How to Write a Cover Letter in South Africa

Write one when the advert asks for it, when you are emailing your application directly to a person, or when you want to explain something a CV cannot (a career change, a gap, why you are moving cities). For quick online applications and walk-in general worker roles, a tidy CV alone is often enough. When in doubt, a short, strong cover letter rarely hurts.

Keep it to half a page, three or four short paragraphs:

• Opening: the job you are applying for and where you saw it.
• Why you: two or three sentences matching your skills to what they asked for.
• Why them: one sentence on why you want to work for this company.
• Close: thank them, say you have attached your CV, and that you are available for an interview. Add your contact number.

Address it to a person if you can find the name. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine.

Copy and fill in the brackets:

"Dear [Name / Hiring Manager],

I am applying for the [job title] position advertised on [where]. I am a reliable [your role] with [key skill or experience], and I am available to start [when].

In my time at [company or situation], I [one concrete achievement with a number]. I am confident I can bring the same [quality] to your team.

I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help [company]. My CV is attached, and I am available for an interview at any time. You can reach me on [cell number].

Thank you for your time.

[Your full name]"

• Tailor it to each job. A generic letter is obvious and weak.
• Use the employer's words. If the advert says "reliable team player", show you are one.
• Keep it short. Half a page. Busy managers will not read more.
• Proofread. One typo undoes a good letter. Read it aloud.
• Match your CV. Same name, same contact details, same font feel.

Pair your letter with a strong CV using our CV writing guide, then apply to live jobs near you.