Writing a cover letter.

A cover letter (or the message you send with your CV) explains why you're a good fit in a way the CV can't. Short, specific cover letters can really help, especially for small companies and startups. Today you'll write one.

When you need one

• When the job post asks for it.
• When applying by email (your email is the cover letter).
• For small companies, startups and NGOs, where a personal note stands out.

The 4-paragraph structure

1. Opening: the role you're applying for and one strong line about you.
2. Why you fit: 2–3 specific skills or achievements that match the job.
3. Why this company: show you know what they do.
4. Close: thank them and invite next steps.

Keep it under 250 words.

Example

Subject: Application for Junior Digital Marketing Executive – Ayesha Fatima

Dear Hiring Team,

I'm applying for the Junior Digital Marketing Executive role at Zaiqa Foods.
As a recent BBA graduate who grew a local bakery's Instagram from 600 to 5,200
followers in three months, I'd love to help your brand reach more customers.

In that project, I planned a weekly content calendar, created 40 reels in Canva
and VN Editor, and ran a ₹3,000 Meta ads test that brought 120 new orders.
I'm also comfortable with Google Analytics and basic SEO.

I've enjoyed your recent Ramadan campaign, especially the reels showing your
kitchen team. I'd be excited to support content like that.

Thank you for considering my application. My CV is attached, and I'd be glad
to discuss how I can contribute.

Regards,
Ayesha Fatima | +91 90000 00000 | linkedin.com/in/ayeshafatima

Common mistakes

• Copying the same letter for every company ("Dear Sir/Madam, I want to work in a reputed organisation").
• Repeating the whole CV.
• Talking only about what you want, not what you'll bring.
• Spelling the company's name wrong. (It happens more often than you'd think!)