A covering email

A covering email

Learn how to write a covering email to accompany a job application.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

To: recruitment@new-company.com
From: Susan Nelson
Subject: Digital Marketing Executive application

 

Dear Ms Jones,

I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a Digital Marketing Executive. My name is Susan Nelson and I'm a Social Media Marketing Assistant. I have had this job for the past two years and I believe I am the person you need for your new role.

The bulk of my work involves designing and implementing online marketing campaigns across a range of channels. I am very comfortable using analytics to assess campaign success and drive future initiatives. I work with a range of social media platforms and tools for digital marketing.  

I have always worked in the retail industry and am familiar with the seasonal nature of business such as yours and have the skills to push your business forward through creativity and innovation. I would very much like the opportunity to both bring my experience and enthusiasm to this role while continuing to develop professionally and personally.

Following initial research into your company I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person.  

Please find attached my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,


Susan Nelson

Tips

  1. Try to find out the name of the person hiring and address your cover letter to them.
  2. Start with a clear statement about who you are and the role you are applying for.
  3. Then give information about your current work (or studies if you are still a student).
  4. Mention how and why this experience is suited to the new company and role, including any transferable skills (= things you have learned that you will take with you to future jobs).
  5. End with a closing statement that suggests further contact.
    I look forward to hearing from you.

Discussion

Download
Worksheet73.4 KB

Language level

Topics

Average: 4.3 (26 votes)

Submitted by paola_k on Wed, 07/04/2021 - 02:34

Permalink
Haha I wrote look instead of luck.

Submitted by paola_k on Wed, 07/04/2021 - 02:33

Permalink
I've started to look for a new job and I need to say that writing cover letters is one on the most scariest things in the process because I'm trying to change my professional path and also because I never wrote one, so all your tips are being very helpful. Wish me look!

Submitted by Frank Cuello on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 02:08

Permalink
Being secure about your abilities and the things that you can offer is very important in this type of emails.

Submitted by German on Thu, 18/03/2021 - 01:27

Permalink
I think that in important that you write your achievements in others works like the development of a plan or a project that was important for your former company

Submitted by Mikhail1988 on Sat, 20/02/2021 - 06:28

Permalink
Hi! My main tip is to personalize your CV and a covering letter for a desired vacancy!

Submitted by Ashenafi on Fri, 19/02/2021 - 18:38

Permalink
If we do not know the name of the person for the hiring company it would be better to say as "Dear Sir/Madam,"and To add at least three references could be recommended.

Submitted by marlio96 on Sat, 23/01/2021 - 18:10

Permalink
The only tip that I can give for writing a good covering email is to be confident and express it to the employer in the application.

Submitted by Justine STM on Thu, 21/01/2021 - 17:54

Permalink
I have to write a covering letter for my english master class, so i note all this tips to do it. I sent a lot of application in french for sustainability jobs and i have to try to do the same in english. Not also for my exams but also for my future reconversion in sustainbility work i hope.

Submitted by mrhgo on Sun, 06/12/2020 - 17:12

Permalink
I have never written a covering email in English because it has not been necessary for my jobs in Spain. I just move to London and I've found this practice quite useful. I try to keep all those tips in mind and I would also like to add one additional tip about the form of the cover letter: - We've to notice that the appearance is as relevant as the content.