How to Write a Cover Letter: Guide for Students and Graduates
Published July 7, 2026 · 15 min read
A cover letter is your first opportunity to make a personal impression on a potential employer or selection committee. While your CV lists your qualifications, the cover letter tells the story behind them — why you are interested in this role, what unique perspective you bring, and why you are worth interviewing. For students and recent graduates, a well-crafted cover letter can be the deciding factor between getting an interview and being passed over.
This guide covers everything you need to write a cover letter that gets results, whether you are applying for an internship, a graduate position, or a competitive fellowship.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside your CV or resume as part of a job or programme application. It introduces you, highlights your most relevant qualifications, explains your motivation for applying, and demonstrates your communication skills. Most employers expect one — a 2025 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 65% of recruiters expect a cover letter, even when it is listed as optional.
Why Cover Letters Still Matter
In an era of AI-generated applications and one-click apply buttons, a thoughtful cover letter sets you apart. It demonstrates that you have researched the organisation, that you understand the role, and that you have taken the time to articulate why you are a good fit. For positions that receive hundreds of applications, the cover letter is often the first document that gets read.
How to Structure a Cover Letter
1. Contact Information
At the top, include your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile URL. Below that, add the date and the employer's contact information: hiring manager's name (if known), company name, and address.
2. Opening Paragraph
Your opening must accomplish three things: state the position you are applying for, mention how you found the listing, and provide a compelling reason why you are interested. For example: "I am writing to apply for the Data Analyst Intern position at UNICEF, which I discovered through OpportunityNest. As a statistics student who has spent the past year analysing public health datasets for a local NGO, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to UNICEF's mission of improving children's lives through evidence-based programming."
3. Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs)
First body paragraph — Your relevant experience: Highlight the experiences most relevant to the role. Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. "During my internship at the Ministry of Health, I developed a Python script that automated data cleaning for monthly disease surveillance reports, reducing processing time by 70%."
Second body paragraph — Why this organisation: Demonstrate that you have researched the company or organisation. Mention specific projects, values, or initiatives that attract you. Connect your skills to their needs.
Third body paragraph (optional) — Additional qualifications: Mention relevant coursework, certifications, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that strengthen your application.
4. Closing Paragraph
Restate your interest, mention that your CV is attached, and express willingness to discuss your application further. Include a call to action: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your team's needs. Thank you for considering my application."
Cover Letter Examples for Different Scenarios
Internship Application
When applying for an internship, emphasise your academic background, relevant coursework, and any projects or volunteer work. You may not have extensive professional experience, and that is expected. Focus on what you have learned and how it applies to the role.
Graduate Programme Application
For graduate programmes, emphasise your research experience, thesis work, and long-term career goals. Connect the programme's specific offerings to your development needs.
Scholarship Application
For scholarships, focus on your academic achievements, leadership experience, community involvement, and how the funding will enable you to create impact. See our scholarship essay guide for more advice.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
- Using the same letter for every application. Each cover letter must be tailored to the specific role and organisation.
- Repeating your CV verbatim. Use the cover letter to tell the story behind your achievements, not to list them again.
- Being too long. Keep it to one page. Three to four paragraphs is ideal.
- Starting with "I am writing to apply for..." without context. Make your opening engaging and specific.
- Using generic phrases. "I am a hard worker" and "I am a team player" are meaningless without evidence.
- Not addressing it to anyone. Research the hiring manager's name. If you cannot find it, use "Dear Hiring Team" rather than "To Whom It May Concern."
- Forgetting to proofread. Typos and grammatical errors suggest carelessness.
Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn URL]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Name/Hiring Team],
[Opening: Position, source, and your hook — 3-4 sentences]
[Experience: Most relevant achievements with numbers — 4-6 sentences]
[Why this company: Show research, connect skills to needs — 3-5 sentences]
[Closing: Reiterate interest, call to action — 2-3 sentences]
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Checklist
- Is the letter addressed to a specific person or team?
- Does the opening clearly state the position I am applying for?
- Have I included specific examples with measurable outcomes?
- Have I demonstrated knowledge of the organisation?
- Is the letter no longer than one page?
- Have I removed generic phrases and clichés?
- Is the tone professional but authentic?
- Have I proofread for spelling and grammar?
- Has at least one other person reviewed this letter?
- Does the closing include a clear call to action?