • HR Assistant cover letter
  • HR cover letter
  • Interior Designer cover letter
  • Internal Position cover letter
  • Internship cover letter
  • Investment Banking cover letter
  • Investment Manager cover letter
  • IT Support cover letter
  • Journalist cover letter
  • JP Morgan cover letter
  • Lawyer cover letter
  • Legal Assistant cover letter
  • Legal cover letter
  • Library Assistant cover letter
  • Manager cover letter
  • Marine Engineer cover letter
  • Marketing Assistant cover letter
  • Marketing cover letter
  • Marketing Intern cover letter
  • Marketing Manager cover letter
  • McKinsey cover letter
  • Mechanical Engineer cover letter
  • Medical Receptionist cover letter
  • Medical Writer cover letter
  • Model cover letter
  • Nanny cover letter
  • Nurse cover letter
  • Nursing cover letter
  • Office Assistant cover letter
  • Office Manager cover letter
  • Operations Manager cover letter
  • Optical Assistant cover letter
  • Paralegal cover letter
  • Part Time cover letter
  • PE Teacher cover letter
  • Personal Assistant cover letter
  • Personal Trainer cover letter
  • Pharmacist cover letter
  • Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
  • PHD Application cover letter
  • Photographer cover letter
  • Placement cover letter
  • Private Equity cover letter
  • Product Manager cover letter
  • Production Assistant cover letter
  • Production Operator cover letter
  • Project Coordinator cover letter
  • Promotion cover letter
  • PWC cover letter
  • Quantity Surveyor cover letter
  • Receptionist cover letter
  • Research Assistant cover letter
  • Researcher cover letter
  • Retail Assistant cover letter
  • Retail cover letter
  • Retail Manager cover letter
  • Sales Advisor cover letter
  • Sales Executive cover letter
  • Sales Manager cover letter
  • Scrum Master cover letter
  • Security Officer cover letter
  • Ski Season cover letter
  • Social Media Executive cover letter
  • Social Media Manager cover letter
  • Software Developer cover letter
  • Software Engineer cover letter
  • Speculative cover letter
  • Student cover letter
  • Support Worker cover letter
  • Teaching Assistant cover letter
  • Team Leader cover letter
  • Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
  • University cover letter
  • UX Designer cover letter
  • Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

Project manager cover letter example

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

Operations manager cover letter example

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

Sales cover letter example

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

Teacher cover letter example

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

Email Subject line

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

Address by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

Hard skills vs soft skills

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

cover letter signatures

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Cover Letter Templates

Our Cover Letter templates have been created in collaboration with recruiters and HR specialists, ensuring they are up to the industry standard. CVMaker provides 20+ Cover Letter templates that cater to all levels, including junior, senior management, or C-level executives.

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What’s the Difference Between a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter?

Frank Hackett

What Is a CV?

What is a cover letter, what to include on a cv, how to write a winning cv.

The curriculum vitae, also known as CV, is a full overview of your professional and academic achievements similar to a resume . This document is substantially different from the cover letter, which is meant to be a concise introduction into your background and career accomplishments. Understanding the differences between these documents and how to leverage them effectively will greatly increase your chances of landing the interview during your job search. In this guide, we’ll examine the core aspects of the CV and cover letter and the various situations in which you would submit them.

In the U.S., the CV is primarily used when pursuing an academic position. Unlike the resume, which typically doesn’t exceed two pages, this document can be several pages in length. In addition to your degrees, certifications, and work experience, you can include other aspects of your career on your CV that you may not have the space for on a traditional resume. For example, you can mention your industry associations, conferences, publications, grants, and fellowships to further flesh out your professional experience. Although you’re not restricted by length, it is good to ensure that your document isn’t overly long. Be sure to weigh the value of your content and consider whether or not these details are truly relevant to the position you’re pursuing.

Unlike the CV, your cover letter will be more heavily targeted towards a single role. The format is vastly different, and it is important to keep your document strictly to one page. The content provides an opportunity to take a more personal approach to your language, since you’ll be conveying the majority of your career achievements in paragraph form. Another difference is that you’ll be addressing the hiring manager directly. You will need to devote a portion of your cover letter to conveying your interest in the company’s mission statement or reputation within your field. For additional resources and guidance, visit our cover letter example collection featuring samples across nearly every possible industry.

Like the resume, the impact of your CV on the hiring manager will be determined by the strength of your content. In addition to your professional profile, work experience, and skills sections,consider featuring other aspects of your career that you normally wouldn’t have the space to include on your document, such as:

Publications

  • Associations
  • Conferences
  • Fellowships
  • Internships
  • Volunteerism
  • Presentations

Although adding these sections will greatly increase the overall length of your document, this is usually acceptable, as the reader will likely be expecting the CV to be several pages long.

That being said, to maximize the impact of your CV, take the time to consider whether these additional details are relevant to the position you’re pursuing. For example, if a particular publication has no relevance to your current field, consider omitting it from your document. Technically speaking, the CV can be as long as you want it to be, but remember that including irrelevant information won’t help to secure interview opportunities.

Now that you understand what to include on a CV, we’ll walk you through how to organize your content effectively to make a positive impression on the hiring manager. It can be difficult putting your career history onto the page and determining what information will be most compelling for the reader. Whether you’re crafting a resume or a CV, the goal is to tell your story and establish your personal brand as a professional within your field. Below, you’ll find a two-step guide to aid in building your CV and landing your next job opportunity.

To create a compelling CV, begin by outlining the strongest aspects of your career achievements and academic accomplishments. Provide specific examples that draw attention to your industry expertise and thought leadership contributions within your field. One of the benefits of a CV is more bandwidth to tell a complete story of your professional background. Don’t be afraid to highlight achievements from the earlier stages of your career, provided they have relevance for the role you’re pursuing.

Now that you’ve created an initial outline for your content, carefully review your information and ask yourself whether or not these details are relevant for your target industry. Many job seekers create CVs riddled with information that doesn’t speak to their expertise within their current field simply because the document is allowed to be longer. If a project or publication doesn’t align with the needs of the position, you’re probably better off omitting the content unless it showcases another positive aspect of who you are as a professional. For example, even if the project doesn’t match your current industry, perhaps it showcases your leadership capabilities. Or the project may have had a substantial impact on the organization and thus is objectively impressive. It’s important to evaluate your content from all perspectives as you decide what to include or cut from your CV.

In this sample, the job seeker is an accomplished professional within the medical education space. Although the general format is akin to a normal resume, they utilize the increased length of their CV to provide deeper insights into their conferences, associations, and publications.

Notice that these additional details draw attention to the candidate’s background and experience as a thought leader within the medical education field. The job seeker also highlights their commitment and passion for diversity and inclusion.

Meera Patel, Ph.D. (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 W. Adams Ave., Detroit, MI 12345

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical Science  UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, MI. September 2011 – May 2018

Master of Education (M.Ed.), Instructional Design  UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, MI. September 2009 – September 2011

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Medical Science  UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, MI. September 2005 – May 2009 

Professional Experience

Medical Education Consultant, Detroit Healthcare Educators, Detroit, MI May 2021 – Present

  • Serve as a consultant for stakeholders at a health care education company, which includes developing programs to refine training curriculum for medical students
  • Interface with health care partners (HCPs) and C-level executives to ensure alignment with long-term organizational objectives
  • Develop course content and workshops using instructional design principles and perform assessments to create train-the-trainer programs

Adjunct Professor, Medical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI  June 2018 – May 2021

  • Taught medical science courses to 75+ medical students per semester, developed curriculum, designed courses, and performed academic assessments
  • Coordinated with faculty to evaluate education programs and refine curriculums to improve student outcomes
  • Provided academic advising and mentorship to students to drive professional development within the medical science field

Professional Associations

Detroit Medical Education Association, Board Member, 2014 – Present  National Association of Instructional Designers, Member, 2011 – Present

“Telehealth Training and Education in the COVID-19 Era,” University of Michigan, 2021 | hyperlink “Differentiated Instruction and Scaffolding within Medical Education,” University of Michigan, Published 2016 | hyperlink “Using a Holistic Approach to Build Medical Education Programs and Curriculum,” University of Michigan, Published 2014 | hyperlink

Presentations and Seminars 

“Diversity and Inclusion within Curriculum Development,” National Medical Education Conference, 2019 “Driving Engagement within E-learning Environments,” Medical Educators of America, 2017 “Professional Development and Leadership Seminar,” United Health Partners, 2015

  • Medical Education
  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Medical Science
  • Program Development

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Frank Hackett

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Bartender cover letter example

Bartender cover letter example

Introduction of a bartender cover letter

Bartender cover letter body.

As a talented bartender, you’ll want to show future employers your full range of capabilities as a mixologist, combined with your customer-centric approach. One way to send the right message and build a connection with an employer is by having a professional and persuasive cover letter.  

Avoid being totally ignored at the bar while trying to get served. Elevate your job search with a sparkling bar work cover letter that captures immediate interest and lands you an interview.

What’s the recipe for a job-winning bartender cover letter? Blending the right mix of ingredients and presenting this with structure and flair.  

Bartender full text-only cover letter example 

Dear Mr. Corbyn,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the bartender position at The Rusty Anchor Pub, as advertised on your website. With over three years of experience in the hospitality industry and a passion for crafting exceptional drinks, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.

During my time as a bartender at The Old Duke in King Street, I developed a comprehensive knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as an understanding of local and international beers, wines, and spirits. I pride myself on providing friendly, efficient service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.

Key highlights of my experience include:

  • Consistently receiving positive feedback from customers and management
  • Maintaining a clean and organised bar area while managing high-volume periods
  • Implementing a new cocktail menu that increased beverage sales by 15%

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and enthusiasm to The Rusty Anchor Pub. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your establishment's success.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Eliza Jenkins

Sections of a bartender cover letter

Creating a cover letter for bartending is similar to mixing a cocktail, where each element plays a part in developing a high-quality end product. In the context of your cover letter, this means demonstrating why you’re the perfect person for the job (rather than mixing a Cuba Libre!). 

  • Cover letter header . Start with a clean and professional header, including your name, contact details, and main job title.
  • Greeting . Build a connection by personalising your greeting. Address the bar manager by their name rather than using a generic ‘Dear Sir or Madam.’
  • Introduction . Grab the reader's attention with a captivating opening to your bartender cover letter and share your enthusiasm about the job opening.
  • Body . What skills and experience can you offer the employer? Highlight your core strengths as well as examples of relevant bar work performed and results achieved.
  • Conclusion . Summarise what you would bring to the bartender role and reiterate your strong interest in the opportunity. Don’t forget a call to action.
  • Signature . End with a professional goodbye, including your name.

Understanding the purpose of each section and following this formula will ensure you have a professionally structured, cohesive bartending cover letter.

Aim for a short and concise one-page cover letter that conveys your strong interest in the role, describes your positive impact in previous roles, and markets you as the perfect bartender for the job. 

If you need some additional inspiration, view our library of amazing cover letters . Here are some related cover letters for bar staff:

  • Student cover letter
  • Part-Time Job cover letter
  • Team Leader cover letter
  • Speculative cover letter
  • Short cover letter

If you need more general information and details covering each section, you can view our article on how to write a cover letter .

Once you’ve dealt with the initial pleasantries, it’s time to move on and serve up an engaging introduction that will attract some attention. 

Stir up some interest by starting your cover letter for a bartending position with an intriguing introduction. This will encourage the bar manager to read on and learn more about you.  

Focus on your key achievements in bartending and the results you can generate for the new employer. Whether this is your expert knowledge as a mixologist or your success in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.  

Dear Mr Corbyn,

As an experienced bartender and mixologist, I was excited to hear about the job opening at Reform Bar & Grill. Combining expert knowledge of 60+ cocktail recipes, with recent success boosting sales of signature drinks by 20%, I’m confident of my ability to deliver similar results for Reform.       

Dear Sir or Madam

I would like to apply for the role of Bartender with Reform Bar & Grill. With three years of bartending experience and a strong work ethic, I feel ideally suited to the role.

Detailing specific details and tangible results in your introduction is the best way to showcase your bartending skills in action. For example, if you’ve acquired “expert knowledge of 60+ cocktail recipes,” you’re going to be a real asset to any bar. Compare this to a more generic, bland introduction and it’s clear who the bar manager will favour.

Ending your introduction with a commitment to deliver similar results for your potential new employer is also a great move. Bringing expert mixology knowledge or the ability to boost sales and customer satisfaction will be music to the hiring manager's ears. 

In the body of your cover letter, follow a clear template: 

  • Highlight your skills and experience
  • Show you’re the perfect for for the bar team
  • Wrap up with a strong conclusion
  • End with a call to action that makes the hiring manager eager to contact you

First body paragraph

Start strong by highlighting your top-level bartending skills and experiences in this paragraph. Much like a great drinks menu, show some depth and variety.

Here’s how you can showcase these qualifications:

  • Emphasise your customer-centric approach . Bring to life your experiences of building positive relationships with bar patrons and providing excellent service. Make sure to reference your outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Mixology and bartending skills . Specify the level of your bartending experience. Maybe you have extensive knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails as well as local and international beers, wines, and spirits. If it fits, let the hiring manager know.
  • Flexibility and multitasking . Recall times when you were managing high-volume periods in a bar or how you were flexible in covering your colleagues' shifts. This will demonstrate your strong organisation skills and team-focused approach.
  • Supervisory roles . Mention any experience overseeing bar operations as well as managing and mentoring staff teams.

Align document styles

Your CV and cover letter for a bartender job should be a ‘matching set,’ using the same design, font and formatting styles. The headers should be similar if not identical, so it’s clear that these two documents come from the same applicant. Any mismatch can suggest a lack of attention to detail and won’t project your professionalism to an employer. 

Second body paragraph

Tailoring your cover letter to the goals and objectives of your prospective employer can quickly show a recruiter that you’re enthusiastic about the role and will be a good fit for the team. 

Start with some background research on the employer, so you can identify how your values and experiences align. You can then tailor your cover letter accordingly.  

In the example of Brewdog Waterloo , some key points that can be taken from their mission statement and values include:

  • Making other people as passionate about great craft beer as we are
  • Evangelical about our craft and committed to spreading the passion for good beer
  • Certified Carbon Negative Company who Invest heavily in reducing emissions
  • Voted as The Sunday Times, Best Places to Work 2023

Including aspects of the mission statement in your cover letter will show you’ve done your homework. Perhaps you’re passionate about craft beer or impressed by an award-winning employer who values their employees. If so, let them know via your cover letter.

Call to action & conclusion

In the closing paragraph, it’s time to sum up with a compelling end to your cover letter . This should reinforce your key points and your enthusiasm for the bartending role.

Make sure to thank the employer for their consideration in reviewing your application. This shows you respect their time and reaffirms your interest in the role.

Include an engaging call to action to encourage the bar manager to take your application to the next stage in the recruitment process. 

Sign off with a professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely.’ Remember to proofread your letter and ensure that it is error-free and polished. 

Key takeaways

A well-crafted cover letter for bartending showcases your top-level skills , relevant experience, and passion for your craft.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific bartending role. Review the job description and research the employer and team. This will allow you to highlight your strengths and connect with the employer via a personalised approach.

Try our cover letter builder to commit your professional bartending career story to paper and boost your job interview prospects!

Free professionally designed templates

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  1. 5+ Best Cover Letter Examples for UK Job Applicants

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  2. 5+ Matching CV Cover Letter Template Examples

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  3. 5+ Best Cover Letter Examples for UK Job Applicants (2022)

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COMMENTS

  1. How to write the perfect cover letter (With examples)

    1. Begin by introducing yourself. To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2.

  2. Cover letter examples and templates

    When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.A cover letter should include the following parts: Header.

  3. 11 winning cover letter templates & examples [Get noticed]

    Basic cover letter template. Dear [Recruiter's name], I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible]. During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified ...

  4. Cover Letter Examples and Samples for 2024

    If you have a name for the recruiter or hiring manager, you should use this to open the letter. 'Dear Sarah Green' or 'Dear Mrs Green' are perfectly acceptable, for example. If no name is given, you can choose from addresses like 'To Whom it May Concern', 'Dear Hiring Manager', or 'To the Directors at [Company Name]'.

  5. CV Cover Letter Template

    Cover letter templates. This section covers a range of free cover letter templates, designed to teach you how to write a cover letter. Whether you're looking for cover letter examples, resignation letter templates, career change cover letter templates - or anything else, we can help you get started.

  6. Sample cover letter

    Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for. Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888. Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ. 5th May 2023. Dear Mr Smith.

  7. How to structure a cover letter (With example)

    Cover letter format example Finally, here is a cover letter format example. Tara Treadwell +44 4555 5555 55 [email protected] January 23, 2018 Dear Recruitment Manager, I'm excited to be applying for the Web Developer position at [Company Name]. I've been programming websites and using CSS to create user-friendly experiences since I was in sixth form, so it's long been a passion ...

  8. Free cover letter template

    Sign off your cover letter with 'Yours sincerely' (if you know the name of the hiring manager)/'Yours faithfully' (if you do not), and your name. Example: Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. Yours sincerely,

  9. Free Cover Letter Examples for the UK Jobs [2024 ready]

    1 Heading: ideally, it sould be identical to the one on your resume. Include your full name, job title, and basic contact information. 2 Date and addressee's details: include the date of when you're writing the letter followed by the hiring manager's name and physical address. If you don't know exactly who you're addressing your cover ...

  10. How to write a cover letter

    Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page. If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters. Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

  11. Cover Letter Examples for Your Job Hunt

    500+ ATS-Optimized, HR-Approved UK Cover Letter Templates . Delve into our extensive collection of over 500 UK Cover Letter templates, thoughtfully designed to harmonize style and substance. These Cover Letter templates are not only aesthetically pleasing; they are expertly crafted to pass through ATS systems while impressing HR professionals.

  12. Cover letter examples and samples

    Basic cover letter example. If you've never written a cover letter before, it's a good idea to start out simple. Open by saying where you found the role, and give a quick summary of the job you're applying for. Then move on to cover your main motivations for applying, as well as what makes you stand out from other applicants.

  13. Best Cover Letter Examples for Any Job in 2024

    Here's a template you can use to get ChatGPT to write a basic cover letter for you: "Please write a cover letter for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have [number] years of experience in [related field or industry]. I found the job listing on [job board or company website].

  14. How to Write a Cover Letter: Guides & Examples

    Cover letter paragraph 1: The introduction. The position you are interested in and why you are applying for it - a brief introductory passage that covers three things: Why you're writing the letter. What job role you are applying for. How you found out about the job. Something like:

  15. Cover letter examples for the UK (2024)

    Cover letter samples can help you strike the right tone in your cover letter. Formal but not stiff, professional but with a hint of personality. Use the cover letter examples as a guide to establishing the right tone for your letter. Tip 6: Align your letter with Your CV. It's essential to ensure that your cover letter aligns seamlessly with ...

  16. 12 CV cover letter examples

    Marketing CV cover letter. This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate's core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with - a great high-level intro.

  17. 80+ Free Cover Letters Examples for UK Jobs (2024) · Resume.io

    Top Cover Letter Examples for 2024 Free job-winning Cover Letter Sample + Expert Guides Write Professional Cover Letters in only 5 Minutes! ... 80+ Free Cover Letters Examples for UK Jobs. ... With over 10 million CVs and cover letters created, Resume.io is the leading online career builder that land you interviews ...

  18. 70+ Cover Letter Examples That Will Get You Hired in 2024

    Cover Letter Examples. That. Will Get You. Hired in 2024. Use our cover letter examples to write yours in a few minutes. Learn how to highlight your strengths. Boost your chances of landing an interview. Write a cover letter. Example of a cover letter created in our builder:

  19. How to write a cover letter in 5 steps

    2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the name of the hiring manager for this job, begin your cover letter by addressing them directly (Example: Dear Jane). When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases.

  20. Free Cover Letter Template of 2024

    Below you will find 13 ready-made cover letter templates in different formats and styles. In our builder, you can change the content as much as you like. You can adjust the font, its size, and even the size of the margins or the distance between sections to give your cover letter template a unique look.

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    Cover Letter Templates. Our Cover Letter templates have been created in collaboration with recruiters and HR specialists, ensuring they are up to the industry standard. CVMaker provides 20+ Cover Letter templates that cater to all levels, including junior, senior management, or C-level executives. Create your Cover Letter.

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    for 2024. Find a sample cover letter for your CV. Just type in your job title to get started. Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 18 professional cover letter templates that match your CV. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way. Create your cover letter now.

  23. What's the Difference Between a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter

    Unlike the CV, your cover letter will be more heavily targeted towards a single role. The format is vastly different, and it is important to keep your document strictly to one page. The content provides an opportunity to take a more personal approach to your language, since you'll be conveying the majority of your career achievements in ...

  24. How to write a simple cover letter (with examples)

    Here's a list of steps on how to write a simple cover letter: 1. List your personal information. The first step in writing a basic cover letter is to list your personal information. Even though this cover letter may be shorter than a traditional cover letter, it's still important for you to provide your contact information so that the hiring ...

  25. Bartender Cover Letter Examples for UK Market (2024 ...

    Bartender Cover Letter examples Write the best Cover Letters in 5 minutes Samples and expert guides used by millions of British users. ... With over 10 million CVs and cover letters created, Resume.io is the leading online career builder that land you interviews. Select Template. 4.5 out of 5.