Simple Cover Letter

A simple cover letter is a concise and straightforward document that accompanies a CV when applying for a job. It highlights key qualifications, expresses interest in the position, and demonstrates why the candidate is a good fit for the role.

"I am writing to express my interest in the Office Manager position at HIVE, as advertised. With over 5 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, I am confident in my ability to transition smoothly into the role and bring significant value to your team."

Tips and examples - simple cover letter

Table of contents

How to Write a Simple Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter, like a good CV, it should always be kept simple and tailored to the job type. A basic cover letter serves as an opportunity to highlight your key qualifications, showcase your enthusiasm for the position, and explain why you’re an ideal fit for the role—all without overwhelming the recruiter or hiring manager with unnecessary details.

In this article, we cover:

How to format a simple cover letter.
Simple cover letter examples and templates.
Tips on how to write a simple cover letter.

Land more interviews with a simple cover letter

Create cover letter

Reasons to keep your cover letter simple

Keeping your cover letter simple is key to making a positive impression. A good cover letter allows you to communicate your strengths and intentions clearly without overwhelming the recruiter or hiring manager.

To make a strong first impression by introducing yourself clearly to potential employers.
To effectively convey your interest in both the position and the company.
To briefly demonstrate how your skills and experiences match the job requirements without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

Pro Tip

To make your application stand out even more, ensure that the templates for your CV and cover letter are consistent and match in style.

Be sure to take a look at how to write a simple CV.

CVMaker simplifies the task of cover letter writing by providing you with the best cover letter templates for the job you are applying for.

Simple cover letter format

A well-organised cover letter is essential for making a strong first impression. Its structure should be clear and easy to navigate, allowing the reader to quickly understand your qualifications and interest in the position.

Header: Your contact information, date, and the employer’s contact information.
Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible.
Introduction: State the position you are applying for and how you learned about it.
Body: Highlight your key qualifications and experiences relevant to the job.
Closing: Reiterate your interest and suggest a follow-up action, such as an interview.

For more formatting tips, refer to how to structure a cover letter.

Simple cover letter examples

These examples adhere to a simple cover letter layout, utilising CVmakers' professional cover letter templates.

1. Otago simple cover letter template

For more information, refer to the student cover letter guide.

2. Oxford simple cover letter template

For more information, refer to the admin cover letter guide.

3. Princeton simple cover letter template

For more information, refer to the internship cover letter guide.

5 simple cover letter tips for job application

Following these basic cover letter writing tips will increase the chances of your job application standing out. By applying these guidelines, you can create a compelling and professional cover letter that grabs the attention of hiring managers and effectively showcases your qualifications.

1. Use a simple cover letter format

When drafting your letter, start by including your contact details at the top to ensure the recipient can easily reach you. Next, address the letter directly to a specific person if possible, as this adds a personal touch and shows that you've taken the time to find out the appropriate contact. Check out the simple cover letter receptionist format for more tips.

2. Be direct and stay relevant

Begin by stating the position you’re applying for and where you found the listing. In the body, highlight 2 to 3 key qualifications with specific examples from your experience. Conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the role and suggesting a meeting or interview. Refer to our simple retail cover letter example for inspiration.

3. Maintain a professional tone and optimal length

When writing your letter, use professional language throughout, steering clear of slang and overly casual expressions to maintain a formal tone. Structure your letter in ideally 3 to 4 paragraphs to ensure clarity and focus, keeping the entire content concise and confined to one page. For example, refer to the simple customer service cover letter for tips.

4. Customise for each job

Tailor your content for each job application by highlighting skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the specific position and company. Conduct research on the company and mention something specific that excites you or aligns with your values. For example, check out how this accountant cover letter and accountant CV have been tailored to the job target.

5. Proofread thoroughly

Check for errors to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes. Additionally, read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing or errors that might be missed when reading silently.

Pro Tip

A simple cover letter helps you stand out by clearly showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm. To keep it simple, focus on key points and avoid jargon or excessive detail.

If you have no experience, refer to how to write a cover letter with no experience.

Key takeaways

In summary, it's important to customise your letter for the specific job and institution, maintaining a formal tone and clear structure.

DOs

Keep your cover letter straightforward and easy to read. Highlight your key qualifications and be direct and to the point to respect the employer’s time.
Use simple language to avoid jargon and present a clear, professional image.
Focus on relevant information to ensure your cover letter stands out more effectively.

DON'TS

Include unnecessary details that can dilute your message and reduce its impact.
Include overly complex sentences or jargon that may confuse the reader.
Use vague or general phrases. Tailor your cover letter specifically to the role and organisation to avoid it feeling impersonal and unmemorable.

Next steps?

If you're uncertain about the layout or content of your cover letter, explore our wide range of cover letter examples or CV examples for guidance. Alternatively, consider using our Writing Service, which provides professional assistance and LinkedIn profile optimisation.

FAQ

Why should you use a simple cover letter template?

It offers a clear and organised format that effectively highlights your key qualifications and ensures that all essential information is included. Additionally, a cover letter that complements your CV can enhance your job application by providing a cohesive and professional presentation.

When to use a simple cover letter?

Always opt for a simple cover letter format to ensure it is easily scannable by recruiters or hiring managers. A well-structured cover letter should follow a basic layout that is straightforward and easy to read, avoiding excessive content.