write a cover letter

Meaning

To write a cover letter means to draft a one-page document sent alongside your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the hiring manager, explains why you are interested in the role, and highlights your relevant skills. It is an essential part of the job application process in professional settings.

Examples

• Before you apply for the job, make sure to write a cover letter that highlights your achievements.

  Before you apply for the job, make sure to write a cover letter that highlights your achievements.

• I spent all evening trying to write a cover letter for the marketing position.

  I spent all evening trying to write a cover letter for the marketing position.

• The job description says it is optional, but it's always a good idea to write a cover letter.

  The job description says it is optional, but it's always a good idea to write a cover letter.

• Could you help me write a cover letter for this internship?

  Could you help me write a cover letter for this internship?

• She had to write a cover letter for each of the five companies she applied to.

  She had to write a cover letter for each of the five companies she applied to.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a cover letter for my job application.

  ✓ I need to write a cover letter for my job application.

  In English, we use the verb 'write' (or 'draft'), not 'make', when referring to creating professional text documents like letters or resumes.

• ✗ The employer asked me to write a cover page with my resume.

  ✓ The employer asked me to write a cover letter with my resume.

  A 'cover page' is the front page of a report or document. A 'cover letter' is the specific introductory letter you send to a potential employer.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to stand out to the hiring manager, you should ___ for every job you apply to.

  💡 The action of creating an introductory document to accompany your CV.

  Show answer

  write a cover letter

• It takes time to ___ that perfectly matches the job description.

  💡 Creating a personalized professional letter for an application.

  Show answer

  write a cover letter