If you are looking to move forward professionally and apply for international opportunities, a well-written cover letter in English is essential. In this article you will learn how to write one effectively, to accompany your CV, and improve your chances of standing out to recruiters and employers.

Why a cover letter in English matters

A cover letter is not just a formality: it is your first chance to show personality, motivation and specific skills that do not always come across in a CV. For candidates aiming at international roles, writing it correctly in English is essential.

A poorly written letter can push your CV into the background, whereas a clear, professional letter tailored to the role can open a great many doors.

Basic structure of the cover letter

For your letter to work, it is worth following a clear, professional structure:

1. Header and greeting
   Include your contact details, the date and the recruiter’s name if you know it. Always use formal greetings such as Dear [Name].
2. Introduction
   Mention the role you are applying for and add a brief sentence about your interest and motivation. Avoid repeating word for word what is already on your CV.
3. Body
   Here you set out your most relevant experience, key achievements and the skills that make you right for the role. Include concrete examples of projects or results.
4. Closing
   End with a sentence confirming your availability for interview and thanking them for their consideration. Sign off formally with Sincerely or Best regards.

Tailoring the letter to the role and the company

One of the most common mistakes is sending a generic letter. To stand out:

• Research the company and its culture.
• Use keywords from the job advert.
• Show how your experience aligns with the objectives of the role.

For example, if you are applying for a digital marketing role in London and the company values creativity, mention specific campaigns you have led and the results you achieved.

Your letter can also be complemented by your interview skills. If you want to learn strategies for answering questions in English during an interview, see our guide on answers for interviews in English to strengthen your preparation.

Practical tips for writing your letter in English

• Clear, professional language: avoid expressions that are overly colloquial or convoluted.
• Check spelling and grammar: errors undermine your credibility.
• Keep it to the right length: one page at most.
• Tailor every letter: even if you work from a template, adapt the content to each application.
• Highlight results, not just duties: quantify achievements where possible (for example, “increased sales by 15% in six months”).

Example of a cover letter in English

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name]. With over three years of experience in digital marketing and content strategy, I have successfully led campaigns that increased online engagement by 25%.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s innovative approach to brand storytelling, and I am confident my skills in project management and analytics would make a valuable contribution to your team.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

This example shows how to combine professionalism with personalisation and concrete results.

Frequently asked questions

Writing an effective cover letter in English is a key step towards standing out in international selection processes. Combining it with a well-structured CV improves your chances of securing interviews and professional opportunities.

If you want to refine your language skills and prepare professional documents that reflect your potential, get in touch with ALOS and discover our courses and tailored guidance in professional English.

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