7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

How to write a cover letter that makes an

impact
It’s easy to put off writing your cover letter. But if you want that job, you’re best to apply sooner rather than
later. Plus, it’s not a good idea to leave it until the last minute and then rush, because you’re more likely to
make silly mistakes and end up submitting a poor quality cover letter. 

It’s the first thing that a company will lay eyes on. This is your chance to blow them away with a well-written,
engaging cover letter that entices them to invite you for an interview.

With companies receiving so many applications, the competition can be tough. You need to stand out.
We’ve come up with some helpful advice to help you put together a brilliant cover letter that makes an
impact.

Here are some tips for writing the perfect CV cover letter.

Cover letter tips and advice

57.1% of professionals (http://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/news/is-the-cover-letter-a-thing-of-the-

past/8714) rank the cover letter as an essential application component. It’s the first thing employers see.
They'll most likely read your cover letter before they even get on to your CV, so you need to make it count.

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 1/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

Make it relevant - Identify the job you are applying for and explain why you would be great for the role. What
skills do you have that meet the job criteria? Read the job description in detail and relate back to it.

Show what you can bring to the company - Explain how your experience and abilities can benefit the
company you are applying to. What’s in it for them?

Create a unique cover letter for each job - Tailor it specifically to the job and company. Don’t be lazy and
send out a generic cover letter for every job application. And don’t simply repeat everything that’s in your
CV.

Research the person/company you are sending it to - Write something that demonstrates you’ve looked
them up. Mention a small detail or something in particular you love about the company and why.

Keep it concise - Shouldn’t be longer than one A4 page. No one wants to read pages and pages of
information  about your life story.

Avoid cliche phrases and generic sentences - For example ‘I’m a team player’ and ‘I achieve anything I set
my mind to’. Be more specific. Why do you work well in a team, what evidence do you have to prove this?

Who are you sending it to? - Find out the name of the recruiter or employee who you are sending your
cover letter to. If you can't’ find any details, make sure you use ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Proofread - Be sure to check and double check your cover letter before sending. As well as doing a spell
check, read through it a few times to check it reads well. Reading it aloud can be useful as it helps you to
spot glaring mistakes and figure out if it flows well.

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 2/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

Be creative -  In the way that you write and how you talk about yourself. Try and show a bit of your
personality through your writing. Make yourself memorable.

End with a strong point and call to action - Ask for an interview and explain why you deserve one and they
absolutely need to see you. The last thing they read about you needs to stick in their mind.

Ready to apply? Take a look at our latest opportunities here (https://careersearch.ihg.com/en/all/all/job-

search) and see where in the world a career with IHG could take you.

Country

Brand

Search for keyword

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 3/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

(/ihg-stories/luong-thi-my-thanh-day-life-sales-marketing-director)

Luong Thi My Thanh: a day in the life of a Sales & Marketing Director

Hello, my name is Luong Thi My Thanh and I’ve been working for IHG since August 2018. Before that I
graduated from the University of...

Read more> (/ihg-stories/luong-thi-my-thanh-day-life-sales-marketing-director)

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 4/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

(/ihg-stories/im-director-sales-and-marketing-and-day-my-life)

I’m a Director of Sales and Marketing and this is a day in my life

Hello, I’m Doug Kelly and I’ve been part of the IHG team for 3 years. Before that I was with Kimpton for 5
years and I’m currently based at...

Read more> (/ihg-stories/im-director-sales-and-marketing-and-day-my-life)

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 5/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

(/ihg-stories/lionel-levy-case-study-competing-be-best-kitchen)

Lionel Levy Case Study: Competing to be the best in the kitchen

When it comes to restaurant dining, the bar has been set unbelievably high in the last decade. From the
work of Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir...

Read more> (/ihg-stories/lionel-levy-case-study-competing-be-best-kitchen)

Load More (/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact?tid=All&tid_1=All&keys=&page=1)

 
(https://twitter.com/JoinIHG) (https://www.facebook.com/ihgcareers)

(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyTqwJ5z4sExdLk7Lki2jgsuC-FyA7AEG)

(https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Overview/Working-at-InterContinental-Hotels-Group-EI_IE4232.11,40.htm)

(https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-hotels-group)

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 6/7
7/25/2019 How to write a cover letter that makes an impact

© InterContinental Hotels Group 2018

Legal (/node/259) FAQs (/faq-page) Site Map (/sitemap)

https://careers.ihg.com/ihg-stories/how-write-cover-letter-makes-impact 7/7