Laura Slingo 
Write a strong cover letter with our template and example
Crafting a compelling cover letter can be challenging without a clear reference point. Good thing our free cover letter template and example are here to guide you. Get started with a well-structured sample cover letter below, put together to inspire and help you create your own standout job application.
Traditional cover letter template
Your name
Your address
Your phone number
Your email address
Date
Hiring manager or recruiter's name
Hiring manager or recruiter's job title
Company or organisation name
Address
The job you're applying for or the job ad ID
Dear hiring manager (or recruiter's name),
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself by stating the position you're applying for and how you found the job. Express enthusiasm for the role and genuine interest in the company. Aim for 50 words.
Paragraph 2: Outline why you're a strong candidate for the role by summarising your relevant qualifications and experience, supported by specific achievements that show how you can contribute to the company's success. Aim for 60 words.
Paragraph 3: Highlight your alignment with the company by referencing its mission, values, or achievements and explaining how your skills or experiences support its goals. Connect this to the value you can bring to the organisation. Aim for 60 words.
Paragraph 4 (optional): If space allows, accentuate additional qualifications or experiences not fully covered in your CV. Emphasise unique skills or accomplishments that set you apart and connect them to the company's needs or role requirements. Aim for 40 words.
Paragraph 5: In the closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager or recruiter, reaffirm your interest in the position, and express your eagerness to discuss your qualifications. Mention your availability for an interview. Aim for 40 words.
Yours sincerely,
Your name
Traditional cover letter example
John Smith
London, UK
07700 900123
john.smith@email.com
12 September 2024
Sarah Williams
Head of Talent Acquisition
Tech Innovators Ltd
10 Silicon Avenue
London, SW1A 1AA
RE: Software Developer position
Dear Sarah Williams,
I am excited to apply for the Software Developer position at Tech Innovators Ltd, which I discovered through your recent LinkedIn post. With a background in developing high-performance web applications and a deep enthusiasm for AI technologies, I am eager to bring my skills to your innovative team.
In my previous role at NexGen Solutions, I led the development of a customer-facing app that utilised machine learning algorithms to personalise user experiences, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement. My hands-on experience with technologies like React, Node.js, and AWS has equipped me with the technical proficiency needed to tackle the complex challenges at Tech Innovators.
I am particularly drawn to Tech Innovators Ltd due to your impressive work on the AI-powered predictive analytics platform. Your commitment to transforming data into actionable insights aligns perfectly with my own passion for using technology to drive business success. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in tech.
Moreover, my background in agile development and team leadership has allowed me to effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and deliver projects that exceed expectations. My proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement will help me add value to your team from day one.
Thank you for considering my application. I am keen to discuss how my experience and skills align with the goals of Tech Innovators Ltd. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at 07700 900123 or john.smith@email.com.
Yours sincerely,
John Smith
What is a good format for a cover letter?
The example we've provided follows a strong and good cover letter format. Thus, we recommend using this cover letter template when submitting your job application through online portals, job boards, or LinkedIn.
Emailing your CV directly to a recruiter or hiring manager? Below are our top tips:
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Include your cover letter in the body of the email instead of sending it as an attachment. In this case, you can omit the addresses and the date at the top of the cover letter template.
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Try to get the name of the hiring manager and address them in your cover letter appropriately.
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Include the job ID in your subject line, such as “Job application for Software Developer.”
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You can also swap “yours sincerely” for something less formal, such as “kind regards.”
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