Writing a strong cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. Understanding its structure, tone, and purpose is essential for anyone preparing to apply for jobs in English. Here you will find a clear breakdown of each section, practical tips, and a sample that shows exactly how to convince a recruiter to open your CV.
Why do we write cover letters?
A cover letter is usually the first document a recruiter reads before deciding whether to look at your CV [0:36]. It serves two main purposes:
- Convince the recruiter to read your CV. At this stage, they know nothing about your background, experience, or qualifications.
- Secure an interview. An impressive cover letter leads the recruiter to review your CV and then invite you for a conversation [1:07].
Keeping these goals in mind shapes every word you write. You are not summarizing your entire career; you are sparking enough interest to earn the next step.
What goes into each section of a cover letter?
How should you open with the right salutation?
Because a cover letter is very formal, the salutation matters [1:30]. Use Dear Mr., Mrs., or Ms. followed by the person's last name. The title Ms. (M-S) is a neutral option when you do not know whether a woman is married. If you cannot find the recruiter's name, write Dear Sir or Madam [1:52].
How do you introduce yourself effectively?
The opening sentence acts as a hook [2:10]. State your name, your key qualification, and the experience you bring. For example: "My name is Ravi Lakhmani. I am a CELTA certified English teacher with eight years of experience." This tells the reader immediately who you are and why they should keep reading.
Right after, explain the reason for writing. Mention the exact position and where you found it: "I am writing in regards to the position of an ESL teacher advertised on LinkedIn" [2:40]. If you saw the listing on Indeed or another platform, include that detail.
How do you build curiosity in the main body?
The core of your cover letter should give the recruiter enough reason to open your CV without revealing everything [3:12]. A sentence like "I believe my background, experience, and qualifications make me an ideal candidate" works well because it highlights value without excessive detail.
Then, include a clear call to action (CTA): invite the reader to review your attached CV for more information [3:50]. You might write: "I invite you to review my CV, as it covers my experience in more detail." This direct request tells the recruiter exactly what you want them to do next.
If you feel it is necessary, you can add bullet points to highlight two or three standout achievements [4:48]. However, be careful not to give away too much; the goal is curiosity, not a full summary.
What tips make a cover letter stand out?
Before you start writing, keep these guidelines in mind [5:10]:
- Avoid contractions. Words like I'm, you're, don't, and doesn't are too informal for this context. Use full forms such as I am, you are, do not [5:18].
- Keep it short and to the point. Recruiters are busy; respect their time with concise sentences [5:30].
- Create enough curiosity. Share just enough so the reader thinks, "I want to know more about this individual" [5:40].
- Use bullet points only when necessary. They help organize extra information but should not replace a well-crafted paragraph.
For the closing, thank the recruiter for their time and express that you look forward to an opportunity for an interview [4:20]. End with a professional sign-off such as Best regards or Kind regards, followed by your full name [4:35].
Now it is your turn: think about a position in your field and draft a cover letter applying everything covered here. Share it in the comments, review at least one other person's letter, and answer this question—would you open their CV and offer them an interview?
