The four-paragraph structure
- Opening: the role you are applying for and a one-line reason you are a strong fit.
- Evidence: two or three achievements that match the job's main requirements.
- Why them: something specific about the company — its product, customers, values or recent news.
- Close: availability, enthusiasm for an interview, and a polite sign-off.
Short example opening
“I'm applying for the Junior Marketing Executive role at Brightline. In my internship at a D2C skincare brand I ran Instagram campaigns that grew our following from 4,000 to 19,000 in six months, and I'd like to bring that hands-on campaign experience to your growing social team.”
Rules of thumb
- Address a named person if you can find one; otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager”.
- Do not repeat your CV — pick the best evidence and explain it.
- Around 250–400 words.
- Change at least the opening and “why them” paragraph for every job.