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A Comprehensive Cover Letter for CV Guide w/ Examples & Templates
CV and cover letter are the two documents that are often required for a job application. While the CV focuses on your work history, educational background, and key skills, the cover letter for the CV allows you to elaborate further details about why you’re applying for this role and how you can contribute to the company's growth.
In some cases, a cover letter for a CV can go under different names such as:
Regardless of the name and format, it acts as an accompanying letter for your CV that allows you to express yourself in a more personal way and better match your application to the job opening.
Table of Contents:
How to Write a Cover Letter for a CV
Since both a CV and a cover letter are not always required, some employers may skip your CV letter email. To keep them reading until the end, you will need to create a compelling job application cover letter for your CV. Let us show you how!
1. Use the correct format
Here are the elements that should be included in a CV application letter:
- Date written
- Contact information
- Salutation or opening greeting
- Opening paragraph - Introduce who you are and explain why you're writing this letter.
- Body paragraph(s) - Explain why you think you're qualified for the role and how you can add value to the organization.
- Closing paragraph - Kindly ask for an interview and express your gratitude.
- Sign-off
2. Include your contact information
The hiring manager will need your contact information to reach out to you if they require more information or if they want to invite you for an interview. Hence, make sure you provide your contact information in your cover letter for your CV, including your:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Social media handles
💡 Pro tip: You can exclude your residential address, as it is private information that might cause safety issues when misused.
If you’re writing a cover letter for your CV, this information can be included in your letterhead when you start your cover letter. If you choose to email a cover letter for your CV, these details should be included in your email signature.
3. Show your commitment to the company's growth
One thing that the hiring manager takes into consideration is whether your personal development aligns with the company's mission and goals. However, there isn’t much room to express this in your CV. Thus, you must show your commitment to the company’s growth when writing the cover letter for your CV to prove that you're a dedicated employee and will take this job offer seriously.
Here’s an extract from CV letter example that shows one’s commitment:
“To the best of my knowledge, True Botanical aims to promote natural, organic skincare by using nature's most restorative and nourishing ingredients. As an individual who greatly cares for the environment and has adopted a sustainable lifestyle since I was just 15 years old, True Botanical’s vision and mission align with my career goal, which is to work for an all-natural skincare brand that emphasizes sustainability, both for the environment and the body.
4. Maintain a professional tone of voice
Since a CV application letter is a formal business letter, it's important to maintain a formal tone - polite and business-like. It's your professional demeanor, not your educational background or work experience that will make a great first impression on the employer.
Here's how to strike the right tone when writing a cover letter for your CV:
- No icons, emojis, or slangs.
- Use appropriate cover letter salutations and cover letter closings.
- Write a professional subject line for your CV letter email.
5. Tailor the CV letter to the job opening
As a general rule of thumb, both your CV and cover letter should be customized to the position you're applying for. Doing so is the best way to prove that you're the right fit, since different jobs require specific experiences, skills, and qualifications. It also shows your genuine interest in the job, since you took the time to understand the work requirements and show that in your writing.
6. Avoid rehashing your CV
As mentioned earlier, a cover letter acts as an accompanying letter for your CV. It means that you should provide additional details aside from what has been written in other documents. Hiring managers have to screen multiple, or perhaps many, applications every day. They might lose interest in your application if you put repetitive information in the cover letter for your CV.
7. Follow the application instructions (if any)
You might find specific details on how to apply for the role at the end of the job posting, like this:
That's why correctly following the company’s instructions for your application letter and CV can show your professionalism and thorough attention to detail.
8. Share your knowledge about the company
Every prospective employer will be impressed to see you spending much time and effort doing thorough research about the company. These research findings should be incorporated into the cover letter accompanying your CV.
💡 Pro tip: To better understand an organization's mission, operations, and clients, you can check out its website as well as business pages like LinkedIn and Facebook. Reviewing the job description carefully is also a great way to learn about the company and the team you will work with.
9. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
In fact, many job applicants have made this mistake when writing a cover letter for their CV. Though this sounds trivial, typos and grammar mistakes might cost you the interview as it indicates a lack of attention to detail and professionalism (not something recruiters like). Thus, keep in mind to double-check your letter content before sending out.
10. Keep it within 1 page
Generally, your CV letter should range from half a page to one full page (ideally 250-400 words for CV letters in English). A tip is to structure your letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs, with 4-5 sentences for each paragraph.
CV Cover Letter Examples
CV letter for teachers
Letter format
Casy Liu
[email protected]
(+1)-098-0987
cakeresume.com/casyliu1990
May 1st, 2022
Steve Lee Wayne
Principal of VIS International School
9941 Horizon Circle, Tacoma, WA 98444
Dear Principal Wayne,
I am writing to express my interest in the Music Teacher position at VIS International School. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Central College and 3 years of experience, I believe my skills and qualifications will serve as a substantial addition to your school and the students.
During my former position as a Music Teacher at Blossom House School, I’ve handled various tasks and duties, including:
- Designing lessons and syllabuses to meet individual students' needs.
- Acquiring appropriate teaching materials and resources.
- Teaching music theory, aural skills, and practical techniques.
The biggest accomplishment I’ve achieved is designing new learning methods to boost the students’ engagement in class, resulting in comprehension improvements, and discussion time reduction by 35%.
I'm now looking for a diverse workplace, which led me to apply for this position at VIS International School. I also believe that I will provide students with dynamic resources to pursue their capabilities and develop essential perspectives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to speak further with you about how my experience and knowledge of music can be an asset at your school.
Sincerely,
Casy Liu
Email format
Dear Principal Wayne,
I am writing to express my interest in the Music Teacher position at VIS International School. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Central College and 3 years of experience, I believe my skills and qualifications will serve as a substantial addition to your school and the students.
During my former position as a Music Teacher at Blossom House School, I’ve handled various tasks and duties, including:
- Designing lessons and syllabuses to meet individual students' needs.
- Acquiring appropriate teaching materials and resources.
- Teaching music theory, aural skills, and practical techniques.
The biggest accomplishment I’ve achieved is designing new learning methods to boost the students’ engagement in class, resulting in comprehension improvements, and discussion time reduction by 35%.
I'm now looking for a diverse workplace, which led me to apply for this position at VIS International School. I also believe that I will provide students with dynamic resources to pursue their capabilities and develop essential perspectives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to speak further with you about how my experience and knowledge of music can be an asset at your school.
Sincerely,
Casy Liu
[email protected]
(+1)-098-0987
cakeresume.com/casyliu1990
Cover letter for CV with no experience
Letter format
Laura Wee
114A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556012
[email protected]
linked.com/laurawee90
March 28, 2022
Keith Wong
Hiring Manager
Lite-On Singapore Pte. Ltd.
151, #03-03 Lor Chuan, Lobby C New Tech Park, Singapore 556741
Dear Mr. Wong,
I am Laura Wee, a recent graduate of Singapore Management University. While I was seeking a front-desk receptionist position, I came across your job posting on Cake. I am confident that my exceptional multitasking skills and attention to detail make me a qualified candidate for this role.
Though I have yet to possess much professional experience, I never stop learning and acquiring important skills for a receptionist, such as problem-solving and customer service skills. Also, I am fully aware that this job is more than just welcoming guests, answering phone calls and emails, doing data entry, and preparing paperwork. A superb front-desk receptionist should be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations as well.
I have been following Lite-On's LinkedIn page for many years, and I believe that not only I can become a cultural fit but also bring more value to the company. The opportunity to offer more details about my qualifications would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
With gratitude,
Laura Wee
Email format
Dear Mr. Wong,
I am Laura Wee, a recent graduate of Singapore Management University. While I was seeking a front-desk receptionist position, I came across your job posting on Cake. I am confident that my exceptional multitasking skills and attention to detail make me a qualified candidate for this role.
Though I have yet to possess much professional experience, I never stop learning and acquiring important skills for a receptionist, such as problem-solving and customer service skills. Also, I am fully aware that this job is more than just welcoming guests, answering phone calls and emails, doing data entry, and preparing paperwork. A superb front-desk receptionist should be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations as well.
I have been following Lite-On's LinkedIn page for many years, and I believe that not only I can become a cultural fit but also bring more value to the company. The opportunity to offer more details about my qualifications would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
With gratitude,
Laura Wee
114A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556012
[email protected]
linked.com/laurawee90
Cover letter for CV for internship
Letter format
Janice Flavien
(+342)-6327-385
[email protected]
9035 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V6, Canada
April 29, 2022
Samuel T. Scott
APL Corp.
2902 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 5G7, Canada
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Janice, a final year student majoring in Marketing at the University of Alberta. During a recent conversation with Professor John Pullman, my faculty advisor in the Business Management department at my school, I was told about the internship program at APL Corp. I believe that my academic achievements and freelancing experience would make me an exceptional intern.
I have been the President of the Marketing Youngsters Club at UA for the past 2 years and working freelance as a content marketer. With in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, I am responsible for inbound marketing strategies that help boost my clients' brand identity and online presence, while developing well-written content for their social media platforms.
I am a fast learner and a team player with strong communication skills as well as the ability to work on multiple tasks effectively. I believe a 3-month internship opportunity at APL Corp. will allow me to further develop my existing skills and learn more from great people there.
In this letter I have also attached my up-to-date CV where you can read about my experiences and qualifications. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Janice Flavien
Email format
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Janice, a final year student majoring in Marketing at the University of Alberta. During a recent conversation with Professor John Pullman, my faculty advisor in the Business Management department at my school, I was told about the internship program at APL Corp. I believe that my academic achievements and freelancing experience would make me an exceptional intern.
I have been the President of the Marketing Youngsters Club at UA for the past 2 years and working freelance as a content marketer. With in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, I am responsible for inbound marketing strategies that help boost my clients' brand identity and online presence, while developing well-written content for their social media platforms.
I am a fast learner and a team player with strong communication skills as well as the ability to work on multiple tasks effectively. I believe a 3-month internship opportunity at APL Corp. will allow me to further develop my existing skills and learn more from great people there.
In this letter I have also attached my up-to-date CV where you can read about my experiences and qualifications. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Janice Flavien
(+342)-6327-385
[email protected]
9035 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V6, Canada
Free CV Letter Template
[Date]
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Hiring manager’s name]
[Company name]
[Company address]
Dear Hiring Manager (or [Name]),
I am submitting this application to apply for the [job title] position at [company name]. I know that this job opportunity will allow me to continue to build upon the [technical skill] and [soft skill] that I have acquired over the past [number] years as a [past role].
As a [your role/expertise], I have handled a variety of tasks, including [your major job responsibilities]. I pride myself on [your greatest accomplishments], which contribute to [a significant change] at [your former company].
You can rely on me as a [personal trait 1], [personal trait 2], and [personal trait 3] with the ability to [soft skill 1] and [soft skill 2]. I earned my [degree type] in [your major] from [university name]. Aside from [your native language], I can speak [other languages] fluently.
I have attached my CV for your further review of my skills and work history. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I would love to meet you and discuss how I can bring value to the [team/department name] at your company.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your name]
🔑 Key Takeaways
After all, a cover letter is not just an introduction. You must think of it as a tool to pique the hiring manager’s interest from the beginning when they start reviewing your application. Whether it’s required or optional, you should submit both a CV and a cover letter when applying for a job. This CV application letter allows you to make a favorable first impression while encouraging them to review your attached CV and other documents.
Here're some key points to help you create a strong cover letter for your CV:
- Include all essential elements of an application letter.
- Maintain your professionalism throughout the letter, in terms of the structure, writing, and content.
- Don't copy-paste information from your CV into your cover letter.
- Pay close attention to minor details such as spelling and wording, salutation and sign-off, the application instructions, etc.
- Proofread all documents before hitting “Send".
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--- Originally written by May Luong ---
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