cover letter placement uk

Cover letter examples

Work Placement

Finn has opted for the professional Edinburgh cover letter template, hoping to find summer work placement. He's a third-year student with a background in engineering and looking to enter the workforce and gain hands-on experience. His cover letter follows a simple one-page format with clear sections and language. By tailoring and personalising his letter he presents himself as an ideal candidate for the role.

"I am writing to express my sincere interest in securing a summer work placement at EA Engineering Solutions. As an enthusiastic and motivated civil engineering student eager to gain real-world experience, I am impressed by the innovative work undertaken by your organisation and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team during the upcoming summer months."

Table of contents

How to Write a Work Placement Cover Letter in 2024 (Template & Examples)

If you're seeking work placement, you need a well-written cover letter to showcase your CV strengths and personality. Searching for a new work placement or experience may seem intimidating at first. If you're unfamiliar illiar with it, it refers to a work placement at an accredited organisation, usually lasting between 6 to 12 months. It is a part of your degree program, requiring you to apply your learning from your studies to the work placement, and vice versa.

Whether you are a student or a graduate , our step-by-step guide provides a complete breakdown of how to write a cover letter, what to include, and the best format for work placement. See our tips, examples, and templates to sharpen your writing skills.

For more information, check out our diverse collection of cover letter templates to guide you further.

Customise this work placement cover letter

Work placement cover letter example.

This cover letter example features Finn Turner, a civil engineering student applying for a summer work placement at EA Engineering Solutions. As evidenced by his strong educational background, he is a quick learner with a strong foundation in the field. This cover letter follows a professional format with easy-to-read language and good structure. It explicitly shows his contact details, position applied, and reasons for applying.

For more inspiration, check out our related blog article on how to add work experience to a CV .

How to write a work placement cover letter with no experience

Whether you're writing with zero experience or already had a couple of positions, clarity is key. By ensuring you're specific about your career goals and qualifications you can assist the company in preparing for your placement period.

If you're interested in an internship or apprenticeship at a company that doesn't have a job opening at the moment, it is best to write an open cover letter or letter of interest . In it, you can briefly outline how qualifications align with the company's needs.

Try to shorten your cover letter and keep it to a maximum of one page of A4. Once it is written, ask a close acquaintance, or family member to proofread your letter.

If you’re looking for a summer work placement, ensure to check the core information, such as the duration, salary, full-time or part-time, industry type, company culture, and job criteria. Following this advice can help you tailor your cover letter efficiently.

To learn more, refer to our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience .

What to include in a work placement cover letter?

Much like a good CV , a strong cover letter needs to be brief and specific to the job you're applying for. Apart from a job requirement, the work placement cover letter (also referred to as 'year in industry') aims to elaborate on details missing in your CV, providing a deeper insight into your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Ensure to follow this simple structure:

Personal details

Introduction

Conclusion.

Before jumping into writing, consider the following details and questions that you need to answer for yourself first. Some of them you can find in your job description. Doing this will get you started and help direct your focus to the right keywords and topics to address. So, consider making an overview for yourself in which you answer the following questions:

What course are you following, and what year are you in?

How long is your work placement period?

Is there a required word limit set by an employer?

What relevant skills and qualities do you possess?

What would you like to learn during your placement?

Where do you see yourself working in five years?

With this information, you have sufficient means to write a strong cover letter for your work placement. 

For more examples and valuable tips, refer to our related blog article on how to structure your cover letter .

To match your qualifications with the company’s needs, ensure that your cover letter is simple and, most importantly, applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly. It refers to software used by recruiters to organise and track candidates for the recruitment process. It filters out your application by criteria such as years of experience and relevant technical or language skills.

For more details, check out our related blog post on how to make an ATS-friendly CV .

1. How to start a work placement cover letter

Your cover letter's introduction acts as a brief yet impactful overview of your relevant qualifications, tying back to your personal profile, also known as a personal statement, on your CV. Choose a captivating opening statement that grabs the recruiter's attention, ensuring you make a strong initial impression.

Contact information: Provide your name, address, date of application, phone number, and email at the top of your cover letter.

Salutation : Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if available. Otherwise, use a general greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Introduction : Begin with a strong opening that briefly outlines your qualifications and demonstrates your interest in the position.

For additional guidance, refer to our blog article on how to start a cover letter.

Cover letter introduction example for health and social care work placement

I am excited to apply for the summer work placement at NHS, as recommended by Katie Sinclair. I am a Health and Social Care student at the University of Manchester and am eager to apply my medical knowledge in a practical setting. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us work together to support the well-being of our community.

For more inspiration, check out our related guide for a medical CV .

Cover letter introduction example for student work placement

I am thrilled to apply for the summer work placement at InspireTech Ltd, as advertised on Indeed. I am a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Manchester. I am eager to bring my passion for technology to your team. I am excited to collaborate on innovative projects that align with your culture of teamwork.

For more details, read our guide for an undergraduate CV .

Cover letter introduction example for community service work placement

I am applying for the summer work placement at InspireTech Ltd to merge my love for community service and technology. Anthony Smith recommended me for the role. I am keen to contribute to your meaningful projects. Hope to work together to make a difference for both your company and the community.

For more information, consult our related article for a civil service CV .

2. How to write the body of a work placement cover letter

In the body of your cover letter, show your enthusiasm for the placement by mentioning specific skills and achievements from your academic or extracurricular activities. Clearly state why you are the ideal candidate, aligning your abilities and goals with the company's values and objectives. See the following tips to ensure your cover letter is top quality.

Be clear, precise, and to the point

Tailor your cover letter to each job you are applying

Focus on relevant achievements and work experience

Clearly express your career goals 

Show what you can bring to the company instead of vice versa

Read it aloud and proofread it before publishing

Use the same generic cover letter for every application

Include irrelevant or generic information such as your hobbies or academic knowledge

Include personal pronouns

Use slang or colloquial language

Use an unfitting layout format (e.g too many visuals)

Highlight your key skills and eagerness to hone them during your work placement. Convince your company that you can be of value to the company's needs. Show that you're ready to help with various tasks and projects, and you gain experience for your future career in return.

Cover letter body for an IT work placement

During my studies, I developed a mobile application for a local charity, streamlining volunteer coordination and boosting community engagement by 25%. Additionally, my internship at Praxis Solutions allowed me to contribute to the development of a new feature, improving user experience and decreasing customer complaints by 30%. These experiences have honed my problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and passion for innovation, making me an ideal fit for the work placement as a software developer at Praxis Solutions.

Cover letter body example for an internship work placement

During my studies, I led a marketing campaign for a student club, resulting in a 30% increase in event attendance. Additionally, my part-time role at a local startup allowed me to assist with market research and develop social media strategies, leading to a 20% growth in online engagement. These experiences have honed my analytical skills, creativity, and attention to detail, making me well-suited for the Marketing Internship work placement at Russel Innovations.

To learn more, see our related blog articles on how to list achievements and skills in your CV .

3. How to end a work placement cover letter

Close off your cover letter with a simple call to action, reiterating your enthusiasm for the position and showing your eagerness to discuss your application in the next interview. Show gratitude for the reader's time and consideration, and provide your contact information for any follow-up inquiries.

Appreciation : Show gratitude for their time and attention, thanking them for considering your application.

Positive note : End on an optimistic note, reinforcing your eagerness for the role and leaving a memorable impression.

Call to action : Consider a subtle call to action, such as reiterating your phone number and signalling your openness to schedule a follow-up interview.

Sign off: Conclude with a professional sign-off, choosing phrases like 'Best regards' or 'Yours faithfully' to maintain a courteous tone.

Cover letter conclusion for a social work placement

Thank you for considering my application for the social work placement opportunity at Elderbridge Ltd. I am excited to help grow your team and explore how my skills align with your goals. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in greater detail.

Cover letter conclusion for work placement experience programme

Thank you for considering my application for the work placement experience programme at HSBC. I am excited about the chance to contribute to your team and gain valuable hands-on experience. I eagerly await the chance to discuss how my skills can benefit your organisation.

Thank you for reviewing my application for the business student work placement at Baker Hughes. I hope my background and skillset would be a valuable asset to your team and learning from industry professionals would be a great opportunity for my career growth. I am eager to discuss how my academic background and passion for business can meet the goals.

For more information, check out our blog article on how to end a cover letter .

Key takeaways

This article has covered the essentials of writing a cover letter and explained how to get work experience that you can eventually add to your career documents. Ensure that you carefully proofread your cover letter to eliminate mistakes and iron out the inconsistencies. Remember, brevity is key and could help you get noticed in this competitive market.

Research the job position and company culture.

Choose the cover letter format that aligns with the brand personality.

Include essential information such as contact details and an introduction to your current situation.

Write a strong opening statement.

Write in concise and clear language, preferably without personal pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘me’, and ‘us’.

Explain how you can contribute to the company by showcasing your career goals.

Focus on accomplishments, relevant experiences, and skills.

Add a call to action, such as asking about the next steps in the recruitment process or asking them to schedule an interview.

Next steps?

Using our easy-to-use cover letter builder you can create one in just a few minutes! You can create and download unlimited cover letters using one of our professional templates, which you can easily customise to your needs. If you have difficulties deciding which information to include, consider using our CV Writing Service to help you tailor and personalise your cover letter to a specific job.

For more valuable career advice, refer to one of our blog articles below:

Good questions for an interview

Apprenticeship CV

Internship CV.

What do you say when asking for a work placement on a cover letter?

You may not have much relevant work experience yet, which makes it difficult to name your experience and skills at first. However, your advantage is motivation and eagerness to learn new skills. By using the right persuasive techniques, you can move one step closer to landing more job interviews. If you want to gain experience for your future career, it is crucial to make use of all available resources and courses that can help with career development.

How to write a good cover letter for work placement?

Focus on the company culture and describe in your cover letter why you want a work placement at that company. A good cover letter can be divided into three essential parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Having work experience is often mandatory for jobs, but try to think about why you chose a certain education and what you would like to do with it. You can also use this as information for your cover letter. Although describing your motivation may seem difficult highlight your eagerness to learn and

How to write a cover letter for social work field placement?

Target the specific agency and its mission, briefly outlining your reasons for applying. Focus on your strengths and explain how your background aligns with a social work placement. Demonstrate your social work knowledge from specific courses you've taken or previous volunteering or part-time job experience. Showcase your empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills, keeping it concise and easy to read. Remember to express your eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of your clients.

What is a letter of intent for placement?

It refers to a career document that outlines your interest in securing a work placement or internship at a specific organisation or institution. It delves into qualifications, skills, and reasons for seeking the placement opportunity. These letters can help job seekers differentiate themselves from similar CVs and get you noticed. Think of a letter of intent as a form of an elevator pitch in which you have three to four paragraphs to describe why you would be the best fit for an open position.

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Placement cover letter examples

Placements are a great way to gain valuable experience, but this is also the reason these roles are so competitive.

Your cover letter gives you a chance to expand on your CV and persuade the employer to invite you for an interview over the other 50 applicants. So it needs to be good!

Find out how to write an attention-grabbing application with our detailed guide and placement cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Placement cover letter example 1

Placement cover letter example 2

Placement cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Placement cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Placement cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

You should write your cover letter in the body of the email (or messaging system if sending via a job board) and never attach it as a document.

The reason for this?

You want your cover letter to start connecting with the recruiter from the moment they open your application.

If they have to open a document to read it, it will slow things down and they may not even bother to open it.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Placement position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Placement cover letter

Your Placement cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Placement cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Placement cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you are well. I would like to apply for the Health and Social Care academic placement at Lifetime UK. With a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals who require support, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute towards delivering success to organisation.

I am in my final year of my BSc in Social Psychology at the University of London, where have gained fundamental knowledge of how psychological principles apply to behavioural problems. In my current role as a volunteer at Ellesmere House Care Home, I treat each individual with dignity, respect, and kindness, as well as believe in tailoring care to people’s unique needs, preferences, and routines to promote comfort and well-being.

I maintain a safe environment and have played a role in helped conduct exercise sessions that increased residents’ physical health and mobility by 20% as measured by physicians. Additionally, I was pivotal in preparing nutritious meals which lowered obese lowered obese residents’ weight by 10%.

Enclosed is my CV, which provides further details about my skills and additional achievements. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.

Kind regards

James Goldstein

Good day Mark

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Accounting Placement opportunity at Jameson Stone LLP, as advertised on the company’s website. As a current BSc Finance student, I am excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge by learning from my experienced team members.

During my academic tenure I have developed a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and taxation. Alongside my studies I work part-time as a Retail Assistant at McColl’s Retail Group, where I have exceeded snack sales targets by 10% and helped boost CSAT score by 25% through offering outstanding customer service. Moreover, I played a key role in revamping the store’s visual merchandising layout, resulting in a 30% increase in the visibility of featured food products.

My bookkeeping and ledger management knowledge, commitment to professional growth, career aspirations, as well as attention to detail makes me the perfect candidate for the placement opportunity.

I welcome the opportunity of discussing my other achievements and competencies in an interview, at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Neil Stapleton

Good afternoon, Shannon

I would like to write to express my interest in the culinary placement opportunity at Accor Hotel. As a culinary arts student with a strong desire to learn/grow within a professional kitchen environment, I am excited about the opportunity to develop my competencies under your mentorship.

My culinary journey began as a volunteer at ND Care & Support, where I experimented with different flavours and techniques in the home’s kitchen. I had the privilege of honing my knife skills, and expanding my knowledge of cooking methods and food safety standards to ensure that all residents were served with nutritious meals, which is demonstrated by improving residents’ health outcomes by 15% on average through preparing well-balanced dishes, as well as supporting the implementation of ingredient inventory management processes that resulted in a 30% reduction in food waste.

This passion has only grown stronger over time, leading me to pursue formal culinary education, and I am now seeking a placement opportunity to further hone my skills and experiences.

Thank you for considering my application. I am immediately available for an interview and look forward to discussing the possibility of joining your esteemed hospitality company.

Harry Arnold

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Placement, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Placement-UK

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Welcome to the realm of cover letters, a critical element in your job application toolkit. In this guide, we’ll delve into practical strategies for crafting effective cover letters, providing valuable insights into employer preferences and the art of personalization.

Unveiling Cover Letter Length Preferences

When it comes to cover letters, employers have varied preferences in terms of length. Recent surveys shed light on these preferences:

• 19% prefer a full-page cover letter;
• 46% favor a more concise half-page;
• 11% express no specific preference;
• 24% believe shorter cover letters are more impactful.

Understanding these preferences provides a valuable starting point for tailoring your cover letter to align with employer expectations.

Personalizing Your Cover Letter: Addressing the Right Person

One often-overlooked but crucial aspect of cover letters is addressing them to the right person. While finding a recipient’s name can be challenging, especially on online job boards, the effort invested in personalizing your application speaks volumes about your initiative and professionalism.

 Crafting an Effective Cover Letter: Essential Components

 Introduction: Clarity is Key:

• Clearly state your identity and the position you’re applying for;
•  If you’ve been recommended by someone within the company, briefly acknowledge it.

Body: Why This Company, Why This Position:

• Articulate your genuine interest in the company;
• Provide reasons for applying and highlight your career goals;
• Relate your skills directly to the specific job requirements.

 Conclusion: Gratitude and Enthusiasm:

•  Express sincere thanks to the employer for considering your application;
•  Convey eagerness about the prospect of contributing to their team.

Dive into the world of student placements and unlock strategies for navigating career launchpads successfully.

Showcasing Achievements

Don’t just list skills; supplement them with specific achievements. Numbers and tangible results provide employers with a clear picture of your capabilities.

Researching the Company

Demonstrate your genuine interest by incorporating details about the company’s values, mission, or recent achievements. This not only showcases your enthusiasm but also illustrates your alignment with the organization.

Addressing Potential Concerns

If there are employment gaps or potential concerns in your career journey, briefly address them in a positive light within your cover letter. Transparency and proactiveness can alleviate uncertainties.

Resist the urge to recycle cover letters for different roles. Each position is unique, and tailoring your approach demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the specific requirements.

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Sample Cover letter for a placement

[email protected]

07777 777 777

XX September 20XX

Dear recruiter/recruitment team,

Application for 12-month Professional Placement, reference number GEN-11

I was made aware of your industrial placement scheme following discussions over LinkedIn with two of your current placement holders. As a 2 nd Year student of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, I am looking to expand my professional horizons and I believe a placement in your firm would allow me to gain a better grasp of the industry and put my learning into practice. I can offer many of the skills you specify in your essential requirements, as outlined below.

Based on my LinkedIn research, I am conscious that your company puts great emphasis on safety and process efficiency. I feel this is a work ethic I can wholly embrace, as I have had to adjust to good lab practice and economical process design through my Year 1 studies. I was also very encouraged to read your online case study on addressing the ethical sourcing of feedstocks. My volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders has allowed me to see first-hand the societal damage done by processes which go around ethical guidelines, and I would be proud to work for a company which champions good practice in this area.

As mentioned above, I have carefully considered your essential and desirable requirements. Those which I feel are my strongest areas are analytical problem solving, innovative thinking and communicating across multiple levels. The first two were tested during my first year design project, which saw me selecting and rejecting different plant components based on design specifications. This included economic constraints, for which I designed a Pivot Table in Excel to compare and present options to my team. My outreach work as a STEM ambassador with local schools has meant adapting my communication style to fit my audience, be they A-level or primary school pupils. It has also taught me the value of good preparation and organisation, and the application of MS Office packages, also mentioned in your requirements.

Outside academia, I have had the opportunity to develop my team-working and self-motivation through volunteering, both as a class rep at university and with EWB (above). Though I have not yet secured full-time work experience in engineering, I have sought out opportunities to shadow process engineers in the industry. This had to move to online discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I was still able to add to my experience during this time. This has given me valuable insight into the need to adopt more sustainable approaches, as well as needing to get up to speed with new concepts and processes quickly.

In summary, I hope I have shown that I meet the criteria you have set out in your Person Specification, particularly with regard to analytics, innovation and communication. I am confident that a placement in your company would give me the foundation to build my industrial career. I am available for interview online or in person at your convenience, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

• Getting in touch

Careers Service, The University of Manchester

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21 February 2024

Writing an Internship Cover Letter (with Examples)

You’ve found the perfect internship and own a CV that belongs right next to the Mona Lisa. Now it’s time to get your cover letter together…but how do you go about writing one for an internship ?

Writing an internship cover letter is pretty much an essential life skill. Once you’ve written one, it’ll become second nature.

In this guide, we run you through all you need to know.

What is an internship cover letter?

How to write a cover letter for an internship, internship cover letter example, internship cover letter do’s and don’ts.

Put simply, an internship cover letter is a formal letter that outlines who you are, why you are interested in the role and why you’re a smashing candidate. 

A cover letter for an internship should urge an employer to read your CV and seriously consider your application. And, when you’re likely applying as one of many applicants, it should help you stand out.

This doesn’t mean doing anything crazy, like making all the text bold and pink. But it does mean (humbly) boasting about your attributes and skills.

Read on for the how…

Here is a step-by-step guide to putting together an internship cover letter. Think of it like an IKEA manual without confusing diagrams and Allen keys. (Unfortunately.)

Firstly, make sure to tailor your cover letter for each internship application you make.

Set up a document in business letter format. There’s a template for this in Word. But you can also find what you need on Google.

Then…begin to write.

STEP 1: The opening

The opening address in a cover letter is remarkably important. It’s like the first flight of an albatross chick.

If it takes to the wind, it’ll soar off the beach and into the sky to a life of internships and career opportunities. If it falls and lands in the ocean, it’ll get wet and almost immediately be ripped apart by tiger sharks.

If you address your cover letter to the wrong person. Or to nobody at all, tiger sharks will be the least of your problems. So try and avoid Dear Sir/Madam or To whom it may concern ​.

Dear Full Name, e.g. Dear John Smith , Dear Mr/Ms Surname, e.g. Dear Mr/Ms Smith. Always write Ms instead of Miss/Mrs. Don’t presume marital status. 

Finding the recruiter’s name is not always easy. If you’re struggling via LinkedIn, you have some other options…

• Ring or email the company , and ask for the name of the person who is tasked with reading the cover letters for the internship you’re applying for
• Many organisations have a ‘no name’ policy for confidentiality reasons, so if they can’t give you a name…
• Address your cover letter to the head of the department your internship is in
• If you cannot find the name of the person who handles recruitment, address your internship letter to someone who works in human resources (HR)
• As a last resort, address your cover letter to someone in the team.

STEP 2: Introduction

In the introduction of a cover letter for an internship, you need to specify what internship you are applying for. 

Be specific. Here’s an example:

“I am writing regarding the vacancy for the consultancy internship with PwC.”

​It’s also a good idea to reference where you found the internship vacancy. Employers love to know what channels students use when looking for jobs. Here is an example –

“as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my CV attached.”

You also might like…

• How to Write an Internship CV
• Common Internship Interview Questions
• The Best Internships and Placements

STEP 3: Company research

Now it’s time to let the recruiter know why you are interested in the internship. Don’t write ‘because mother told me to’. You want to give specific reasons why the company or the content of the course have drawn you to this internship.

Do some research about the company that is organising the internship. Below is a list of areas you should focus your research on…

• Origins of company​
• Has the company been in the news recently?
• Any major projects the company has been involved in?
• Background of directors or the manager of the team you’re applying to
• Company values/vision.

If you want to research the programme you are applying for, check for any case studies or reviews written by previous interns.

Then craft your next paragraph around the question: why do you want to do this internship?

Here is an example of how to approach this –

“I am drawn to this internship at PwC because it concentrates on sustainability and climate change consultancy. I have read about PwC’s recent project implementing new sustainability procedures in government buildings across the UK. My involvement in the ‘Clear Up Our Campus’ campaign at university makes me perfect for this internship. “

Here, you have shown why you are attracted to the course, demonstrated that you understand what the internship consists of, and even commented on a recent project. It’s a winning formula.

STEP 4: Work experience & qualifications

Now we move on to your work experience, skills and qualifications and why they make you perfect for the internship.

Ensure that you keep the content of your internship cover letter relevant to the role on offer. If you can do a passable impression of Morgan Freeman, that’s great. But it won’t improve your chances of getting an interview.

What unique skills can you bring to the company? What previous work experience has prepared you for this internship? 

If you can answer these questions, employers will be under your spell. As if you were Hermione Granger. Or Ronald Weasley.

Try something like this –

“As my CV describes, I am two years into a Sustainable Engineering degree, achieving high grades in modules focused on sustainable planning in urban environments. My studies have imparted the groundwork of knowledge and analytical skills crucial for a career in this consultancy field. I also have three years of work experience at The Bear Factory, which has imparted great collaborative skills. “

STEP 5: Outro

In this closing section, thank the recruiter for considering your application and express your interest/availability for attending an interview. 

One sentence will do it. Something like this…

“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the programme further in an interview .”

STEP 6: Signing off

If you start your cover letter with a personal name, such as “Dear Susie,” end it with “Yours Sincerely.”

If you didn’t manage to find the recruiter’s name, use “Yours Faithfully.”

Once you’ve proofread, it’s pen down and time to find some cake. You’ve officially finished your internship cover letter, just in time to apply for that internship.

The examples from each step in this guide have been combined to form a complete example of an internship cover letter. 

This example is for a consultancy internship with PwC …

Dear John Smith,

I am writing regarding the vacancy for the consultancy internship with PwC, as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my CV attached.

I am drawn to this internship at PwC because it concentrates on sustainability and climate change consultancy. I have read about PwC’s recent project implementing new sustainability procedures in government buildings across the UK. My involvement in the ‘Clear Up Our Campus’ campaign at university makes me perfect for this internship.

‘As my CV describes, I am two years into a Sustainable Engineering degree, achieving high grades in modules focused on sustainable planning in urban environments. My studies have imparted the groundwork of knowledge and analytical skills crucial for a career in this consultancy field. I also have three years of work experience at The Bear Factory, which has imparted great collaborative skills.’’

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the programme further in an interview.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Here are a few golden nuggets in the form of do’s and don’ts to help your cover letter shine.

• Do talk about your relevant skills and work experience. Here you’ll get the chance to expand on some parts of your CV and really show off your skills. Make sure to pick the most relevant examples.
• Do tailor your CV for each job you apply for. An employer can tell if you’re just copying and pasting cover letters and changing the employer’s name. Always make it relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Do edit and spellcheck your cover letter. Believe it or not, employers are looking at you right from the start. So, if they see a cover letter with spelling errors – it’ll straight in the bin.
• Do research on the company. Talk about a couple of initiatives they have and link that back to your experience or your personal goals. It looks really good.
• Don’t repeat your CV. Remember this is your chance to shine, pick some of the best examples of your experience and expand on those.
• Don’t use too many keywords. Stuffing your cover letter with waffle will make you out to be unprofessional. Use keywords sparingly and where you need to use them.
• Don’t focus on what the company can do for you. While it’s good to know what you want from a company, we go Dutch over here. Always explain the qualities that you have and why they will work for the company you’re applying for.
• Don’t forget your salutations. A letter is a letter, so don’t forget to add your name and make sure you’re using the hiring manager’s name in the greeting.

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

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Cover letters

It's important to get your cover letter right. It's your one opportunity to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Find out how to write and format a cover letter and take ideas and inspiration from our cover letter templates

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application.

Cover letters are necessary as they give you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore, you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

Not to be confused with  personal statements for your CV , cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it. The consensus among recruiters when it comes to the length of these documents is the shorter the better. Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page.

If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters.

Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

How do I write a good cover letter?

Before writing your cover letter it's important that you do your research. While reading the job description thoroughly is essential, it's not enough on its own. To help you craft a successful cover letter you’ll need to find out more about:

• who will be reading your cover letter
• the organisation and its culture
• the industry it operates in and any relevant news
• company competitors and market position.
• the organisations goals over the next five years.

When writing your cover letter keep it brief, while making sure it emphasises your suitability for the job. Cover letters can be broken down into the following sections:

• First paragraph  - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.
• Second paragraph  - Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.
• Third paragraph  - Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you're interested in working for the company and what you can offer the organisation. This is a good opportunity to show off your knowledge of the company.
• Last paragraph  - Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for an  interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates.

Once finished read through the document and cut out any unnecessary words and sentences. Don't fill up space by repeating what's already covered in your CV. As a rule, only mention your current salary or salary expectations if the employer has specifically asked you to. If you're asked to include this information, put it between the third and last paragraphs.

Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine. Windows PCs and Macs don't always work in harmony - Windows use a .docx file extension and Macs .pages but if the recruiter uses the opposite system, they may not be able to open your file. Using a .PDF file extension should solve this.

If you need help with your CV take a look at  how to write a CV .

How should I address a cover letter?

Always try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be reading it. Bear in mind that you're more likely to receive a reply if you send it to the right person.

If you're struggling to find a named contact, you can use a general greeting such as:

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Dear Hiring manager
• Dear Human resources director.

However, general greetings should only be used once you have exhausted methods of finding a named contact.

How do I sign off?

How you sign off your cover letter depends on how you addressed it. If you include a named contact, sign off 'Yours sincerely'. If you use a general greeting, finish with 'Yours faithfully'.

Example cover letters

• Sample cover letter  - Used to highlight your skills and experience and to express your suitability and passion for the job, cover letters are used to encourage recruiters to look at your CV. Attention to detail is crucial and spelling, grammar and formatting needs to be spot on. Take a look at our sample cover letter for inspiration.
• Speculative cover letter  - These can sometimes be an effective method of creating an opportunity. To ensure that speculative cover letters are successful you'll need to do your research on the company you're applying to. Using our cover letter template, discover what to include in speculative applications.
• Cover letter by a Masters graduate  - You probably embarked on a Masters to expand your subject knowledge, gain industry contacts and improve your job prospects but to really make it work you need to know how to sell your postgraduate qualification to employers.
• Cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience  - It can be tough applying for a job with no experience, but our example cover letter shows you how to promote yourself to an employer if you haven't got any directly related work experience.
• Explaining a gap in your CV  - Knowing how to navigate around gaps in your CV can be tricky but it's a mistake to try and gloss over them. Your cover letter is the perfect place to explain these gaps in your employment history to potential employers. Take a look at our sample cover letter to find out how to go about it.
• Cover letter for changing career  - Find out how to explain a change of direction in our example cover letter for career changers. You'll need to briefly cover why you want to change career and relate your past experience and wealth of skills to the industry/job you’re applying to.
• Cover letter by an international graduate  - If you'd like to expand your horizons by working abroad, take a look at our cover letter of an international student applying for a job in the UK. You’ll need to do your research if you apply for a job in another country, as application rules may differ.
• Disclosing a disability  - Just like your gender, marital status and dependants your disability doesn't affect your ability to do a job and you're not legally required to disclose it on your CV or in your cover letter. However, if you would like to disclose a disability to outline any adjustments you may need, this sample cover letter will show you how.
• Internship cover letter - To set yourself above the competition you need to successfully sell your relevant skills and experience while conveying your passion for the role. As well as explaining to employers what the opportunity could do for you, you'll need to communicate what you could do for the company. Discover how to craft the perfect application for a formal internship with our internship cover letter template.
• Apprenticeship cover letter - Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into work, as well as a great alternative to university. Find out how to apply for these roles with our apprenticeship cover letter example.

For inspiration and guidance on crafting a CV see example CVs .

When should I follow up my application?

It's always a good idea to follow up on a job application if you don't hear back. If two weeks have passed and you've had no response, send an email to the hiring manager to check that your application has been received. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and why you think you'd be an asset to the company.

Keep this email brief. It shouldn't act as a second cover letter or attempt to replace or repeat the original.

What are some top tips for writing a cover letter?

With employers often receiving lots of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure that your cover letter makes a lasting impression for the right reasons. These tips will increase your chances of success:

• Tailor to the organisation  - You should rewrite your cover letter every time you apply for a position in order to target the company. Sending out a generic letter for all applications rarely yields positive results and recruiters can spot your lack of time and effort from a mile away.
• Format  - Presentation is important so you'll need to format your cover letter properly. Make sure the document is as uncluttered as possible, use the same font and size as you use in your CV and if you're sending it through the post or handing it in use good quality plain white paper to print it on.
• Use keywords that appear in the job advert - This lets the employer know that you’ve read and understood the job description. It also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to the job.
• Identify your USPs  - They're your unique selling points. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how your skills and experience meet those requested in the job description. Demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate.
• Include examples  - Back up the claims in your cover letter with real evidence or examples that show how and when you've used your skills and experience.
• Save a copy - If you’re invited to interview you might need to refer back to it.

If you're a student or recent graduate, you can make an appointment with your university's careers and employability service to access further help when writing your cover letter. You'll be able to talk with specially-trained advisers, get advice on what to include and have a professional eye look over your application before sending.

To make sure you don’t trip up read about the  5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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Cover Letter Examples And Tips

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• Cover Letter

Dear applicant, you are here because you are probably looking for ways to nail your job application. Well, you are in the right place because this is where we will talk about cover letters. Yes, a cover letter is a crucial part of your job application, and mastering it is essential. A well-written cover letter is your chance to link your rad skills and experiences right to what the employer is looking for, basically saying, “Hey, I'm the one you need!”

Down below, we've got a bunch of cover letter examples for all sorts of jobs, plus some super helpful tips for each. Not seeing your job on the list? No worries, you can just follow our tips for ‘How to Write a Cover Letter’ and nail any type of application letter!

Want to find a new job?

Are you a student, and are you looking for a new dream job? StudentJob is the right place to be. Check our vacancies to take the first or next step into your carreer!

Related Cover Letter Articles

How to write a cover letter.

Best Tips to nail your cover letter.

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Retail Example

Tips and examples for creating a retail cover letter.

Internship Example

Crafting an impactful cover letter for your internship application.

No Experience Example

Crafting a no-experience cover letter was never easier!

Sales Example

Tips and examples to master your sales cover letter.

Engineering Example

Expert tips and examples for acing your engineering cover letter.

Nursing Example

Learn how to build an impressive nursing cover letter.

Marketing Example

Step into the world of marketing with a winning cover letter.

Hospitality Example

Ace your hospitality cover letter with our tips and examples.

Basic Application Letter Tips

An application letter extends beyond your CV , letting you showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role. The best cover letter tips emphasize personalization and research about the company. Writing a good cover letter starts by structuring your letter with an engaging opening, relevant body, and a strong closing.

Hints on how to write an outstanding application letter include maintaining professionalism and attention to detail. In this section, you can find more cover letter tips and examples that can guide you in aligning your skills with job requirements.

Utilize these expert cover letter tips, and make a lasting impression!

FAQ About Cover Letters

What comprises a cover letter?

A cover letter typically comprises your and company's contact information, an opening paragraph, 2-3 body paragraphs and a formal closing paragraph with a call to action.

What are the best cover letter tips that will make it stand out?

A standout cover letter is personalized, reflecting your understanding of the job and the company. It showcases your unique personality, links your skills directly to the job requirements. Professionalism and attention to detail are also crucial for making a lasting impression.

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From job search to promotion, we’re with you every step. Discover the complete career toolkit. If you’re here, you’re already on the way up.

Use the best CV maker as your guide

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We know that getting the right words on the page can be harder than it seems. Our CV builder gives you a head start with adaptable example sentences for more than 200 job titles.

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A convincing cover letter made easy, we’re constantly adding new features to help make your career goals a reality., professional cvs for effective job interviews, frequently asked questions.

ATS Resume Templates

Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.

If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably already know more about applicant tracking systems (ATS) than the average job seeker. That gives you an advantage! Why?

Many companies use ATS to manage resumes and applications. In fact, Jobscan research shows that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

If an ATS can’t read or understand the information on your resume, then your application might not be seen when a recruiter searches for candidates with specific skills or experience – even if you have those skills or the experience!

Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly in order to give you the best chance of getting a job interview. That means that you need an ATS resume template.

We’ve designed 15 ATS resume templates that can be downloaded as Microsoft Word files and easily edited. Download one for free or use our free resume builder to get a customized ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Free ATS Resume Templates

Executive and Management ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

As a leader, you want your experience and accomplishments to shine. These resume templates give you opportunities to show the measurable results you’ve achieved, as well as your hard and soft skills .

Using correct formatting is critical here. The ATS needs to be able to parse all of that vital information and categorize it correctly. You also need your resume to be searchable by an ATS so that when a recruiter filters candidates by skills, your application stays on the list.

Entry-Level ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

You might not think you have a lot to show on your resume, but you do! These templates provide sections where you can highlight your education, internships, volunteer experience , personal accomplishments, and more.

An ATS-friendly resume will help you get found by recruiters and hiring managers. This is important because an entry-level position could have hundreds of applicants! Use these templates to make sure the ATS picks up your skills and experience.

Make your resume faster with our free resume builder

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ATS Resume Templates - What You Need to Know

How to make the perfect ats resume.

Remember, an ATS is just a computer filing system. It needs to be able to scan and understand the text on your resume in order to correctly parse the information and sort it properly.

An ATS will never auto-reject a resume, but an ATS optimized resume does make it easier for a recruiter to find you among the sea of applicants.

Even more importantly, an ATS-friendly resume naturally follows expert-recommended resume writing standards as well. That means that when the recruiter personally views your resume, it will include the relevant information they’re looking for and will be formatted in a way that makes it easier to read

Follow these tips for making the perfect ATS resume :

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

Focus on quality over quantity. Each job you apply for is unique, even if they all have the same title. Every company has different needs for that role. The job description will make it clear which hard skills, soft skills, experience, and education the company is looking for. So tailor your resume to show them that you are the perfect candidate.

Tailoring each and every resume can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort!

You can speed up this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Powered by AI-technology , this tool analyzes your resume against the job description and provides you with a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. It also tells you exactly what you need to do to increase your score.

2. Match your resume keywords to skills found in the job description

Recruiters might use an ATS’ search function to find applicants with specific skills. How do you know what skills they will search for? By examining the job listing. Use a resume scanner to automatically pick out the hard and soft skills the recruiter might search for, and then include those on your resume.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t search applications for those skills, they’ll definitely be looking for mentions of them on each resume they review.

3. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords

Some ATS will only return resumes with the exact keywords the recruiters would search for. For example, if you included “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume but the recruiter searched for “SEO,” your profile may not appear in the results. Try to include both the acronym and the unabbreviated form of the term.

Use a tool like Jobscan’s resume fixer to make sure your resume doesn’t contain mistakes that will eliminate you from consideration.

4. Use Chronological or Hybrid resume format to write your resume .

Recruiters do not like the functional resume format . Unless you’re making a career change, a functional resume is going to work against you. (And even then, we recommend you steer clear of the format for a career change resume .)

The best format for the ATS is traditional reverse chronological. You can also use chronological and hybrid resume formats as these are familiar to most recruiters.

5. Use an easy-to-read, traditional font

For readability, use a traditional serif or sans serif font. Untraditional or “fancy” fonts can cause parsing errors, which means the full text of your resume won’t be searchable.

6. Use standard resume section headings

Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” will confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly.

7. Save your file as a .docx if possible

A docx file is most compatible with ATS.

What is the best resume format for ATS?

There are three standard resume formats to choose from in your job search. They shape your first impression and determine the way recruiters and hiring managers view your fit as an applicant.

Your resume formatting can also determine how well your resume is parsed within an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how likely you are to be noticed as a result.

Regardless of the format you use, the most important thing is to use standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education. That will make it easier for the ATS to categorize the text.

How to tailor your ATS-friendly resume to a job

Tailoring your resume proves to recruiters that you’re an experienced professional. Most importantly, it shows them that you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Follow these three steps for tailoring your resume to a job description:

1. Examine the specific job description of the position

Go line by line through the job description and ask yourself these questions:

• “Does my resume experience section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
• “Am I using the same language found in the job description or job posting?”

You might find several different or missing skills and keywords in your generic resume.

2. Match skills and keywords from the job description

Mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job description is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.

The best way to show you’re the best fit for the position is to take words from the job posting and strategically put them in your job descriptions and other resume sections. A resume scanner will automatically pull out these keywords in seconds and speed up this process.

3. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters might search for people who have done the job they’re hiring, so list your job titles clearly and match the titles to the one in the job posting when possible. If you haven’t held the job before, list it under your name at the top or as part of your summary section.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to assist with human resources, recruitment, and hiring. While each system offers a different package of features, applicant tracking systems are primarily used to help hiring companies organize and navigate large numbers of applicants.

For example, an ATS stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other recruitment and hiring data that HR teams can easily access and organize. It will also track job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.

Ultimately, an ATS automates time-consuming administrative tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending notifications and emails to job candidates and employees.

Can you add graphics to your resume?

When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume , the rule is: The simpler, the better. ATS are improving at scanning different formatting features, but not all of them are good at this.

Adding graphics and images could cause ATS parsing errors , which means the text on your resume won’t be fully searchable or accurately categorized by an ATS. We recommend that job seekers err on the side of caution. Avoid graphics, images, and photos.

Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?

They can be. We talked about some formatting features to avoid on your resume – fancy graphics and non-traditional fonts. Those features can trip up an ATS, even if they’re on a Word document or Google Docs file.

However, as long as you follow the guidelines on this page, or use one of these ATS resume templates, you’ll be fine.

How to get your cover letter past the ATS?

To increase your cover letter’s chances of passing an ATS, focus on using a clean format without complex formatting, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, and ensure that your content is easy for the ATS to parse.

Consider using a tool like Jobscan’s cover letter generator to help you create an ATS-friendly cover letter. If you already have a cover letter, run it through our cover letter checker tool to get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.

More Resume Resources

Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Resume Builder

Resume Writing Guide

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