how to write a cover letter to dvla

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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https://insidedvla.blog.gov.uk/applying-for-a-job-at-dvla/

Applying for a job at DVLA

Over the next few months we will be recruiting for a number of roles.  Since a civil service application is a bit different to other jobs you might be applying for, we thought it was worth explaining what the process involves, with some detailed guidance on how to write the most unusual part of the application – a statement of suitability.

Open and fair process

There are a number of measures in place to make it more likely that applications to join the civil service are treated fairly and on their own merit. You can read more about the civil service recruitment and selection guidance on the Civil Service website , but the main thing you should be aware of is that we try and ensure objectivity by having consistent criteria that we assess applications on.

Consistent criteria

The job advert will list some essential specialist skills and competencies. The specialist skills are likely to be what you are familiar with in job applications, for example for a WebOp, “Experience configuring and managing Linux servers”.

The competencies are a bit more unusual. They reflect important civil service behaviours, like leadership and delivering value for money, because we are recruiting not just technical people, but people to become civil servants. This helps us build a team of people who are not just great technically, but also have other crucial skills, like communication and team-working. For more information on civil service competencies you can look at this document .

Why this matters to applicants

One of the three documents we ask for in your application is a statement of suitability, which is extremely important, as it is where you get a chance to show the panel the evidence for how you meet the essential skills and competencies described in the job advert.

If a candidate’s application does not show evidence of even just one of the competencies, we are not allowed to invite that candidate for interview. This may seem a little harsh, but it’s actually this kind of rule that tries to ensure the process is open and fair.

Based on this, we can see how the statement of suitability is so important in the application. Your CV is unlikely to provide quite the right sort of information on its own, as CVs tend to be a collection of achievements and responsibilities. The Statement of Suitability is your opportunity to fill out the gaps in your CV and explain you have the experience to do a great job at DVLA. You must remember to give examples, as that is what we are looking for in the application.

How to write a good statement of suitability

The main thing required in the statement of suitability is that you demonstrate the essential skills and competencies asked for. Here is an example.

We have previously advertised for Web Operations Engineers. One of the essential competencies we are looking for is evidence of how you “coach and support colleagues to take responsibility for their own development (through giving accountability, varied assignments and on-going feedback)”.

If you have managed a team, it should be fairly straightforward to think of an example. But if you haven’t, there are other ways you can provide this evidence.

• if you have done any person management, you might be able to give an example of how you have assisted colleagues in writing their appraisals
• you might be able to give an example of doing code reviews, or feedback on pull requests, or helping someone learn how to script a manual process
• you might have an example from non-work development activities, for example if you volunteer at a Code Club or you have mentored someone in an Open Source project
• your examples don’t have to be about something you did while working in a technical role, for example if you coach a netball team you might be able to give an example from that

The point here is that we feel an ability to coach and support colleagues is essential to being successful in the role, and we are looking for evidence that you have done this in some context before.

A word on how to phrase your answers

It’s good to give detail, but your answers don’t have to be really long. The best thing to do is think of the example you want to use and give us the essential information. It may be useful to think of the CAR approach:

• Context: what the situation was and what you were trying to achieve
• Action: what you did
• Result: what the outcome was

If you’ve covered all these points, you will have structured your example to give us all the information we need.

How to structure the statement

You might find it helpful to list each of the essential skills and competencies as headings and give an example under each, or you may prefer to write it in a letter or essay format. The structure is not important – just make sure that you cover all of the essential competencies asked for.

The other documents

The other documents we require are your CV and CV cover sheet. There’s nothing different about how you should structure your CV compared to applying for a job in the private sector. The CV cover sheet is a form which requires you to fill in some straightforward details so that we know how to contact you. Download this from the very bottom of the job application page, and include it with your application. If you are not already a civil servant you only need to complete three parts of this form. For existing civil servants, you need to fill in more sections of the CV cover sheet – your line manager should be able to help you with this.

Interview stage

Once we have sifted all of the applications we invite some of the applicants to interview. All candidates are asked a consistent set of questions for that role, and you are likely to also have to do some kind of coding or whiteboard exercise. If you are called for interview, you will get more information about what to expect in advance.

Anna Shipman , 24 December 2013 — Article originally posted on GDS blog

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Keep up to speed on all things digital at DVLA. Read more .

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a cover letter is a crucial part of the job application process. This gives you a chance to expand on your CV and impress the recruiter.

A great cover letter can also help you to stand out from other applicants. That’s why it’s important that you keep it short and sweet, containing only the most relevant and helpful information.

To help you out, the guide below will outline five key steps for writing a killer cover letter and securing yourself an interview.

Step one: Do your research

Before you begin writing anything you need to make sure you’ve done your research.

This means taking an in-depth look at the industry, the company and scanning through the job description to make sure you’re 100% familiar with the role.

You should also do your best to find out the name of the employer or hiring manager you’re writing to. This is important when you begin writing your letter.

Step two: Structure your letter correctly

Now it’s time to begin – and you need to get your cover letter structure right ! As with any letter, you should start with your contact details in the top right-hand corner.

This is followed by the address and contact details of the target company on the left-hand side of the page.

You must also address your letter to the appropriate person. Try to avoid ‘Dear sir or madam’ unless you’ve exhausted all research and really can’t find their name.

Step three: Introduce yourself

The first paragraph is your introduction and should be short and snappy. You need to include why you’re writing to them and the position you’d like to apply for.

For example: “I saw your job posting on {name of job board} and I am writing to apply for the position of {job title}”.

Step four: Showcase your abilities

Next, you need to write the main body of your letter. This will be around two paragraphs long.

This is your chance to showcase your skills and really expand on the information in your CV.

Use keywords from the job description, along with your research, to put together a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Give examples of your past achievements whether from previous employment or education, then explain how these skills can benefit their company.

For example: “I have always been driven by results and in my previous sales role was able to exceed my targets every month by at least 15%. In fact, during my first six months I was able to bring in an additional £12,000 in revenue for the company.”

Then, in the third paragraph be sure to show your knowledge of the company, giving specific details about why you’d love to work for them.

Step five: End with a CTA

The final paragraph needs to include a call to action. Remember, you’re hoping to secure an interview with them, so include details of your availability for a callback or meeting.

You might also want to mention that you’ll follow up with them in a few days if you’ve not heard back.

Finally, thank them for their time and sign off with your full name.

Are you ready to write a great cover letter?

Writing a cover letter can feel daunting at first, but practice makes perfect.

Using the five steps above, you can begin putting together a strong cover letter which showcases why you’re a great fit for the role.

Just remember to do your research first and always proofread your letter a couple of times before submitting.

Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV.

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Andrew Fennell

Andrew Fennell is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian and FastCompany.

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12th March 2022 at 4:46 pm

I need some examples of cover letter

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Website for E-commerce Business

A website for eCommerce business is a digital platform that allows businesses to sell products or services online, reaching a global audience and offering 24/7 accessibility. These websites are designed with features such as product catalogs, secure payment gateways, and inventory management, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. Additionally, they offer tools for marketing, customer engagement, and business scalability.

Conducting an eCommerce evaluation helps businesses assess the effectiveness of their website, focusing on user experience, conversion rates, SEO performance, and overall functionality. A well-optimized website for eCommerce business is essential for maximizing sales, building credibility, and fostering customer loyalty in today’s digital marketplace.

List of Popular Websites for E-commerce Business

E-commerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing entrepreneurs with the ability to sell products and services globally. A strong online presence is essential for success, and choosing the right platform to host an e-commerce business is crucial.

Here is a list of some of the most popular e-commerce platforms that cater to different business needs, offering various features and functionalities to help businesses thrive online.

Shopify is one of the most widely used e-commerce platforms globally, known for its ease of use and versatility. It is ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Shopify provides a user-friendly interface, a variety of customizable templates, and an extensive app marketplace to enhance your store’s functionality. Key features include integrated payment processing, inventory management, SEO optimization, and multichannel selling through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.

• Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses, beginners
• Key features: Easy setup, built-in SEO, wide range of apps
• Pricing: Starts at $39 per month

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns any WordPress website into an e-commerce store. It is one of the most popular platforms due to its flexibility and customization options. Since WooCommerce operates within WordPress, users have access to a vast library of themes and plugins, allowing businesses to build a fully customized online store. WooCommerce is highly scalable and works well for businesses that want to manage their store content, blog, and products all in one place.

• Best for: Businesses with a WordPress website, those seeking high customization
• Key features: Free to use, highly customizable, open-source
• Pricing: Free (with optional paid extensions)

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a robust e-commerce platform designed to cater to businesses looking for scalability. It offers a range of features like mobile optimization, secure payment gateways, and tools for handling larger product catalogs. BigCommerce’s strong built-in SEO features help businesses rank higher on search engines, making it a great choice for brands looking to grow rapidly. It also supports selling on multiple channels, such as Amazon, eBay, and social media.

• Best for: Large-scale businesses or fast-growing startups
• Key features: Advanced SEO tools, scalability, multichannel selling

4. Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Magento , now part of Adobe Commerce, is a powerful and flexible open-source e-commerce platform that is popular among large enterprises. It offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to create unique and tailored shopping experiences. While Magento offers a free community version, the enterprise-level version is designed for companies with high traffic and complex needs. Its strong features include advanced analytics, high scalability, and the ability to handle large volumes of products and transactions.

• Best for: Large enterprises with technical expertise
• Key features: Highly customizable, scalable, powerful analytics
• Pricing: Free (community version) or enterprise pricing (based on needs)

5. Wix eCommerce

Wix eCommerce is an affordable and easy-to-use platform ideal for small businesses or beginners. Wix provides drag-and-drop website building tools, making it accessible even for those without technical knowledge. Its templates are visually appealing, and it includes basic e-commerce functionalities like payment processing, product galleries, and mobile optimization. Wix is great for businesses looking to create a simple and attractive store quickly.

• Best for: Small businesses, freelancers, or those seeking simplicity
• Key features: Drag-and-drop website builder, visually appealing templates, ease of use
• Pricing: Starts at $27 per month

6. Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its beautifully designed templates and is often used by creative professionals and businesses that value aesthetics. In addition to its strong visual appeal, Squarespace offers e-commerce functionality, allowing businesses to create an online store, sell products, manage inventory, and track orders. It’s a great platform for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those in design-centric industries.

• Best for: Creative professionals, small businesses
• Key features: Stunning design templates, all-in-one platform, built-in SEO
• Pricing: Starts at $33 per month for e-commerce plans

Etsy is a marketplace tailored to artisans, crafters, and sellers of handmade or vintage products. Unlike the other platforms, Etsy is not a website builder but an online marketplace that allows small businesses and individuals to sell their products on a global scale. It provides a simple way to reach a large audience, and its built-in search functionality helps sellers connect with potential customers quickly.

• Best for: Artisans, crafters, sellers of handmade or vintage items
• Key features: Built-in marketplace audience, low setup effort
• Pricing: Listing fees and transaction fees per sale

8. Weebly (by Square)

Weebly , now owned by Square, is a simple and affordable e-commerce platform that is ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need a basic online store. Its drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to design a store without any coding knowledge. Weebly also integrates seamlessly with Square for payment processing, which is perfect for businesses that also operate physical stores.

• Best for: Small businesses, freelancers, entrepreneurs
• Key features: Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder, seamless integration with Square
• Pricing: Starts at $12 per month for the basic e-commerce plan

Ecwid is a versatile e-commerce platform that allows businesses to add an online store to their existing website or social media pages. It is easy to integrate with platforms like WordPress, Wix, and social media channels, making it ideal for businesses that already have a website or a strong social media presence. Ecwid provides essential e-commerce tools like payment processing, inventory management, and multichannel selling at an affordable price.

• Best for: Businesses with existing websites or strong social media presence
• Key features: Easily integrates with existing websites, multichannel selling
• Pricing: Free for basic plan, with premium plans starting at $15 per month

10. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform that offers flexibility and scalability for businesses with technical expertise. It provides a robust platform for building highly customized stores. PrestaShop is ideal for businesses that want full control over their store’s design and functionality, though it requires more technical knowledge compared to other platforms. It offers a variety of modules and themes to suit various business needs.

• Best for: Tech-savvy businesses, medium to large companies
• Key features: Open-source, highly customizable, scalability
• Pricing: Free (with paid modules and themes)

Choosing the right e-commerce platform depends on your business needs, budget, and technical expertise. Whether you’re a small business looking for simplicity and affordability or a large enterprise in need of advanced customization and scalability, there is an e-commerce platform tailored for you. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento offer various features that can cater to different types of businesses, ensuring a seamless and successful online selling experience.

The Importance of a Website for an E-commerce Business

In this section, we will discuss the key reasons why a website is crucial for e-commerce businesses, focusing on accessibility, credibility, customer engagement, and business growth.

1. Global Accessibility and Convenience

The most significant advantage of an e-commerce website is the ability to reach customers globally, 24/7. Unlike a physical store that operates within certain hours and serves a limited geographical area, a website is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This increased accessibility allows businesses to expand their customer base beyond local boundaries and tap into international markets.

For customers, the convenience of shopping anytime, anywhere—whether from a smartphone, tablet, or computer—adds immense value to the shopping experience. They no longer need to visit physical stores or adhere to store hours, making shopping more efficient and enjoyable.

2. Building Credibility and Trust

In today’s market, consumers often expect businesses to have an online presence. A well-structured website is a powerful tool for building credibility. When customers visit a professional-looking website with clear product descriptions, pricing, and contact information, they are more likely to trust the business.

E-commerce websites that feature customer reviews, secure payment methods, and easy return policies further enhance this trust. In contrast, businesses without an online presence may be viewed as outdated or less reliable. Therefore, a website not only serves as a sales platform but also as a credibility booster for the brand.

3. Enhanced Customer Engagement

A website is more than just an online storefront; it is a platform for customer interaction. With features such as chatbots, customer reviews, and personalized product recommendations, businesses can engage with customers in real time and offer a personalized shopping experience.

Moreover, e-commerce websites provide valuable insights into customer behavior through data analytics, helping businesses tailor their offerings to meet customer preferences.

By creating a user-friendly interface and offering excellent customer service, businesses can foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing and Scalability

Traditional brick-and-mortar stores come with high operational costs, including rent, utilities, and staff wages. In contrast, an e-commerce website significantly reduces these expenses while providing an efficient and scalable platform for business growth.

Digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media advertising, and email campaigns are more cost-effective than traditional marketing methods.

A website also allows businesses to quickly update product listings, launch new items, and adjust pricing without the need for physical inventory changes.

As the business grows, the website can scale accordingly, handling higher traffic and a larger product catalog without the limitations of a physical store.

5. Increased Sales and Revenue Opportunities

An e-commerce website allows businesses to operate beyond local markets, which in turn increases sales potential. Customers can shop from different time zones, and with targeted marketing efforts, businesses can attract a wider audience. Furthermore, online stores provide opportunities for upselling and cross-selling through personalized product recommendations and promotions.

By offering a variety of payment methods and a streamlined checkout process, businesses can reduce cart abandonment rates and improve their conversion rates, ultimately boosting revenue.

6. Leveraging Data and Analytics

One of the most valuable aspects of an e-commerce website is the ability to collect and analyze customer data. Website analytics provide insights into customer demographics, shopping behavior, and purchasing trends. This data allows businesses to make informed decisions about inventory management, marketing strategies, and product development.

By understanding customer preferences, businesses can optimize their product offerings and enhance the overall shopping experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.

In conclusion, a website is indispensable for any e-commerce business in today’s digital economy. It offers global accessibility, builds credibility, enhances customer engagement, and provides cost-effective marketing opportunities. More importantly, it allows businesses to scale, increase sales, and leverage data to make strategic decisions. As more consumers continue to embrace online shopping, e-commerce businesses must invest in creating a robust, user-friendly, and secure website to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers. The future of retail is undoubtedly digital, and having a strong online presence is key to thriving in this new era.

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How to write a covering letter

A cover letter is a document that is sent alongside your CV, it should help to complement your CV, and provide additional details on your qualifications and previous experience.

A well-written cover letter is essential for the majority of job applications to accompany your CV. It gives you the chance to successfully sell your skills, knowledge and abilities to prospective employers. 

What should I include in my cover letter?

• first & last name
• street address
• phone number
• email address

Salutation: Dear Mr/ Mrs/ Ms & last name

Introduction: In the first paragraph, make the reader aware of why you’re writing this letter. This means in essence – let them know who you are, include the job you’re applying for.

2nd Paragraph: Highlight your relevant skills and experience (as listed on your CV). Summarise any other strengths or qualifications you might have.

3rd Paragraph: Touch on why you would like to work for the company, and let them know of any knowledge or passion you have for this sector.

Closing: This paragraph should round up your cover letter, begin by reiterating your key skills and how they match the job role, then move on to thanking the employer for their time to read and mention that you look forward to hearing back from them. 

An example of covering letter

(Your name) (Address) (Hiring manager’s name) (Hiring manager’s company name) (Company address)

[Today’s date]

Dear Mr/ Mrs/ Miss/ Ms (hiring manager’s name – if not known, simply Sir/Madam)

I wish to apply for the role of [job title]. Please find enclosed my CV for your consideration.

As you can see from my attached CV, I have recently completed my (most recent qualification – e.g. GCSE’s, A-levels) , and am expected to earn a (projected grades) in (relevant subjects) , which I believe I can put to practical use in this role.

This position particularly interests me because of my passion for (subject) . During my studies, I researched topics such as (topics or modules relevant to the position) , which helped build my knowledge around the subject.

I see the role of (job title) as the perfect position for me to make the most of my passion and enthusiasm, and also build the foundations for a successful career in the (industry) . Despite my limited work experience, I believe my eagerness to learn, coupled with my (relevant skills) will help (company name) build upon their reputation as (state their position in market – learned through your research) .

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further.

Yours sincerely/ yours faithfully (use sincere if you have used the hiring manager’s name, if not known, use faithfully) .

(Your name) [Contact phone number) (Signature - if desired)

Please be aware of active employment scams on LinkedIn and via email. 24 Seven will never ask you to send money or any monetary funds, and will only communicate only through a “24seveninc.com” email address. If you receive an email, please triple check the domain or origin.

How to Write an Eye-Catching Cover Letter

Whether you’re actively applying for jobs or gathering all the required materials to  begin your search , you’ve likely begun to think about how to write a cover letter that will help you stand out among the rest. Writing a cover letter can feel tricky and time consuming, and while you can browse pages worth of cover letter examples, you’ll want to create a piece unique to you, because after all, it’s one of the most important steps of the job application process. We’re sharing four key pointers to ensure you are ready to write your next cover letter like a seasoned pro.

The Cover Letter Introduction

Hiring managers and recruiters alike are busy individuals, so ensuring that your introduction paragraph is both engaging and unique in its approach to introduce you, the applicant, is key. While you do want to engage the reader, you should use this first paragraph as a way to introduce yourself while including a few key sentences that cover your interest in the company, the position, and the value you could add as a potential new hire. This is not the time to detail out why you’re leaving your current role,  skills you’re looking to learn , or why you are the only candidate for the job.

A Strong Cover Letter Example Introduction Might Sound Like This:

As an active follower of 24 Seven (example company) and its presence in the staffing and recruiting industry (example industry), I was ecstatic to see the open role for an Account Manager. After spending the last two years developing and perfecting my own unique recruiting approach for (current company) through advanced outreach and pipelining, I would love the opportunity to source and hire stellar talent for 24 Seven.

A Weak Cover Letter Example Introduction Might Sound Like This:

My name is Mary and I’m a great Account Manager. I saw this job posted on Glassdoor and because of my background in recruiting and talent management, I thought I would be a strong fit. I’m currently looking for a new role, as I was recently laid off. With my skills and the skills I look to build, I know I would be the ideal candidate for this role!

The Ideal Candidate

Now that you’ve taken the opportunity to state your interest in the company and position within, it’s time to share why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Since you’ve briefly detailed your value-add in the introductory paragraph, now is the perfect time to expand on your past experience and how it directly aligns with the role you’re  applying for . While your resume acts as an outline, this paragraph will allow you to go more in-depth about your specific responsibilities and experiences in prior roles.

Cover Letter Example Points To Include:

• How did you manage the responsibilities you had effectively?
• How did you gain and build upon your skillset?
• How did you help grow initiatives within the company?
• What are some major projects you worked on and how did the final product turn out?

The Dream Company

Once you’ve expanded on why you are the perfect candidate for the role, now is the time to share why the company is the right fit for you as an applicant. This shouldn’t be a paragraph detailing out how much you love the company, but rather what attracts you to them as an organization and a potential employer. How does the company’s  mission and vision  directly align with where you see yourself as an applicant now and as you move forward in your career?

• Stances the company has taken on social issues and how you relate to them
• An industry focus that directly aligns with your passions and interests
• Steps the company has taken as they have grown/expanded that you have taken note of
• A strong company culture presented through social media and the company’s website and how it matches your work style

The Sign-Off

You have now successfully covered all the bases that come with writing a strong cover letter, but you’re not done just yet. For this final paragraph, you’ll want to briefly summarize the points you’ve made throughout while sharing once again why you are the best fit for the role. This is your last pitch, so make sure your tone is both professional and to the point while including all important parting details. Lastly, be sure to extend thanks for the time spent reading your cover letter – a simple thank you can go a long way!

Are you ready to begin writing your next cover letter? Give it a shot! Using the steps above and the cover letter examples provided, you should be ready to catch the eye of hiring managers and land your next job. Looking for more career advice? Click  here !

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