What should a covering letter add when my CV already lists my jobs?

Give the letter a separate purpose

The National Careers Service treats a covering letter as a short introduction that explains your interest and suitability for a specific vacancy. It complements your CV rather than repeating it. The letter should therefore focus on why your evidence fits this particular job, not on listing your work history again in chronological order. This is a writing method, not a legal requirement. Some employers may ask for a supporting statement or require you to answer questions in an application form instead of a letter. Always follow the employer's application instructions.

Choose two connections

Read the job advert carefully and identify the two requirements where your evidence is strongest. For each requirement, write what you did and why it matters for the advertised tasks. Before explaining your interest, check the employer's actual products, services, or role description. Avoid claiming knowledge of the company's culture based on a slogan, and do not flatter the employer without a concrete reason. Your examples should be specific and relevant to this vacancy.

Make the request easy to understand

Identify the role and application reference number in the letter. Use short paragraphs and keep your contact details consistent with those on your CV. If a relevant qualification or example needs context, explain it briefly. If the instructions specify a word limit or particular questions, answer those directly. You do not need to include confidential work material, health history, or another person's private details in the letter. The letter should be easy for the reader to follow and should clearly state what you are asking for.

Check the version you actually send

Before submitting, compare the employer's name, role title, attachments, and requested format. Read the letter aloud to catch sentences that say nothing specific. Keep the sent version and the job advert together, so you can prepare for an interview using the same evidence. If you reuse a letter structure for another application, replace the role-specific examples rather than only changing the company name. This ensures each letter is genuinely tailored.

Example: replace a claim with evidence of the requested task

Hypothetical illustration: a vacancy asks for clear customer updates and accurate records. Rather than “I am an excellent communicator,” describe a real task where you kept a progress log and explained a change to the relevant person. State the setting and your own action, then connect it to this vacancy. Do not copy a fictional sample as your experience. A second evidence point should answer another actual requirement, not repeat the same adjective.

Handle gaps and disability information

If a work-history gap needs context, give a short truthful explanation relevant to the application rather than a full private history. Keep any separate request for access adjustments clear and use the appropriate recruitment channel. When you are unsure what sensitive information is necessary, ask about its purpose and seek appropriate advice. The letter’s main job remains showing relevant evidence for the vacancy.

Next steps if the letter is not requested

If the employer's instructions do not ask for a cover letter, follow their stated process. You may still include a short letter if the application system allows it, but do not override explicit instructions. If you are unsure whether a letter is expected, contact the employer using the details in the advert and ask: 'Does this application require a cover letter, or should I complete the form only?' Keep a copy of your letter and the advert for interview preparation.

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