This document provides guidance on writing an effective cover letter, which is a one-page component of a job application that highlights the applicant's motivations, qualifications, and fit for the position and organization. Key sections include the purpose of a cover letter, a suggested structure, and essential tips such as using the right tone and customizing the content for each position. The main focus should be on answering 'why you?' and 'why them?' while maintaining professionalism and clarity throughout.

1. WRITING THE PERFECT
COVER LETTER

2. WRITINGYOUR
RITING YOUR
OV
LETTERWRIT
GYOUR
OVERLETTER
RITIN
OUR
OVERLETTER
RI
GYOUR
OVERLET
ER
RITINGYOUR
OVERLETTER
COVERLETTER
W
C
ER
IN
C
W
GY
C
W
TIN
C
T
W
C
WRITINGYOUR
COVERLETTER
PRESENTATION
OVERVIEW
•
•
•
•
•
•
WRITING THE PERFECT
COVER LETTER
What is a cover letter?
What is the purpose of
cover letters?
Structure of cover letter
How to Write the Perfect
Cover Letter
Things to remember
Conclusion

3. WHAT IS A
COVER LETTER?
•
•
•
•
A cover letter is a one-page document that
you submit as part of your job application
(alongside your CV or Resume).
On average, your cover letter should be
from 250 to 400 words long.
Highlights your motivations in applying
for the position and why you want to
work with this specific organization.
Showcases your personality and values.

4. •
•
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly
summarize your professional background.
Cover letters should highlight your academic,
professional, and personal qualifications for the
position to which you are applying.
PURPOSE OF A
COVER LETTER

5. A compelling cover letter is the one that answers
"Why are you?" and "Why are they?"
-Why you: Focus their attention on your most relevant and
compelling qualifications. What value will you bring to the
organization? (Not what you want or what you can achieve.)
-Why are they: Include a sentence about the reason why you
want to work with this particular organization.
-When talking about this, your tone of voice when should be
formal. Do not use slang, abbreviations.
Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual, without
any frills or generalizations
PURPOSE OF A COVER
LETTER

6. EXAMPLE

7. STRUCTURE
OF A COVER
LETTER

8. STRUCTURE OF
A COVER LETTER
•
•
•
•
•
•
Header - Input contact information
Greeting the hiring manager
Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s
attention with 2-3 of your top
achievements
Second paragraph - Explain why you’re
the perfect candidate for the job
Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a
good match for the company
Formal closing

9. A) Share a story that shows you connect with their
brand or their culture
B) Tell them how you came to learn that they were
special amongst their competitors
C) Demonstrate why you value them and the work
they do
3 WAYS TO MAKE
A CONNECTION

10. HOW TO
WRITE THE
PERFECT
COVER
LETTER

11. #STEP 1
Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

12. #STEP 2
Start the Cover Letter with a Header

13. #STEP 3
Greet the Hiring Manager
Here are several other greetings you could use:
•
•
•
•
Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
Dear Hiring Manager
To whom it may concern
Dear [Department] Team

14. #STEP 5
Explain why you’re
the perfect person for the job
- This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR
manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

15. #STEP 4
Write an Attention
- Grabbing Introduction

16. #STEP 6
Explain why you’re a good fit
for the company
You want to know things like:
-
-
-
What’s the company’s business model?
What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will
you have autonomy on how you get things done?

17. #STEP 7:
Wrap up with a call to action
In the final paragraph, you want to:
-
-
-
Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs.
Thank the hiring manager for their time.
Finish the cover letter with a call to action.

18. #STEP 8:
Use the right formal closing
Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write
down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.
Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:
•
•
•
•
Best Regards
Kind Regards
Sincerely
Thank you

19. TOPICS
Why are you?
Why are they?
Highlight your
experiences to
showcase you as the
best candidate and
emphasize your
interest in their
organization.
STYLE
Should be narrative in
style. Match tone of
organization and
always be professional.
FONT
Use same font as
resume for
consistency across
your documents
CUSTOMIZE
Tailor and customize
your cover letter to
each position.
LENGTH
No longer than 1 page
and around 3-5
paragraphs.
THINGS TO REMEMER

20. Conclusion
Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s
summarize everything we’ve learned:
• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of
your competence
A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
•
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s
attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
•
•
There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the
perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the
company you’re applying to
Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual, without any fluff or
generalizations