How to create the perfect cover letter

How to create the perfect cover letter

A decent cover letter can make all the difference when trying to get noticed by would-be employers. Here’s our guide to getting it right

By Sophie Cole

It’s tricky to get yourself noticed when hunting for a job, but an expertly crafted cover letter can make all the difference. It helps you stand out from the crowd, meaning your CV gets a thorough reading and you end up ahead of the pack.

Go in too strong and you’ll seem desperate or immodest. Play your achievements down, however, and you’ll not achieve the cut-through you seek.”  

But what exactly is the mysterious cover letter? And how do you write one that secures your dream job?

A cover letter is a one-page document in which you explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. It highlights your specific skills, achievements or experience and persuades the person reading to give your CV careful consideration.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But it can be tricky to get your cover letter right. Go in too strong and you’ll seem desperate or immodest. Play your achievements down, however, and you’ll not achieve the cut-through you seek.

Fortunately, Just Recruitment’s consultants have decades of experience to draw on. They’ve waded their way through a lot of cover letters in their time. So we asked them for tips on how to get your cover letter just right. Here’s what they had to say.

Make it personal. “Always address the letter to someone, rather than just the company,” says Bridie James from the Witham office. “Doing so shows that you’ve taken time to find out more about your prospective employer. It’s an indication that you really care about the role.”

How to create the perfect cover letterShow a bit of personality. “Despite what you were taught at school, you don’t need to be formal throughout,” says Kelly Lewis from the Sudbury office. “Well-judged humour or spark can help you stand out, showing something of your character. Don’t go overboard, and certainly don’t risk any smutty jokes. But raise the odd smile and you stand a much better chance of escaping the rejects pile.”

Keep it simple. “You should keep your cover letter to the point,” says Jody Collings from the Witham branch. “Cover letters should never be more than one page and shouldn’t just repeat the information that’s on your CV. Include an introductory paragraph to grab the recruiter’s attention, two or three bullet points highlighting your most notable achievements and a closing paragraph stating clearly why you’re interested in the job. That’ll be just enough to pique the reader’s interest, without bombarding them with unnecessary information.”

Think about the role. “Tailor your cover letter for each application, highlighting skills that are especially relevant to that role,” says Bridie James. “You should also include a specific mention of why you want to work for that company in particular, perhaps by referencing awards it has won or notable achievements from the last few years. Make it seem as though you’re interested in the company for an ideological reason, rather than just your monthly paycheque. That way, you’ll give the recruiter a reason to follow up on your application.”

Show don’t tell. “The cover letter is your Dragon’s Den moment, so provide evidence or examples of your achievements to turn the recruiter’s head,” says Jody Collings. “No one trusts abstract assertions of another person’s quality. But they will be persuaded by hard facts.”

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
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Published: 24 April 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

Design Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC26
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Design Technician to produce, check and process technical drawings for a company based in Ipswich, Suffolk, as part of its wider technical department.

Ideally, you will have a construction or architectural background, strong CAD skills, and excellent overall computer literacy.

Duties include:

  • Produce, check and process incoming design drawing requests, technical documentation and technical calculations.
  • Liaise with clients and Area Technical Managers.
  • Deal with telephone and email enquiries.
  • Keep up to date with Part L and Thermal Calculations.
  • Keep up to date with industry Codes of Practice and Building Regulations.

Essential key experience & skills required are:

  • Basic level CAD experience.
  • Ability to read and understand architectural drawings.
  • Advanced level of grammar and spelling.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Includes an end-of-year bonus and an excellent benefits package.
Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period, with a minimum of three days in the office and up to two days working from home.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913735
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with an expanding manufacturing company on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a dedicated and reliable Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the business with the movement of raw materials and finished products as required.

In order to be considered for this role, you must possess a valid counterbalance forklift licence.

Key duties include:

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  • Carrying out dispatch duties, including consolidating finished goods for daily loads.
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  • Replenishing stock throughout the day and assisting with stock checks.

Role requirements include:

  • Counterbalance forklift driving licence and experience in driving forklift trucks.
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  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and the confidence to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety.
  • Computer literate - able to input data into the systems and maintain accurate records.
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This role operates on a three-week rotating shift pattern, Monday to Friday:

  • Weeks 1 & 2: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Week 3: 4:30pm – 1:30am

This role offers a competitive basic salary, shift allowance, and benefits package — an excellent opportunity to join a growing business.

Free parking is available on-site, and due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB17
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Design Engineer to join a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

Due to expansion and an increased order book, an experienced Design Engineer is required to join the design team. The Design Engineer will work with other Design Engineers, Project Managers, and other internal company personnel to create final design solutions working to detailed project and technical specifications and sales layout drawings, in line with the project and production plan. They shall also provide design and technical support to the sales team for the production of functional design specifications for inclusion within sales documentation and presentations.
Previous project management experience would be advantageous as the role will sometimes require taking projects from initial concept, through design and manufacturing, and project managing the installation. This will involve liaising with external suppliers, sub-contractors and customers where required.

Key responsibilities include:

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  • Creation of bills of materials.
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Experience/skills requirements include:

  • A skilled and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer using AutoCAD & Inventor/Vault/Solidworks.
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  • Experience with working to standards and certifications.
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  • HNC Mechanical Engineering qualified or equivalent qualification minimum.
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Customer Services Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB14
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Customer Services Executive for a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

As a Customer Services Executive, you will play a key role within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to both new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You will answer customer questions, solve problems, and provide information about the company’s products and services — all while building strong relationships and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

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Role requirements include:

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Skills and qualifications to include:

  • A highly capable person with strong planning and scheduling skills
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  • Must be reliable, tolerant, and be able to work under pressure. The ability to be professional at all times and represent the company in a professional manner is a prerequisite
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more