Crafting cover letters is a key chance to showcase your strengths to graduate employers, but let’s be honest, they can eat up a lot of time.

Here’s a fast, effective guide to help you shine on applications and streamline the process.

What is a cover letter? A cover letter is your chance to show employers who you are beyond the bullet points on your CV. It expands on your CV, connecting your skills and experiences directly to the role you’re applying for and explaining why you stand out.

This is the place to highlight what makes you a strong fit, whether it’s a unique speciality you bring to the table or a genuine enthusiasm for the company itself.

Cover letters are especially valuable for graduate roles, where competition can be much tougher than for typical entry-level jobs. Even if a posting says a cover letter is optional, including one signals real motivation and can push you ahead of other applicants.

Why use cover letter templates? Cover letter templates are a huge time-saver, especially when you’re juggling countless final-year deadlines. Instead of building every letter from the ground up, a template gives you a solid starting point so you can focus on applying to more graduate roles.

You’ll still need to tailor each version to the specific job, but having a reusable structure cuts down on both effort and stress, a real advantage when you’re sending out multiple applications at once.

What should you customise for each role? Naturally, there are a few key elements you’ll need to update every time you apply for a new position, and it’s important to know what they are.

Address each employer personally. It’s time to retire the old “To whom it may concern,” which can feel impersonal and outdated. Using the hiring manager’s full name is always best, but if you can’t find it, even “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Team” adds a more personal touch and helps you stand out.

Keywords. You can absolutely start with a template that highlights skills commonly needed for graduate roles, but make sure to personalise it by weaving in keywords straight from the job description. This signals to employers that you’ve taken the time to understand the role, and that your experience aligns with exactly what they're looking for.

Explain your passion for the role. Your motivation for applying will naturally differ with every position, so make it personal. Maybe the company’s story inspires you, perhaps you’ve admired their work for years, or there’s something about this particular role that truly excites you. Whatever the reason, share it! Employers hiring graduates are often looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, and a drive to learn, so expressing genuine passion can set you apart.

At the end of the day, templates aren’t a complete shortcut; you’ll still need to tailor each cover letter. But even saving a few minutes each time can make a big difference when you’re applying for multiple roles.