How to Write a Cover Letter That Grabs an Employer's Attention With Examples

A great cover letter can be your ticket to securing that interview spot. It's a snapshot of who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you want to work for a specific employer. 

Here’s how to write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd and get you one step closer to nabbing your dream role. 

Key Features of an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

• Personalised Address: Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
• Engaging Opener: Start with a compelling sentence to grab attention.
• Job Connection: Clearly relate your skills to the job requirements.
• Relevant Achievements: Highlight achievements that showcase your fit for the role.
• Company Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the company and why you want to join.
• Professional Tone: Maintain professionalism with a personal touch.
• Concise Writing: Keep it brief, ideally one page.
• Strong Closure: End with a call to action, expressing your eagerness.
• Error-Free Writing: Ensure impeccable grammar and spelling.
• Professional Sign-Off: Use a suitable closing phrase (Regards, Sincerely) before your name.
• Keyword Integration: Include relevant keywords from the job description.

Preparing to Write Your Cover Letter

Crafting an attention-grabbing cover letter that positions you as a top candidate is essential. To begin, thorough research is key. While you can tailor your cover letter to your unique style, it should typically include:

• The specific job you're applying for and your availability to start.
• Your reasons for wanting to work with that particular employer.
• A showcase of your skills and relevant experience.
• How your skills align with the company's needs.
• What sets you apart as the ideal fit for the role.

Consider the Skills That Make You Stand Out 

Remember, a cover letter should fit on one A4 page, so it's essential to be concise and relevant. 

Your goal is to offer a glimpse of your skills and talents that pique the employer's interest. Choose three or four skills that match the job requirements and briefly describe how you've used them before. 

For instance, if the employer values strong communication skills, you might express it like this: "I thrive in collaborative environments and, as an example, I led a successful project to implement new monitoring software, effectively communicating and coordinating the team to meet deadlines and stay within budget." 

Customise your examples to your strengths while keeping your cover letter concise and on point.

How to Structure a Cover Letter

A well-structured cover letter follows a clear and coherent format:

• Header: Put your contact info - name, phone, and email.
• Salutation: Start politely with 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'To Whom It May Concern' if the recipient's name is unknown (ideally find the right name – it shows you take initiative!) 
• Opening: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the job.
• Body: Detail your relevant skills and experience using bullet points, connecting them to the job description.
• Closing: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention interview availability.
• Formal End: Conclude formally with 'Sincerely' or 'Warm regards,' followed by your name.

9 Tips for Writing a Standout Covering Letter 

• Tailor Every Letter: Ensure each cover letter is customised for the specific job. Avoid using a generic template for all applications.
• Address the Right Person: If possible, address the letter to the hiring manager (usually listed in the job posting). Avoid generic salutations like 'To Whom It May Concern.'
• Proper Formatting: Use the correct layout for written cover letters. Begin with your contact info, followed by the date and the recipient's name. Then, include the body of the letter and the salutation.
• Font: Use a font size of 11 or 12, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Use single spacing with a line break between paragraphs. Do not indent paragraphs; keep them aligned to the left margin.
• Write Clearly and Concisely: Keep your cover letter to one page, removing any unnecessary information or language if it exceeds this limit.
• Match Job Requirements: Align your skills and experiences with the job description.
• Make It Engaging: Share a brief, interesting story and mention any mutual contacts if possible.
• Proofread: Ensure flawless spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Consider having someone else review it. While using Word's spell and grammar checkers is helpful, don't rely solely on them.
• Email Subject: When applying via email, use an appropriate subject line. In the email body, include your name, the job title you're applying for, and reference your attached cover letter and resume.

How to Write a Cover Letter (Example)

Referencing the job description in your cover letter shows you've done your homework, making your application more likely to be noticed, especially when employers use software to sort through candidates.

OCA Tip: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This software scans applications for keywords from the job description. Including these keywords means the ATS is more likely to flag your application as a good match, increasing your chances of being noticed by the employer.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Nursing  

Need help writing a standout resume? Take our online resume writing short course.

ChatGPT Prompts to Help You Write a Cover Letter 

AI is a great resource when it comes to writing a cover letter (especially if writing isn’t your forte!) Here are some prompts you can feed to ChatGPT or any AI writing tool to help you write a cover letter:

Or some simpler, shorter prompts:

Remember: You shouldn’t rely on AI to do all the hard work, but rather, as a tool to help you get started/finesse your cover letter. 

Cover Letter Do’s & Don’ts  

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How to Write a Cover Letter FAQs

What is a cover letter? 
A cover letter is a personalised document that accompanies your resume in a job application. 

It's a direct communication channel to the recruiter or hiring manager, where you can articulate why you're the best fit for the job. 

Unlike the resume template, a cover letter allows for a narrative style, presenting your education and enthusiasm for the position in a more dynamic way.

How to write a cover letter when you have no work experience?
When you lack direct work experience, focus on transferable skills (like communication, interpersonal skills, organisational skills etc), academic achievements, any relevant online courses you’ve taken and any volunteer work.  

Express your eagerness to learn and grow in the role, positioning yourself as a motivated and adaptable candidate.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?
Employers seek clarity, relevance, and personality. They want to see how well you understand the job and how your skills align with the company's needs.

What is the best opening sentence for a cover letter?
An impactful opening sentence should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the job you're applying for. It could be an expression of your passion for the field or a highlight of your career.

Who do you address a cover letter to?
Ideally, address it to the hiring manager. If unknown, 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'To Whom It May Concern' are acceptable but not ideal. 

How to end a cover letter?
End with a professional closing, a thank you, and an indication of your next steps, like following up with a phone call.

Is a CV a cover letter?
No, a CV (curriculum vitae) is a detailed overview of your academic and professional history, while a cover letter is a tailored narrative for a specific job application.