Cover Letter support

Access our range of support on Careers Connect, including advice, workshops, videos and tailored reviews. Keep track of your progress on your account to make the most of your expereince to add to your cover letter. 

Get started now 

• Always include an introduction telling the reader what job you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. This should be short and concise.
• Why them? This is something not covered by your CV and therefore should be a significant part of the cover letter. Tell the reader why you want to work for their company. Show that you have done your research and have a genuine motivation. Steer clear of generic statements such as “You are a large organisation with offices in 10 countries” or “Your website told me that you invest in your staff” Statements such as this are applicable to many organisations. Instead tailor this section to the company. For example is there a project they have worked on that has interested you. Or have you had a conversation with a staff representative at a careers fair that has motivated you? The more bespoke this section, the more likely your cover letter is to get noticed.
• Why you? Why are you suited to this particular role? How do you meet the requirements set out in the job description? Avoid repeating your CV here. Instead make clear links between your skills and experience and the duties of the role you are applying for. For example if the job requires candidates to have excellent written communication skills, give the reader an example of when you communicated well in writing. Also state how you feel that this will help you succeed in the job. Why do they require this specific skill and make reference to this in your letter. Your cover letter is an opportunity to not only show you have the skills to do the job but to show that you understand the duties of the job and convince the reader that you can carry out these duties.
• Thank the reader. End your cover letter positively. Thank them for reading and highlight your availability for interview

Attend a 30 minute Top Tips workshop to get information on how to structure your cover letter and what content to include.

The workshops cover Information on what a cover letter is, why you need one and our top tips for getting started.

CV and cover letter workshop listing

If you’ve used the resources listed above you can submit your CV and cover letter to Careers Network for written feedback.

We recommend that once you have uploaded your CV to CV Checker, you review and implement the feedback before submitting it to us for further support. You can then send us your C.V and cover letter in one email. 

We’ll aim to provide you with feedback within five working days – remember to state what you’re applying for when you email Careers Network, careersenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

• Submit your CV for review