Okay, let’s be real for a second. Writing a CV letter (aka cover letter, motivation letter, job-application love letter—you get the vibe) can feel like staring at a blank Word doc for three hours while procrastinating with TikTok videos. And yet, everyone says it’s “essential” if you want to land a job. Like, cool, thanks for the pressure.
But here’s the truth: a CV letter doesn’t have to be scary or super formal like you’re applying to be a knight in medieval Europe. It’s basically your chance to say, “Hey, here’s who I am, here’s why I vibe with your company, and here’s what I bring to the table.” Think of it as an ellevator pitch with a bit more personality.
And because I know you don’t want to drown in boring HR talk, I’m gonna break it down for you in a way that feels more like advice from a friend (because, honestly, that’s what this is). So grab your iced coffee or whatever fuels your brain, and let’s dive into how to write a CV letter without losing your sanity.
Why a CV Letter Even Matters (Yes, You Still Need One)
First, let’s answer the question we all secretly ask: Do people even read cover letters anymore?
Short answer: yeah, they do. Not always, but often enough that skipping it can cost you the gig.
Think of it like this: your resume shows what you’ve done, but your CV letter shows who you are. Hiring managers aren’t just looking for a robot who can code or design or market stuff. They want someone who’ll fit into the team, not someone who makes every Monday feel like a bad group project in college.
Your CV letter is basically where you show that you’re a human (with actual personality, not just bullet points). And if you play it right, it makes you memorable.
Breaking Down the CV Letter: Introduction, Body, Closing
Let’s simplify this so it doesn’t feel like rocket science. A good CV letter has three main parts:
- Introduction – where you say hello, drop the job you’re applying for, and hook their attention.
- Body – the juicy middle where you connect your skills and experiences to what they need.
- Closing – the sign-off where you wrap it all up nicely and leave them with good vibes.
Sounds familiar? It’s literally the same structure as writing a decent essay back in school. Except this time, you’re not trying to convince your English teacher that Hamlet has daddy issues (which he does, but anyway).
The Introduction: Make Them Actually Want to Keep Reading
Here’s the thing: hiring managers are busy. They’re skimming through like 100 applications, probably half-asleep with a coffee that’s already gone cold. So your intro needs to make them stop scrolling.
Instead of opening with the world’s most boring line—“I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Assistant at XYZ Company”—try something a little more alive.
For example:
- “When I saw the Marketing Assistant role at XYZ, I instantly thought, yep, that’s me. Your brand’s approach to storytelling feels like something I’ve been practicing since I started running social campaigns in college.”
- Or keep it casual-professional: “I’m excited to apply for XYZ’s Marketing Assistant role because I love the way your campaigns blend creativity and strategy—something I nerd out about on the daily.”
See the difference? It’s still professional but not robotic. The key is to show enthusiasm without sounding like you copied from a template.
The Body: Show, Don’t Just Tell
The body is the heart of your CV letter (yep, the Spotify premium section where the real magic happens). This is where you connect your experiences to the job description.
A good trick here is to think of it as answering: Why should they pick you over the 50 other people applying?
Some tips:
- Mirror their language. If the job posting says they need someone who’s “detail-oriented and creative,” show how you’re both those things with specific examples.
- Pick 2–3 highlights. Don’t try to cram your entire resume here. Instead, choose a couple experiences that really match what they want.
- Use mini-stories. Instead of saying “I’m good at teamwork,” drop a quick example: “In my last role, I worked with a cross-functional team to launch a campaign that boosted engagement by 30%.” Numbers = gold.
And ngl, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine. If you’re applying to a startup or a company with a casual vibe, sprinkle in a line that shows you’re fun to work with.
Sample CV Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Introduction
I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The role instantly caught my eye because it blends [specific skill or passion you have] with [something unique about the company], and I knew it was a perfect fit.
Body
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [specific achievement or responsibility—add numbers if possible]. For example, I [brief story of how you solved a problem or made an impact]. Beyond that, I’ve built strong skills in [list 2–3 relevant skills] that match what you’re looking for.
What really excites me about this opportunity is [something unique about the company or team—could be culture, mission, or projects]. I believe my experience in [your field/skill] and my passion for [related passion] would make me a strong addition to your team.
Closing
I’d love the chance to bring my skills and energy to [Company Name] and contribute to [specific project, mission, or goal]. Thank you so much for considering my application. I’d be thrilled to chat more about how I can add value to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
The Closing: Wrap It Up With Confidence
Ah yes, the final goodbye. Or in this case, the moment you tell them you’re actually excited to talk more.
A weak closing:
“Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.”
A better closing:
“I’d love the chance to bring my skills in digital marketing to XYZ’s team, and I’d be excited to chat about how I can contribute to your upcoming projects. Thanks so much for your time—I look forward to hearing from you.”
It’s like texting after a good first date. You don’t just say “k bye.” You send a message that makes them want to actually reply.
Common Mistakes People Make (Don’t Be That Person)
- Copy-paste letters. Recruiters can smell this a mile away. If you’re applying to multiple jobs, tweak each one. (Yeah, it’s extra work, but it matters.)
- Being too formal. Unless you’re applying to a law firm or something ultra-traditional, you don’t need to write like you’re sending a letter to the Queen.
- Rehashing your resume. Your CV letter is not just “resume part two.” Add value by giving context and personality.
- Making it too long. Keep it to one page max. Nobody’s reading a five-paragraph novel about your babysitting days in high school.
Quick Format & Style Tips
- Stick to one page. Seriously.
- Use a clean font (no Comic Sans, please).
- Break it into clear paragraphs (intro, body, closing—see what I did there?).
- Address it to a real person if you can find their name. If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” works fine.
A Little Pep Talk
Here’s the thing: writing a CV letter can feel intimidating because it feels like your entire career is riding on one page. But honestly, it’s just about showing a little piece of yourself.
You don’t have to sound perfect. You don’t have to use all the “right” corporate buzzwords. You just need to show that you’re capable, interested, and someone they’d actually want on the team.
And hey, even if your first few CV letters don’t land you the job, it’s practice. The more you write, the more natural it feels. Eventually, you’ll nail that mix of professional + authentic that makes employers go, “Okay, we need this person.”
Final Takeaway
At the end of the day, a CV letter is just about telling your story in a way that connects with the role you want. Keep the introduction, body, and closing structure in mind, make it personal, keep it concise, and let your personality peek through.
So next time you’re staring at that blank Word doc, remember: you got this. Write the letter, hit send, and trust that the right opporttunity will find its way.
And if you’re still overthinking? Just start typing—even if your first draft is messy. That’s what editing (and coffee) is for.
Go get that job, my friend. You’re more ready than you think. 🚀
