How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Interviews

A cover letter is more than a formality — it is your first demonstration of communication skills, motivation, and professionalism. Recruiters scan dozens of CVs, but the cover letter helps them understand why you are applying and how you think. Even when companies say a cover letter is “optional,” it is often the difference between an interview and silence.

A strong cover letter does not repeat your CV. Instead, it connects your experience to the company’s needs. It shows that you’ve researched the organisation, understand the job, and can communicate clearly — which is one of the most valued skills in modern workplaces.

Before writing, you must gather context:
• Who will read your application?
• What does the company value?
• What skills from the job description match your profile?
• What challenges is the company facing in the next 3–5 years?

Good applicants send generic letters. Great applicants send tailored messages.

A well-written cover letter also shows emotional intelligence: you know how to introduce yourself professionally, how to highlight your strengths without exaggeration, and how to show confidence without sounding desperate. This is especially important for candidates entering remote or international markets, where written communication is judged even more strictly.

Your cover letter should follow a simple, clear structure:

1. Introduction — The role you’re applying for and your quick value summary.

2. Body Paragraph — A short example of relevant experience.

3. Company Connection — Why you want this job at this company.

4. Closing — A polite statement asking for an interview.

The goal is to make the recruiter think:
“This person understands what we need. Let’s talk to them.”

Avoid common mistakes: copying templates, sounding overly friendly, rewriting your CV, or focusing only on what you want. A cover letter is a professional conversation, not a biography. Keep it short, confident, and intentional.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll understand how to write a clean, convincing letter that represents you well — and increases your chances of getting the interview.