Your cover letter can set you apart fast. It’s your first direct pitch to a hiring manager, and in a sea of CVs, a strong, focused cover letter is often the difference between getting an interview or being skipped.
Used correctly, a cover letter shows you understand the role, match the job description, and offer real value. In this blog we we will explore the purpose, what to include, and some tips and tricks.
What’s the Purpose of a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your CV when applying for a job. While your CV outlines your work history and qualifications, your cover letter is your voice. It explains why you’re applying, what makes you the best candidate for the job, and how your background aligns with the description of the job.
Hiring managers and recruiters use the cover letter to get a sense of who you are beyond your achievements. It’s your chance to demonstrate enthusiasm, explain your motivation, and directly connect your experience to the role.
Here’s what a strong cover letter does:
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Highlights relevant work experience
It focuses only on what matters for this particular job. You don’t need to mention everything, just the experience that proves you’re suitable for the job. -
Shows how you match the job description
A good cover letter mirrors the language in the job advert. It responds directly to the skills and traits the employer is looking for, showing you understand the role and have what it takes. -
Adds context beyond your CV
Maybe you’re switching industries, re-entering the workforce, or applying for your first job. The cover letter gives you a place to explain transitions, gaps, or decisions that don’t fit into a CV. -
Introduces your personality and motivation
This is your chance to stand out. Show you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the job and company. Let your tone reflect confidence, professionalism, and energy.
The cover letter is your chance to make a personal connection with the hiring manager before they even meet you. If your CV says what you’ve done, your cover letter explains why it matters.
Bring Your Skills to Life with Real Examples
It’s one thing to say you have the right skills. It’s another way to show them in a way that sticks.
Anyone can list traits like “team player” or “resilient” in a cover letter. The key is to back those claims up with real life, specific examples.
To do this well, focus on short, focused stories that prove your strengths. Whether it’s a moment from work, school, volunteering or another part of your life, a relevant story can say far more than a list of adjectives.
One of the best ways to structure these examples is by using the STAR method. This simple framework helps you clearly communicate the key points of any experience, which is also really helpful when you’re in the first round of interview stages. The steps are:
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Situation – What was going on? Set the scene.
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Task – What needed to be done?
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Action – What did you do about it?
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Result – What was the outcome?
By taking an example of a time when you’ve demonstrated a skill, and breaking the experience up into these four steps, you create an engaging anecdote that shows the reader exactly what they need to know. It will also make your application more attractive, personal and memorable.
So rather than just saying “I use my initiative” you can show that you do with an example like this:
Situation: When I started my last job as a developer, I found the onboarding process really confusing. There wasn’t much guidance, and setting up the project took a long time because the documentation was out of date.
Task: I wanted to make things easier for new starters so they could get up and running faster and not waste time figuring everything out on their own.
Action: I wrote down all the steps I had to take to set up the project, and I updated the documentation on our internal wiki. I also created a simple script to help automate some of the setup. Then I shared it with the team and asked for feedback so we could improve it further.
Result: The next few new developers were able to set everything up much more quickly, within a day instead of a week. My manager thanked me for taking the lead on it, and the guide became part of the standard onboarding process.
This method can also be used if you’re offered an interview. It can be a useful guideline if you find that you’re nervous and want to make sure you cover everything.
How to start writing a strong cover letter
A strong cover letter starts with preparation. Don’t stop at reading the role requirements. Go deeper. To create a letter that connects with the person hiring for the role, find out:
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Who is likely to read your cover letter
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The company’s values and working culture
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Industry updates or recent news
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Key competitors and the company’s market position
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The organisation’s goals and future plans
When writing your cover letter, keep it concise and focused on demonstrating why you’re the right fit for the position. A well-organized cover letter typically includes these four sections:
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Opening Paragraph – State the role you’re applying for, where you found the listing, and when you’re available to start.
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Middle Paragraph – Outline your relevant experience and explain how your skills align with the job description. Highlight any other strengths that could benefit the company.
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Second Middle Paragraph – Explain why this position excites you, what draws you to the company, and how you can contribute. Use this section to show your knowledge of the organization.
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Closing Paragraph – End by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and your desire for an interview. If applicable, mention any dates you are unavailable.
After drafting your letter, read it through carefully to cut out any fluff or repetition. Avoid restating information that’s already on your CV. Only mention salary details if the employer has requested it, and place this information between the third and final paragraphs.
Unless the role details specify otherwise, save your cover letter as a PDF file. This ensures that your document is accessible on both Windows and Mac systems without compatibility issues.
Should You Use AI Tools to Write a Cover Letter?
With AI tools becoming more accessible, it’s tempting to use them to speed up the job application process. But before you hit copy and paste, there are a few important things to consider.
Right now, AI technology is evolving faster than regulations can keep up. As a result, there is no universal rule about using AI when writing job applications. That doesn’t mean employers aren’t paying attention. Many organisations are already developing their own policies on whether applicants can use AI tools, and some will clearly state their stance in the job advert or on their website.
If you are unsure whether it’s okay to use AI in your application, the best approach is to ask. You might get the chance to speak with someone at a careers fair, employer event, or through direct contact with the recruitment team.
When there is no clear guidance, the decision is yours. But keep in mind that recruiters are skilled at spotting generic or AI-generated content. In a competitive market, the quality and originality of your application can make all the difference.
If You Choose to Use AI, Use It Wisely
AI can be a helpful tool, but it should not replace your own insights and effort. Here is how to get the best out of it without letting it take over:
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Use it as a starting point, not the finished product
AI can help you outline a basic structure or suggest wording, but your cover letter should still reflect your own voice, knowledge, and goals. -
Personalise everything
AI tends to generate generic content. Your letter needs to reflect your personal experience and motivation. Show the employer who you are, not just what AI thinks they want to hear. -
Double-check any information
AI tools can sometimes produce outdated or inaccurate references. Always fact-check anything they generate and make sure it aligns with the company, industry, and role.
A well-written cover letter, crafted with thought, research and authenticity, will always stand out more than one that reads like a template. If you use AI, make sure it is to enhance your application, not to replace your effort.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Your cover letter is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager, so it needs to be professional, precise, and well thought out. While your CV lists your experience, your cover letter showcases your communication skills, attention to detail, and understanding of the role.
Mistakes in your letter could undermine your application, even if you’re a strong candidate. Carl Jukes, employability adviser at the University of Birmingham, explains: “A poorly written cover letter reflects carelessness and a lack of professionalism. Employers are quick to notice errors, and they may question your suitability based on that alone.”
To make sure your cover letter works in your favour, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
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Repeating your CV – Your cover letter should enhance your CV, not copy it. Avoid listing the same points. Instead, expand on key achievements and explain how they relate to the role you’re applying for.
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Failing to proofread – Spelling, grammar, or formatting errors can instantly damage your credibility. Step away from the letter for a while after writing, then return with fresh eyes to catch any issues.
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Focusing only on what the job offers you – A good cover letter explains how you’ll add value to the company, not just what you hope to gain. Those who are looking for candidates who understand their goals and challenges.
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Being too casual or overly enthusiastic – It’s important to sound confident and positive, but avoid being overly friendly or using informal language. Keep the tone professional and enthusiastic without going overboard.
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Underselling your experience – It’s not bragging to highlight your achievements. Employers need to see your strengths clearly. Be confident in your abilities and communicate what makes you a great fit for the role.
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Dwelling on gaps or weaknesses – Avoid drawing attention to areas where you lack experience. Instead, reframe your skills. Focus on transferable strengths and how they equip you to succeed in the role.
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Overloading with information – Keep your letter concise. Every sentence should serve a purpose. Remove anything that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.
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Using generic cover letter templates – Templates can help structure your letter, but copying a standard version with minimal edits makes your application look lazy. Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific role and employer.
Writing a professional, engaging, and personalised cover letter takes time, but skipping these common mistakes could be what sets you apart from the rest.
How Mexa Solutions Can Help
At Mexa Solutions, we know that writing cover letters is not always easy, especially when you are trying to stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you are applying for your first role, making a career change, or aiming to land your dream job, we can give you some when creating a cover letter that highlights your strengths and speaks directly to what employers are looking for.
Our team offers personalised advice to ensure your cover letter feels focused, professional, and tailored to the role. We can help you structure your letter effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and make sure your tone reflects both confidence and authenticity. If you would also like some more hints and trips please check out our resources page.
Cover letters that get noticed
A strong cover letter can set you apart by showing who you are beyond your CV. With the right structure, clear examples, and attention to detail, your letter can leave a lasting impression and give you the edge in a competitive job market.
Cover Letter FAQ’s
How long should a cover letter be?
Keep your cover letter to one page. Focus on the most relevant parts of your CV and write a strong opening, middle, and closing paragraph. A concise, focused cover letter is more likely to hold a hiring managers attention.
Can I use AI to write my cover letter?
You can use AI to help write your cover or build structure, but don’t rely on it fully. AI-generated content can sound generic. Make sure your cover letter reflects your voice, insights, and real experiences. It’s best to write a new one for each role.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
If the job advert doesn’t mention a name, avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, try “Dear Hiring Manager” or research the department head. A little effort goes a long way to show you’re interested in the job.