Cover letter – British Sign Language Guide

Published: Monday 21 October 2024 | No Comments

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This resource is kindly funded by Churchill Fellow

This short video for deaf jobseekers explains the basics of writing a cover letter, including: 

-What is a cover letter? 

-Why is it important? 

-What should I include? 

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter that accompanies your job application and CV. These days they are usually digital and attached to your application or email. In your cover letter you have the opportunity to write more personally about why you are the right fit for the job. 

Why is it important? 

Your CV may show that you have all the right skills for a job, but in your cover letter you can highlight your most relevant skills and attributes. It is also a chance to get across more of a sense of who you are. 

What should I include? 

Your cover letter can help convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Your cover letter should include: 

• Who you are and what you can do for the company 

• How you can do the job 

• How you fit into the organisation 

TIP: if you have large employment gaps in your CV, your cover letter can be a good place to positively address these. 

Research the company 

Research the company and role to give you a clear idea of who the company is and what the role involves. This means you will be able to talk clearly about how you can fit in to the company and why you are qualified to do the role. 

Find out: what does the role involve? What essential skills do they want? How do these match with your own skills? 

Understanding the role and the company will help you write a convincing cover letter. It will also be useful later if you get an interview. 

How you are right for the job 

Write about skills that you have that match the job requirements. Try and use specific examples of how you used these skills in previous employment. You can use examples from outside paid work if this helps demonstrate the right skill.  

TIP: try and present information positively, by focusing on what you can do. 

Structuring your cover letter 

‘To _______’ – addressing your cover letter 

At the start of your cover letter address the person who is managing applications. The job advert usually contains this information. If you can’t find it there, try looking on the company website.  

Where possible, try and name the correct, specific person within the company. This will show that you are keen, interested and professional.  

First paragraph – why you are getting in touch 

State why you are getting in touch, for example the job, and where you found out about it. If there is a job reference number then include that here. 

TIP: if a specific person referred you, mention their name. 

Second paragraph – why you are suitable for the job 

Briefly explain why you are suitable for the job. Reference your relevant professional and academic qualifications. Make sure you cover each skill listed in the job description. 

Third paragraph – what can you do for them 

Describe what you can do for the company, and provide examples from your CV that support this. Talk about any relevant career goals you have. 

Fourth paragraph – why you’re the right person 

Summarise why you are interested in this role, and why you would be the right fit for the role and company. Add that you would like to meet the employer for an interview. 

Signing off 

If you know the name of the hiring manager, finish with ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your name. 

If you do not know their name, finish with ‘Yours faithfully’, followed by your name. 

Format 

• Aim to write a maximum of half a page for your cover letter.  

• Use the same, professional font throughout (e.g. Arial), in black. 

• Use clear paragraphs. 

• Use formal language, like you might use if speaking to a teacher. 

 

We hope this has been a useful resource to help you create your cover letter. Good luck with your job search!