Writing a Cover Letter in English

Introduction

I was speaking to a girl called Oksana on Saturday (hello if you're reading) at the weekly English speaking meeting in Lviv. She told me that in one of her in-company language classes they had learnt how to write a cover letter. Great idea. At some point in your life you will probably apply for a job outside your country or for an international company, and you’ll need an English CV and a good cover letter.

Students often panic when they have to write a formal email, especially something as important as a cover letter, but like most formal letters there is a simple format you can follow and a set of expressions that slot into this format to produce a natural-sounding letter.

Stage 1 – Why are you writing?

Always start any formal letter with why you are contacting the company.

• I am writing to you regarding your current vacancy for the position of ______.
• I am writing to you concerning your current vacancy for a ______.
• I am writing to you with regard to your current vacancy for a ______.
• I am contacting you regarding the current vacancy you have for a ______.
• I am contacting you with regard to your current vacancy for a ______.

Stage 2 – Who are you?

A brief introduction of who you are and where you are now.

• I am a _____ with over _____ years’ experience from _____.
• I am a recent graduate of _____ at _____, looking to now gain experience in _____.
• I am a student of _____ at _____, currently looking at positions connected to _____.
• I am currently working for _____ and looking at opportunities to advance my career.

Stage 3 – Experience

Talking about your work and non-work experience.

• In that time I have…
• During that time I have…
• I have over _____ years’ experience in _____.
• While I have no formal experience with _____, I have been involved with _____.
• Last year / last summer I…
• Not only have I _____, I have also _____.
• I have worked with _____ for _____.

Stage 4 – Your duties

What did / do you actually do?

• I was / am responsible for _____.
• I was / am in charge of _____.
• My duties involved / involve _____.
• It is my responsibility to make sure _____.
• Over the last few years I have been involved with _____.

Stage 5 – Adding extra information

Link other experience or skills.

• Also, I have _____.
• As well as _____, I have _____.
• Along with _____, I can offer _____.
• In addition to _____, I have _____.

Stage 6 – Why this company / job?

Now tell them why you chose this position and this company.

• I am now interested in taking the next step in my development and I believe your company is the right place to help me do this.
• I am an admirer of your company and believe _____.
• This position will allow me to improve _____.
• With my skills and experience I believe I am the ideal fit for this position.
• With your reputation for _____, I am sure I will _____.
• This position will enable me to use my recently learned skills as well as improve my _____.
• I have no doubt that your company will _____.

Stage 7 – Signing off

End your cover letter in a clear, polite way.

• I have enclosed a copy of my CV with this email and would be grateful if you would consider me for this position.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• Yours sincerely,
  Your Name

Practice 1 – Recent graduate

Complete the cover letter using the expressions above.

Dear Mr Smith,

…....................................................................... (WHY – why you are writing)

….......................... Mathematics at Vienna University …...................... accountancy. …......... I had a summer job at M&Z Financial where I worked in the financing department and …................. making sure the yearly budgets were within line of guidance. …...... working for M&Z last summer …........ had a part-time job at Lion Finance at the beginning of the year where …....... advising clients with offshore investments.

…............................ you are the right company to help me grow and develop my skills …..... … this position will allow me to put what I have learnt into practice.

I have enclosed a copy of my CV to this email and would be grateful if you would consider me for this position.

Yours sincerely
Bob McMuffin

Your version:

Practice 2 – Experienced candidate

Now complete a cover letter for a more experienced applicant.

Dear Mrs Potter,

…........................................................................ (WHY – why you are writing)

........Project Manager................ Microsoft ....................... .............
.................... project managing and I have worked on over 50 projects, most noticeably the release of Windows 10 in Italy. I _________ managing a team of 100 and contacting over 500 retailers in 40 different cities. ...................... I have worked on varied projects from technology to beauty products.

.................................................... and it would be a pleasure to work for such a well-respected company.

I have enclosed a copy of my CV to this email and would be grateful if you would consider me for this position.

Yours sincerely
Bob McMuffin

Your version: