Nailing your Cover Letter

Nailing your Cover Letter: Tips for graduates looking for their first role

Last week, our team at Search & Select had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of students and young professionals at the Graduate and Young Professional Fair at the Villa Marina. It was a brilliant day filled with great conversations, helpful advice, and the chance to support those beginning their career journeys. 

Many of the graduates we spoke to were curious about how to stand out when applying for jobs, especially when it comes to the often-dreaded cover letter. Our very own Susan gave a talk at the event on this very topic (which will be available soon on the Locate.im website), and we wanted to share some of her key tips here for anyone who couldn’t make it. 

So, what exactly is a cover letter and why does it matter? 

A cover letter is your opportunity to speak directly to an employer. It lets you explain why you’re interested in a role, what makes you a good fit, and how your skills and experience align with what the company is looking for. 
Even if you don’t have years of experience, a well-written cover letter can show your enthusiasm, your ability to communicate professionally, and your motivation to learn, all things employers love to see.

Susan’s top tips for writing a stand-out Cover Letter 

1. Don’t repeat your CV, add to it 
Your cover letter should complement your CV, not copy it. Use it to tell a story: Why are you applying? What excites you about the role or company? What transferable skills have you gained through study, part-time work, or volunteering? 
2. Make it personal 
Avoid “To whom it may concern.” If possible, find out who to address your letter to or at least mention the company name and specific job title to show you’ve tailored your application. 
3. Keep it clear and concise 
Stick to one page. A few focused paragraphs are all you need to get your message across. Make sure it’s easy to read, free from spelling errors, and written in a professional tone (but don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine through!). 
4. Highlight relevant experience, even if it’s not from an office 
Summer jobs, internships, university projects, group work, societies, these all show transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving, and time management. Don’t underestimate them. 
5. Show that you’ve done your homework 
Include a line or two showing you understand what the company does and how your values or interests align. It’s a great way to demonstrate genuine interest and effort. 

Looking for experience? 
We spoke to many students interested in temporary or summer roles, and the good news is we have a variety of clients looking for office-based admin support - a fantastic way to gain experience that looks great on your CV and can open doors to future opportunities. 
Whether you’re looking for short-term summer work or planning for a permanent or contract role after graduation, our team is here to help. 

A big thank you… 

To everyone who stopped by our stand, we loved chatting with you and hearing about your goals for the future. We also loved giving people a chance to win our Wellness Basket, filled with calming teas, a weighted blanket, and other goodies for anyone feeling the exam stress. We’ll be announcing the winner after the Easter weekend, keep an eye on our socials! 

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about your next step, know that you're not alone and we’re here to help. 

Upload your CV to searchandselect.com and we’ll be in touch for a friendly, no-pressure chat. 

Let’s find the right opportunity for you.