A CV covering letter example is a sample of a short, tailored letter you send with your CV to introduce yourself and explain why you are the right person for a specific job. Below you will find a full example, a blank template, and a breakdown of what to include in each section so you can write your own with confidence.
What Is a CV Covering Letter?
A covering letter (also called a cover letter) is a one-page document that accompanies your CV when you apply for a job. Its purpose is not to repeat your CV but to connect your skills and experience to the specific role and company. A good covering letter answers three questions: Who are you? Why are you applying? Why should they interview you?
Unlike a CV, which is factual and chronological, a covering letter is persuasive and narrative. It gives you space to explain gaps, highlight a key achievement, or show that you understand the company’s goals. In most English-speaking countries, a covering letter is still expected for professional roles, even when the application is submitted online.
How to Structure a CV Covering Letter
Follow this standard structure for a professional covering letter. Each section has a clear job, and the whole letter should fit on one side of A4.
- Header: Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL (optional). Put this at the top, not in the body.
- Date: The day you send the letter.
- Recipient’s details: The hiring manager’s name, title, company, and address. If you do not know the name, use “Hiring Manager” or the department head.
- Salutation: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Jones.” If unknown, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Opening paragraph: State the job you are applying for and where you saw it. Mention one key reason you are a strong fit.
- Middle paragraphs (2–3): Give concrete examples of your skills, achievements, and experience that match the job description. Use numbers where possible.
- Closing paragraph: Restate your interest, thank them for considering your application, and mention that your CV is attached.
- Sign-off: “Yours sincerely” (if you used a name) or “Yours faithfully” (if you used “Dear Hiring Manager”). Leave space for your signature, then type your full name.
CV Covering Letter Example (Filled In)
Below is a sample covering letter for a fictional marketing assistant role. Notice how each paragraph is short and focused on the employer’s needs.
Jane Doe
12 Maple Street, London, UK
07700 900123 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
15 March 2025
Ms. Sarah Green
Hiring Manager
Bright Media Ltd.
45 High Street, London, UK
Dear Ms. Green,
I am writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant position at Bright Media, as advertised on LinkedIn. With two years of internship experience in digital marketing and a BA in Communications, I am confident I can support your team’s upcoming product launches.
During my internship at a local agency, I managed social media calendars for three clients, increasing engagement by 22% in three months. I also drafted email newsletters using Mailchimp and assisted with SEO blog posts that ranked on the first page of Google for target keywords. These tasks taught me to work under deadlines and to track campaign performance using Google Analytics.
I particularly admire Bright Media’s recent campaign for eco-friendly packaging, which won an industry award. I would be excited to bring my organisational skills and creative writing abilities to a company that values sustainability.
Thank you for considering my application. My CV is attached for your review, and I would be glad to discuss my experience further at an interview.
Yours sincerely,
Jane Doe
Blank CV Covering Letter Template
Use this blank template for your own letter. Replace the underlined sections with your details. Keep the structure the same; only the content should change based on the job.
Your Name
Your Phone Number | Your Email | Your LinkedIn (optional)
Date
Recipient Name (if known)
Recipient Job Title
Company Name
Company Address
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name] or Dear Hiring Manager,
Paragraph 1: State the job title and where you saw it. Give one sentence on why you are a strong candidate.
Paragraph 2: Give a specific example of a relevant skill or achievement. Use numbers or outcomes.
Paragraph 3: Mention why you are interested in this company or role. Show you have done some research.
Paragraph 4: Thank them and say your CV is attached. Offer to discuss further.
Yours sincerely (if you used a name) or Yours faithfully (if you used “Dear Hiring Manager”),
Your Signature (if sending by post)
Your Typed Full Name
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants make the same errors. Avoiding these will make your letter stand out.
- Repeating your CV: Do not list every job duty. Pick the most relevant ones and explain their impact.
- Using a generic letter: A letter that says “To whom it may concern” and never mentions the company name is a red flag. Tailor it each time.
- Being too long: One page is the rule. If you exceed it, cut examples that are less relevant.
- Focusing on what you want: Avoid “I want to gain experience” or “I need a job.” Instead, focus on what you can offer the employer.
- Typos and errors: Read it out loud and use spell-check. A single typo can undo a good impression.
- Missing the call to action: Always end by asking for an interview or saying you will follow up.
How to Tailor a Covering Letter to a Job
Tailoring is the most important step. Follow this process each time you apply.
- Read the job description carefully. Highlight the top 3–4 skills or requirements they mention.
- Match your experience to those requirements. For each one, think of a specific example from your work, studies, or volunteering.
- Research the company. Look at their website, recent news, or LinkedIn page. Find one thing they are proud of (a project, a value, a client).
- Write the middle paragraphs around their needs, not your history. Use their keywords where natural.
- Mention the company by name and refer to the specific thing you researched.
Covering Letter vs. CV: What’s the Difference?
Your CV is a factual record of your education, work history, and skills. It is usually 1–2 pages and uses bullet points. A covering letter is a persuasive introduction that explains why your CV matters for this particular job. Think of the CV as the evidence and the covering letter as the argument. You need both for most professional applications.
Some online application systems do not accept a separate covering letter, but they often have a text box asking “Why are you a good fit?” Use the same structure and content there. If they ask for a CV only, it is still acceptable to include a short covering letter as the first page of the PDF, unless the instructions say otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a CV covering letter be?
A covering letter should be no longer than one A4 page, which is about 300–400 words. Recruiters spend less than a minute on the first read, so keep paragraphs short and use bullet points only if they help readability. If you have more to say, put it in your CV.
What if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
Use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Team.” Avoid “To whom it may concern” because it sounds outdated. If you can find the name on LinkedIn or the company website, use it – it shows effort. If you use a name, sign off with “Yours sincerely.” If you used “Dear Hiring Manager,” sign off with “Yours faithfully.”
Should I send a covering letter if the job ad says “CV only”?
If the ad explicitly says “no covering letters,” follow that instruction. Otherwise, it is usually safe to include one. Many recruiters still expect it as a sign of professionalism. If you are applying through an online portal, paste the letter into the “cover letter” field or upload it as a separate PDF.
Can I use the same covering letter for every job?
No. A generic letter is easily spotted and often ignored. You must tailor it to each job and company. This does not mean rewriting from scratch – adjust the opening, the middle examples, and the company mention. It takes an extra 15 minutes and significantly improves your chances.
What should I write if I have no work experience?
Focus on transferable skills from education, volunteering, or hobbies. For example, if you organised a university event, that shows planning and teamwork. If you have no direct experience, emphasise your willingness to learn and give an example of a time you learned something quickly. The structure stays the same; only the content changes.
Should I include a covering letter as a separate file or in the email body?
If you are emailing your application, write a short version in the email body and attach your CV and a full covering letter as PDFs. If you are using an online application system, upload the covering letter as a separate PDF. Always name your files clearly, for example “Jane_Doe_Cover_Letter.pdf”.