sample cover letter for british council job

British Council India

How to write the perfect cover letter, by miraclyn rubavathi, 19 october 2021 - 5:30pm.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter also referred to as a covering letter or an application letter is an important document most organisations ask for along with a job application. It helps boost your resume which by itself might not be sufficient for a recruiter to get to know you. 

Although not all recruiters demand a cover letter, including a cover letter along with your resume is good practice, as many recruiters go through cover letters to shortlist candidates for the interview. A well-written cover letter can create a good first impression and make you stand out from other applicants.

What is difference between a cover letter and a resume?

Your resume is not your cover letter. Consider a resume like a menu in a restaurant. A menu provides a list of all the items available in the restaurant. Similarly, a resume is a list of your work-related skill sets and experience. A resume focuses on facts like your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, achievements, etc. However, a cover letter focuses on the job that you’re applying for and how you fit in that role. It is a chance for you to explain to the recruiters how you can use your professional skills and experience to excel in the new role that you’re applying for. 

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Not only does a cover letter give more insights about you to the hiring manager but it is also a vital element in getting you the interview. Most job seekers spend a lot of time perfecting their resume but don’t put so much thought into writing a proper cover letter.  It’s important that the cover letter includes information about why you are suitable for that specific role, which helps show the recruiter that you have put some thought into the job application. 

What should be included in a cover letter?

There are several key components in a cover letter, mentioned below. It may seem like a very time-consuming process to write a cover letter but it is essential and your letter must be specific to every job that you apply for, as it shows how serious you are about the job you’re applying for. 

• Name, address, contact information and date
• Opening statement
• Your knowledge of the company and the position you’re applying for and your interest in working for this particular company
• Your background
• Your professional skills and experience that matches the job description along with examples
• Highlighting why you’re the right fit for the job

Here’s a sample cover letter.

How should you write a cover letter?

Writing a cover letter only involves a few simple steps. If you know how to write them yourself, you can showcase your unique skills and experience to the recruiter which increases your chances of you getting hired. 

A cover letter, like all other formal documents, has three parts, a beginning, a middle and an end. Let’s look at what goes into each of these parts and what kind of phrases to use when writing one.

In the past, cover letters were sent through post or submitted in person. Hence, they included addresses. However, nowadays as cover letters are submitted through an online job portal or via emails, physical addresses are no longer necessary. So, you can skip the address if you are sending your letter electronically.

Starting to write a cover letter can be very intimidating especially if you’ve never done it before. All you need to do is try and be authentic and original. Here are some tips on what to say, how to say and how not to say it in your cover letter along with example phrases:

Nowadays, companies are not just looking for people with skills, they also want someone whose values align with theirs. You can bring in your personality to the letter by talking about your passion, beliefs, values, and ethics. It’s also a great opportunity to show them how hiring you would be mutually beneficial for both parties. 

Do your research by going through the job description, roles and responsibilities, code of conduct and any other information you can get hold of about the organisation, either from their website, mutual friends who work there or by checking with the HR manager.

You can also use bullet points or numbers in this section to highlight your achievements.

The end or the closing consists of three parts: call-to-action, thanking the reader, and signing off. The end is also an important part of the cover letter as sometimes inappropriate endings can throw people off. Make sure you’re polite and respectful even when you end your letter.

How long should your cover letter be?

Ideally a cover letter is a one-page document. You don’t need to write pages about all your skills and experience, as these details are already in your resume. So, don’t write an essay; keep it short, organise it into paragraphs and highlight how you are the best candidate for the job. 

Things to check before sending your letter

Remember, your cover letter is a fairly formal document. So, don’t use informal words, phrases, expressions or contractions like I’m, I’ve. Instead, use the full form: I am, I have. However, some companies are fine with semi-formal or neutral style and if you are sure, you can shift your tone to adapt to the organisation’s style. However, you shouldn’t write very informally. 

• Errors Spelling errors, grammatical errors and typographical errors don’t make a good first impression. If you’re careless in your writing, there's a good chance that your hiring manager will think you do not have good communication skills or you make mistakes often. It also shows that you didn't proofread your document, which in turn shows how little of an effort you’ve put into writing and sending the letter. So, do proofread before sending your letter. It might be hard for us to proofread our own writing; we might miss out on checking or editing important details. Hence, it’s also good to use online tools or have a friend read it for you.

Dos and Don’ts

Let’s quickly recap a few important things to do and not to do in a cover letter.

It’s your turn

Yes, now it’s your turn to write your own cover letter. If you’re a job seeker, this is a good time to start practising writing cover letters by yourself. Even if you aren’t looking for a job at the moment, you can think of your dream job you and draft a letter for it. It will help you understand the position better, realise where you stand and help you improve your writing skills.

• Learn how to write a cover letter or email to respond to a job advert.
• For School students applying for an internship or voluntary work - Easy tips from British Council Teens to write a cover letter.

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How to write a cover letter for a job application

This article was updated by the Great British Mag content team on 12 October 2021

When you’re applying for jobs in the UK, you’ll often be asked to submit a British style CV alongside a cover letter. But what is a cover letter, what should you include in yours and how can you make it stand out? We’ve got all the answers you’re looking for right here.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an important part of your job application – for some recruiters, it’s the most important part of your application. It’s a letter you write to the hiring manager about why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Cover letters are a lot more flexible than CVs, meaning you have the opportunity to include additional relevant information about yourself that could convince the reader that you’re the person they’re looking for. This is your opportunity to show a bit of your personality, explain in detail what makes you such a great fit and talk about why you’re so drawn to working in this particular role.

Cover letters are particularly important for students and graduates, as it’s likely you won’t have that much actual work experience to include in your CV. You can use this letter to highlight your transferable skills and talk about specific experiences and achievements that didn’t quite fit into your CV.

Do I really need to write a cover letter?

If the job advert requests one, or the online application form leaves space for you to upload one, then yes. Even if it seems optional, include one in your submission. It’s a great opportunity to share important information about yourself, your suitability for the role and convince the reader to invite for an interview.

However, if the job ad specifies to only send a CV then leave the cover letter out – you don’t want it to look like you can’t follow simple instructions.

How do you start a cover letter?

First, it’s important that you address your letter to a person, wherever possible. A lot of the time, the hiring manager’s name will be in the job ad or the email address given for submissions, or you’ll be able to find it through a little online research. Having that personalised element – as opposed to beginning your letter with ‘Dear sir or madam’ – makes all the difference.

What should a cover letter include?

As well as basic information like your contact details and the name of the role you’re applying for, your cover letter should include:

• A brief introduction with an overview of your career (or student) status. For instance, ‘I’m a recent UCL graduate with a first-class degree in engineering’, or ‘I’m an economics student at the University of Manchester looking to secure an internship in the finance sector’.
• Why you’re interested in the specific role you’re applying for, what about it appeals to you and why you’re drawn to the company. And how your experience, skills and personal interests make you a perfect fit for the role.
• The benefits you could bring to the team or offer the company – be that a positive, can-do mentality, experience in a certain field that they may be interested in exploring, or the ability to hit the ground running, thanks to your pre-existing knowledge.

What should I avoid in my cover letter?

Be sure to not repeat information that’s in your CV. Use your cover letter to highlight or elaborate on certain points, but you don’t want to just regurgitate the same stuff. Also, be economical with your words – you want this letter to be concise and to the point, so avoid including anything that’s not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

As a student, don’t apologise for or draw attention to your lack of relevant work experience. If the company is looking for a graduate, they will be aware that candidates won’t have held lots of roles yet. Instead, highlight the transferrable skills you do have, even if they were gained from jobs in other fields (part-time jobs, volunteering experience or internships are all great for this) and demonstrate your interest in the industry in other ways.

It’s really important that your cover letter is clear and well-written – with no spelling or grammatical mistakes. So be sure to proofread it a few times, looking carefully for any slip-ups. It’s a good idea to ask someone else to read it through too – a friend, family member or the university’s career advisor, perhaps – as a fresh pair of eyes can really help to weed out errors or spot any missing information.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

Get online and research the company and the role before you start writing. Jot down some key pieces of information – like brand values, the company’s goals and achievements, and its target audience or customer, perhaps – and weave this into your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework and also allow you to talk about how your expertise, skills or interests align with the company.

Also, read the job advert thoroughly – we mean really thoroughly – so it’s clear in your letter that you understand the responsibilities of the role and can fulfil them. Try to mirror the language used in the ad so that even from a quick skim, the person reading your letter can tell you’ve addressed all the requirements it mentions. Sometimes, applications will be shortlisted by computer software that’s programmed to recognise keywords, making this all the more important.

Using the same language as the ad also helps steer your tone and give you an idea of how formal (or not) your letter should be, which can make you come across as a good fit with the company culture.

How do you sign off a cover letter?

If you think that a formal approach is the way to go for a particular application, then sign off the letter in a traditional way. That is, if you’ve addressed the letter to a specific person (which is always best, remember), you’d sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ followed by your name. If you couldn’t find a specific name to address the letter to, it’s ‘Yours faithfully’ at the end. A bit confusing, we know.

Some applications will call for a less formal approach (again, be led by the tone and style of the job advert), in which case you can just sign off with your name with no particular flourishes.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep cover letters short and sweet – five paragraphs maximum, and no longer than one side of A4. Not only would it be really time-consuming for you to write longer letters, but you want to make sure all the really critical information is easy to spot and not buried among unessential paragraphs.

Do I need to write a new cover letter for every job application?

We’re afraid so, yes. While you might find it useful to use templates (there is no short supply of cover letter templates online – just Google them) the content of the letter should be new for every single application.

Why? Because every job and every company you apply to will be different. To give yourself the best chance of getting noticed, you want to look like the perfect candidate for each specific role, so your letter will need to be tailored especially.

We know it’s time consuming, but it really could make all the difference.

You may also like to read

How to write a British-style CV

What is a graduate scheme and how do I apply?

How to write a personal statement for your CV

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Learn how to write a curriculum vitae, often called a CV in the UK or résumé in American English. 

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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Maria Jones

Digital marketing specialist.

I have five years' experience in various digital marketing roles. I have a proven ability to create successful marketing campaigns in line with brand identity and values. I am a strong collaborator with outstanding communication skills, and have comprehensive experience of using my specialist knowledge and expertise in analytics for a wide variety of marketing initiatives.

Employment History

June 2017 – present Digital Marketing Specialist for Zinco, a global insurance start-up

• My role involves working to tight deadlines to design, create and launch marketing campaigns via social media.
• I have developed advanced knowledge of a range of social media platforms and digital marketing tools.
• I specialise in driving successful campaigns and excel in analysing their impact.
• I have experience launching digital billboards in places such as train stations and shopping centres.  

Sept 2016 – June 2017 Creative break from employment to travel and blog

• I travelled through 12 countries, met several professional bloggers and started my own travel blog.
• I built up a community of followers and started to monetise my blog through sponsored posts.

May 2014 – Aug 2016 Digital Marketing Assistant, Krunch Ltd

• Responsibility for overall social media strategy and regular posting on key channels.
• I played a key role in numerous campaigns to boost engagement with our brand.
• I also supported three product launches.

2014 Diploma in Digital Marketing, Leeds Beckett University, UK 2012 A-levels (Psychology, English, Art & Design), Leeds City College, UK

Skills and Interests

Competent WordPress developer Skilled in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator Advanced Spanish (C1) Intermediate German (B1) Photography Travel

Available on request

• Start with a short profile to show who you are and what you offer.
• List your employment history, starting with the present.
• Explain any gaps, for example time spent travelling or having children.
• Use bullet points for your main responsibilities and experience in each role. Choose the aspects of your previous jobs that are most relevant to the new job you are applying for.
• Then give your educational background. List the relevant qualifications that you have, starting with the most recent. Include the title of your qualification, where you studied and the date you successfully completed it.
• Consider putting Education above Employment if you don't have a lot of work experience yet. 
• List other experience or interests you may have if they are relevant to the job.
• If you have someone who could support your application, add their contact details or say References available on request  at the end.

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Have you got a CV? Do you have any tips to share?

Language level

I have a CV, the most important item in a CV (English or Spanish) is the profile because is in this part where you must show to the recruitment main abilities and relevant experience.

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So, after I have written this CV or resume, where do I place it? I just write it and la di da, leave it somewhere hanging between the sky and me?

Hello Georgiana,

Many companies request a CV when you apply for a job with them, so people typically email them as an attachment.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

Thank you for sharing these tips. you have nearly covered everything. I can state two points about jobs that have to be attached portfolios to their CV, like programming.

It's better to have a section with the title "Portfolios".Use bullet points for each portfolio and explain what it is about and what most technologies have been used in a maximum of two or three lines.

Another tip that can be useful is that at the end of your explanation about each portfolio, link the demo and source code of your portfolio. it can be done by this sentence: You can see live in this "link" and also see source code on "GitHub".

Hello friends, Now I am looking for a new job, so I should to update my Cv in the job internet portal. I agree with great advices from this topik and will follow them. Thank you!

I havent got a CV, some tips are that write formaly and all the experiences, educational information about you, also previous jobs you had, your skills, interests like hobbies, dates of the information.

Yes, I have. It was a requirement for joining an organization at university. But I don't have any tips from myself to share. Because I too, search for many references on the internet, whether its the structure or the template. Recently I just watch the right things to do to write CV for scholarships from a scholarship awardee in youtube and I was surprised. The CV for school apply purposes and the CV required for either a job or an organization is different. So maybe the tips from me is to get the references as many as possible, because it helps me a lot.

I am a current student, By the end of my course, I will have to write my CV. This is such a good example. It is well written and essentials qualifications required for the job are specified. I'll definitely use this example as a guide to create my own CV. I've certainly learn a lot from this site. Kudos!

Yes I have a CV. Yes I have a tip, make sure the summary is brief and to the point.

No, I'm a still a student but I have many tips for a effective CV. Write only important things Not in detail write a short and concise Carefully read this article you find important tips for a CV. Thank you

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Three excellent cover letter examples

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them

• More CV and cover letter templates
• Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.

Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

1. Standard, conservative style

This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

2. Standard speculative letter

This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.

Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

3. Letter for creative jobs

We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.

Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards

Other helpful resources

How to write a perfect CV and cover letter

Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills

Five steps to the perfect graduate CV

School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV

How to write a personal statement for your CV

CV templates to fit every stage of your career

Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs for your next career step.

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