Guys,

Just a thought:

What if you had someone look at your documents before you send them away? Or help someone else with theirs?

In the spirit of landing a hand how about you copy and paste your cover letter and have other users critique it with the aim of making sure that you cover all the basics of career building.

So, here are the rules:

  • delete any personal information from your cover letter and paste it in the comments field below.
  • If you feel there is something needs improvement in someone’s cover letter PLEASE highlight it politely.

Over to you.

 

250 Comments

  • MacDonald says:

    Name
    Title
    Company
    Address
    City, State, Zip Code
    02/12/2014
    Dear Mr. /Ms. Last Name
    Kindly accept my application for an entry level position with your company in the Investment/ Banking fields. I am a 24 year old gentleman and I recently successfully completed my Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Finance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal majoring in Portfolio Investment, Corporate finance, International Business Finance and Quantitative Finance
    During the last four years, I have had the opportunity to acquire and sharpen my computer, analytical, leadership, communication both verbal and written skills and ability to work under pressure. I really believe that this experience has prepared me for the industry.
    My main motivation for joining XXX stems from its impressive reputation as a leader in the xxxx sector in South Africa. The prestige of the firm is best captured through its recent _____. While I will be at entry level, I believe that I would succeed in the firm’s dynamic and motivating environment given my skills, flexibility, eagerness to learn, ability to work independently and as part of a team and adapt to change.
    I have acquired some real life business experience in a small business in Zimbabwe, which was running a transport business unit as well as butcheries. This gave me an understanding of how business and finance decisions, systems have a bearing on the success of the organisation. I was able to experience costing and pricing, procurement, handling the company books and supervision of staff. I also belonged to Student Leadership and Careers at Black Management Forum (BMF) Student Chapters at University of KwaZulu-Natal, where we were taught various skills – presentations, discussions and receiving presentations from expert on national issues.
    With my experience, I feel very confident that your company will give me more understanding of systems and execution of business in a dynamic environment. This will allow me to build on my experience and theoretical knowledge and quickly start adding value to XXX (put the actual name of the company). Furthermore, I am very eager to learn and adapt to the new work situation.
    I am available at short notice to meet you and discuss my suitability for possible positions. You can contact me by telephone or e-mail.
    Please find herewith my Curriculum Vitae for more details.
    Yours sincerely,

  • Lebza says:

    I want to apply for an auxiliary learnership position at department of health and I have been unable to put together a good motivation. can anyone help?

  • lwando says:

    Guys I need help with motivational letter for an apprentice here is the question they asked”
    If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, kindly forward your CV with certified copies of qualifications and a short covering letter motivating why you have chosen this specific career.(The career is electrical engineering) closing date 7 october guys help me plz,especial for reasons

  • bhattarai says:

    hi i need to write Bursaries and Scholarships for university for my study In Bachelor of IT showing the difference between international and EU tuition rate. i don’t have any clue so please provide me the necessary information what i have to write.

  • MURIDILI SHONISANI says:

    MY EXAMPLE OF COVER LETTER

    YOUR ADDRESS
    CELL NUMBER

    THE DATE (OF THE LETTER)

    The Competition Commission,
    The DTI Campus,
    Mulayo (Block C),
    77 Meintjies Street,
    Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002.

    OR ADDRESS FOR INSTITUTION YOU ARE APPLYING AT.

    Dear Sir/Madam

    APPLICATION FOR POSITION OF INVESTIGATOR, JOB NUMBER: 4923021 AT COMPETITION COMMISSION SOUTH AFRICA

    I am hereby applying for the above-mentioned position as published and advertised on Competition Commission South Africa website. Currently I have completed my LLB degree. I have currently enrolled for Master’s degree in law specializing in Competition law at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

    After spending some time researching about competition commission, I was impressed by the opportunity for growth with the institution as well as the information on offer at firm stand, through further research I’ve conducted on competition commission especially the number of senior investigators, senior legal advisors, senior analyst who began their careers as investigators, I feel confident that this position suits not only my career goals but it will also suit my skills.

    Currently I am working at Public Protector South Africa, head office (Pretoria), as a trainee investigator.I am also serving as a treasurer and a member of Public Protector South Africa Social Committee 2013/2014. I also worked at A.G Mulaudzi Attorney as a Candidate Attorney and my responsibilities include: Criminal and civil law matters, corporate and commercial law matters, drafting of legal contracts, labour law matters, administration of deceased estate and motor vehicle accidents claims. I have also worked at Kenny Sivhaga Attorneys as a Para-Legal trainee . I have also volunteered (criminal case investigations) at National Prosecuting Authority, Dzanani Magistrate Court my responsibilities include: drafting of charge sheets, determining the readiness for trial docket and deciding whether docket should be enrolled or not, studying and analyzing of case docket and ensuring that the status of each case is updated electronically on the database as well as manually in an appropriate registers.

    I analytical and strategic thinking skills, consultation skills, good communication skills, good interpretation of statute or legislation, legal drafting and legal researching skills, planning and organization skills, good interpersonal skills, legal administration skills, computer skills, investigation skills, attention to details skills, problem solving skills, minute compilation and report writing skills.

    I consider myself as a hard and dedicated worker, always open to new challenges. I have a proven leadership skills, I am self-motivated with high energy levels as demonstrated by my interest or extra-curricular activities. I have the ability to work in teamwork, the ability to work independently, the ability to work under pressure and eager to learn more by exposure to any situation. I value honesty, integrity, reliability and punctualities at all times.

    I would like Competition Commission South Africa to offer me an opportunity to learn but to also gain experience, leading to a wide range of opportunities which I finding exciting. I believe that my above-mentioned experience, skills and attributes, in addition to my LLB degree, have developed my potential to become an excellent graduate trainee and I hope that after considering my Curriculum Vitae you will be persuaded of my potential to perform and make a valuable contribution to Competition Commission South Africa.

    Enclosed please find my Curriculum Vitae, which outline my accomplishment in details.

    I am passionate about and eager to start working under the Auspices of Competition Commission South Africa, an institution with a reputation for excellence.

    Your favourable consideration of my application is highly appreciated.

    Yours faithfully
    (YOUR NAME)

    HOPE IT CAN ALSO HELP SOME OF OUR FELLOW UNEMPLOYED STUDENTS AND GRADUATES! GOODLUCK!

  • Murendeni says:

    Dear Human Resource Manager

    Please take into consideration my request to be evaluated for an entry-level position within your enterprise. As a B.com Business Management graduate, I believe I have skills that would be well suited to your company.

    I can offer you a strong desire and determination to succeed coupled with an ability to learn quickly. If you will give me the opportunity to prove myself, I can guarantee you that I will develop rapidly for you. I have extensive knowledge of the business field, with courses such as Marketing, Human Resources Management, Cost and Management Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Research Methodology to name a few as part of my qualification.

    I am someone you can hand things off to-do this, do that. I am an excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills. I’m computer literate and have an intelligent personality. I am more than willing to sell my future to your organisation for a chance to learn and grow as I help you to grow further.

    Please carefully review my qualifications and contact me, at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sincerely.

    Please find attached a copy of my CV.

  • Ntsako says:

    Hy guys
    I want to apply for parliamentary business internship. They want a person who have a degree in social science. Please help me how to write a convicing cover latter.

  • Joey says:

    Hello

    I have a question with regards to the structure of a cover letter for electronic (online) applications.
    If you do not know the address of the company, do you still need to stick to the hard copy format (letter format) of writing a cover letter (2 addresses, yours and theirs)?
    Can you just use your email address and mobile number as your address and their email address as the company’s address?

  • DIXTION says:

    Dear Sir/Madam

    Application for Shift Mechanical Technician (HR/SMT/14A/10/07/13)

    I hereby would like to apply for the Shift Mechanical Technician (HR/SMT/14A/10/07/13) position that was advertised on your website July/August 2013.

    I am the Country citizen who is eager to come back home Country) and contribute my experience in your company. The advertised position will be a perfect start for me. My experience is as per on the attached enclosed CV and Employment Application Form.

    I would like to emphasize that I am a dedicated person with self-confidence and modification, a person who can handle any kind of pressure with power of control and easily adapted to the new environment.

    I will be very happy if my application is favorably considered, and will attend an interview at any time convenient to you.

    Yours faithfully
    Cell Numer

  • Donovan says:

    [your street name and no.]
    [suburb]
    [town (in capital letters)]
    [postal code]

    [full date]

    [person the letter is addressed to]
    [Company they work for]
    [street name and no. of company]
    [Suburb if any]
    [town in capital letters]
    [postal code]

    Dear Sir/Madam (whichever one applies)

    Application for [name of position and department/category]

    I wish to apply for the above-mentioned position which was advertised in the [this is where you saw the advertisement for the job] on [this is the date when the job was advertised].

    I am interested in the position as I have always wanted to work as a/an [the type of job you applied for]. My home language is [your home language], but I understand and speak [other languages you understand and speak]. I am sure I can make a contribution to your firm as I have (always) [state an achievement you reached in a topic you covered in relation to the job you are applying for]. I am friendly, reliable and I can work well on my own as well as with people around me.

    I enclose my CV as well as certified copies of my [YOUR CERTIFICATES] and a testimonial from [NAME OF PERSON WHO SIGNS OR ISSUES YOU WITH TESTIMONIAL], [THE POSITION THEY WORK IN] in [LOCATION OF THEIR WORKPLACE].

    If necessary, I am available for an interview at any time. I hope that you will consider my application favourably.

    Yours faithfully

    [YOUR]
    [SIGNATURE]
    [IN THESE]
    [4 LINES/SPACES]

    [YOUR NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS]

  • Rams says:

    help me here out guys as m applying for internship which require a good cover letter

    APPLICATION FOR POSITION: FINANCE INTERNSHIP

    I would like to apply for the Internship Program as advertised on newspaper (city press) I believe that my expertise and qualification: B.tech degree in Internal Auditing completed in Tshwane University of Technology will make me a valuable asset to your organization. It is my deep desire to start my career in your team and my major subjects are Internal Auditing IV and Financial Accounting IV. My unique character is accompanied by excellent transaction analysis skills, accounting skills, computer literacy and highly developed interpersonal skills
    I believe that I would be an asset to your program. This internship would provide me with the ideal opportunity to assist at your organization and expand my internal audit and Financial Management skill. I would bring to the position my personal qualities of commitment, enthusiasm and initiative as well as the knowledge and skills that I have developed during my studies.
    I pride myself on and have consciously developed my interpersonal skills. While I enjoy taking the initiative, I believe that I am also a good co-operation. I am a computer literate and willing to learn any new programs the position may require of me.
    I enclose my curriculum vitae and a certified copy of my study record. If further information is required I will be happy to provide it. Should you wish to interview me, I am available every weekday during working hours. My cell phone number is ……….
    Yours faithfully

  • sibusiso says:

    Hello everyone

    I went through all your application letters.

    I think people should do a background check on company profile ,this includes a growth per annum,incident report and so forth.

    Then when writing an application letter we need to market our skills,and show that we have an info about such company and show that we can actually add value into the business

    I’ve seen people who are desperate,sometimes its best to say you are seeking an opportunity to grow or showcase what you are capable of rather than asking for a job

    Then there is this issue of saying your name first time,then saying your name lastly which is repetition,,I think you may just mention age instead of a name
    panctuation marks are important( comas,exclamation when needed)

    Then when closing its best to say (best regards instead of commonly used kindly regards)
    On your last paragraph you may say thank you,have a great day instead of blessed day

    Best
    Regards
    Richard
    Student at unisa

  • Michelle says:

    Its most advisable to write only the highest qualification obtained first

  • Zandile says:

    Dear HR Recruiter

    Following the vacancy of Occupational Health and Safety Traineeship as advertised on the…… website, my credentials and interests matches your requirement and I wish to apply for the position.

    I am currently left with one module to acquire my National Diploma in Safety Management of wish will be complete in June 2014.I have acquired a SAMTRAC and an RCAT certificate and also affiliate in a Technical membership of IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health).

    I have applicable knowledge and experience in maintaining ISO standards and have received recognition for Health and Safety management systems implemented under my supervision.
    I welcome the opportunity to visit with you about this position. My resume is attached, per your instructions and I may be reached at 078…..

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely

    Ntombizandile

  • Nonhle says:

    Dear Sir/ Madam

    My name is XY , living in the east rand, Johannesburg and interested in the part time research assistant opportunity as advertised on the career site http://www.xxxxxxxxxx.co.za on January 11th 2014.

    I completed my matric in the year 2008 and an Information Technology Certificate in 2011. I am currently reading towards a degree majoring in Psychology with a vision to move on to honours in 2015.

    On the grounds of the above qualifications and my eagerness to learn -I believe this would be wonderful in giving me a practical edge. I have an interest in industrial psychology and its existing research. In addition to computer skills, I have much respect for people and therefore work well with others. Given this opportunity I will approach all tasks with diligence and go the extra mile if needed.

    Attached is my curriculum vitae- supporting documents are available on request.

    Thank your for considering my application

    Yours sincerely

  • molefi says:

    Dear:sir/madam

    My name is Patrick Molefi I have desire to join you team as I have studied Mechanical Engineering N4.

    I’m currently working at Sasol as a Housekeeper but is a contract,Im a hard working person who really love challenges,can resist any pressure,work as a team and self motivated.

    • Michelle says:

      Dear Patrick
      Based on your cover letter: everything is all wrong. The old school rule wen writing official letters still applies. ( 2 addresses- yours and theirs).

      Ensure that your spell-check is on at all times and proof-reading is key.
      Your second sentence Should highlight the reason for the letter- in this case the job you are applying for.

  • Bongani says:

    Hi

    Last year I completed my diploma in IT and also have comptia A+..I would like to apply for an N+ learnership,please help me write a perfect cover letter

  • Nelisiwe says:

    Dear sir/ Madam THE APPLICATION FOR ELECTRICAL APPRINTINCESHIP. Im the student who hv N5 of electrical engineerng, im lookng for apprintinceship .Im the very kind n friendly person . Im hardwrkng person,i like to work as a team, i cn quickly adapt in the inviromemnt, i would like to meet with u and discus this in detail my contact yours faithfull

    • Shibe says:

      I also need help with my application letter since I am also job hunting, but the first thing I notice on Nelisiwe’s letter is mxit language, and it is a lot of it. The second problem is the use of capital letters on almost every word. The letter does not explain anything about the applicant. if it was me, I wouldn’t hire Nelisiwe. Sorry to say this.

    • TUMY says:

      hi Nelisiwe. The use of short hand writting is not advisable on a cover letter or any official documents including your CV. You have spelt some words wrong like invironment which is environment when spelt correctly. some words include apprinceship. please use the spell checker on word when you done with your cover letter to ensure that you have spelt all the words correctly.

  • banele says:

    Dear Sir/Madam

    APPLICATION FOR INTERNAL AUDIT INTERNSHIP

    It is with great confidence and pleasure that I apply for this position. Attached is my CV, containing pertinent information regarding my qualifications. I am confident that my knowledge and abilities of Internal Audit could be utilized to enhance your Internal Audit department. I am an innovative person who is always willing to learn.

    The following experience skills and strengths are some of the key elements that qualify me for consideration:
    • Highly motivated person with exceptional people skills.
    • Dedicated person and can learn quickly.
    • Able to work in groups and adapt to new environments quickly
    • Humble and can follow instructions
    • Organized and can meet deadlines
    • Have good oral and written communications skills

    I look forward to hearing from you in the near future to schedule an interview at your convenience, during which I hope to learn more about the Department’s plans and goals and how I might contribute to the success of its service team.

    Yours faithfully

  • michael says:

    Dear sir/madam

    APPLICATION OF ELECTRICAL JOBS/INTERN

    Am a student who already completed grade 12 and also ELECTRICAL NCV LEVEL 2 AND 3.

    Am also completed ELECTRICAL ENGINEERIN N4 AND N5.I looking for jobs or internships

    i would be delighted if you consider my application.

    Kindly regards
    michael
    08

    • Ann says:

      Before u send of check grammar and spellings cause its the silly mistakes we usually make considerin the mxit language we use and employers look out for that!!!! 🙂