Glossary

What is Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short document sent with a job application that explains why you are applying and how your experience fits the role.

Where a CV lists evidence, a cover letter makes the argument. It should address the hiring team directly, reference the specific role, and connect two or three of your strongest achievements to the employer's stated needs. One page is usually enough.

Not every online process accepts cover letters; some ATS uploads treat them as separate attachments with no parsing into your main record. When a letter is optional, a tailored letter still differentiates you for the human reader who receives the shortlist.

Avoid repeating your entire CV in prose. Use the letter to explain career moves, motivation, or constraints that a timeline cannot convey — for example a deliberate sector switch or relocation.

Mirror language from the job description sparingly and sincerely. After tailoring your CV, use Cvaluate to align both documents with the same priority keywords and requirements.

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