Cover Letter Template: A Customisable Starting Point

A template is not a script — it is a structure. The words need to be yours, reflecting your specific background and your genuine interest in the role. But starting from a clear structure prevents the blank-page problem and ensures you cover the right ground.

The Template

[Your Name]

[Your Email] | [Your Phone] | [Your City]

[Date]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name / Dear Hiring Manager],

[Opening paragraph — why this role and employer:]

[Two to three sentences. Something specific about the company, team, or role that you have researched. What draws you to this particular opportunity — not generically to the sector, but to this role at this organisation.]

[Core paragraph — why you:]

[Three to four sentences. Your most relevant experience, framed specifically for this role. Include one or two concrete examples or outcomes. Use the employer's language where it accurately describes your background. This is your main pitch.]

[Optional bridge paragraph — context or additional evidence:]

[Two to three sentences if needed. Career change explanation, additional relevant qualification, specific enthusiasm for the team or mission. Skip this paragraph if your core paragraph covers what needs to be said.]

[Closing paragraph:]

[One to two sentences. Express interest in discussing further. Name your availability or simply invite contact.]

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

How to Customise Each Section

Opening paragraph: Do actual research. Read the company's website, look at their recent news or LinkedIn posts, understand what they are working on. Your specific reason for interest should be impossible to recycle for another employer.

Core paragraph: Pull the two or three things the job description most clearly prioritises. Match your evidence to those priorities — not to your personal favourites.

Optional bridge: Only include this if there is something that your CV does not explain and the cover letter needs to address.

Closing: Keep it brief. The recruiter knows you are interested — you applied. Just express it clearly and move on.

CVCircuit's Cover Letter Generator

Rather than starting from this template manually, CVCircuit's cover letter generator creates a tailored draft from your CV and the job description — saving you the blank page.

Build your CV free at CVCircuit and generate your cover letter in seconds.