Cover letter template: a simple format that works for any job

Cover letter template (fill in the blanks)

[Your name], [Town, Country] · [Phone] · [Email]

[Date]

[Hiring manager's name or “The Hiring Manager”], [Company], [Town]

Dear [Name / Hiring Manager],

RE: [JOB TITLE]

Opening: I am applying for the [job title] role advertised on [where]. With [X years] of experience in [field] and [one headline achievement], I am confident I can [what you will do for them].

Middle: In my current role at [employer], I [achievement with a number]. I also [second achievement that matches the advert]. [One sentence on a key skill or qualification they require.]

Why them: I am drawn to [company] because [specific reason: product, mission, growth, reputation]. I would bring [what you offer] to [team/goal].

Close: My CV is attached. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute. Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely, [Your name]

How to write each part of the cover letter

Cover letter format rules

• One page, 250–400 words, three or four paragraphs.
• Same font and header style as your CV, so they look like a matching set.
• Address a named person when you can; otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager”.
• Save as PDF named Firstname_Lastname_Cover_Letter.pdf.
• When emailing, paste a short version in the email body and attach the full letter and CV.

Cover letter mistakes recruiters hate

• A generic letter with the wrong company name left in.
• Repeating the CV word for word.
• Focusing on what you want (salary, growth) rather than what you offer.
• Clichés such as “team player” and “hard worker” without proof.
• Spelling mistakes in the employer's name.

Do you always need a cover letter?

If the advert asks for one, always include it. When it is optional, a short, tailored letter still helps, especially for competitive roles, career changes or when you need to explain something such as relocation or a gap. For quick applications, a three-sentence cover note in the email body can be enough. See our short cover letter examples.

Walkthrough: the cover letter example

The example letter above follows the template closely. The opening names the role and where it was advertised, then immediately states the candidate's qualification and experience. The second paragraph gives two strong, specific results that match the advert's requirements: faster month-end closing and full tax compliance. The third paragraph explains why the candidate's audit background is useful to this particular employer as it expands. The close is short and confident. It is under 250 words, which makes it easy to read in under a minute.

Cover letter phrases that work

• “I was excited to see your opening for… because…”
• “In my current role at…, I…, which resulted in…”
• “Your advert mentions…; at…, I…”
• “I would bring the same focus on… to your team.”
• “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to…”

Create a matching cover letter automatically

In our editor, open the Cover letter tab, paste the job advert and let AI write a letter based on your CV. Edit it, then copy it or download it as PDF or Word in the same style as your CV.

Cover letter example

Grace Wanjiru Kamau
Nakuru, Kenya · +254 712 345 678 · grace.kamau@email.com

3 November 2026

The Hiring Manager
Lakeside Dairies Ltd
Nakuru

Dear Hiring Manager,

RE: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

I am excited to apply for the Senior Accountant role advertised on BrighterMonday. As a CPA(K) with five years in agribusiness and audit, I bring exactly the reporting, tax and team skills your advert describes.

At Rift Valley Fresh Produce, I cut our month-end close from 12 to 5 working days and have filed every VAT and PAYE return on time through iTax since joining. I prepare IFRS financial statements for a business with KES 400 million turnover and supervise two accounts assistants.

My three years at Mwangi & Partners gave me a strong audit background across more than 20 clients, so I know what auditors expect and how to prepare for them, something that will help Lakeside Dairies as you expand processing.

I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can strengthen your finance team. Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely,

Grace Wanjiru Kamau

Frequently asked questions