Learn to Write a Cover Letter

Writing a Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter: A short letter sent with a resume that explains why you want the job and why you are a great fit.
Why it Matters: It allows you to show your personality and highlights key skills that match the specific job advertisement.
The “10-Second” Rule: Recruiters often make a “first cull” decision in as little as 10 seconds; the cover letter must make it easy for them to see how you fit the job.
Formatting Options:
- Use a table to address specific “selection criteria” from the job ad.
- Use bold headings and clear sections if the job ad does not have obvious criteria.
Tip: While you can use a template, you should adapt and change your cover letter for every different job you apply for.

To help you in the process of writing your cover letter, we have added a section at the end of our resume builder that will also help you build your cover letter. When you are in the resume builder, you can click on the heading at the top of the form that says “Cover Letter” and it will take you straight to that section.

Try the Cover Letter Generator

Click to View or listen to the Series on how to write a resume and cover letter and prepare for an interview

Watch the Videos

In this video series, Eleanor takes you through the tips and tricks you need to know to get that job – from:

writing a resume
writing a cover letter
preparing for an interview

To make things easier for you, you can download a copy of our cover letter template to use with your personal information.

Download Template

Writing a Resume and Cover Letter Video Library

Video 1

How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

In this video, we shift our focus from resumes to cover letters (also known as application letters). While a resume lists your skills and experience, a cover letter is your chance to tell a story — explaining why you want the job and why you are the perfect fit.

A well-written cover letter can make you stand out from other applicants and get you noticed by recruiters.

In this video, our job application coach explains:
✅ What a cover letter is and why it’s important
✅ How to show your personality and highlight key skills
✅ How to create a template you can adapt for different job applications

⚠️ IMPORTANT PREPARATION FOR THIS VIDEO:
To get the most out of this session, please find a real job advertisement for a role you would actually enjoy. Print it out and have it ready to look at with the help of your support person.

You will need it to tailor your cover letter effectively!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO:
✅ The difference between a resume and a cover letter
✅ Why cover letters are essential for standing out
✅ How to use the provided Cover Letter Template
✅ How to match your skills and experience to a specific job advertisement
✅ Tips for adapting one cover letter for multiple job applications

Video 2

The 10-Second Recruiter Secret and Your Cover Letter

Did you know recruiters often make a decision on your job application in as little as 10 seconds?

In Video 11 of our series, Emily brings in a real-life job advertisement that “just sounds like her” and shares her first draft of a cover letter.

Our job coach reveals a massive industry secret: how recruiters quickly filter through applications during the “first cull” to separate them into “Yes” and “No” piles.

To make sure your application lands in the “Yes” pile, your cover letter needs to be incredibly easy to scan. The coach explains how to use our templates to align your skills directly with the job description so a recruiter can see you’re a match in just a glance!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO:
✅ What the “10-second recruiter rule” is and how to beat it
✅ How to align your skills directly with a job advertisement
✅ *Template Option 1:* How to use a table to address clear selection criteria
✅ *Template Option 2:* How to use bold headings to structure your letter if the job ad doesn’t have obvious selection criteria
✅ Why making your cover letter scannable is the key to getting a deeper look

🛠️ YOUR TURN:
1️⃣ Look at the job advertisement you printed out in the last step.
2️⃣ Does it have clear selection criteria?

If YES: Download Template 1
If NO: Download Template 2

3️⃣ Start drafting your cover letter by matching your experiences to what the employer is asking for.
4️⃣ Work with your support person to make sure your key strengths stand out immediately!