Harambee - How to Write the Cover Letter

Sep 13, 2026

Upload by James

A practical guide for writing an effective job or internship cover letter, emphasizing the letter as a first impression to hiring managers. It explains what to include: a clear introduction, alignment between personal goals and company goals, key achievements, relevant experience and skills, education context, and professional gratitude and closing. It provides do’s and don’ts, including researching the company, addressing a specific recipient, keeping the letter concise, avoiding generic templates, tailoring each version, and checking grammar and spelling. An example structure and email/attachment guidance are included.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages1

AccessFree to download

A Good Cover Letter for a Job or Internship Application

DO’s

DON’Ts

Steps and Example Structure

A Good Cover Letter for a Job or Internship Application A job application letter is the first interaction you will have with the hiring managers which can impress them and set you apart from other applicants. In your letter, briefly introduce yourself to let the employer know what you are applying for, and show familiarity with the company to which you’reapplying at. You can talk about how your professional goals and aspirations align with the company’s goals. It’s important to highlight some of your achievements to showcase why you are qualified for the role. DO’s Do research or review what the company does and the position you’re applying for Make sure you know the person you are writing to, by addressing your application letter to the specific person, this could be his name or job title Keep it brief-Make it short one page or half-page Articulate your abilities and skills Have a strong opening statement that highlights why you want the job and what you bring to the company Check the spelling and grammar Ask a friend to review your letter before sending it Always send your documents as PDF files unless they asked you to send them in another format (this is when you decided to send them as an attachment doc) Don’t send a generic cover letter customise each one for the specific job Don’t use long paragraphs because the employers don’t have enough time to spend on each letter as they receive more than 100 applications per day You can send it as an email as per the application process or as attachments depending on the application procedure. DON’Ts Steps to writing a cover letter or job application letter CONSIDER THIS EXAMPLE | 1 | Kelly Mutoni[mkelly20@gmail.com](mkelly20@gmail.com)[ ](mkelly20@gmail.com)+250785555555 Kigali, Rwanda
2 March 2022
Harambee Rwanda
Kimisagara Youth Centre
KN 114 St, Kigali, Rwanda
Re: Application for a customer service representative position
START WITH GREETINGSAND STATE THE JOB YOU ARE APPLYING FOR
Dear Sir/Madam, Or
Dear Mr. Joel,
I am Rose Nkusi. I am writing to apply for the position of (job position, eg. Assistant Manager) with your company as advertised on (website) -This is when you are sending it as an email
I am writing to apply for the position of (job position, eg. Assistant Manager) with your company as advertisedon (website) -This is when you are sending it as an attachment doc
Don’t say to whom it may concern

EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS INA FEW WORDS EXPLAIN YOURSELF AND PAST ACHIEVEMENTS, EDUCATION BACKGROUND,
Ex: I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I have two years of experience in marketing and with these skills (list relative experiences or skills)…. | | | --- | --- | --- | If you want to submit a cover letter as an attached document, you should include the address Put your name, address (Email, phone number) on the right-hand side of your cover letter, and date underneath your details. Put employers’ contact details on the left-hand side of the cover letter INCLUDE ASPECTS OF YOUR PERSONALITY Use some adjectives to describe yourself. Ex: I am energetic, flexible, and capable of working under pressure or, I can multitask. EXPLAIN WHAT CONTRIBUTION YOU BRING TO THE COMPANY you should review the job description to understand your responsibilities in that role and highlight how your experience, skills, and values make you an ideal candidate. If you don’t have significant experience, you can mention specific skills and how that can help you to get work done. Also, ensure that you are not just repeating what you’ve put in your CV. EXPRESS GRATITUDE Thank the employer for their time and express your interest in the job again. Let them knowhow they can reach you for the interview (phone). CLOSING Sign off with a professional farewell and leave space for a signature if sending a hard copy (you can put your full name) For professional farewell, you can use (Sincer

FAQs

What is the main purpose of a cover letter in a job or internship application?

A cover letter is the first interaction with hiring managers, helping you make an impression and stand out from other applicants.

What should you include in your cover letter to show you are qualified?

Briefly introduce yourself, highlight achievements and relevant experience/skills, connect your goals to the company’s goals, and mention education and past accomplishments.

How long should a cover letter be and what should you avoid?

Keep it brief (one page or half-page) and avoid long paragraphs, generic templates, and repeating content from your CV without adding new relevance.

Sep 13, 2026

Upload by James