How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read (No Copy-Paste!)
Why Templates Fail
Most students in East Africa download a template from Google, change the name, and send it. This is a mistake. A template tells the recruiter: "I am lazy and I didn't read your job description."
Your cover letter has one job: To connect the dots between your CV and the company's problem. It should be a conversation, not a robotic list of skills.
Personalization is the key to standing out in a pile of applications.
The 4-Step Winning Formula
Research the Hiring Manager
Never use "Dear Sir/Madam." Go to LinkedIn. Find the HR Manager's name. If you can't find it, use "Dear Hiring Team." Addressing a person by name shows you did your homework.
The "Hook" Opening
Don't say: "I am applying for X position." They know that.
Instead say: "As a long-time user of [Company Product], I was excited to see the opening for..." or mention a specific achievement of the company.
The "Value" Paragraph
Don't repeat your CV. Pick one major problem the company has and explain how you solved a similar problem in the past. Use numbers: "In my last role, I increased sales by 20%..."
The Confident Close
End with a Call to Action. Instead of "I hope to hear from you," try: "I would love to discuss how my skills in X can help your team achieve Y. Are you available for a brief chat next week?"
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake ❌ | Solution ✅ |
|---|---|
| Using a generic greeting | Find the manager's name on LinkedIn |
| Repeating your CV | Tell a story about one specific achievement |
| Making it too long | Keep it under 300 words (3 paragraphs) |
| Typos and Grammar errors | Use Grammarly or ask a friend to proofread |
Need a Live Example?
Watch us write a winning cover letter from scratch in our latest video tutorial.
Watch on Casaawe Tech
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