THE LETTER'S PURPOSE
What is a cover letter?
The letter connects the needs in the advert with your experience. Your CV shows what you have done. The letter helps the employer understand why parts of your experience are especially relevant to the role.
“Personal” does not mean you have to share private information. The text should be written for this particular role and sound like a real person, rather than generic template phrases.
A SIMPLE APPROACH
How to write a cover letter
- Start with why you are applying. Mention the role and a specific reason why it interests you.
- Choose two or three relevant experiences. Connect them to tasks or requirements.
- Show how you work. Describe situations, responsibilities or results rather than listing personal qualities.
- Keep the ending brief. Summarise your interest and invite a conversation.
A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
Example cover letter
This short example is for a fictional customer service role:
Hello,
I am applying for the customer service representative role because it combines customer contact, problem-solving and organisation, three areas that have been central to my previous roles.
In my most recent job, I handled customer enquiries by phone and email, booked appointments and followed up queries in the business system. I became used to explaining information clearly and prioritising several cases.
I therefore believe that my experience in service and case management can contribute to the role. I would be happy to discuss this further in an interview.
Kind regards,
Anna Andersson
The example works because it connects experience with the job. Always use your own actual background.
READ THE ADVERT
Tailor the letter to the role
Choose experience that addresses the most important tasks. If the advert emphasises planning, customer contact and documentation, the letter should show when and how you have worked in those areas. Relevant keywords from the advert should be woven naturally into the text so that the connection is clear to both the recruiter and the recruitment system.
- Do not reuse exactly the same opening.
- Work relevant keywords from the advert into the text naturally, but only when they match your experience.
- Explain transferable experience when changing sectors.
- Prioritise examples over descriptions of yourself.
- Check the company name and job title.
AI AS A TOOL
Writing a cover letter with AI
AI can help with structure and wording, but the result can only be good if the source material is accurate. A letter must never contain invented achievements or experience.
CVPilot builds the letter from your profile and the advert. You need to read, adjust and approve the text so that it feels truthful and sounds like you.
AVOID
Common mistakes
- The letter repeats the CV line by line.
- It focuses mostly on what you want to gain rather than what the role needs.
- Words such as flexible and driven are used without examples.
- The same standard letter is sent everywhere.
- AI text is sent without checking facts and tone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about cover letters
Do you always need to send a cover letter?
Follow the advert's instructions. A well-tailored letter can help explain your motivation or a career change.
How do you start?
Mention the role and a specific reason for applying. Avoid long, formal openings.
Can the same letter be used more than once?
You can reuse a basic structure, but adapt your motivation and examples to each role.
CVPILOT
Let your CV and letter work together.
CVPilot starts from your profile and helps you create two documents tailored to the same advert.