Guide
How to write a cover letter
By the JobberNest team · Reviewed 3 November 2026
Not every employer reads cover letters, but the ones who do use them to decide between similar CVs. A good letter is short, specific to the job, and adds something your CV can't: why this role, and why you.
Aim for three or four short paragraphs, under 300 words. If you're applying by email, the email body can be your cover letter.
The structure
Four parts are enough:
- Opening: the role you're applying for and one line on why you're a strong fit.
- Evidence: one or two achievements that match the main requirements in the advert.
- Why them: something specific about the company that makes you want this job.
- Close: thank them and say you'd welcome an interview.
Example
Here is a short example for a customer service role. The person is fictional; write yours from your own experience.
Dear Hiring Manager, I'm applying for the Customer Experience Associate role at your company. I have three years' experience in telecoms and e-commerce support, where I handle about 60 calls and chats a day with a 92% satisfaction score. Your advert asks for someone who can resolve issues quickly across several channels. In my current role I resolve 85% of cases at first contact, and I wrote saved replies for our most common refund questions that cut handling time by about two minutes. I use your app myself, and I've noticed how quickly your support team replies on WhatsApp. I'd like to help keep that standard as you grow. Thank you for considering my application. I'd welcome the chance to discuss it. Yours faithfully, Aisha Bello
Make it specific
The fastest way to lose a reader is a letter that could be sent to any company. Mention the role by name, refer to one or two requirements from the advert, and say something real about the company.
Don't repeat your whole CV. Pick the one or two achievements that matter most for this job.
Mistakes to avoid
- Opening with "I am writing to apply for..." and nothing else in the first line.
- Using "Dear Sir" when you can find the hiring manager's name, or when you don't know who will read it (use "Dear Hiring Manager").
- Long paragraphs about your passion, with no evidence.
- Wrong company name: check before you send.
- Claims you can't support at interview.
Questions people ask
Should I write "Yours faithfully" or "Yours sincerely"?
In British style, "Yours sincerely" if you named the person ("Dear Mrs Okafor"), and "Yours faithfully" if you didn't ("Dear Hiring Manager").
Is a cover letter necessary if the advert doesn't ask?
It's optional, but a short, specific one helps when you're changing careers, explaining a gap, or applying for a competitive role.
How long should a cover letter be?
Under one page, ideally 200 to 300 words.