How to write a winning cover letter

A good cover letter is key to standing out as a candidate, even if you don’t have much experience. But how do you write one that helps you progress to the next stage of an application? In this guide, we share five tips to get you started.

For many people, the cover letter is the trickiest part of applying for a work placement, apprenticeship, or job. So if you feel that way, you’re not alone! But once you learn a few tricks, it gets much easier. Let’s take it step by step. 

You can apply these tips to any cover letter, whether you’re writing it with our Writing tool, a word processor, or as part of an online form. 

Step 1: Read the job description 

Before you start writing, take time to understand what the employer wants. Read the job/apprenticeship description closely. Look for the main things you'll need to do and the skills they're asking for. Some listings have bullet points that make this easy. If not, highlight important words and make your own list.

Here’s an example taken from a real job posting:

The Assistant Events Administrator will have a wide range of duties in a busy organisation. Duties will include: 

• scheduling appointments in an online calendar
• helping to book travel and hotels for guests
• planning and scheduling social media posts
• researching purchases needed for upcoming events
• assisting with bookkeeping to record company finances
• attending company meetings
• helping to organise summer education programs

From this list, you can figure out the skills needed:

• strong organisation and planning skills
• basic maths skills (numeracy)
• able to balance multiple tasks
• good at communicating and working with different people

Make sure the language you use matches the language in the job description. The example above uses the word ‘planning’; don't change this in your application to something like ‘orchestrating’; this is because many organisations use AI recruitment screening software that looks for specific words and might miss your examples if the language is different.

Step 2: Answer three questions

1. Why do you want to work for (or do an apprenticeship with) this company?

Do some research. Check out the company's website, blog, and social media. What do they care about? What makes them special? If you’re applying for an apprenticeship, mention something about their training program.

Keep this part short but personal. Avoid generic lines like, 'It’s always been my dream to work here.' Instead, show that you’ve done your research. For example:

'Your company’s focus on helping underserved communities means a lot to me, because I’ve grown up in this city and have seen the impact of your work.'

This tells them you care about their mission and have a personal connection.

2. Why do you want this job/apprenticeship?

Find out what your responsibilities will be. If it’s not clear from the job description, do some research. Unifrog has some great guides to specific roles in the Careers Library.

Of course, we all want a job to make some money, or because it is the entry-level role for a career we want. But try to be specific. For example:

'I want to work as an administrative assistant to gain experience in a fast-paced office.'

 

3. Why are you a good fit for this job/apprenticeship?

This is the most important part. Think about your skills and experience. You don’t need to prove you’re 'the best'. You just need to show you have what they’re looking for.

Look at the skills list you made earlier. Now think of real-life examples that prove you have those skills. You can use examples from work experience, school, clubs, hobbies, or day-to-day life. If you've been using Unifrog's Skills tool, you'll already have these examples ready! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to make it really easy for a recruiter to see the outcome of your efforts.

Don’t just say, 'I am very organised.' Instead, give an example:

'As secretary of my school’s book club, I created a new online sign-up system. This made it easier to track members and plan events.'

 

Step 3: Add a beginning and an end

Keep the opening simple. Say why you’re writing and mention the job title. For example:

'I am applying for the role of Assistant Events Administrator, which I saw listed on your company website.'

End with a polite closing. No need to overthink it. Something like this is fine:

'Thank you for your time. I hope to discuss this role with you soon.’


 

Step 4: Get the formatting right

The hard bit is over! Now you just need to make the cover letter look good. Follow these rules:

• Keep it one page long.
   
• Use the right greeting.
  • If you know the person’s name: 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]' ? End with 'Yours sincerely.'
  • If you don’t know the name: 'Dear Sir/Madam ? End with “Yours faithfully.”
  • In the U.S., 'To the Hiring Manager' or “To Whom It May Concern” are fine.
     
• Add a clear, relevant subject line, like 'Application for Assistant Events Administrator Position'. 
   
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Don’t rely on spell-check. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to review it.
   
• Use a simple font like Arial (size 11). Match it with your CV.
  
   

Step 5: Send it off!

Attach your CV and send your application. Then, be patient. Employers take time to review applications, so try not to worry if you don’t hear back right away.

Good luck!

A word on using AI in your applications

It can be really tempting to use AI to embellish your examples, or even to write your applications for you. Don't do this!

Many recruitment platforms have built-in AI detection. If you use AI to write your answers, you’ll likely be flagged and auto-rejected.

It's more effort, but you should write your whole application yourself. Firstly, you're trying to show a potential employer who you are, not who an AI service is presenting you as. And secondly, you want to show your potential future employer that you're prepared to work hard in the role; letting AI do the work before you've even started won't give the right impression!

Your final version must be in your own voice, but if it helps, you could use AI like this:

• Use it as a proofreader to check for typos or grammatical errors
• Use it to brainstorm ideas
• Use it to help structure your thoughts

Don't be tempted to copy and paste any alternative ideas it gives you!

For more advice on applying for a job in the world of AI, we have a guide coming very soon! Watch this space…