Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Do I still need a cover letter? Yes, a well-crafted cover letter remains an important part of a strong job application. Unless the job listing explicitly states otherwise, you should always include one to show your sincerity.

Your cover letter gives prospective employers a glimpse of your personality, motivation and communication skills — aspects that your resume may not fully capture. It allows you to explain why you want the role, what you can contribute and how you are a good fit for the role.

Don’t summarise and repeat your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to share information that are not conveyed in your resume (e.g. personal traits, work habits, why you would excel, past feedback, etc). These details help the employer connect with you beyond your listed experiences.

STRUCTURE

Organise your cover letter into distinct paragraphs, each addressing the following questions:

Why are you interested in the company?
Show that you have done your research. Mention the company’s recent achievements, culture, or initiatives that resonate with you.
Why are you applying for this specific internship or job role?
Highlight how the role fits your background, interests, or career goals. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity and clarity about what you hope to contribute.
Why are you a strong candidate?
Emphasise your key strengths and relevant experiences. If you lack direct experience, focus on transferable skills such as adaptability, analytical thinking, communication, or a strong capacity for learning.

Think of your cover letter as your “voice” in the application process — a chance to show why you are not just qualified but also motivated and aligned with the company’s goals.

DO

Customise each cover letter. As with resumes, tailor it for each application.
Keep it concise. Your cover letter should only take up one page.
Show genuine interest. Mention specific details about the company, team or projects that align with your goals or values.
Focus on impact. Highlight how you can contribute and add value to the company by describing relevant experiences and achievements.
Proofread your cover letter. The quality of your application reveals your attention to detail and level of professionalism. Ensure your cover letter is free of grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.
End with a strong closing. Thank the hiring manager and add a clear call to action for the hiring manager to contact you for further discussion.

DON'T

Don’t reuse the same cover letter for all the jobs you apply to.
Don’t focus only on what you hope to gain from the job. Focus on what you can contribute.
Don’t exceed one page.
Don’t forget to include a call to action.