The thing about Cover Letters…

They’re a pain to write, and most of the time they are awful:

• Too much deference (think Oliver Twist asking for more and you get my drift)

• Stilted and over formal. You’re writing to another human, yeah?

• Regurgitations of a CV. “As you’ll see from my CV, I….”. No.

• Too long. You don’t need to go on to page 2 unless they’ve asked for 2 pages or a thousand words.

So instead, if you’re going to write one (and pleeease don’t ask me to as it’ll take too long and I don’t like writing them), use something like the template above.

But make it your words. Make it more about them than it is you. Demonstrate your interest in their problems, and how you have helped solve similar challenges for others.

That’s it.

I’d say don’t over think it, but really, if they’ve asked for one “outlining your skills and experience as it relates to the job”, make sure you refer to the key requirements they are saying they want you to bring. Be methodical.

If they’ve just asked for “a cover letter” - use my template, or a version of it that works for you. If it’s by email - you don’t need all your address and stuff.

Alternatively consider a “cover note”. A short punchy email saying what you found interesting about the job and company, and how you are suited to solving the problems. Keep it light. Couple of short paragraphs, tops.

But focus on getting the CV right first - tweaked to the role.

They’ll ALWAYS look at that first, and if it doesn’t flick their switch, the cover letter will be a waste of electronic words and your sweat and tears.