How to Write a Cover Letter

Not sure how to write a cover letter to accompany your CV? A well-written cover letter helps employers understand your motivation and experience. Follow this simple guide to create a concise and clear cover letter that captures a recruiter’s attention.

A cover letter (sometimes referred to as a supporting letter) complements your CV and helps employers understand why you are interested in the role. While your CV summarizes your experience and skills, the cover letter explains why you want to work in this specific position and for this particular company.

A strong cover letter should be concise, clear, and specific. It gives recruiters a better sense of your motivation and how you might fit into the team.

It is important to remember that a cover letter is not a copy of your CV. It should not simply repeat the same information but rather add context and explain your interest in the role.

What Is a Cover Letter and When to Send It

A cover letter is typically submitted alongside your CV when applying for a job. Some companies require it explicitly in the job posting, while in other cases it is optional—but it can significantly increase your chances of being invited to an interview.

A cover letter is especially useful when:

you are applying for a specific job opening
you want to explain why the position interests you
you are changing industries or career direction
you have limited work experience

How to Write a Cover Letter Step by Step

A cover letter should have a clear structure and include several key sections.

Salutation

If the job posting includes the name of a contact person, address them directly. This feels more personal than a generic greeting.

For example:

Dear Mr Novák,
Dear Ms Nováková,

If you do not know the name, you can use a more general greeting such as:

Dear Hiring Team,

Expressing Interest in the Role

In the opening paragraph, state which position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. You can also briefly mention why the role caught your attention. Keep this part short and clear. The goal is to quickly explain why you are writing.

Example:

I am writing to apply for the position of Production Operator, which I found on your website. The role caught my attention not only because of the job content, but also due to the opportunity to work in a stable company with a long-standing tradition.

Explaining Your Motivation

In the next section, explain why you are a good fit for the role. Focus on aligning the employer’s requirements with your experience and skills. Be specific and avoid generic statements.

You can mention:

work experience
professional skills
experience in similar roles
interest in the field

Example:

I have several years of experience in manufacturing, including operating production equipment and performing quality control. I would welcome the opportunity to apply my experience within your company.

Referring to Your CV

It is appropriate to mention that further details about your experience can be found in your attached CV. This naturally links the two documents.

Example:

Further details about my professional background and experience can be found in my attached CV.

Call to Action

At the end of the letter, express your willingness to provide additional information or attend an interview. Finish with a polite closing and your name.

Example:

I would be happy to provide further information during a personal meeting.

Kind regards,
Jan Novák

Common Mistakes in a Cover Letter

Not tailoring the letter to the specific role
A generic letter sent to multiple employers may come across as impersonal.
Writing a text that is too long
A cover letter should be concise and easy to read. Ideally, it should not exceed one page.
Repeating information from the CV
The letter should complement your CV, not duplicate it.
Overly self-promotional language
Generic claims like “I am the perfect candidate” can feel unconvincing.
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Error-free writing looks professional and shows attention to detail.

Cover Letter Template in Czech

If you are unsure how your cover letter should look, a simple template can help. You can adapt it to a specific job offer and tailor it to your experience.

Download template

FAQ: Cover Letters

How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be concise and easy to read. Ideally, it should be around half to one A4 page. A recruiter should be able to quickly understand which role you are applying for and why you are a good fit.
Is a cover letter mandatory?
Not always, but it can increase your chances of being invited to an interview. Some companies require it in the job posting. Even when it is optional, a short cover letter can help explain your motivation and interest.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a supporting letter?
In practice, these terms refer to the same type of document—a short text that complements your CV and explains your interest in the role and your relevant experience.
What should you include in a cover letter if you have no experience?
If you do not yet have work experience, focus on your skills, education, internships, or part-time jobs. Employers may also be interested in your motivation, willingness to learn, and interest in the field.
Should you include a photo in a cover letter?
A photo is not necessary in a cover letter. If included, it usually belongs in your CV. What matters most is a clear and well-written text that explains your interest in the role.

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