How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter

Find somewhere in your letter to tell the reader a bit about yourself - your background, interests, achievements – and make them applicable to the role.

There is no need to embellish your character, but do be creative. Avoid just telling them you enjoy playing sport and instead explain how your sporting history has inspired your strong leadership qualities, a dogged sense of determination, and a refusal to be defeated no matter how difficult the opponent or task.

On the other hand, be careful not to bore your prospective employer with a self-absorbed monologue. Put those research skills to use to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the company and the role. Look through their website for ideas. You might want to mention how the planned overseas expansion of their business suits your own burgeoning ambition, or it could be that their small, independent nature is what attracted you to them, as it would allow you to have a more pivotal role in the overall success of the business.

Similarly, pay close attention to what the employer has put in their job specification. Do not discuss your impeccable charm and limitless generosity if these are not traits they’re looking for. 

With most jobs attracting a large number of applicants, you will have to find some way to stand out from the crowd. While it may seem obvious, one thing people tend to forget is to use this opportunity to articulate through their writing an explicit desire and enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for.

Make them understand how much you want the job and why this one means more to you than any others.

Crafting a cover letter is a very personal exercise with no compulsory format through which it must be structured, so what works for one person may not work for you.

Having said that, there will be times where you feel that your specific method has become a little monotonous, and some exposure to a different one could help reinvigorate your own.

The internet is a great place to start. There is an near endless list of example letters and pointers on how to improve your technique and approach to applications.

You might also want to talk to others who are involved in a similar process. Is there anything in their style that would improve yours? 

There may not be one certified way to format your cover letter, but there are a number of mistakes you can make which will condemn your letter straight to the recycling bin.

Grammatical errors are common in applications. They will not necessarily ruin your chances, but if an employer is looking for a way to separate two equal candidates then errors such as these could be the deciding outcome.

The most crucial thing to remember is: always check your work. Are there any spelling mistakes, repeated words, missing words? Are your points clear and detailed, without being verbose and repetitive?

The biggest mistake you can make is to ignore the need to proofread your work.

Kit Durant writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.