How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read
Most cover letters are not read. Recruiters in high-volume recruitment processes frequently skip straight to the CV. But a well-written cover letter, for the right role with the right employer, can be the thing that gets you shortlisted over an equally qualified candidate. The challenge is knowing how to write one that earns the reader's attention in the first ten seconds.
The Cover Letter's Actual Job
A cover letter is not a summary of your CV. It is not a list of your skills. It is not a formal statement of intent. At its best, a cover letter does one thing: it makes the recruiter want to read your CV and meet you.
The way it does that is by answering the question the recruiter has before they even open your application: why are you right for this specific role, at this specific organisation, at this specific time?
The Structure That Works
Opening line (not "I am writing to apply for"): The first sentence should not be a statement that the email and the application form have already made obvious. Lead with something specific about the role or organisation that you have researched, or with a brief statement of what makes you the right candidate.
Why this role: In one to two sentences, explain what specifically draws you to this role — not "I am looking for a new challenge" but something specific about the team, the mission, the work, or the opportunity.
Why you: In two to three sentences, make the case with evidence. Not "I have strong communication skills" but "In my current role I [did something specific] that resulted in [specific outcome] — directly relevant to what you are looking for here."
A brief close: One sentence expressing genuine interest in discussing further. No waffle.
Length
Three short paragraphs. Half a page. Never more than one page. Most recruiters will stop reading after the first paragraph if the first paragraph is not compelling.
What Not to Include
- Repetition of everything in your CV
- Overused phrases (passionate, results-driven, team player, hard-working)
- Apologies for what you lack
- Generic statements about the company that could apply to any company
CVCircuit's Cover Letter Generator
CVCircuit generates tailored cover letters from your CV and the job description. Build your CV first, then generate a cover letter for any role in seconds.
Build your CV free at CVCircuit and generate your cover letter instantly.