Cover letter

A cover letter is a document sent alongside a resume to help a job application stand out. Think of it as a sales pitch, a chance for the applicant to make the case for why they’re the right fit for the role. Where a resume tends to be limited, formatted, professional and academic facts laid out in a fixed pattern, a cover letter adds something a resume can’t: a genuine written introduction that conveys interest in the role and what makes the candidate a strong match for it.

Job seekers typically send it alongside their resume, whether by email or as a hard copy. It usually covers things like their interests, personality, achievements, the skills and knowledge they’ve picked up through work experience, and their broader goals and aspirations, all of which gives an employer a fuller picture of who the candidate actually is.