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Many job seekers underestimate the power of a cover letter. Some skip it entirely. Others copy and paste the same generic paragraph into every application. But when used correctly, a cover letter can be the deciding factor between getting ignored and getting shortlisted.
Employers don’t ask for cover letters to waste time. They ask for them to answer one key question:
Why should we interview you specifically?
In a competitive job market, your CV shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter explains why it matters. This guide breaks down why companies still ask for cover letters, what hiring managers actually want to see, and how to write a cover letter that gets you hired—plus a customizable template you can use right away.
Despite automation and fast hiring cycles, many employers still request cover letters because they reveal things a CV cannot.
Companies use cover letters to assess:
Motivation for the role
Understanding of the position
Communication skills
Attention to detail
Cultural fit
Genuine interest (not mass applying)
A CV can be impressive but impersonal. A cover letter adds context, intent, and personality—without being unprofessional.
Recruiters don’t expect long essays. Most spend less than a minute scanning a cover letter.
They want quick answers to three questions:
Why this role?
Why you?
Why now?
If your cover letter answers these clearly, it’s doing its job.
Generic opening lines are a red flag.
Avoid:
“I am writing to apply for the position advertised.”
Instead, reference the role and why it fits your background.
Hiring managers want to see alignment—not effort.
Your cover letter should support your CV, not repeat it.
Highlight:
One or two relevant achievements
Skills that match the job description
Results you delivered
Choose quality over quantity.
Strong cover letters shift the focus from what you want to what you offer.
Instead of:
“I am looking for an opportunity to grow.”
Say:
“I bring experience in improving processes, supporting teams, and delivering consistent results.”
This subtle shift makes a big difference.
A cover letter should sound human, not robotic.
Be:
Clear
Confident
Professional
Direct
Avoid overly formal or emotional language.
Your closing should show readiness—not desperation.
End with confidence, not apology.
Avoid these errors:
Copy-pasting the same letter everywhere
Making it too long
Talking only about yourself
Repeating your CV word for word
Using vague claims without examples
Forgetting to tailor it to the role
A weak cover letter can hurt a strong CV.
To stand out:
Keep it under one page
Customize it for each role
Mirror keywords from the job description
Focus on impact, not duties
Proofread carefully
Most candidates don’t do this. That’s your advantage.
Use the template below and adapt it for each role.
Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] because it closely aligns with my experience in [key skill or area] and my interest in contributing to a team focused on [relevant goal or responsibility]. Over the past [X] years, I have developed a strong track record of delivering results in roles that require [core competency], [tool or skill], and [another relevant skill].
In my current/previous role as [Your Job Title] at [Your Company], I have successfully [key achievement or responsibility]. I contributed to [specific result or improvement], and worked closely with [teams, stakeholders, or departments] to support [business outcome]. This experience has strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, take ownership of my work, and deliver high-quality results under pressure.
What particularly interests me about [Company Name] is [specific reason related to the company, role, or industry]. Your focus on [product, mission, or initiative] aligns with my professional values and the way I approach my work. I am motivated by environments that value [relevant trait such as impact, collaboration, or innovation], and I am confident I would be a strong fit for your team.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to your organization’s goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Bayt.com makes it easier to attach tailored cover letters to your applications, helping you stand out to employers who value thoughtful candidates.
When combined with:
A complete Bayt.com profile
A clear CV
Relevant skills and achievements
…a strong cover letter significantly increases your chances of getting shortlisted.
Yes. Especially for competitive roles and professional positions.
Yes. It shows initiative and seriousness.
Three to four short paragraphs are ideal.
Yes. By highlighting motivation, transferable skills, and potential.
Absolutely. Customization is what makes it effective.
The cover letter that gets you hired is not complicated; it’s intentional. It shows alignment, confidence, and value. Most job seekers ignore this step or do it poorly. That’s why a well-written cover letter still works.
If you want to stand out in your next application, combine a strong CV with a tailored cover letter and a complete profile on Bayt.com. It’s a simple step that can change your entire job search.