Writing a Stand Out Cover Letter
Introduction
A well-written cover letter is your chance to make a powerful first impression, it brings your CV to life, connects your experience to the role, and positions you as a candidate worth meeting. It’s not a formality; it’s a crucial tool that lets employers see you beyond the bullet points.
At Bold New Recruitment, we often remind candidates that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter. Each application deserves a tailored, thoughtful approach that demonstrates you understand the role, align with the company’s values, and are motivated to contribute.
This guide will walk you through the key elements of a compelling cover letter, from structure and tone to language tips and how to address career breaks. With clear examples and practical advice, you’ll be equipped to craft a letter that doesn’t just get read, it gets results.
If you can make your reader think, “This person understands what we need,” you’re halfway there.Each letter should be individual, this is not a place where one size fits all!
1. Why They’re Hiring: Make a Compelling Case
Begin by clearly stating what motivates you about the role and organisation. Explain how you can solve their problems or support their goals. Research the company’s priorities, in mission statements, recent news, or social media, and weave these into your letter.
2. Structure & Clarity: A Simple, Impactful Layout
Header & Salutation: Include your contact details, date, and ideally address it to a named hiring manager. Use “Dear [Name]” or “Dear Hiring Manager” if the contact is unknown.
Opening Paragraph: Invite the reader in with a strong, engaging introduction that mentions the exact role and why it attracted you.
Middle Section(s):
Match skills to the job: Use keywords and phrases from the advert to show you understand and meet the requirements. Avoid vague statements. Quantify achievements where possible (“enhanced customer retention by 20%”).
Tell your story: Share a brief, relevant example that reflects your values or unique fit. Show what you can do, not just that you can do it.
Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to discuss how you can contribute. Thank them and sign off professionally (e.g. “Kind regards,” “Yours sincerely”).
3. Conciseness and Readability
Keep it to one page, ideally 250–400 words, or around 3–4 short paragraphs. Recruiters spend seconds on each letter, so every sentence must count.
Use clear fonts and formatting: Stick with 10–12pt fonts, standard margins, and PDF format unless otherwise requested.
4. Language & Tone
Mirror the job advert’s language: Use their terminology to pass ATS filters and show alignment.
Be authentic: Write in your own voice, be professional, but let your personality shine through. An engaging, sincere tone helps you stand apart.
Avoid clichés and buzzwords: Phrases like “team player” or “hard-working” mean little, back them up with evidence or drop them entirely.
5. Addressing Career Breaks
If relevant, briefly mention career breaks without over-explaining:
“Following a planned career break (Jan 2022 - xxxx), I am now seeking a [role] in [sector]. During this time, I…”
Position it as a conscious choice and quickly transition to your current ambitions.
No explanation is needed, just clarity and positivity.
6. Final Checks
Proofread meticulously, errors signal carelessness. Ask a friend to review.
Tailor every letter, never send generic versions. Reflect each organisation's values and your unique fit.
Be ATS‑ready, simple formatting, clear section headings, and included keywords help your letter be seen.
Crafted well, your cover letter becomes a powerful sales tool, presenting a confident, clear business case for hiring you.
Want More Personalised Support?
At Bold New Recruitment, we take the time to understand you. Our approach is grounded in integrity, individuality, and culture fit, so whether you’re new to the job market, returning after a break, or seeking a fresh direction, we’re here to support you with tailored guidance, CV reviews, and introductions to roles that truly match who you are.
Good Luck!
