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• Student Support  /  Student Services Centre  / University Letters

University Letters

The Student Administration team can provide you with a variety of letters to aid in your studies and student life. Please read the description of each letter below to find which one will best suit your needs, then complete the online enquiry form to request a letter.

Confirmation of Registration

Students who have completed all ten steps of registration for the current academic year will be eligible to request a Confirmation of Registration letter. The letter will confirm that you are a fully enrolled student and some details of your course. This letter can be used for a number of purposes, including supporting an application for council tax exemption and proving to your landlord that you are a student.

Council Tax Exemption Letter

If you require proof of your student status in order to claim council tax exemption, please request a Confirmation of Registration letter (see above).

This letter will show the start and end date of your registration, which will be the same dates you are eligible for council tax exemption.

Bank Letter

A Bank Letter can be used by international students to assist with an application to open a UK bank account. You can bring this letter to your appointment with a bank to prove your student status.

You will be eligible to request a bank letter once you have completed the first 9 steps of registration for that academic year.

Schengen Visa / No Objection Letter

Students travelling to one of the Schengen countries  will need to collect a Schengen Visa letter in advance of their appointment with the embassy. When applying for a Schengen Visa, please specify which country you will be travelling to, as this will be important when producing the letter.

Confirmation of Award Letter

A Confirmation of Award is an less formal alternative to your degree certificate. Any graduated student can request this letter.

The letter will contain information about your course, final classification and date of award.

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CareerSet CV Checker FAQs

What is careerset.

• CareerSet is The University of Manchester’s online CV feedback tool.
• You can upload your existing CV or use our online resource to draft your first CV and receive instant personalised feedback. You can access CareerSet 24/7 365 days a year from any location and you can re-submit your CV as many times as you like to keep improving your CV score.     

Who can use CareerSet?

• If you have an active university email address you can access CareerSet, these include: @student.manchester.ac.uk and @postgrad.manchester.ac.uk, @mba.mbs.ac.uk, @postgrad.mbs.ac.uk, @student.mbs.ac.uk.

I am a graduate, can I still use CareerSet?

• You will need to register using the email address you use for CareerConnect. You can find the access code in CareerConnect on the CV Pathway or via Resources - CareerSet info. click on the (i) icon.

How many times can I submit my CV for scoring?

• You can submit your CV as many times as you wish. You can submit different CVs for different job roles to ensure you are tailoring each CV to each individual job description.

How does it work?

• Once you are logged in, upload your CV as a pdf and follow the instructions given.
• There are two products ScoreMyCV for general CV feedback and TargetMyCV for tailored feedback against a job description.

How long will it take to get Feedback?

• Feedback is instant!

Will CareerSet make the changes onto my CV?

• No. You will need to look at the detailed feedback and make your own recommended changes. You can then re-upload your CV to see if the scoring has changed. The feedback is comprehensive so organise some time to sit and review and implement changes. It could make the difference between you getting an interview or being rejected.

Can I CareerSet feedback on a Strengths or skills based CV?

• CareerSet has been designed to check chronological CV formats,
• if a CV is more unconventional i.e., skills based, creative or eccentric  you can use the profile or Other CVs including academic CVs or please contact us for further advice.

Can I CareerSet feedback on a Academic CV?

• Yes use the profile for "other" CVs including academic CVs

Is CareerSet suitable for recruiters outside the UK?

• Research for CareerSet is based on UK employer and recruiter market and best practices within the UK.
• For advice on CV requirements in other countries please visit our website for   Passport Career   or  Prospects  working abroad.

I achieved a high score but it’s not 100% - what should I do? 

• It is unlikely that there is a 100% CV score out there! We recommend you aim for a CV Score of 70. Once you have achieved a score of 70 by following the advice and guidance from CareerSet you may want to contact the Careers Service for more in-depth advice against a particular job you are applying for.

Will CareerSet give me feedback on a covering letter or personal statement?

• CareerSet will review Cover letters (see below), but not personal statements. Our online resources, however, can support you in creating a personal statement and you can book into an Applications review appointment.

I have a particular job I am applying for will CareerSet Feedback against the job description?

• Yes, Go to TargetMYCV and upload both the job description and your CV.

What kind of advice can I expect?

• The feedback report runs across dozens of checks that recruiters and hiring manages pay attention to. As well as making your CV Applicant Tracking Compatible it evaluates your strength of word choice in three main areas Impact, Style and Brevity.
• As a small example of the checks your CV will be checked for how often you are using Action Verbs and how you have used these in a sentence, filler words are checked to ensure you get the maximum impact.
• It will also check on how you are describing activities to ensure you will match Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it will check your use of buzz words like ‘hardworking’ that can add little value to a CV and how you have evidenced your skills.

CareerSet Cover Letter Feedback FAQS

What is cover letter feedback.

Cover Letter feedback is a platform that helps you improve your Cover Letter. You can upload a Cover Letter that is tailored to a specific job and get immediate feedback on how your Cover Letter matches to key themes relevant to the position.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

Immediate feedback is given on checks like salutations, length and spelling as well as relevancy checks on key words and skills in the context of the job description.

Can I use the same Cover Letter for every job?

No. Every recruiter will expect that you have tailored your application to the job you are applying for. You are unlikely to get shortlisted for an interview without tailoring your Cover Letter to the post you are applying for.

I’ve not got a Cover Letter, how do I create one?

There are two Cover Letter Templates on CareerSet, a conventional cover letter and an email cover letter template, you can use either of these and build in your information in these. Alternatively use the example cover letter and cover letter template on our website.

How will my data be used by CareerSet and The University of Manchester?

• Students and graduates are required to opt-in to the CareerSet terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy before being able to access the service, which can be found on the CareerSet website: https://careerset.io/privacy and https://careerset.io/terms.php .
• Careers Service will have access to student and graduate information including CV scores, Cover Letters and Feedback reports. This information will be used to inform CV and Cover Letter benchmarking criteria, develop Careers support materials and offer further CV and Cover Letter application advice. CVs will not be accessible and are not stored in Careerset, all other information will be retained in line with The University of Manchester’s data retention policies.
• More information can be found Privacy and Information Governance.

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Essay writing guide

Introduction.

The subject of how to write a good essay is covered on many other sites and students are encouraged to read a sample of guides for a full understanding.

Recommended reading

• How to write an essay , University of Manchester, Faculty of Humanities Study Skills
• 3rd year project technical writing advice , University of Manchester, School of Computer Science
• William Strunk's elements of style

Examples of additional reading

• Essay writing & report writing , University of Wollongong
• Essay writing , Edinburgh Napier University

Academic essays and articles usually contain 'references'. These can range from a generalised bibliography or list for "further reading" to specific references for particular points in the text. In this last category references are normally indexed either by the first author's name and publication date, e.g. "[Smith97]" or simply numerically "[5]".

• Read how to reference properly and avoid plagiarism

Advice on the subject of plagiarism can be found under the assessments section of this website.

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Cover letters and personal statements provide the opportunity for the reader to hear your voice and see your fit for the organization or program. Career and Professional Development are here to answer questions and provide critiques. Email  for an appointment.

Cover Letters

Personal statements and essays, download resources.

• Cover Letter Guidelines Sample Cover Letter

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A resume is a targeted marketing tool highlighting skills, education, experience, and accomplishments for a particular position and organization. 

Presentation

• Always include name, address, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile.
• Bullet your descriptions and include accomplishments and skills
• Tailor the experiences and skills for each specific opportunity you are applying to – a one size fits all resume will be ignored
• Have both a Word (.doc) and a PDF version of your resume, and follow the employer’s instructions on which format they would prefer.  For more info, read "The Best Resume File Format"
• When printing your resume, use high quality white or off-white paper
• For students and new graduates, one page is best; some professions are open to longer resumes
• Ex.  Current experience: use present tense (organize, correspond, etc)
• Previous experience: use past tense (organized, corresponded, etc)

• Degree(s), major, university, city, state, month and year of graduation (or anticipated month and year)
• Include applicable minors, honors, awards, special projects and relevant coursework
• Include your GPA if it is above average or better (3.0 or higher)
• Place experiences most relevant to the job you are applying to under a heading like “Related Experience”
• You don’t need to have separate sections for paid and unpaid experiences, so include related internships, class projects, research, or volunteer experiences
• Unrelated experiences, such as summer jobs, can appear under a heading like “Additional Experience”
• List in reverse chronological order (with the most recent experience first)
• Other headings to consider include: Leadership, Technical Skills, Lab Skills, Licenses and Certifications, Languages (only if advanced/fluent), Research and Publications, Community Service, Memberships/Affiliations
• Be specific in your descriptions and quantify accomplishments using action verbs, superlatives and numbers (e.g., "Effectively collaborated with a team of diverse professionals," “Only student rep. on the sub-committee,” “Trained 8 lifeguards,” “Supervised a caseload of 6 clients”)
• Use verbs to showcase specific and transferable skills you have acquired in and out of the classroom
• Remove all personal pronouns (no “I” or “my”)
• References should not be included on the resume itself
• Create a separate reference page listing 3 or 4 people, with their contact information, who have supervised your work (employer, professor, advisor)
• Bring the reference sheet to the interview
• Always contact your references before listing them ― you do not want them to be surprised by a call from an employer
• Use LinkedIn to request “recommendations” by supervisors or colleagues you are connected to (once you have at least one recommendation, you can add “for immediate recommendations, please see (insert your LinkedIn url)” to your resume

Use VMock for a free resume review  

CEPS Resume Templates

Download Templates Here

CHHS Resume Templates

COLA Resume Templates

COLSA Resume Templates

Download Templates Here

PAUL Resume Templates

Federal Resume Templates

Transferable Skills

• Exhibit self-motivation and a positive attitude
• Motivate individuals and groups to perform
• Encourage effective teamwork with people from diverse backgrounds
• Design and implement plans of action
• Set goals and follow-through
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing
• Handle multiple demands for commitment of time, energy, and resources
• Identify critical issues quickly and accurately
• Meet the needs of both the organization and the employees when possible
• Use integrity in decision-making

Program Administration

• Interpret rules and regulations
• Analyze data and information
• Create innovative solutions to complex problems
• Ensure that tasks are completed on time
• Prioritize daily workload

Information Management

• Research, investigate, and compile information
• Synthesize facts, concepts, and principles
• Compile, sort, and interpret data
• Identify and combine a variety of resource materials into final copy
• Formulate relevant questions and develop ways to supply and clarify answers
• Communicate facts and ideas clearly both orally or in writing
• Manage a budget and keep accurate financial records
• Solve problems creatively, logically, and practically
• Write interesting and clear articles, reports, etc.
• Design culturally sensitive activities to engage participants
• Market and display products to appeal to target audience
• Create visually intriguing and skilled designs, displays, or works of art
• Demonstrate convincing public speaking or acting skills

Interpersonal Communications

• Exercise "give and take" to achieve group results
• Display understanding of, and respect for, people from diverse backgrounds
• Understand and work within the group culture
• Listen actively and attentively
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities
• Discuss cultural differences and issues openly
• Interpret behavior and emotional patterns in individuals and groups
• Teach, supervise, and train others using easy-to-understand concepts and hands-on experience
• Conduct in-depth interviews
• Express ideas and thoughts based on facts
• Mediate conflict with tact and diplomacy

Personal Development

• Instill self-confidence and self-esteem in others
• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to change and learning
• Learn the value of hard work and persistence
• Recognize and appropriately address bias in self and others

Cultural Competency

• Enhanced cultural awareness, sensitivity to customs, and cultural differences
• Increased self-confidence, initiative, and independence
• Adapted to a new culture and environment
• Functioned with a high level of ambiguity
• Interacted effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

Resumes vs. CVs

False. While there are similarities between a resume and a CV, there are also important differences. Depending on the type of job you are applying for, you may be asked to provide your resume or your CV. Both documents showcase your qualifications and experiences—that part is true—but how you organize this information, and the content you include in each document, will vary.

The vast majority of employers in the U.S. are looking for resumes. Resumes, put simply, are one-page (or two-pages if needed) summaries of your education, skills, and experience. The experiences you choose to highlight on your resume are up to you, but it’s important to note that your resume should speak to the position(s) for which you are applying. Employers often spend less than 30 seconds reviewing resumes, so it is important to be concise and well-organized in your presentation for easy scanning.

For more information on building your resume, resume templates, and CEPS student resume examples, please visit CEPS Career Documents .

If you are looking for academic positions or non-academic positions in the sciences, higher education, research, or health care, you will want to submit a CV (unless otherwise requested). CVs are also used when applying for fellowships and grant opportunities. International employers may request CVs as well, so be sure to follow the employer guidelines. A CV is a more extensive summary of your educational and academic experiences and can be several pages in length (generally more than two pages) and will include:

• Research Experiences
• Related Work Experiences
• Academic Achievements
• Publications
• Related Academic Projects
• Personal Accomplishments
• Certifications
• Additional Qualifications

Guidelines for Preparing a CV

• Arrange sections to highlight strengths for the position you are seeking
• The order of topics in a CV format is flexible, but keep your most relevant work and academic experiences near the top
• Elaborate on accomplishments and skills within categories as you would in a resume, but go more in-depth to convey your process
• List items within each category chronologically, the most recent appearing first
• Include additional headings when appropriate to underscore certification, licensures, workshops, trainings, languages, and other significant achievements
• Present information in an accessible and aesthetically pleasing format

Transforming Your CV into a Resume

Depending on your career interests, you may need an updated CV and a resume during your job search. As noted above, most employers, especially employers in industry, will prefer a resume. In order to transform your CV into a successful resume, you will want to consider the following:

• Limit your document to two full pages
• Re-evaluate your experiences based on the position for which you are applying
• Focus on your technical skills and emphasize your leadership experiences, effective communication, time management, and other transferable skills through concrete examples
• Utilize bulleted lists to capture your experiences in a succinct fashion
• Begin each bullet with a strong action verb
• List your professional and academic experiences in order of relevance to the job posting
• List only the most relevant presentations, publications, and papers

Meet with your Career Team for a resume review via Handshake

Cover Letters

A cover letter  emphasizes your interest  in a specific position and employer. Your resume is providing the who, what, when, where for employers, the  cover letter provides the why . Showcases how your background  matches  the needs of the employer. Cover letters are  not long  ― A half-page, 3 paragraphs, is best. All cover letters should be  individually created for a specific job  ― Do not use generic templates. It’s okay to get  personal  and provide examples of life experiences if they strongly highlight why you are a great fit for the role. Just remember, while personal information can help you stand out, you do not want to tell someone your whole life story, so use good judgment 

• Use  simple ,  direct language  and  correct grammar
• Letters should be  flawless  ― no typos or spelling errors
• Single-space your letters  and put in business letter format (add your heading, the date, who it’s going to, etc.)
• If printed, use  high-quality , white or off-white paper - match resume paper
• Online/email submission, save and send as a  PDF
• State why you are writing the employer
• Indicate the position and how you learned of it
• A brief sentence that gives your degree, major, college, and graduation date
• Hint at what is to come in the next paragraph by sharing general ability/value you will bring to the experience, stay broad you will get more specific in the body paragraph
• Describe how your education, experience, and personal skills make you a good match for the position
• Be specific, offering proof of your experiences and clearly describe ways you will contribute
• Outline one or two specific examples of how your skills and experiences will meet the company’s needs
• Refer to the organization you are applying to, and discuss what it is about them and the job opportunity that appeals to you ― Why do you want to work for this company specifically?
• Emphasize your knowledge of the organization (do research) and your familiarity with the field
• Avoid cliché language such as passion, love, it is a dream come true, etc.
• A genuine show of enthusiasm and knowledge will set you apart from those sending generic form letters
• Always thank the employer for considering your application
• Say what you’ll be doing to follow up on your letter, be polite and proactive but not demanding
• Provide a summative statement of your value or your strength

Cover Letter Samples

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Get help with applications

Get help with CVs, applications, interviews and assessments.

How we can help with applications

Our online self-help resources will help you improve your applications and get the job you want. You can check your CV, practice interviews, complete mock assessments, and more. You can also:

• get CV and application support as part of your course and through extra curricular activities
• enrol in RISE to develop skills that will boost your applications
• get support from our career advisors when you need it

CVs and application forms

When deciding who to interview, employers often only look at CVs and application forms. So, it’s important to get them right. It takes time and effort to write a strong application, so focus on quality rather than quantity.

Writing your CV and cover letter

Your CV is a marketing tool to attract employers and secure an interview. It’s important to have a well-presented CV that highlights your skills and achievements. Make sure you tailor your CV and covering letter to make them relevant to each vacancy and employer. These tools will help you:

CV builder : this tool walks you through building a CV that suits your skills and experience

CVs and covering letters guide: advice to help you to structure your CV and covering letter, including language, format and examples. You can also watch our 2-minute  video guides to CVs and cover letters .

CV360: score your CV against more than 50 criteria, optimise your CV and boost your chances of getting an interview

Cover letter builder: create your cover letter quickly and easily with our online tool.

Application forms

Employers use application forms to collect evidence that you are a good fit for the job and the organisation. These resources will help you plan and submit effective application forms:

application planning tool: short online courses to guide you through creating an effective application

completing applications guide: tips on how to write an effective application form from our career experts.

Interviews and assessments

Interviews and assessment centres help employers determine your suitability for a job. Good preparation is vital so you can give examples that demonstrate your skills.

If you are selected for an interview, this means you meet the basic requirements and the employer wants to meet you to assess your understanding, motivation and suitability. These tools will help you:

interview preparation : plan and prepare for interviews with these short online courses

interview simulator:  practice answering interview questions, get instant feedback and browse frequently asked questions

interview guide : read expert advice from our Careers Advisers

Assessment centres and psychometric tests

Assessment centres and psychometric tests are other ways to evaluate your suitability for a job. They allow employers to test your skills through tasks and activities that may not be possible in traditional interviews. These resources will help you prepare effectively:

assessment centre tool:  everything you need to know about assessment centres, including the activities you might take part in and tips for being successful

aptitude tests:  practise commonly-used assessments to improve your chances of performing well in a live environment

Graduates First:  more than 70 free practice assessments, including situational judgement, and numerical, verbal and logical reasoning

assessment centres guide : tips on assessment centres from our careers advisers, including what to expect and how to prepare

psychometric tests guide:  an overview of the different types of psychometric tests, and tips on taking tests and improving your results

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Writing a cover letter

Getting started

Let employers know why you're the right choice for the job

The aim of a cover letter is to persuade an employer to read your CV - so it's vital to make an impact with yours. It needs to highlight why you're interested in the job and why you're suitable for the role you're applying for.

Tips for a good cover letter

• Target your cover letter towards the employer and the job - researching the employer  is essential to show knowledge of the position applied for, and how you fit in the company
• Highlight relevant information from your CV – but don't just copy and paste
• Use the cover letter to explain any inconsistencies in your CV such as gaps in your employment history
• Tell the employer how their company will benefit from employing you
• Make sure the paragraphs are short and clearly themed
• Use no more than one side of A4
• Wherever possible, address the cover letter to a named person - you may have to ring the employer to find the name of the person you should be writing to

How to structure your cover letter 

Contact details.

Start with your contact details in the top right-hand corner of the A4 letter.

Then write the company address in the top left-hand corner.

First lines

You should try and find out the name of the person to whom you're addressing the letter. If it’s not possible, you should use "Dear Sir/Madam".

In the next line, include a reference to the job title and reference number such as "RE: Graduate Trainee – Finance stream (reference: abc/123/pb)".

Introduction

The first section of a cover letter is a chance to briefly introduce yourself. Include what subject you are studying at University and at what stage of University you are. Confirm the role that you're applying for and where you saw it advertised.

The next sections should consist of no more than two or three brief paragraphs. Explain why you're interested in the role and provide evidence to support your interest. For example, you may want to talk about work experience or aspects of your course that inspired your interest. Ensure all your evidence from your studies, work experience and volunteering is related directly to the position you're applying for.

Evidence how you meet the job requirements, keeping it clear and concise. Explain your specific interest in the organisation you’re applying to and why you want to work for them. You need to research the employer well . You may want to evidence your interest in one of the organisation’s projects, area of work, ethos or values. Make sure you come across well prepared. Remember to be positive in explaining what you could contribute to the role and the business of the employer.

Final paragraph

In the final paragraph, remember to conclude the letter on a friendly note. Thank the reader for their attention and for considering your application. You can also use this space to offer to supply additional information, such as a reference.

End the letter by signing off "Yours sincerely" if addressed to a person or "Yours faithfully" if you have addressed it to Sir/Madam.

Disability disclosure

The decision to disclose a disability to an employer is a personal one and may be based on factors such as the nature of the disability and the demands of the role being applied for. Disabilities can be disclosed in a cover letter, but may also be disclosed at other stages in the application process and decisions about this are largely a matter of personal preference and judgement.

If disclosing disabilities, always do so in a very positive manner, explaining any assistance that may be needed. If necessary, speak with a careers adviser or contact the employer directly before sending in any applications to discuss any support that may be required during the selection process or in the role itself. It's important to answer any direct questions from the employer fully and honestly.

If you are a student or graduate with a disability, disclosing your disability is a personal choice. You could choose to disclose your disability within the cover letter. Alternatively, you may choose to wait and discuss this in person at a later date. We have a guide to disability, equality and diversity  when applying for jobs.

Get more guidance on applying for jobs

Book an appointment with one of our advisers for more help with applying to jobs! 

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Need help? Here's how we can support you with your cover letters. If you’ve struggled with cover letters in the past and you’re worried they’re holding you back, we can help. Step 1:  Use the information below to write your cover letter Step 2: Upload your cover letter to  CareerSet for immediate feedback Make sure you read the whole of the feedback report, not just the bullet point highlights Edit your cover letter and reupload - repeat as many times as you like Step 3:  If you have a specific question that CareerSet can’t help you with, upload your cover letter to your documents on  Handshake  and message the careers Information Team, requesting a review. We do not offer a repeat cover letter 'checking' service, so when you have applied the feedback, you should return to CareerSet to help further refine your cover letter.  Read the  Talk to Us  page for more information about our support. Postgraduate students should also visit the Graduate Research School's  Applications and interviews  page.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter (or covering letter) is a document that accompanies your CV when you are applying for jobs. It’s a chance for you to expand on your CV and explain why you’re interested in and qualified for the job.

Letter or email?

It’s unlikely that you’ll actually post a job application, but even when emailing an application many employers still prefer you to attach a cover letter and CV, rather than put the content of your cover letter in the body of your email.

Saying that, don’t worry too much. Just do what the employer asks you to do. If they say to apply with a CV and cover letter, attach a CV and cover letter to your email. If you’re unsure, ask us.

How to lay it out

Set out your cover letter as a formal letter. That means your name and address on the top right and the address of the employer on the left. Include the job title and/or job application reference. Sign off your letter ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ depending on who you have addressed the letter to (‘Yours sincerely’ when your letter is addressed to a person, ‘Yours faithfully’ when your letter is addressed to the organisation or ‘Sir/Madam’).

What to include

Unless you’re told otherwise, keep your cover letter brief. One side of A4 is enough. Here’s a general structure:

• Paragraph One: Introduce yourself and explain what’s motivated you to apply for this role. Explain why you want to work for the employer and why you want that specific role.
• Paragraph Two/three: Explain why you are suited to the role. Highlight your strengths, skills and experiences that are relevant. You can refer to sections of your CV but don’t just repeat what’s on there.
• Final paragraph: Conclusion. Draw everything together and end on a positive note.
• If you’re given instructions, follow them. Sometimes you’ll be given a word count or be told to write a cover letter no longer than one page of A4.
• Remember that your cover letter is a chance to show off your writing style and your ability to be concise. Do not ramble or write your letter like an academic essay.
• When outlining your skills, refer back to the job description to make it clear how your skills are relevant.
• If you’re sending a speculative application (applying for a role that isn’t being advertised) try to address your cover letter to a specific person. Letters addressed to the company or to ‘Sir/Madam’ are easily ignored. Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the name of the best person to contact.
• Proofread, and consider asking a family member or friend to check it. We can give you feedback on your cover letter but we do not provide a proofreading service. Use  Texthelp tools to get your computer to read out your answers to help you spot mistakes.
• If you are thinking of using AI (artificial intelligence) to write your cover letter, have a look at some of the things to consider as an applicant.

Speculative applications

A lot of jobs are never advertised; sometimes a job may even be created for you if you are the right person. Read our advice on sending speculative applications:

• In order to write a good speculative letter/email you will first need to do some research into the organisation you are writing to. This way you will be able to target your application to their needs and demonstrate your passion for the company, role and industry
• Catch the attention of the person you are writing to. Give them a clear reason to want to contact you and take things further. For example, demonstrate that you have relevant skills, perhaps through extra-curricular activities and explain how offering you work experience will be of benefit to them (not just you!). Include a web link to your best work if possible. Also demonstrate that you understand what they do as an organisation - perhaps mention an interest in the clients they work with/your enjoyment of a documentary they made/an article you read that resonated with you – ie really tailor the application to that particular organisation
• Be explicit about what you are asking for and what you can offer
• It is a good idea to write to a specific named individual. If necessary phone to clarify who the best person to contact would be before sending your letter/email. Company websites, X/Twitter and LinkedIn profiles may also be useful for this
• Follow it up! It’s a good idea to contact the organisation a week or two after you have sent it. Ask if they’ve had a chance to read it and whether there will be any opportunities for you. If not, find out if they know of anyone else you could approach for work experience opportunities
• Create an online presence: use social or professional networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Not only can you find out about companies in this way, they can find out about you! Use X/Twitter to follow individuals working in the roles you are interested in - this will help you keep up to date with their news, but could also lead to job opportunities (eg they could put out a last minute call for help if a runner lets them down). However, remember they can check you out online, so think about the impression you want to give and lock down your privacy settings of anything personal you wouldn’t want them to see.

Cover letter examples

• Sample cover letter  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter for a speculative application  on Prospects
• Sample cover letter and speculative work experience approach  on TARGETjobs
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Covering letters

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Submit a covering letter with your job application as a way of introducing yourself whilst highlighting your strengths and motivation for applying for the role and company. 

For most roles, aim for one A4 page with three or four paragraphs. 

Academic positions may require around two A4 pages, while senior roles can extend to up to five pages. 

Make a professional impression by using a proper greeting and closing in your covering letter. For example, Dear Hiring Manager, Yours sincerely (further information on formal letter writing can be found in the Resources section below). 

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by checking the job advert or contacting the company. 

Opening: Introduce yourself, mention where you found the job, and explain your reasons for applying. 

First paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role. Show your knowledge about the organisation and sector. Align your career aspirations with the company's values. 

Second paragraph: Match your skills and experiences to the job description. Highlight relevant examples and achievements. Emphasise transferable skills if you lack direct experience. 

Closing: Stay positive and showcase your suitability for the role. Convey enthusiasm and end with a closing statement like "I look forward to hearing from you soon." 

• Address a named person whenever possible. 
• Proofread for spelling and grammar - get feedback from friends, family, or your careers adviser. 
• Include a cover letter unless instructed otherwise. 
• Customise your letter for each role and company to avoid generic content. 
• Support your statements with examples using the STAR Technique .
• Let your enthusiasm shine through!

Further support

Get cover letter writing tips at the Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter  workshop or explore our Cover Letter LinkedIn Learning Pathway for ideas and inspiration.

Recommended by our careers advisers

• Writing a Covering Letter  (includes four examples)
• Prospects Cover Letters
• Target Jobs Cover Letters
• Balance Careers: Sample letter format
• Balance Careers: Closing a formal letter
• Jobs.ac.uk: Academic Cover Letters

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Your covering or cover letter is a polite and professional introduction that accompanies your CV when applying for an advertised vacancy or enquiring about potential job opportunities in a company. 

• It builds on two or three key pieces of information within your CV and expands them by explaining in more depth how those skills and experiences match the job role.
• Use the covering letter to show you are keen to work for the company by demonstrating that you have researched the organisation thoroughly.

A well-written and researched covering letter, sent alongside a targeted CV will help you secure you an interview.

Your next steps

What works best for you?

Book an appointment to have your covering letter reviewed

Book your place on a covering letter workshop

Take our short online course

How to write an effective covering letter

Hayley Gillmore, Students' Union Employability Manager, gives her top tips on writing an effective covering letter when applying for a job vacancy. 

An employer's perspective

When we read covering letters we look for someone who can demonstrate a strong 'can do' attitude to work. They might not necessarily have the knowledge, but more important to us is that they are able to articulate their determination to really want to do it.

Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR 

How long should my covering letter be? 

Length and font.

Your covering letter should be well presented, concise and to the point. It should ideally be no longer than one side of A4. It's a good idea to pick a modern font such as Calibri or Sans serif, font size 11 or 12 - it's advisable to use the same font as your CV.

How should I attach or send my cover letter?

Emails and covering letters.

When applying for a position by email, you can either use the email itself as a covering letter and attach your CV, or write a brief email message and attach a separate covering letter as well as your CV. If you choose this option, your email should be professional in style.

If you attach a CV and covering letter to your email, avoid repeating information in the email which is in your covering letter. The email should be brief and professional, referring to your CV and covering letter attached.

When attaching your CV and cover letter, ideally do this in PDF so it’s readable on any device. Also remember to name the file appropriately, such as ‘your name’, ‘date’ ‘company name you’re applying to’. First impressions count even down to the little details.

What tone and language should I use? 

Using active verbs when talking about tasks you've undertaken can be very effective. Here is our list of active verbs.

Action verbs for covering letters 

Levels of formality

Choosing the right tone for your covering letter is key to its success. If you are unsure about the tone of your covering letter, make an appointment with our team to clarify any doubts.

While you want to come across as respectful and professional, being too formal and over-polite is not advisable either.

While linguistically correct, these three statements come across as too ceremonious:

• I hereby apply for the position of graphic designer
• I would highly appreciate the opportunity to have my application considered and thank you in advance for your time and attention

Over-familiarity can be equally easy to fall into, so avoid sentences:

• I hope this email finds you well
• Consider me for this project and you will not be disappointed

Keep it simple as shown in these two examples:

• I am delighted to have the opportunity to submit this application.
• I am applying for the post of graphic designer advertised on your website as I believe I have the skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to Sigma Solutions.

Structuring your covering letter 

Example covering letters.

These covering letter examples will demonstrate how to present your covering letter based on the advice provided on this page. We have three examples depending on your circumstances.

1. Covering letter and CV for an advertised vacancy

2. covering letter to send to a company to enquire if they have vacancies, 3. covering letter and cv to highlight online work experience.

Post pandemic, many companies have adapted to a more hybrid working culture. As part of this, some in-person activities such as internships, part-time jobs and volunteering experiences have moved online. These activities are just as important for your personal and professional development and you will have developed a new range of skills, such as collaborating on group projects remotely using new software.

We have created a covering letter and CV in response to a job vacancy to highlight how to showcase your experience of virtual activities and the skills developed. More on CVs.

How should I start the covering letter?

At the start, include your personal contact details and the date to the letter. Ideally you should address your covering letter to the person who will be reading it.

The covering letter should be addressed to a named person and often you can find the name of the hiring manager in the job advert, for example: Dear Dr. Harman, Dear Mrs Stevenson, Dear Alex Wozniak, if possible

If no name is given, or you are sending a speculative application, then take the time to find the appropriate contact using LinkedIn or the company's website to find the head of human resources or the head of the department the vacancy is based within. 

It is good practice to include a job reference number or the name of the advertised role. This helps your application get to the right person within the organisation.

What should I include in the opening paragraph?

Open positively and politely, with a short introductory statement that explains the purpose of the letter and details how you found out about the job advert. For example:

• I am applying for the position of graduate management trainee advertised on your website as I would welcome the chance to work for Transco Exports

Then briefly highlight your relevant qualifications or experience that make you a strong fit for the role.

What should I include in the main part of the letter?

The body of your letter should be two or three concise paragraphs to outline

Why you want to work for the organisation

Why your previous experience or skills make you a good candidate

Explain your motivation to work for the company

You should include a paragraph that demonstrates you have researched the company and explains why you want to work for them.

You should research and mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as its mission, values, recent projects, or achievements. Explain why you are attracted to the company and how you can contribute to its success.

Find out how to research a company

Explain why you’re the ideal candidate

To do this, ensure you understand the job requirements and what they're looking for in applicants. You can then:

• highlight how your skills, experiences, and achievements align with their needs
• provide specific examples that demonstrate the skills required for the role
• include examples from your studies, work experience including part-time jobs, and other activities you're involved in
• quantify your achievements whenever possible to make them more impactful

Make sure to refer to your CV, especially to highlight any key experience that’s relevant to the role. A simple line such as, “My attached CV outlines my academic and work experience to date.” will be fine. 

Our example cover letters can demonstrate good practice (see above).

Some more examples of good practice

To help structure your information and provide evidence in a professional way, we have included some examples.

• I have developed sound organisational and presentation skills during my degree
• I have developed sound organisational and presentation skills during my degree by participating in student working groups and research projects, giving presentations to staff and fellow students
• As you can see from my CV, I have previously undertaken similar duties to the ones required by this post
• I have previous experience of providing technical support and dealing with client requests in a pressurised environment, as shown in my CV

Relate examples to the post

If you present personal experiences as evidence of having certain competencies, relate your achievements to the post as clearly as possible. In the following examples, the second version is much more specific and better connected to the job. For a post of assistant events organiser:

  Not specific enough

• The various parties I organised for the Spanish Society were amongst the most popular on campus – they were always full to the brim, people had a great time and I became well known at university as a result

Much more specific

• I organised three parties for the Spanish Society covering all costs through sponsorship and ticket sales. Attendees highlighted a vibrant atmosphere and excellent value for money, and I was asked to help organise other events as a result

Focus on the employer's needs

Focus on the employer’s requirements and how you can meet the employer’s needs – not how the post can meet yours. Check these examples:

• This post constitutes a great opportunity to update my design skills and will also help towards the costs of my studies
• This post constitutes a great opportunity to build on my design skills complementing the knowledge gained in my masters studies

Avoid clichés

Employers will read about countless ‘ambitious recent graduate looking for a challenging position’ who can ‘think outside the box’ and are ‘team players equally happy to work by themselves’ as well as ‘fast learners with a can-do attitude who always give 100%’.

How should I close the covering letter?

Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position and expressing your desire for an interview. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

• If you know the recipient’s name, then end with Yours sincerely. 
• If you do not know the recipient’s name, then end with Yours faithfully 

Should I include information about my disability?

Sharing information about disability.

Telling a perspective employer any information about a disability(s) is a personal choice. It is up to you if, when and how. If you are unsure at any stage, consider what would be the advantage of sharing at that point. If you decide that you want to, think about what would be most relevant for the employer to know at this specific stage of the recruitment process. For more information, see our page on  applying with a disability

And finally...

Who can check over my covering letter.

Read your draft carefully for grammar, punctuation, capitalisation and spelling, and have it proofread by someone with a sound knowledge of English and an eye for detail. You can use tools such as Grammarly.com to help you with this.

You can make an appointment to have your covering letter reviewed by our team and discuss any queries you may have. However, we are not able to offer a proofreading service.

The Centre for English Language Education (CELE) offers help on the appropriate use of language for job applications, cover letters, interviews and presentations. Personalised one-to-one consultations allow you to guide the focus according to your needs. This is not a proofreading service, but a tutor can offer advice on language choice, formality and structure to help your application stand out.

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