CV and cover letter are the two documents that are often required for a job application. While the CV focuses on your work history, educational background, and key skills, the cover letter for the CV allows you to elaborate further details about why you’re applying for this role and how you can contribute to the company's growth.
In some cases, a cover letter for a CV can go under different names such as:
Regardless of the name and format, it acts as an accompanying letter for your CV that allows you to express yourself in a more personal way and better match your application to the job opening.
Table of Contents:
Since both a CV and a cover letter are not always required, some employers may skip your CV letter email. To keep them reading until the end, you will need to create a compelling job application cover letter for your CV. Let us show you how!
Here are the elements that should be included in a CV application letter:
The hiring manager will need your contact information to reach out to you if they require more information or if they want to invite you for an interview. Hence, make sure you provide your contact information in your cover letter for your CV, including your:
💡 Pro tip: You can exclude your residential address, as it is private information that might cause safety issues when misused.
If you’re writing a cover letter for your CV, this information can be included in your letterhead when you start your cover letter. If you choose to email a cover letter for your CV, these details should be included in your email signature.
One thing that the hiring manager takes into consideration is whether your personal development aligns with the company's mission and goals. However, there isn’t much room to express this in your CV. Thus, you must show your commitment to the company’s growth when writing the cover letter for your CV to prove that you're a dedicated employee and will take this job offer seriously.
Here’s an extract from CV letter example that shows one’s commitment:
“To the best of my knowledge, True Botanical aims to promote natural, organic skincare by using nature's most restorative and nourishing ingredients. As an individual who greatly cares for the environment and has adopted a sustainable lifestyle since I was just 15 years old, True Botanical’s vision and mission align with my career goal, which is to work for an all-natural skincare brand that emphasizes sustainability, both for the environment and the body.
Since a CV application letter is a formal business letter, it's important to maintain a formal tone - polite and business-like. It's your professional demeanor, not your educational background or work experience that will make a great first impression on the employer.
Here's how to strike the right tone when writing a cover letter for your CV:
As a general rule of thumb, both your CV and cover letter should be customized to the position you're applying for. Doing so is the best way to prove that you're the right fit, since different jobs require specific experiences, skills, and qualifications. It also shows your genuine interest in the job, since you took the time to understand the work requirements and show that in your writing.
As mentioned earlier, a cover letter acts as an accompanying letter for your CV. It means that you should provide additional details aside from what has been written in other documents. Hiring managers have to screen multiple, or perhaps many, applications every day. They might lose interest in your application if you put repetitive information in the cover letter for your CV.
You might find specific details on how to apply for the role at the end of the job posting, like this:
That's why correctly following the company’s instructions for your application letter and CV can show your professionalism and thorough attention to detail.
Every prospective employer will be impressed to see you spending much time and effort doing thorough research about the company. These research findings should be incorporated into the cover letter accompanying your CV.
💡 Pro tip: To better understand an organization's mission, operations, and clients, you can check out its website as well as business pages like LinkedIn and Facebook. Reviewing the job description carefully is also a great way to learn about the company and the team you will work with.
In fact, many job applicants have made this mistake when writing a cover letter for their CV. Though this sounds trivial, typos and grammar mistakes might cost you the interview as it indicates a lack of attention to detail and professionalism (not something recruiters like). Thus, keep in mind to double-check your letter content before sending out.
Generally, your CV letter should range from half a page to one full page (ideally 250-400 words for CV letters in English). A tip is to structure your letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs, with 4-5 sentences for each paragraph.
Letter format
Steve Lee Wayne
Principal of VIS International School
9941 Horizon Circle, Tacoma, WA 98444
Dear Principal Wayne,
I am writing to express my interest in the Music Teacher position at VIS International School. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Central College and 3 years of experience, I believe my skills and qualifications will serve as a substantial addition to your school and the students.
During my former position as a Music Teacher at Blossom House School, I’ve handled various tasks and duties, including:
The biggest accomplishment I’ve achieved is designing new learning methods to boost the students’ engagement in class, resulting in comprehension improvements, and discussion time reduction by 35%.
I'm now looking for a diverse workplace, which led me to apply for this position at VIS International School. I also believe that I will provide students with dynamic resources to pursue their capabilities and develop essential perspectives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to speak further with you about how my experience and knowledge of music can be an asset at your school.
Email format
Dear Principal Wayne,
I am writing to express my interest in the Music Teacher position at VIS International School. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Central College and 3 years of experience, I believe my skills and qualifications will serve as a substantial addition to your school and the students.
During my former position as a Music Teacher at Blossom House School, I’ve handled various tasks and duties, including:
The biggest accomplishment I’ve achieved is designing new learning methods to boost the students’ engagement in class, resulting in comprehension improvements, and discussion time reduction by 35%.
I'm now looking for a diverse workplace, which led me to apply for this position at VIS International School. I also believe that I will provide students with dynamic resources to pursue their capabilities and develop essential perspectives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to speak further with you about how my experience and knowledge of music can be an asset at your school.
Letter format
Laura Wee
114A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556012
[email protected]
linked.com/laurawee90
Keith Wong
Hiring Manager
Lite-On Singapore Pte. Ltd.
151, #03-03 Lor Chuan, Lobby C New Tech Park, Singapore 556741
I am Laura Wee, a recent graduate of Singapore Management University. While I was seeking a front-desk receptionist position, I came across your job posting on Cake. I am confident that my exceptional multitasking skills and attention to detail make me a qualified candidate for this role.
Though I have yet to possess much professional experience, I never stop learning and acquiring important skills for a receptionist, such as problem-solving and customer service skills. Also, I am fully aware that this job is more than just welcoming guests, answering phone calls and emails, doing data entry, and preparing paperwork. A superb front-desk receptionist should be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations as well.
I have been following Lite-On's LinkedIn page for many years, and I believe that not only I can become a cultural fit but also bring more value to the company. The opportunity to offer more details about my qualifications would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
With gratitude,
Laura Wee
Email format
I am Laura Wee, a recent graduate of Singapore Management University. While I was seeking a front-desk receptionist position, I came across your job posting on Cake. I am confident that my exceptional multitasking skills and attention to detail make me a qualified candidate for this role.
Though I have yet to possess much professional experience, I never stop learning and acquiring important skills for a receptionist, such as problem-solving and customer service skills. Also, I am fully aware that this job is more than just welcoming guests, answering phone calls and emails, doing data entry, and preparing paperwork. A superb front-desk receptionist should be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations as well.
I have been following Lite-On's LinkedIn page for many years, and I believe that not only I can become a cultural fit but also bring more value to the company. The opportunity to offer more details about my qualifications would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
With gratitude,
Laura Wee
114A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556012
[email protected]
linked.com/laurawee90
Letter format
Janice Flavien
(+342)-6327-385
[email protected]
9035 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V6, Canada
Samuel T. Scott
APL Corp.
2902 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 5G7, Canada
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Janice, a final year student majoring in Marketing at the University of Alberta. During a recent conversation with Professor John Pullman, my faculty advisor in the Business Management department at my school, I was told about the internship program at APL Corp. I believe that my academic achievements and freelancing experience would make me an exceptional intern.
I have been the President of the Marketing Youngsters Club at UA for the past 2 years and working freelance as a content marketer. With in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, I am responsible for inbound marketing strategies that help boost my clients' brand identity and online presence, while developing well-written content for their social media platforms.
I am a fast learner and a team player with strong communication skills as well as the ability to work on multiple tasks effectively. I believe a 3-month internship opportunity at APL Corp. will allow me to further develop my existing skills and learn more from great people there.
In this letter I have also attached my up-to-date CV where you can read about my experiences and qualifications. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Janice Flavien
Email format
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Janice, a final year student majoring in Marketing at the University of Alberta. During a recent conversation with Professor John Pullman, my faculty advisor in the Business Management department at my school, I was told about the internship program at APL Corp. I believe that my academic achievements and freelancing experience would make me an exceptional intern.
I have been the President of the Marketing Youngsters Club at UA for the past 2 years and working freelance as a content marketer. With in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, I am responsible for inbound marketing strategies that help boost my clients' brand identity and online presence, while developing well-written content for their social media platforms.
I am a fast learner and a team player with strong communication skills as well as the ability to work on multiple tasks effectively. I believe a 3-month internship opportunity at APL Corp. will allow me to further develop my existing skills and learn more from great people there.
In this letter I have also attached my up-to-date CV where you can read about my experiences and qualifications. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Janice Flavien
(+342)-6327-385
[email protected]
9035 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V6, Canada
