Writing a Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read
CV & Application Specialist - Certified CV writer and recruitment consultant. Has reviewed 5,000+ CVs for African job seekers.
Let us be honest: most cover letters are terrible. They are generic, repetitive ("I am writing to express my interest in..."), and add nothing that the CV does not already say. Hiring managers in Africa and globally report that they skip most cover letters within 10 seconds.
But here is the paradox: when a cover letter is good, it can be the difference between getting an interview and getting ignored. A great cover letter tells a story that your CV cannot.
When Do You Need a Cover Letter?
- •Always include one if the job posting asks for it
- •Include one for competitive roles where you want to stand out
- •Optional for tech roles or when applying through platforms that do not support it
- •Skip it if the application specifically says "no cover letter needed"
The Perfect Cover Letter Structure
Opening (2-3 sentences) Hook the reader immediately. State the role, how you found it, and one compelling reason you are the right fit.
Bad: "I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at your esteemed organisation." Good: "After growing Jumia's organic traffic by 120% in 12 months, I am looking for my next challenge - and the Marketing Manager role at your company is exactly that."
Body Paragraph 1: Your Best Achievement Share one specific, quantified achievement that directly relates to the role. Use the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result.
Body Paragraph 2: Why This Company Show you have researched the company. Reference their recent projects, values, or challenges and explain how you can contribute.
Body Paragraph 3: Cultural Fit Briefly explain why you are drawn to their mission or culture. This is where personality shines through.
Closing (2-3 sentences) Thank them, express enthusiasm, and include a clear call to action.
Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with "I am writing to..." - everyone starts this way, be different
- Repeating your CV - the cover letter should complement, not duplicate
- Being too long - 250-400 words maximum
- Not mentioning the company name - shows you are mass-applying
- Using a generic template - personalisation is everything
- Typos and errors - proofread multiple times
How JobLadda Helps
Writing personalised cover letters for every application is time-consuming. JobLadda's AI Cover Letter Generator analyses the job description and your experience to create a tailored, professional cover letter in minutes.
Pair it with an ATS-optimised CV from our AI CV Maker for the strongest possible application. Browse CV examples for inspiration.
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