Job Seeking -- Cover Letter Template

Your full name
Mailing address
Telephone number(s)
Email address

Today’s date

Your addressee’s name
Professional title
Organization name
Mailing address

Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name or Sir/Madam,
RE: write what you are applying for here

Start your letter with a grabber – a statement that makes a connection with your reader, a thoughtful question, or a interesting quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for and why you want to join this company – how you will be able to contribute to the company.

One short paragraph that makes relevant points about your educational qualifications – school learning specialization/ focus, industrial attachment and any school achievements like bursary awards. Highlight the skills and experiences you’ve gained. Say how these have helped to prepare you for the job you’re applying.

Another short paragraph about your out of classroom activities – CCA, CIP, and other interests that you have; say what is your level and frequency of involvement. Say what kinds of skills and experiences you’ve gained from being involved. Also include what you do in your free time and why you do them. You may also state what you believe are some of your key qualities and strengths that make you good for this job.

Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer), make the reader contact you or express interest in setting up an interview with them soon. Close by saying “thank you.”

Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully,

Your handwritten signature

Your full name (must be typed)

Enclosure: resume


Some Helpful Sentences you can use:

Remember to start your letter with a “Dear Sir/ Madam” if you don’t know the name of who you’re writing to, or “Dear Mr./ Miss/ Ms/ Madam/ Dr./ Prof. ____” if you know their surname.

Options for 1st paragraph: state interest in job and how you will contribute/ be good for this job

I refer to the advertisement for the position of _______ in ______ dated ______.

or

I would like to be a part of the dynamic team at _____ and that is why I am applying for the position of ______.



I am confident that my skills and training in ______ will make me a good candidate for this position.

or

I am sure that I would be a valuable contributor to your company because of my skills and experience in ________.


Options for 2nd paragraph: state where you completed studies at, what knowledge and skills you have, any specialization/ special courses you took, how this will prepare you better

I obtained my Nitec in ________ from ITE, College East in May 200_.

or

I completed my Nitec in _______ at ITE, College East in May 200_.



This has provided me with the necessary skills in ________________.

or

This has equipped me with expertise in ________.



I have done consistently well in __________ and had a GPA of ___.

or/and

I was awarded a certificate/ bursary award/ ______ for my good performance in ______.



Besides, my specialization in _______ is well-suited for this job.

or

As part of my coursework, I specialized in ______ which I believe is essential for this job.



I have also widened my knowledge in ______ as they were my elective subjects.

or/and

I have improved my skills and knowledge by taking up _________. I believe this will be useful in this job.



Options for 3rd paragraph: state what other achievements you have outside of classroom – CCA/ CIP/ other activities

In my free time, I enjoy ______ as I enjoy learning new things/ taking on new challenges.

or/and

Outside of the classroom, I was involved in ______. This gave me the opportunity to ______.One of the key challenges I undertook was ______. This gave me an opportunity to improve on _____.



I regularly volunteer at _________ during the holidays/ my free time. I enjoy doing this because I believe _______.

or/and

To widen my knowledge, I enjoy _____ and _____. I believe it is important to be a life-long learner. I had the opportunity to travel to ______ for a Youth Expedition Project/ CIP trip. I learnt important skills like _______ and _____ which I believe are useful and beneficial.



Options for closing paragraph: restate interest and remind them that you want a favourable reply

Thank you for your kind consideration.

or

Thank you for considering my application.



I am very interested in joining your company.

or

I would be most pleased to contribute to your company.



Please feel free to contact me at my email ______ or handphone ______ should you need to contact me.

or

Please contact me at my email ______ or handphone _______ if you have any queries.



I would be most happy to meet up with you for an interview soon.

or

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.


End off your letter with: “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely” (depends on salutation above). Leave space for your signature. Type your full name under that.