Write a cover letter

Write a new tailored cover letter, or have your existing letter checked.

New cover letterUpload your CV and add the job advert. We'll write a suitable cover letter.Check existing letterUpload your cover letter and have it checked for grammar, spelling, coherence and tone.

Example of a cover letter

This is what a short, concrete cover letter looks like: not a summary of your CV, but three paragraphs that answer what the employer wants to know. Why this job, what you've already shown, and why this particular company.

Dear Mrs De Vries,

In your vacancy for account manager, you're looking for someone who doesn't just retain clients, but grows them too. Over the past three years, I did exactly that at a logistics provider: revenue from my portfolio grew by 18 per cent and not a single client left.

What appeals to me about your company is the combination of short lines of communication and a long-term outlook. You build relationships that last years, not just one deal, and that's how I work too. My clients don't just call me when something goes wrong, but also when they want to try something new.

I'd be glad to explain in an interview how I'd approach this for you. You can reach me using the details in my CV.

Kind regards,
Sanne Jansen

The names and figures in this example are made up. The letter written for you here uses your CV and the actual vacancy.

The structure that always works

  1. Opening: why this vacancy

    Start with the job, not with yourself. Mention what caught your attention in the vacancy and show in one sentence that you understand what's being asked.

  2. Core: what you've already shown

    Choose one or two results that resemble what this employer is looking for, with a figure if possible. This is the part your CV doesn't tell: the story behind the line.

  3. Connection: why this company

    One paragraph about what attracts you to this particular organisation. Be specific, and mention something you couldn't have written for just any company.

  4. Closing: what you want to happen next

    Ask for an interview and say how you can be reached. No 'I hope to hear from you': you take the next step.

Five mistakes that ruin a cover letter

  • Retelling your CV. The employer already has your CV; the letter needs to add something.
  • A letter that could go anywhere. If you can swap out the company name without anything breaking, it's too generic.
  • Starting with 'I am writing to apply for'. The reader already knows that. Start with what you have to offer.
  • Longer than one page. Between 250 and 400 words is enough; anyone who writes more loses the reader halfway through.
  • No check on spelling and salutation. One wrong company name or a 'Dear Sir' to a woman, and nothing else matters.

Sample cover letters by situation

A placement, your first job, a career change or a speculative application: every situation calls for a different letter. Each one comes with a complete example and tips.

Frequently asked questions about the cover letter

Is a cover letter the same as a motivation letter?
In practice, yes. 'Cover letter' is the usual term in the UK; 'motivation letter' turns up in European job adverts and for study applications. Use the word the vacancy uses.
How long should a cover letter be?
One page, roughly 250 to 400 words. Three or four paragraphs are enough to show why you, why here and why now.
Should I include a letter if the vacancy doesn't ask for one?
A short one, yes. If only a CV is requested, three paragraphs in the email or application form are enough. Anyone who writes nothing leaves the employer guessing why they're applying.
How does writing a letter work here?
You upload your CV and paste in the job advert text. The model writes a letter that matches both; you choose the tone and adjust anything that doesn't sound like you. You can also have an existing letter checked for structure, spelling and tone.

By using a tool you agree to the terms and conditions.

What people say about their new CV

5/5review translated

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Esther, L
CorporateOctober 2026
5/5review translated

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Healthcare & Social CareAugust 2026
4/5review translated

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August 2026
5/5review translated

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August 2026
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August 2026
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August 2026
5/5review translated

โ€œReally handy when you want to apply for a specific job. What I liked most was that the tool didn't just churn out a standard cover letter, but actually looked at my CV and the job listing. That made the letter feel much more personal. The salary report also gave me more confidence during the interview.โ€

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August 2026
4/5review translated

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August 2026
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August 2026

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