How to Write a Great Cover Letter That Gets You Noticed

Let’s be honest—writing a cover letter isn’t most people’s idea of fun. But when done right, it can be the secret weapon that gets your job application moved to the top of the pile.

While your CV outlines what you’ve done, your cover letter tells the story of why you’re the right fit for the role. It’s your chance to connect the dots for the hiring manager—and show them the person behind the bullet points.

Here’s how to write a cover letter that actually gets read—and makes an impact.

1. Start Strong (No “To Whom It May Concern”)

Skip the clichés. If you can, address the hiring manager by name. If you’re not sure, a simple “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.

Then get straight to the point:

• Who are you?
• What role are you applying for?
• Why are you excited about it?

Example:

“I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Executive role at GreenTree. As a creative professional with a track record in digital campaigns, I’m excited by the opportunity to bring fresh ideas to a team that’s redefining sustainable branding.”

2. Show You’ve Done Your Homework

A good cover letter isn’t a copy-paste job. Take a minute to show that you understand the company and its goals.

Look at:

• Their recent projects
• Their values
• The tone of their website or socials

Then link your skills to what they care about:

“I was especially drawn to your recent launch of the GreenTree Local initiative—my experience working with grassroots community campaigns means I can hit the ground running on similar projects.”

3. Tell Them What You’ll Bring to the Role

This is your moment to connect your experience to the job. Don’t just repeat your CV—highlight the relevant parts and show what makes you a great match.

Try something like:

“At my previous role with Bloom Agency, I led a rebranding project that increased social engagement by 40%. I’d love to apply the same energy and insight to GreenTree’s upcoming digital strategy refresh.”

Use bullet points if it helps readability:

• Proven project management skills
• Strong eye for design and content
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments

4. End With Confidence (Not Desperation)

Wrap it up clearly and positively. Let them know you're keen to discuss further, and thank them for their time.

“Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your team’s goals and bring fresh energy to your marketing strategy.”

Final Tips

• Keep it short. Aim for 3–4 paragraphs, max one A4 page.
• Tailor every time. A generic letter stands out for all the wrong reasons.
• Proofread. Typos kill credibility. Read it out loud or ask someone to check it.
• Use a clean, professional layout. No need for fancy formatting—just clear, readable text.

The Bottom Line

A great cover letter doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs to be you. Honest, focused, and tailored to the role.

It’s your chance to tell your story. So tell it well—and show them why you’re the right person for the job.