In short
A useful cover letter is not a second CV. It explains why this role makes sense for you and points the reader to two pieces of evidence worth checking.
Use four short paragraphs
Open with the exact role and reference number. Explain your current stage: final-year student, graduate, Matric holder or career starter. Then connect two requirements to evidence from study, work, volunteering or projects.
Finish by confirming availability and thanking the reader. Keep the letter on one page and address it to the hiring team if no person is named.
Avoid generic enthusiasm
Research the employer’s work and mention only something relevant to the role. A specific sentence about the programme or operating environment is stronger than saying the company has always been your dream employer.
Never copy a company value you cannot connect to an example. The goal is credibility, not flattery.
Build the letter around two proof points
For a customer-service internship, one paragraph might connect a retail weekend role to handling queries and keeping records. A second might connect a group assignment to meeting deadlines and presenting information. Each example should say what you did, not merely name a strength.
The employer paragraph should be equally specific. Refer to the advertised team, programme or type of work and explain why it fits your next step. Avoid praise that could be pasted into a letter for any company.
Decide whether a cover letter adds evidence
A letter earns its place when it explains a match that the CV cannot show quickly. Check the purpose before writing another generic page.
Does the advert request a letter or motivation, and have you followed its word, format and submission instructions?
Can you connect two essential requirements to specific evidence without repeating the same CV bullets word for word?
Have you named the exact role, employer and reference rather than leaving placeholders from another application?
Does the final paragraph confirm relevant availability without making claims about guaranteed performance or selection?
Your practical action plan
- 1
Write the exact vacancy title and reference at the top of your notes before drafting.
- 2
Select two requirements that matter to the role and pair each with one short, verifiable example.
- 3
Add one employer-specific reason based on the official vacancy or company site, not a slogan copied without context.
- 4
Cut repetition from the CV, check the recipient and reference, then save a clean one-page PDF.
Mistakes to avoid
Retelling the CV
The letter should interpret selected evidence, not reproduce every date and qualification already listed elsewhere.
Opening with a life story
Recruiters first need to know the role, your current stage and why your evidence is relevant.
Sending the wrong company name
Reused files and copied subject lines are common avoidable errors; check both the document and filename.
Application checklist
- Name the vacancy and reference.
- Use two evidence-based examples.
- Keep it under one page.
- Proofread names and dates.
- Save it with your name and role.
Questions people ask
Do I need a cover letter for every application?
Send one when the advert requests it or when a short explanation materially strengthens your application. Do not upload an irrelevant generic letter simply because a portal offers an optional field.
Who should I address it to?
Use the named contact when the advert provides one. Otherwise, “Dear Hiring Team” is clearer than guessing a person or title.
Can I mention that I have no experience?
Do not apologise. State your career stage, then show relevant evidence from study, projects, volunteering or part-time responsibilities.
Should salary expectations be in the letter?
Only include them when the employer requests that information. Otherwise, keep the letter focused on role fit and evidence.
What if the application form does not provide a cover-letter field?
Do not force an extra document into an unrelated upload field. Follow the employer’s requested process. If a short motivation box is provided, adapt the strongest evidence from the letter to that space instead of pasting a full page.
Official sources
Rules, fees and processes can change. Use these primary sources for the current position: