cover letter job application uk

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• Careers advice

How to write a cover letter

There is a problem.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

• why you're writing the letter
• why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
• relevant skills and experience
• summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

• Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
• Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

• Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
• Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
• Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
• Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
• Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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11 Cover letter templates with examples

Not sure what type of cover letter is going to catch the eye of hiring managers, so they actually read your CV?

A well-written cover letter can be a game-changer in your job search, so long as you think carefully about what you include.

No need to panic, though.

For an easy win, use one of our 11 impressive cover letter templates, along with inspirational examples and a step-by-step writing guide.

CV templates 

Basic cover letter template

Dear [Recruiter’s name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Employer’s name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

[Name] [Phone number] [Email]

Basic cover letter example

Short cover letter template

Hi [Recruiter name],

I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.

Short cover letter example

Build your CV now 

Admin cover letter template

Good morning [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.

I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.

Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].

With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.

Kind regards, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Admin cover letter example

Finance cover letter template

I am excited to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.

With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].

Finance cover letter example

Sales cover letter template

I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.

Sales cover letter example

Customer service cover letter template

I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].

In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].

My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].

I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.

Customer service cover letter example

Project management cover letter template

I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title] . My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.

Project management cover letter example

Education cover letter template

I hope you’re well.

I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Education cover letter example

Internal promotion cover letter template

Hey [Recruiter name],

I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role], within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.

All the best, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Internal promotion cover letter example

Student cover letter template

Good morning [Recruiter name],

I would like to submit my application for the [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.

As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.

Student cover letter example

No experience cover letter template

I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].

In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

No experience cover letter example

How to write a cover letter

Here are five steps on how to write a cover letter to ensure you get hiring managers in the UK and beyond to look at your CV .

Include your cover letter within the email or message

When submitting your job application, always include your cover letter within the body of your email or message. Never attached it as a separate document.

“But why?”, you ask.

Well, you should instantly grab the recruiter’s attention the moment they look at your application. If they have to endure the hassle of opening a document, it slows everything down, and they may not even bother.

Here’s how to include your cover letter in the body of your application message:

Tailor your greeting by directly addressing the recruiter

To get your cover letter off to a great start, make a brilliant first impression by using the hiring manager or recruiter’s name.

Avoid sounding overly formal or informal, though.

For instance, you could address the recruiter using:

• Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Skip the conventional “Dear Sir or Madam” unless you’re targeting highly formal companies.

Here are a few tips on how to locate the recruiter’s name:

• Check the job ad – Sometimes, you can find their name and email address within the job advert itself.
• Visit the company website – Look at the “About Us” section to unearth the contact info for the recruitment team or head of department.
• Use LinkedIn – If you’re having a hard time pinning down the specific team and company related to the job opening, a quick search can reveal the person in charge of hiring for that specific job.

If you have no success in finding their name, don’t stress. Just say “Hi” – that’ll more than do the trick. Aim for a greeting that is both professional and welcoming.

Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter if you have trouble finding their name:

Be personable and professional

Your cover letter should be a blend of personality and professionalism .

Coming across as too casual can make you sound a little unprofessional while appearing excessively formal can make you look stiff.

Go for a professional, friendly tone.

Begin with something such as, “I hope you’re well” to bring a personal touch.

Pinpoint your applicable skills

Your cover letter’s purpose? To entice hiring managers to read your CV . To do this, quickly allude to your relevant skills tailored to the job you’re interested in.

Review the job description and note the essential qualifications and skills the recruiter wants.

Concentrate on these skills in your cover letter and tell them why you’re perfect for the role.

This gives recruiters the confidence they need to consider you for the job.

For instance, you could say:

• Finance – “My strategic planning skills allowed me to identify key growth opportunities and revenue drivers, ultimately leading to the impressive revenue increase of over £100 million.”
• Marine engineer – “I excel in the development and implementation of predictive maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and longevity. I implemented a predictive maintenance programme that reduced downtime of critical equipment by 25%, as well as saved £120K+ annually through purchasing supplies from suitable industry vendors.”
• Medical writer – “My capacity to translate complex medical information into clear and accessible content for various audiences is a core skill that has empowered me to produce 15 high-quality educational materials. Moreover, my strong research proficiency was instrumental in increasing audience comprehension and patient satisfaction scores by 30% and 15% respectively.”

Conclude and add a professional signature

Your sign-off must be warm. So, say something like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” Just be yourself while staying polite.

To add a nice finishing touch to your cover letter , add a professional signature at the very bottom.

Doing so helps the person on the other end know how to reach you and gives your cover letter a professional touch.

Here’s what you need to include in your professional sign-off:

• Your full name – Add your first and last name, like “Jessica Smith”. It’s just there so recruiters know who you are.
• Your phone number – Preferably, put your mobile number in here so recruiters can quickly get hold of you.
• Your email address – This must be a professional email address, like [email protected]. Don’t include an overly casual email – remember, this is a job application.

If you like, you could also include a couple of extra details:

• Your job title – For example, “Administrator” or “Delivery Driver.”
• A link to your LinkedIn – If you use LinkedIn, insert a link to your profile – this is like your professional social media.

Cover letter examples

Browse a wide range of UK templates and good cover letter examples suitable for recent graduates, experienced professionals, and everyone in between. Our easy-to-use cover letter tool allows you to quickly generate a cover letter for your desired position or customise one of our examples to showcase your unique skills and expertise.

California cover letter template

Account Manager

Auckland cover letter template

Harvard cover letter template

Administrator

Oxford cover letter template

Michigan cover letter example

Columbia cover letter template

Edinburgh cover letter template

Business Analyst

Yale cover letter template

Care Assistant

Otago cover letter template

Career change

Civil Engineer

Computer Science

Customer service

Cornell cover letter template

Data Analyst

Michigan cover letter template

Data Scientist

Wheaton cover letter template

Stanford cover letter template

Graphic Designer

Erasmus cover letter template

Hospitality

Cambridge cover letter template

Human Resources

Princeton cover letter template

Investment Banking

Wisconsin cover letter template

Letter of Interest

Berkley cover letter template

Police Officer

Peking cover letter template

Product Manager

Project Manager

Recruitment

Short Cover Letter

Berkeley cover letter template

Receptionist

Simple Cover Letter

Supermarket

Support Worker

Teaching Assistant

Waiter or Waitress

Work Placement

Ready to write your cover letter but need help with where to start? We provide all the guidance and inspiration you need below, alongside our professional cover letter templates . We understand that crafting this vital document to accompany your CV can be daunting; therefore, we created this page to help you navigate through the fierce UK market.

Common letter types include the following:

Application letter

Motivation letter

Short cover letter

Letter of interest .

In this article, we delve deeper into each format, share the key differences between an application letter and a motivation letter and offering optimal writing strategies. Furthermore, we've prepared the best cover letter samples for various specific jobs and included an example of a concise motivation letter to inspire your own writing. Whether you are a student , graduate or seasoned professional, we've got you covered.

Kickstart your career by crafting your cover letter today

Create your first cover letter and impress employers with a professional cover letter template .

What is a cold cover letter?

Do you aspire to work for a specific company but have noticed a lack of appealing vacancies on their career page? One effective approach is a letter of interest, also known as a cold cover letter, which expresses your desire to work for them. Below, we demonstrate how to do this effectively. In all of these situations, there are fundamental considerations when composing your letter, such as:

What types of information should a good motivation letter contain?

What should an excellent cover letter example include?

How should you structure an application letter?

What is the best way to end a cover letter ?

How do i write a cover letter with little to no experience ?

Explore the biggest industries in the UK or highest paying jobs to help you choose your ideal career path.

Motivation letter vs. application letter

Whatever your situation, it's helpful to know that the motivation and application letters both serve the same purpose: to land an interview. Below are the main differences between an application letter and a motivation letter.

What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter should explain why you think you are the right person for the job or want to work at the company. In a motivation letter, you're trying to convince the reader why they should hire you.

What is an application letter?

An application letter asks an employer to review your CV and consider you for a specific role. A motivation letter has the same function, but the application letter allows you to go into more detail about the contents of your CV. However, it doesn't explain your motivation or why you would like to apply for a particular role.

An example of where it would be more appropriate to write an application letter is when you're looking for an internship or work placement. You’d want to gain work experience, boost your CV, or earn academic credit. So it's essential that your cover note convincingly emphasises your skills and conveys that you wish to develop them further.

The difference between a motivation letter and an application letter

The main difference is the intention behind writing it. A motivation letter emphasises why you're applying for the job, whereas an application letter explains what you have to offer. A motivation letter is often an application letter, but an application letter isn't necessarily a motivation letter, so people often write something that combines elements of both. This strategy is a great choice, too, because it allows you to give your letter more substance.

Explore our collection of CV examples to find your match! From a simple CV template to modern CV examples to get you noticed.

How do you write a motivation letter? 

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for writing a motivation letter. However, a good motivation letter should be unique and personal to stand out. Experts at CVMaker advise writing an individual letter for each job application and tailoring it to the company and type of jobs you are targeting. When creating your letter, consider the following tips:

Always research the company you're applying to by gathering as much information as possible. Use relevant information from your search in your motivation letter. It shows that you went above and beyond to customise your letter.

If you mention your achievements or results, try to support them with evidence and facts. Saying you have achieved good results without providing the details and context fails to demonstrate your true value.

Avoid buzzwords if you need clarification on what they mean. Use everyday language, but ensure it's professional, well-written, and grammatically correct. Choose the best font for a cover letter with your helpful guide!

Refrain from mentioning your areas of weakness. It's good to be aware of these but refrain from drawing attention to them. 

Highlight your good qualities, but try not to appear smug. Draw attention to your skills in a modest way.

Don't go into too much detail. Hold back some pleasant surprises that you can reveal in your job interview. Think of this extra information as a trump card you can play when you meet in person or on a video call.

Stand out by explaining, as uniquely as possible, why the new position would be a challenge or why something is your passion. 

It's best to keep the length to one side of an A4 letter (8.5x11). Sometimes, a short cover letter will make a more significant impression than a long, wordy one.

What to do when sending your letter?

These days, most correspondence is sent digitally, for example, via e-mail. It is important to remember that the person who receives your job application might be one of many who review your cover letter and CV. For that reason, consider addressing it to whom it may concern. Always ensure both documents are neatly formatted and easy to read when they're printed out or sent digitally. Always send a short message with the attachments, explaining the role you are applying for or the reason for the mail with an overview of the attachments you included. Read more about how to send a CV via email .

What to write if you've already spoken to someone at the company? 

It’s always helpful to add background information and context regarding your application to ensure everything is in order. See the examples below.

I spoke briefly with [ contact name] yesterday about the position of [ job title]. Further to our conversation, please find attached my CV and cover letter. I look forward to your response.

What to write if you've not yet spoken to a contact? 

Please find attached my CV and cover letter expressing my interest in the position of [ job title].   I look forward to your response.

4 tips to prevent errors on a cover letter

1. always check your spelling.

Make sure your letter has no spelling or grammar mistakes. Go over the text with automated spelling and grammar-checking software or a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If possible, have someone else read it over for you as well. It would be a shame if your application were rejected because of avoidable errors. Read more about how to write a good cover letter .

2. Follow a clear structure

Now you know the types of cover letters and when to use each, what next? The goal remains the same whether you send a letter of interest, a motivation letter or an application letter. That goal is to be invited for an interview, eventually getting you the desired position. All types have more or less the same structure, but the difference lies in the content. Discover the ideal length for your cover letter .

3. Have a strong introduction

When thinking of how to start your cover letter, remember that a good opening will always make a lasting impression regardless of the type of letter you write. Try to think of something more memorable than a standard “In response to the job posting on LinkedIn” introduction. For example, you could name a specific detail about the company that caught your attention or introduce yourself professionally and distinctively. Take a look at our sample letters for some good cover letter examples. Follow these tips to start your cover letter with a compelling introduction.

4. Content is key 

The middle section of your letter depends on which type of cover note you've chosen to write. If you are looking for a sample cover letter, explore our customisable cover letter examples to get you started.

Option 1: Application letter

A good application letter will detail your work experience, skills, and knowledge. It should also highlight your achievements and give brief details about them. You can think of this as a way of providing deeper insight into the content of your CV. Your letter should explain how your skills and knowledge will benefit your potential new employer.

Option 2: Motivation letter

If you've chosen to write a motivation letter, the middle section should convince the reader why you're the best person for the job. Still, more importantly, it should explain why you want to work at that specific company or organisation. An original motivation letter that answers the why question clearly will make a good impression. You'll find an example of a motivation letter later in this article.

Option 3: Letter of interest

If you're making an unsolicited job application to an employer with no specific job vacancy, the key is to convince them that you want to work with them. It's much harder to persuade a company to consider you when they aren't actively looking for someone, so you must go into more depth about why you want to work for them.

Transform your application with a persuasive cover letter

How do you structure a cover letter.

The layout of a cover letter is made up of a relatively standard set of contents. Below is an elementary and straightforward cover letter template for you to fill in with your details, which is a significant first step to getting noticed. If you need further inspiration, you can see some CV Maker examples of how it's done.

Personal details

Introduction 

Closing statement

Learn more about how to structure your cover letter.

What is a letter of interest?

A letter of interest is an unsolicited application letter expressing your interest in working for a particular company. This is an option when you would really like to work for a company, but they don't have any job openings. The fact that they aren't actively looking for new staff right now makes things a bit more challenging. However, your letter of interest should clearly state why you want to work for the company and that you would like to be considered for future opportunities. Read on to find out how to write a letter of interest and the steps you can take to ensure it's effective.

1. Make sure to do your research

If you're interested in a particular company, but there are no positions available, it's up to you to find out what information would be in the job listing if it did exist. One way of doing this is by studying the company's website. 

2. Reach out to the company

Once you've gathered relevant information, reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn or via the general contact form on the company website is a good idea. 

3. Find out the name of the contact person

If the company welcomes unsolicited applications, ask for the name and e-mail address of the person you should address your letter. During the call or email, explain what kind of work you would like to do and find out which job title the company uses. You can then use this title in your letter and send it directly to the right person.

Advantages of sending a letter of interest

You're applying for an unadvertised job, so there's a good chance that, right now, yours will be one of just a handful of letters, or maybe even the only letter, the recruiter reads.

Expressing your interest with an unsolicited job application shows enthusiasm and initiative. These are qualities that most companies and organisations appreciate. It also allows you to stand out positively, making you more likely to be remembered.

Should the company have a vacancy shortly, they'll already be aware of your interest. They'll contact you before advertising the vacancy if they think you're a good fit. The recruitment process costs time and money, and your letter could help make the process easier.

How to write a letter of interest

The contents of a letter of interest are roughly the same as those of a motivation or application letter. Still, the difference is that a cover letter for an unsolicited job application should clearly state who you are and what you can do for the company.

Important things to include in your letter of interest:

Refer to your telephone conversation and mention the name of the person who took your call.

Make it clear to which position you're applying.

Introduce yourself by outlining your education, work experience, and soft and hard skills.

Explain why you want the job and why you want to work for this specific company.

Learn more about how to write a letter of interest.

Using the same letter to apply to several companies will give you the illusion that you've submitted many job applications, and generic letters are very easy to spot. You may have sent many applications, but you might get many rejections. When you're applying for jobs, quality beats quantity.

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Using AI in Job Applications: smart strategies and cautionary notes

Posted in: Applications

In today's digital age, AI tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly accessible, offering tempting shortcuts for job seekers. But before you dive headfirst into AI-assisted applications, let's explore how to use these tools wisely – and when to avoid them altogether.

The smart approach to AI in applications

Draft first, ai second.

Instead of relying on AI to generate your entire application, start by writing your own draft. This ensures your authentic voice and experiences shine through. Once you have your initial version, you can use AI to help refine and polish your work.

Use AI for brainstorming

Stuck on how to articulate a particular skill or experience? AI can be a great brainstorming partner. Ask it for suggestions on how to phrase certain achievements or for examples of action verbs that could enhance your CV.

Grammar and style check

While not infallible, AI can be a useful tool for catching grammatical errors or suggesting ways to improve sentence structure. Think of it as an advanced spell-checker, but always review its suggestions critically.

Tailoring your application

AI can help you identify key words and phrases from job descriptions, assisting you in tailoring your application to specific roles. However, make sure you're incorporating these elements naturally and truthfully.

Proceed with caution

While AI can be helpful, it's crucial to approach it with caution:

Double-check everything

AI might misinterpret or embellish your experiences. Always review AI-generated content to ensure it accurately reflects your actual skills, achievements, and experiences. Be particularly wary of any specific claims or examples that the AI might have invented – stick to what you've genuinely done and accomplished.

Maintain your authenticity

Your application should reflect your genuine experiences and personality. If an AI-generated phrase doesn't sound like you, don't use it.

Use AI as a tool, not a crutch

Remember that AI should enhance your application process, not replace your own critical thinking and creativity. Use it to support your ideas and improve your writing, but don't rely on it to do the heavy lifting. Your unique insights and experiences are what will make your application stand out.

When to steer clear of AI

It's important to note that some employers explicitly prohibit the use of AI in applications. This is becoming increasingly common as AI tools become more sophisticated. Always carefully read the application instructions and respect any guidelines regarding AI use.

If an employer states that AI should not be used, heed this warning. Using AI in these cases could result in your application being rejected outright, regardless of its quality.

The human touch

Remember, while AI can be a useful tool, it can't replace the unique perspective and experiences that make you, well, you. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring something special to their organisation – and that's not something an AI can fabricate.

So, use AI wisely as a supporting tool, but let your own skills, experiences, and personality be the star of your application. After all, it's you they'll be inviting for an interview, not a chatbot!

Get help from Careers

If you're unsure about how to approach your applications or want feedback on your CV or cover letter, remember that the Careers team is here to help. We can provide personalised advice and support to help you put your best foot forward in your job search – no AI required!

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