The document provides guidance on writing effective cover letters, including common mistakes to avoid and sample cover letters. It discusses key sections of a cover letter such as introducing the applicant's interest in the position and company, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and requesting an interview. The samples demonstrate how to address a cover letter, tailor it to a specific role, and explain gaps in employment history. Overall, the document offers advice on crafting cover letters that emphasize the applicant's suitability for the job and increase their chances of securing an interview.

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COVER
LETTER
SAMPLES
BY:
Atiqa Ijaz Khan
Wednesday, august 03, 2016

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
RULES FOR COVER LETTER
Do I need a cover letter?
A cover letter should always accompany your CV unless you are told otherwise. It allows you to
personalize an application and highlight key areas of your CV in more depth. It can also be called
a covering letter.
How do I write a cover letter?
Keep your cover letter brief, while making sure it emphasizes your suitability for the job. It can be
broken down into the following sections:
1. First paragraph - the opening statement should set out why you are writing the letter.
Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when
you are available to start.
2. Middle paragraphs - you should use the next two or three paragraphs to explain: what
attracted you to this vacancy and type of work; why you're interested in working for the
company; and what you can offer to the organization. Demonstrate how your skills match
the specific requirements of the job description.
3. Last paragraph - use the closing paragraph to indicate your desire for a personal
interview, while mentioning any unavailable dates. Finish by thanking the employer and
say how you are looking forward to receiving a response.
11 Rules of Successful Cover Letter:
With employers often receiving huge volumes of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure
that your cover letter makes a lasting impression. Here are some rules you'll need to stick to if you
want to increase your chances of success:
1. Be concise and to the point - keep it to one side of A4;
2. Use the same quality plain white paper you used to print your CV;
3. Include a named contact whenever possible to show you have sent it to them personally;
4. Relate your skills to the job advert and make a case for why the employer should want to
meet with you;
5. Proofread - always double-check your spelling and grammar without relying on a
computer spellcheck program;
6. Target the company by tailoring your cover letter for each application;
7. Page layout should be easy on the eye, set out with the reader in mind;
8. Check to make sure you've got the company name and other key details right;

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
9. Read it and cut out any unnecessary words or sentences;
10. If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment
to avoid it being detected by spam filters;
11. Stick to your own words, avoiding jargon and formal clichés.
7 Of The Worst Cover Letter Mistakes
Your covering letter is an opportunity to show employers how well you express yourself and it
should entice them to read your CV. If you want to ensure it is as effective as possible, avoid these
common mistakes:
1. Failing to address the letter to a named individual at the company;
2. Repeating what is written in your cv;
3. Forgetting to proofread your letter and sending it full of mistakes;
4. Spilling over onto a second page;
5. Sharing unnecessary personal details and giving rambling explanations;
6. Concentrating too much on your qualifications rather than your skills and experience;
7. Failing to target your letter to the specific job you're applying for.
How Do I Explain Any Gaps in My CV?
You must always explain any large gaps in your CV and your cover letter is the place to do so.
This is so a potential employer doesn't misinterpret a break in your career history. If you approach
it positively, it shouldn't be an issue. Reasons for gaps in your CV include:
1. Returning to work after a gap year;
2. Having children;
3. Caring for a sick relative;
4. Suffering from a recurring medical condition; and
5. Redundancy.
Courtesy: For more information: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-
cover-letters/cover-letters
To explain any career gap: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-
letters/cover-letters/cover-letter-to-explain-a-career-gap
What you can do with your degree: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-
do-with-my-degree

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
SAMPLE # 01
Employers don't always distinguish between a Masters and Bachelor’s degree when recruiting.
It's up to you to explain in your cover letter what skills and knowledge you have gained through
this higher qualification.
Example 01a:
Mrs. S Reilly
PDF Engineering
The Highway Address
Newcastle
NG9 7PS
10th December 2015
Job reference: Graduate trainee manager vacancy
Dear Mrs. Reilly,
I am writing to apply for the graduate trainee manager role at PDF Engineering, as advertised on
The Guardian website. I have attached my CV to accompany this letter. I graduated this summer
with an MSc in Management at the University of Edinburgh and am currently seeking a role that
will allow me to use the technical knowledge gained from my first degree in mechanical
engineering and my subsequent Masters qualification. The trainee manager position at PDF
Engineering appears to offer exactly this and I feel that I have a lot to bring to the role.
From my CV, I hope you can appreciate my commitment to a career in management. I have
spent the last year focusing on this discipline and really developing my knowledge and skills in
this area.
My MSc allowed me to develop my communication skills and I have enjoyed building
relationships with the wide range of students and staff that were part of the programme. I enjoy
working with people, leading teams and presenting a considered point of view - all skills relevant
to the trainee manager role at PDF Engineering.
I also have experience of leading a team, notably the team leader role I undertook as part of the
university's 'Management Challenge' in 2014. This was a demanding role that included: project
management; team management and motivation; prioritization; and presentation skills. As a
member of the winning team, I was delighted to have played a part in our success. Indeed, I am a
responsible and motivated individual who would welcome the opportunity to train, and work
towards becoming, a future manager at PDF Engineering. I look forward to discussing my
application in further detail at the interview.

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
Print name
Courtesy:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/cover-letters/cover-letter-by-a-
masters-graduate
Example 01b:
Mr Karl Jones
Recruiting Manager
Bose Media
11a Main Street
Wakefield
W10 1AF
12th April 2015
Job reference: Grad/15
Dear Mr Jones,
I am writing with regards to the graduate vacancy advertised in The Times Top 100 Graduate
Employers directory. I am enclosing my CV for your information.
Having recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from The University of Manchester, I
am now looking to apply the knowledge I have acquired into the workplace and the graduate role
at Bose Media offers the perfect opportunity to do this.
I believe I meet all of the requirements outlined for the post. During my studies, I developed an
excellent eye for detail and have significant experience of reading and interpreting large amounts
of materials in a range of genres. I undertook a number of team projects as part of my studies, so
I am very comfortable working as part of a team and am confident in my interpersonal and
communication abilities. I have received feedback from fellow team members that helps to
affirm this.

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
I am experienced in working to deadlines and accept that this would be an important part of the
role. My abilities in this area are further demonstrated by the position I held as assistant editor at
the university’s student newspaper, The Voice, during the final year of my degree. This role
required significant responsibility and commitment in terms of time and effort - something I
relished. It was also necessary for me to hone my prioritisation and multitasking skills in order to
effectively carry out this role alongside my academic studies.
I would welcome the opportunity to explain more about my interest in your company and the
skills and experience that I can bring to the position. You will note from my CV that I have a real
passion for literature, media and current affairs and look forward to sharing this with you and
contributing to the future success of Bose Media.
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future regarding my application.
Yours Sincerely,
(Signed) Print name
Courtesy:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/cover-letters/sample-cover-
letter

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
SAMPLE # 02
David Silverman, an entrepreneur, executive, and author, writes about the best cover letter he's
ever received on Harvard Business Review.
He complains that most cover letters are terrible because they either recap the resume, are merely
a formality, or get way too personal.
There are only three situations when a cover letter should be written, he says: when you know the
hiring person's name,when you know something about the job's requirements or when someone
refers you.
Example 02:
The best example he's ever seen is short and sweet and goes like so:
Format 02:
Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms,
excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an
ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you
sometime.
Best regards,
Xxxx Xxxx
"Here's what I like about this cover letter," Silverman writes. "It's short. It sums up the résumé as
it relates to the job. It asks for the job."
Courtesy:
http://www.businessinsider.com/here-is-the-best-cover-letter-ever-received-2011-2

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
SAMPLE # 03
This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors,
a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.
Example 03a:
Dear Mr Black,
Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30
November.
The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of
independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one
course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this
subject very stimulating.
I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the
opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this
position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success
of it.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you
in the near future.
Yours sincerely
Courtesy:
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES
This may vary according to the nature of the organization and the industry you're applying to.
Example 03b:
Dear Mr Brown,
I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your
information.
As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail
sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different
types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team.
I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I'm flexible, quick to
pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I'm
keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name].
I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at
your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be
grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities.
Yours sincerely
Courtesy:
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples

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COVER LETTER SAMPLES