top of page

How to write a cover letter

est 60-90 mins

 💡 After this training:

  • The learner understands the purpose and basic structure of a cover letter.

  • The learner can identify what makes a good cover letter.

  • The learner knows how to write a tailored cover letter.


👀 How to coordinate this training:



  1. Introduction of what a cover letter is and what it contains

You can use various methods to introduce Cover Letters

Option 1: Intro Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think some employers ask for a cover letter in addition to a CV?

  • If two candidates have similar CVs, what difference can a cover letter make?

  • What do you think employers want to learn from a cover letter that they can’t see in a CV?

  • Do you think a generic cover letter works, or does each one need to be tailored to the job? Why?

  • Which is harder to write — a CV or a cover letter? Why?


Option 2: Walk through Cover Letter Structure

  • Greeting (Dear [Name] / Hiring Manager)

  • Opening paragraph (job you’re applying for + short hook)

  • Middle paragraph(s) (why you want the job + how your skills/experience fit)

  • Closing (thank you + availability for interview)


Option 3: Show Sample Cover Letters (strong vs. weak)

  • Show one generic cover letter (“Dear Sir/Madam, I want a job…”) and one tailored cover letter (specific job, employer name, relevant skills).

  • Group activity: Divide learners into small groups; each group analyzes one paragraph and suggests how to improve it.

  • Wrap-up question: “Which letter would you choose to invite for an interview? Why?”

  1. Demonstration

  • How to create a CV using:

    • Word (with templates)

    • Google Docs (with résumé templates)

    • Canva (for design-oriented options)

  • Walk through replacing template text with personal information.


3. Individual Self-Reflection Exercise

Self-Reflection Exercise 1: Job Ad Matching

  • Find a job ad that interests you.

  • Highlight 3 skills or requirements in the ad.

  • For each, write one sentence about how your own experience, skill, or quality matches.


Self-Reflection Exercise 2: The 4-Part Draft

  • Step 1: Write down how you usually greet someone formally (practice respect and tone).

  • Step 2: Reflect: “Why do I want this job or type of job?” Write it as your intro.

  • Step 3: Think: “Which 2–3 skills or experiences do I feel most proud of?” Write these as the middle section.

  • Step 4: Reflect: “What is a professional way I like to end a message?” Use this as your closing.

  1. Exercise

Participants start creating their own cover letter in class using their self-reflection answers.

  • The trainer gives support and feedback while circulating.

  • Option:

    • In-class: learners work directly in Word/Docs/Canva.

    • Homework: learners draft or finalize their cover letter and submit for feedback or exchange peer feedback in the next session.


Materials needed:

Computer 💻

Flipchart or whiteboard 📊

Account for word-processor applications and or Canva



👋🏽  Join the Community

Ideas on how to create better training?  

Would you like to share how your training went?

Join our community of digital skills trainers from the button below. 

✨ Digital skills training about creating and writing a Cover Letter



Trainer Tips: Introducing Cover Letters

1. Define the cover letter simply

The goal is to show your:

  • Motivation (why you want this job)

  • Fit (how your skills and experiences match the role)

  • Professionalism (clear, polite, and well-structured communication)


2. Highlight why it matters

Employers often use the cover letter to decide whom to interview when CVs look similar.


A good cover letter shows:

  • Interest (you care about this company and role)

  • Connection (you understand what the job requires)

  • Personality (your voice and motivation come through)


Finland 🇫🇮

Materials

Tips

Estonia 🇪🇪


Trainer Demonstration Tips

Microsoft Word / Google Docs

Goal: Show learners how to create a professional, simple cover letter.

  • Open a blank document.

  • Demonstrate setting margins (1 inch / 2.5 cm).

  • Show how to add name & contact info at the top (can align left or center).

  • Insert today’s date, employer’s name, and address.

  • Type the greeting (e.g., Dear Ms. Smith).

  • Walk through each paragraph (intro, body, closing).

  • Show how to format:

    • Use a simple font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman).

    • Keep it to one page.

  • Demonstrate saving as PDF (“File → Save As → PDF” or “Download → PDF”).

  •  Trainer tip: Emphasize simplicity. Remind learners employers value clarity over decoratio


Canva

Goal: Show learners how to make a visually appealing, modern cover letter (but still professional).

  • Open Canva → Search “Cover Letter” in templates.

  • Choose a clean, minimal template (avoid overly artistic ones).

  • Replace placeholder text with:

    • Their name & contact info

    • Greeting, intro, body, closing

  • Demonstrate customizing fonts and colors (stick to professional ones).

  • Show how to align design with their CV (e.g., same style/colors).

  • Export as PDF (“Share → Download → PDF”).

  • Trainer tip: Warn learners not to get lost in design — content matters more than decoration. Canva is best if applying to creative industries.

Tips for self-reflection on own Cover Letter

When reviewing your own draft, ask yourself:

  1. Purpose & Motivation

    • Does my letter clearly explain why I want this specific job and not just any job?

    • Does my motivation sound genuine?


  2. Relevance & Skills

    • Have I highlighted 2–3 skills or experiences that directly match the job ad?

    • Did I avoid simply repeating my CV?


  3. Clarity & Tone

    • Is my writing clear, professional, and easy to follow?

    • Do I sound confident but not arrogant?


  4. Structure & Format

    • Is my letter well-structured (greeting → intro → skills/fit → closing)?

    • Is it one page or less, with short paragraphs?


Tips for peer review of a Cover Letter

When reviewing a partner’s letter, give constructive and respectful feedback:


  1. First Impression

    • What did you feel after the first quick read?

    • Would you want to interview this person? Why or why not?


  2. Content

    • Does the letter explain why they want the job?

    • Are the skills/experiences connected clearly to the job ad?


  3. Clarity

    • Is the message easy to understand?

    • Are sentences concise and professional?


  4. Suggestions

    • What is one strong part of the letter that stands out?

    • What is one suggestion to make it stronger (specific, not general)?


bottom of page