--- title: How to write a killer covering letter - Ten2Two description: Flexible recruitment agency Ten2Two shares tips for writing a cover letter to accompany your CV when applying for a new job. Register with Ten2Two today. image: https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CV-2.png --- [![logo](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/General/logo.svg)](https://www.ten2two.org/) - [Why Us](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us) - [Our Team](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#team) - [Our Story](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#story) - [B-Corp](https://www.ten2two.org/a-commitment-to-purpose-beyond-profit) - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/employers) - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options) - [Business leaders](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/perfect-partner-for-business-leaders) - [HR Teams](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams) - [Process & Fees](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/spec-interview-appoint) - [Client Charter](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams#client) - [Other Services](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/flexibility-advisory-consulting) - [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/candidates) - [Jobs](https://www.ten2two.org/jobs) - [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx) - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options#flexible-formats) - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) - [Testimonials](https://www.ten2two.org#story) - [Candidate](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/candidates) - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/employers) - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) - [CV Support](https://www.ten2two.org/cv-support) - [Interview Practice & Coaching](https://www.ten2two.org/interview-support) - [1:1 Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/career-support-ten2two) - [1:1 Student Support](https://www.ten2two.org/student-support) - [Resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources) - [Candidate blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates#tags) - [Employer blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers#tags) - [Webinars](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/webinars#tags) - [Podcasts](https://www.ten2two.org/podcast) - [Briefs](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/briefs#tags) - [Contact Us](https://www.ten2two.org/contact) - [Why Us](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us) - [Our Team](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#team) - [Our Story](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#story) - [B-Corp](https://www.ten2two.org/a-commitment-to-purpose-beyond-profit) - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/employers) - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options) - [Business leaders](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/perfect-partner-for-business-leaders) - [HR Teams](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams) - [Process & Fees](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/spec-interview-appoint) - [Client Charter](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams#client) - [Other Services](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/flexibility-advisory-consulting) - [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/candidates) - [Jobs](https://www.ten2two.org/jobs) - [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx) - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options#flexible-formats) - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) - [Testimonials](https://www.ten2two.org#story) - [Candidate](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/candidates) - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/employers) - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) - [CV Support](https://www.ten2two.org/cv-support) - [Interview Practice & Coaching](https://www.ten2two.org/interview-support) - [1:1 Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/career-support-ten2two) - [1:1 Student Support](https://www.ten2two.org/student-support) - [Resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources) - [Candidate blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates#tags) - [Employer blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers#tags) - [Webinars](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/webinars#tags) - [Podcasts](https://www.ten2two.org/podcast) - [Briefs](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/briefs#tags) - [Contact Us](https://www.ten2two.org/contact) [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/members.aspx) [Sign in](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx) ![Search](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/25625369/Ten2two_2023/Images/General/search.png) [Sign in](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx) [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/members.aspx) × [![](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/Blog/left.svg) Back to resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources) # How to write a killer covering letter **Once your CV is as polished as it can be, your next stop will be to write a killer covering letter or email. This should complement [your CV](https://www.ten2two.org/candidates/your-situation/) and help to highlight your experience to the reader in a way that is relevant to the position you’re seeking.** Everyone needs one, from recruiters to companies you’re applying to directly, and often it’s the cover letter that hooks the reader in and helps to shine a light on your CV.  If it appears it’s optional, always provide one. It’s not always right or fair, but often the cover letter is what will [get your CV noticed](https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/oct/03/five-ways-to-get-your-cv-noticed-by-employers). This is your chance to show that you’re really keen and ambitious – whether that’s about a role you’ve seen or a company you’d like to work for. Here are top tips for writing cover letters and emails… #### **Think who you’re writing to** When you write anything, always think of the intended recipient. When it comes to recruitment, they will have a problem to solve and you want to be their answer. Introduce yourself but make sure you reflect the business needs of the people you’re writing to. Try to inject energy and enthusiasm into the cover letter to help bring it – and you – to life.    #### **Talk about yourself and pause** Yes, you should talk about how many years’ experience you have and in what discipline or area. But you don’t want to be too ‘me, me, me’, as this ignores the bigger business picture. Look at your language. How many times have you used the word ‘you’? For example, “I would like to use my experience to help bring your business to the next level” is preferable to “I have lots of experience and a wide range of skills to offer”. #### **Three areas to cover** Firstly, your cover letter should introduce who you are and what you have to offer. Secondly, it should reflect an understanding of the role or opportunity you’re seeking or applying for. Thirdly, it should sign off confidently with a clear call to action. For example, “I look forward to hearing from you about the \[type of\] role.” #### **Read it aloud** The top tip for anyone wanting to write clear, concise copy is to read their cover letter out loud. Do this and you’ll soon see where the errors are and where the language sounds forced and not quite right. If you stumble on a sentence, it might be worth having a look to see how you can improve it.  #### **Be clear and concise** If your covering letter looks crowded or too long, it’s time to think again. Keep your sentences short – if they run over two lines, the chances are you need to break it down into two separate sentences. Separate your text out with frequent paragraphs and edit everything you write at least once. #### **When a cover letter isn’t required** Sometimes a job advert doesn’t allow room for a covering letter to be supplied. Application forms can often take the place of cover letters. All the same rules apply, you just have to format it into the boxes on the form. There is usually a box asking, ‘why are you interested in this position?’ or ‘what do you feel you could bring to the role?’. This is the place to use the advice above. If you’d like to find a brilliant new flexible role today, please [register with Ten2Two.org](https://jobs.ten2two.org/members.aspx) and your local office will be in touch. If you’re an [employer seeking flexible workers](https://www.ten2two.org/contact-us/),[please get in touch](https://www.ten2two.org/contact-us/). In the meantime, good luck with the recruitment process… ![](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/Blog/date.svg) 3 min read Category: [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates) September 11, 2018 Share - - - ## More resources like this [![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Businesses-Agree-Flexible-working-Works-Add-heading.png?width=352&name=Businesses-Agree-Flexible-working-Works-Add-heading.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/ten2two-future-flexible-recruiter) ##### [Ten2Two. London’s flexible recruiter](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/ten2two-future-flexible-recruiter) **As a flexible recruiter in London, we’re working with lots of London businesses to provide...** [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers) [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates) 2 mins [![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Punctuality.png?width=352&name=Punctuality.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/job-interviews-tips-punctuality) ##### [Job interviews: punctuality matters](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/job-interviews-tips-punctuality) ### **Running late? Trains delayed? Didn’t leave enough time for your journey?** **Whatever the reason,...** [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates) 3 mins [![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Copy-of-5.png?width=352&name=Copy-of-5.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/flexibility-workplace-needs-the-right-technology) ##### [Flexibility in the workplace needs the right technology](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/flexibility-workplace-needs-the-right-technology) #### **Our [Flexible & Proud Report](https://www.ten2two.org/news/the-benefits-of-flexibility-in-the-workplace/) led to us speaking to lots of our clients and partners in greater depth...** [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers) 3 mins [GET HIRING INSIGHTS](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/16ZGxLIgQTyuQsJ5YWcz6JAf98nt) [JOIN OUR CANDIDATE COMMUNITY](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx) Employers Email: [jane@ten2two.org](mailto:jane@ten2two.org) Candidate Email: [ruth@ten2two.org](mailto:ruth@ten2two.org) [![B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB.png?width=70&height=118&name=B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/) - - - - - © 2023 Ten2Two, Ten2Two Limited 04479980 - [Cookie Policy](https://www.ten2two.org/cookie-policy) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.ten2two.org/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.ten2two.org/terms-and-conditions-for-use-of-website) ![CorporateMember-dark](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CorporateMember-dark.png?width=670&height=191&name=CorporateMember-dark.png) ![BBA_BetterBusinessAct_Logo_Dark](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BBA_BetterBusinessAct_Logo_Dark.png?width=379&height=191&name=BBA_BetterBusinessAct_Logo_Dark.png) ![Living wage no background](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Living%20wage%20no%20background.png?width=242&height=191&name=Living%20wage%20no%20background.png) Registered Office: Berkhamsted House, 121 High St, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2DJ. Tel: 01442 503727 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "deborah o'sullivan", "url" : "https://www.ten2two.org/resources/author/deborah-osullivan" }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-12T17:52:52.665Z", "datePublished" : "2018-09-11T11:56:50.000Z", "headline" : "How to write a killer covering letter - Ten2Two", "image" : [ "https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CV-2.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.ten2two.org/resources/how-to-write-killer-covering-letter", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/logo%20small%20fwp.png" }, "name" : "Ten2Two" } } ```