Cover letters

These are usually one page business letters and they follow a set format.

  • The opening paragraph explains what you are applying for and where you saw the advert
  • The next paragraph(s) answer the question, “Why them?” Why is that job and employer of interest to you? You are showing the employer that you have researched them and you can make links between yourself and them e.g., your personal values align well with their corporate ones
  • Then you address the question, “Why you?” Why are you a strong candidate? In the next paragraph(s), you present a few key selling points as to your relevant skills and experience
  • You finish the letter with a restatement of your motivation and interest, and you look forward to hearing form them soon
  • Remember to keep each paragraph fairly short. Employers may skim read and are less likely to assimilate long paragraph content 

Further advice about writing cover letters, as well as examples.

What our grads say

Name: Leen Al-Mohammad

Graduated: 2021

Studied: BSc Pharmacology

Current Job Title & Organisation: Associate Medical Writer, Ashfield Health & Medical Communications

This was my most-procrastinated part of applying for jobs. I’d say make a list of the kinds of positions you want to apply to and make a model cover letter for each, then when it comes to it, adapt the models to individual companies (in the ‘why this company specifically’ paragraph). It’s really worth putting the time in for cover letters as I think this is what gets you the interviews. A solid cover letter also means your interview answers are pretty much ready for you.