How to write a cover letter for a graduate job

Although the majority of graduate employers now use online application processes, ome jobs require that you apply with the traditional CV. However, CV’s need a compelling cover letter to accompany them. Think of it as an introduction to yourself and follow our helpful tips. Remember, you need to stand out from the crowd.

What to include in a cover letter

A CV cover letter should be no more than one page long – around four or five brief paragraphs.

Always include the name of the person, not 'Dear Sir/Madam'. This is particularly important when you're making speculative applications because you want your letter to reach someone who can act on it.

Specify why you are writing (eg in response to an advertisement or on a speculative basis). If it's about an advertised job, state the job title you are applying for (and reference number, if there is one) and where you saw it advertised.

State briefly why you want to work for this particular organisation and why they should employ you. Don’t repeat what is in the CV, but highlight your ‘unique selling points’. Be as specific as possible about how your experience matches the job. (If the letter is accompanying an application form rather than a CV, this is not always necessary as you will have used the form to make these points.) Also, make sure you have done your research and found some key facts about the organisation that you can refer to an emphasise your suitability in working for them.

Give details of your availability for interview. If relevant (eg if the employer has several different graduate schemes), state which other positions with the organisation you would also like to be considered for.

Finish with a keen but professional sign-off.

Your name and address

Put your contact details at the top of the letter – right-justified (ie lined up against the right-hand margin) or centred. Include your postal address, telephone number and email address.

The recipient's name and address

This is usually left-justified (ie lined up against the left-hand margin).

The date

Leave one line space below the recipient’s address, then put the date you are writing the letter.

The greeting

Always start ‘Dear’ followed by the person’s title (Mr, Ms, Dr etc) and surname, eg ‘Dear Mr Smith’.

If you don’t know their name, start ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ (NOT ‘Madame’ – that means something different!). But it is always best to find out the name of the person who you want to read your letter, which in today's online world is easier than it's ever been, but don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask someone in the organisation if needs be.

If the recipient is a woman and you don’t know her marital status, don’t make assumptions as this can cause offence; use ‘Ms’.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

The subject

Leave one line space below the salutation, then put the subject of your letter, underlined. For example ‘Application for graduate trainee position’. Include the job reference number if there is one. This makes life easier for the HR person reading the letter. In an email, this will go in the subject line.

The body text

Write clearly and succinctly. Check out the Plain English Campaign website for tips. It's vital that you don't go overboard on the thesaurus, clarity is key and don't write in words that you would never use verbally. There is no need for extra embellishments.

Normally, a formal letter should not be more than one side of A4. Structure your letter with a beginning, a middle and an end.

Use business-like language: this should be closer to the essays you write at college than the letters you send to your parents.

Signing off

Finish the letter ‘Yours sincerely’. Leave a space for your signature, then type your name.If you can create a digital signature or insert an image of your signature it can add a nice touch.

‘Yours sincerely’ is traditionally used when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, but is becoming less common.

Cover letter checklist

Are your contact details up to date?
Have you spelled the employer's name correctly?
Have you included the job title, reference number and where you saw the advertisement?
Have you kept a copy?
Have you kept it to one page where possible?

Cover letter overview

1 Do your research
Find out something about their organisation that
makes you want to work and say why.
2 Know the job spec
Write about why this job is perfect for you and use
examples. This is an opportunity for you to show
employers that you have done your homework. You
should also match it with your CV. Highlight your
most relevant experience in the cover letter and
then the recruiter can read the details in the CV.
3 Short and sweet
When it comes to cover letters, keep it to one
page and no more than three to four paragraphs.
Remember to include the date and a proper formal
greeting. You can use a person’s first name if you
have introduced yourself previously.
4 Be yourself
Don’t go overboard on the thesaurus. Instead use
simple, clear language. Give specific reasons why
you want the job and why you are the right person
for the job. Remind the employer at the end of the
letter that you would very much like to hear from
them for an interview.