How to write a Cover Letter for your CV, and why you must do it

Oxford Executive CV Writer
For many people, a cover letter is little more than an afterthought. They finish the CV, breathe a sigh of relief, and think the job is done. But the cover letter is just as important. It acts as the advert for your CV. If it is not welcoming, relevant to the employer’s needs, and impactful, your CV may never make it past the ATS robot to reach a human reader. Treat it as your elevator pitch – a short, convincing statement of why you should be shortlisted for interview.

The cover letter is your CV’s introduction

Many ATS robots do more than scan for keywords. They often use AI to judge how well your cover letter (or more likely enote or email) shows that you fit the employer’s needs before they scan your CV. The system then checks whether your achievements, training, and past roles match the job. If your cover letter is not written with this in mind, your application may be rejected before a human ever sees it.

Don't sound like a foreign robot - AI-led CV writing can make you sound generic, keyword-stuffed, foreign or misaligned to the job description. I can spot it a mile off, and so can most HR people. It’s the same wording, line spacing, punctuation and it's cliche-ridden. So ironically you might be rejected for not being a real person!
~ Elle Bradshaw

Cover letters: the tips and essentials

  • Send one even if it's not asked for - Use every opportunity to stand out from the crowd and summarise your pitch.
  • Keep the layout simple - Follow a plain letter format if you are asked to attach a document. Avoid decoration or colour.
  • Add your contact details - Include your name, email address, and phone number on your CV and on your cover letter or enote. Use a professional email address and phone number.
  • Date the letter - If you are sending a formal cover letter, include the date.
  • Address it properly - If possible, write to a named person. If no name is given, use "Dear Hiring Manager".
  • State the job clearly - Include the job title and the reference number if there is one.
  • Open strongly - In the first paragraph, summarise your skills and experience and show how they fit the job advert.
  • Show interest in the employer - Add a line about what you like about the organisation.
  • Be concise - Keep to the length the employer asks for. A short enote is often enough; a full cover letter is usually no more than one page.
  • Close politely - Express your interest in an interview and thank them for considering your application.

Cover letters or enotes?

Always check the instructions in the job advert. Some employers still ask for a traditional cover letter, while others prefer a short enote, form completion or email instead.

If you are asked to send your CV by email, use the body of the email to introduce yourself. Be polite and professional, and focus on one or two key strengths that show why you are a good fit for the role. Keep it short and clear so your application stands out.

TAGS: Oxford CV Writer. Expert cover letter writing services for general jobseekers, school leavers, and those returning to work across Oxfordshire and the South-East of England. We assist clients in Oxford, Banbury, Abingdon, Aylesbury, Didcot, Bicester, Witney, and Reading. Tailored support for writing cover letters for roles in retail, administration, trades, care, customer service, logistics, and hospitality.

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Up to 70% of CVs are rejected during the ATS screening process. ATS algorithms are designed to swiftly and reliably identify the most qualified candidates for a job, and most over letters and CVs routinely fail to match the job description, keywords or selection criteria.

Cover letter: example for general position

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was excited to come across this opportunity as [specific reasons for being drawn to the company, such as its mission, values, culture, or products/services].

With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Related Industry/Job Field], I have developed a strong set of skills that I believe would be of value to your organisation. I have a proven track record of [Key Achievements in Current/Previous Job]. For example, [provide a specific accomplishment that demonstrates your relevant skills and experience].

I am confident that my [specific skills or qualities relevant to the job] would make me a valuable addition to the [Company Name] team. I am a quick learner and am eager to bring my skills and passion to a new challenge.

I have attached my CV for your review and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours [Faithfully/Sincerely],

[Your Name]

Enote: example for general position

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am applying for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I was drawn to this position because [specific reason, e.g. the company’s reputation for good service, its values, or its role in the local community].

I bring experience in [Relevant Skills/Job Area] and have shown I can [Key Achievement or Responsibility]. For example, [brief accomplishment that proves your fit for the job].

I believe my skills in [specific skills, e.g. customer service, teamwork, reliability] would make me a good addition to your team. I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the chance to discuss my application further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Resume, Perth, WA, Australia

Elle Bradshaw in a The Daily Telegraph article by Liz Hoggard.

Cover letter: example for executive

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my [number of years] years of experience in [relevant industry/field], I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your organisation.

In my current role as [Current Job Title] at [Current Company], I have honed my skills in [skill 1, skill 2, skill 3]. I have also successfully [achievement/accomplishment 1, achievement/accomplishment 2, achievement/accomplishment 3]. These experiences have prepared me well for the demands of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

What particularly excites me about this opportunity is [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company value/project/initiative that aligns with your own career goals and values]. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion to a company that is making a positive impact in the [relevant industry/field].

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how they align with your needs. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours [Faithfully/Sincerely],

[Your Name]

Why I'm a prime choice

CV Writing & Advice

Hello, I'm Elle. I personally take charge of every project, ensuring no aspect of your CV creation is passed off to CV mills, bots, contractors, or juniors. With over fifteen years in a recruitment agency, specialising in both recruitment and CV optimisation, I've seen the spectrum of application missteps and successes.

Given the 'ocean of ordinariness' I see in the current wave of poorly tailored, inartfully GPT'd executive CVs, it helps that I am a qualified marketer, author, and seasoned HR consultant.

My passion has always been creative writing and puzzle-solving. This blend of science, data, language, and originality is ideal for advanced job applications: understanding employer needs, matching skills, knowledge, cultural nuances, and experience to those needs, and presenting a compelling proposition.

Prefer to chat first? Phone me: 07537-133-488, Txt me: 07537-133-488 , Facebook me, or Whatsapp me.

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Hitting the sweet spot with your CV

Board-level CV Writer

Selection criteria may not be explicitly stated in a job description, but addressing them is crucial if you are to align your application to the employer's needs, requirements, and circumstances.

  1. Your attributes: The first circle represents your (the applicant's) knowledge, achievements, and skills
  2. Job description: The second circle represents the employer's strategic and operational needs in filling the post
  3. The market: The third circle represents the broader trends and challenges facing the employer's industry

This succinctly illustrates why each senior executive CV and its accompanying documentation must be tailored to an employer's requirements, needs, and situation. Venn and the art of the CV (Bradshaw, Edwards 2022).

CV alignment with selection criteria

  • Begin with the employer's needs.

    This vital process entails deeply considering the employer's selection criteria. Understanding their demands allows us to precisely tailor your application to meet their expectations.

  • Your attributes versus their needs.

    We evaluate how your qualities, experience, and achievements align with the employer's selection criteria. This review guides our approach to accentuate your strengths and address or downplay any weaknesses, ensuring your application is best positioned.

  • Starting Your CV

    The groundwork of your application is laid here with the creation of your CV's first draft. Utilising insights from earlier steps, we demonstrate your achievements, skills, and experience in a pitch crafted for the role.

  • CV review and refinement

    Next, we carefully review and enhance your CV, focusing on crafting a narrative that aligns closely with the employer's requirements. Each aspect is examined to ensure optimal alignment and a compelling pitch.

  • Supporting documents and social media.

    We prepare requested supporting materials like cover letters and answers to questions. We also create or fine-tune your social media presence to ensure it reflects a consistent and professional image, further supporting your application.

  • Application submission.

    This final phase is where you submit the carefully curated and error-free application to the potential employer, ensuring it adheres to all specifications. This is designed to maximise your likelihood of being called for an interview.
This approach aims to boost your success in securing interviews by aligning your profile with employer expectations and weaving a persuasive story of your skills and experience.

Aligning your CV

Tailor your CV to the prospective employer's specific needs and demonstrate how your accomplishments align with their requirements. Providing concrete examples with metrics strengthens your case and enhances your chances of securing an interview.

  1. Your attributes: The first circle represents your (the applicant's) knowledge, achievements, and skills
  2. Job description: The second circle represents the employer's strategic and operational needs in filling the post
  3. The market: The third circle represents the broader trends and challenges facing the employer's industry