What a cover letter is for
A cover letter is a short letter or email you send with your CV. It tells the employer two things: why you want this job, and why you'd be good at it.
Some application forms have a box called a supporting statement or “Tell us about yourself”. The same advice works there too.
Keep it to less than one page: four to six short paragraphs is plenty.
What to include
- 1
The job you're applying for
Name the job and where you saw it.
- 2
Why care, and why them
Say in a sentence or two why you want to work in care. Mention something you like about this employer, taken from their advert or website.
- 3
What you'd bring
Give one or two real examples that show kindness, patience or reliability. They can come from life, not just work: caring for family, volunteering, customer service, school or college.
- 4
The practical bits
When you can start, the hours or shifts you can do, and whether you drive (if the advert asks).
- 5
A friendly ending
Thank them and say you'd like to talk.
Example letter
Change the words in [square brackets] to fit you and the job. Make sure the examples are true and sound like you.
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]
[Date]
Dear [Manager's name],
I would like to apply for the [Care Assistant] job at [Employer name], which I saw on workinsocialcare.com.
For the past [two years] I have helped care for my [grandmother] at home. I help her wash and dress, make her meals and go with her to appointments. It has taught me to be patient, to listen, and to notice when something is not right. I would like to use what I have learned to support more people.
I also work at [shop name], where I talk to customers every day. I stay calm and friendly when people are upset, and I always arrive on time for my shifts.
I like that [Employer name] [offers shadow shifts and supports new staff with the Care Certificate]. I am keen to learn and happy to take part in training.
I can work [days and weekends] and can start [on 3 March / after two weeks' notice]. [I don't drive, but I live on the bus route to your home.]
Thank you for reading my letter. I would be happy to come in and talk to you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Tips that help
Use the advert
Read the advert again. If it asks for someone “patient and reliable”, give an example of being patient and an example of being reliable.
Write a new letter for each job
Keep the same basic letter, but change the employer's name, the job title and the reason you like them each time.
Don't repeat your CV
Pick your best one or two examples and tell them in a little more detail.
Keep the words simple
Short sentences are easier to read. If English is not your first language, that's fine: clear and honest is better than long words. If you use a writing tool or app, check the letter still sounds like you and everything in it is true.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong employer's name. Check it before you send.
- Writing more than one page.
- Talking only about what you want. Say what you can offer too.
- Saying you have no experience and stopping there. Explain what you've done that shows you'd be good at care.
- Spelling mistakes. Read it out loud, or ask someone to check it.
Sending it
If you're applying by email, you can write the letter in the email itself and attach your CV. Use a clear subject line, for example: Application for Care Assistant: Sam Ahmed.
If you're attaching it, save it as a PDF or Word file with your name in the file name.
Next, read how to prepare for a care job interview. If you haven't written a CV yet, start with how to write a CV for a care job. And when you start your new job, share it with #workinsocialcare.