Reesby Academy · Career Skills
Writing Cover Letters That Work
Write concise cover letters that add to your resume.
About this course
A good cover letter gives you room to explain your motivation and connect your experience to a specific employer, which your resume can't do on its own. This course covers structure, tone and tailoring, so each letter reads as genuinely written for the role. You'll finish with a reusable framework and a tailored letter you can send.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to structure a cover letter in three focused paragraphs
- You'll be able to explain your motivation for the specific role and employer
- You'll be able to highlight two or three relevant achievements
- You'll be able to tailor each letter without starting from scratch
Course outline
- Tools you'll need5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizYou need a word processor, a copy of the job ad and a way to check your writing. Everything in this course can be done with free tools.
- What a Cover Letter Adds7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA cover letter explains why you want this role and how your experience fits it. Your resume lists facts; your letter gives them context and shows your judgement.
- Structure That Works7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA three-paragraph structure keeps letters focused. The opening states the role and your motivation, the middle shows your fit with examples, and the close invites the next step.
- Explaining Your Motivation7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizEmployers want to know why you want their role, not just that you need work. A specific, honest reason tied to the organisation and the job is far more persuasive than a generic compliment.
- Choosing Relevant Achievements7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizGood achievements are specific, relevant and measurable where possible. Choose two or three that match the job's key requirements, and describe the situation, your action and the result.
- Tailoring Efficiently7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizTailoring does not mean starting from scratch. Keep a bank of strong paragraphs and adjust the opening, the key examples and the closing for each role.
- Careers & next steps5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizClear written communication is valued in almost every job. These roles build on the structure, tone and tailoring skills you have practised in this course.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.