Your CV outlines your experience and qualifications, but your cover letter is where your personality and motivation come through. It is your opportunity to explain why this role matters to you and how your background makes you a strong match. A thoughtful cover letter adds context to your application and helps you stand out in a competitive market.
This guide from Chiltern Recruitment is designed to make the process clear and straightforward. We focus on practical advice that helps you write a cover letter with purpose, confidence, and impact, giving employers a genuine reason to want to meet you.
Where possible, address your letter to the named contact in the advert and reference the correct job title or reference number. This shows care, accuracy, and genuine interest in the role.
Whether you are looking to progress in your career or are currently between roles, frame your situation positively. Focus on what you are aiming for and why this opportunity appeals to you. If your CV includes gaps, acknowledge them honestly while keeping the emphasis on your motivation and readiness for the next step.
Demonstrate that you understand the business Chiltern Recruitment is representing. Consider what the company does, how the role fits within it, and which skills are most important. Showing awareness of the organisation and its sector reflects genuine interest and initiative.
Be clear about what draws you to the company and the role. How does this position support your longer term goals? Why does this environment suit the way you work? A strong cover letter connects your ambitions with what the employer offers.
Many candidates will meet the basic requirements. Your task is to show what makes you distinctive. This could be a specific achievement, an unusual skill set, or a way of working that adds value. Focus on what you bring that others may not.
A generic cover letter is easy to spot. Each application deserves its own version, shaped around the role and the company. Align your language with the job description and reflect the tone and culture of the organisation.
Highlight transferable skills and personal strengths that suit the role. Where possible, link them to outcomes you have achieved. Employers are interested in what you have delivered, not just what you have done.
Your cover letter should be concise and free from spelling or grammatical errors. A clear, well written letter reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Close your letter by expressing interest in discussing the role further. A polite, confident ending reinforces your enthusiasm and leaves the door open for the next step.
By following this guidance from Chiltern Recruitment, your cover letter will do more than support your CV. It will tell your story, show your intent, and clearly communicate why you are right for the opportunity.
