A cover letter is literally a letter - written in a few paragraphs - expressing your interest in the position you’re applying for and highlighting the skills that make you the best candidate for the job. Your cover letter is a very important first introduction (along with your resume) to employers - so it is important that it is clear, concise, and well-written. While not every position you apply for will require you to write a cover letter, doing so anyways can help you stand out from other candidates.

With this in mind, here is how to start writing your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter

It is important to note that you will usually need to write a different cover letter for each job you are applying for. For example, a cover letter for a Administrative job most likely won’t highlight the same skills that one for a Sales Associate would. We recommend drafting a basic cover letter that highlights your basic skills and abilities, and tweaking it for each job you apply to.

Like the structure of an essay, cover letters typically have three parts: (1) an introduction, (2) a body paragraph or two, and (3) a closing. Use these three sections as a cover letter template to start yours:

Introduction

• Introduce yourself.
• Identify the position you are applying for.
• Indicate how/where you learned about the position.

Introduction Example

My name is Peggy Ugochukwu and I am writing to apply for the position of a Guidance Counsellor, as advertised on the Bravery Institute website. As a trained Psychologist and Counsellor who is fulfilled by providing exceptional guidance service and creating first-rate counselling experience, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your institute.

Body

• Connect your qualifications to the needs of the job.
• Use examples of skills or achievements from your resume that make you a strong candidate.
• Use words from the job description throughout your cover letter. If an employer is looking to hire someone with “strong communication skills,” write that you have “strong communication skills” and give specific examples to show how communication is your strength.

Body Example

Since my graduation from the Univeristy of Portharcourt in July of 2022, I have been working full-time as a Guidance Counsellor at The Trinity Education Center in Portharcourt, Rivers State. In this role, I have gained invaluable experience helping students in cooperation with their guardians and teachers to understand and overcome obstacles affecting their social, educational, and long-term achievement.

The following achievement from my professional background which represent the absolute value I can offer Bravery Institute:

• Developed and implemented a needs assessment program corresponding with the National  Education Curriculum
• I have created and currently present guidance lessons on topics covered in Trinity Education Center. Increase parent/student/group awareness and participation by 25% in just 3 months.

Closing

• Express your interest in connecting with the potential employer in regards to the job.
• Include a way for the potential employer to view any examples of your work (website, portfolio, etc.).
• Leave available methods for contacting you.
• Sign your cover letter (since you will likely be doing it on a computer, typing out your name is okay).

Closing Example

Enclosed you’ll find a copy of my resume for your review. In addition to my resume and cover letter, I invite you to check out my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at peggy.ugochukwu@email.com or via phone at 0803 333 3333. I look forward to connecting with you soon  to discuss the available Guidance Counselor role and the contributions I can make to your counseling program. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Peggy Applicant
peggy.applicant@email.com
0803 3333333