top of page

Partnering with SME companies throughout East Anglia, Michelle Denny Recruitment is a recruitment agency which specialises in personalised recruitment consultancy services in Norfolk and Suffolk to help you discover that elusive new member of staff at a budget that suits you.

​

With different campaign options to meet your requirements and innovative marketing strategies to captivate worthy candidates, we'll present you with a refreshing, no-fuss approach to recruitment. Whether you need a comprehensive recruitment drive with full support, or a simple campaign to find you candidates to review in-house, we'll work with you as an extension of your team, to understand your business and the people within it. 

Clients

THIS WAY TO HIRE

NellieStudio-32.jpg

We'll introduce you to companies with job opportunities across Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond that share your values and understand your career aspirations so you can feel confident in your job search. With guidance, support, constructive feedback and consistent communication as standard throughout our approach, Michelle Denny Recruitment Consultancy looks beyond your CV to discover what makes you, you!

​

With a clear direction, straightforward application process and ongoing recommendations, we’ll provide you with the ultimate match-making service to help you find the right job, in the right company, with the right team. Learn more, view our current vacancies and upload your CV to register for upcoming roles too.

Candidates

THIS WAY TO A NEW JOB

How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Adds Value

  • Michelle Denny
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

You’ve crafted your CV, tailored it thoughtfully, and found a role that genuinely aligns with your goals. Then comes the request that can cause hesitation:


“Please include a cover letter.”


It’s a step that many jobseekers approach with uncertainty. Do you really need one? What should it say? Does anyone read it?


The answer: yes - but only if it adds something purposeful. A cover letter isn’t a box to tick. It’s a valuable opportunity to communicate your intent, relevance, and fit - concisely and clearly.



What a cover letter is (and isn’t)


A strong cover letter doesn’t repeat your CV in paragraph form. It provides context - the “why” behind your application.


It gives you the space to:


  • Clarify your motivation for applying

  • Highlight alignment between your skills and the role

  • Introduce your tone, professionalism, and focus


It’s not about keywords or creative flair. It’s about showing you’ve considered the role carefully - and have something relevant to offer.


A practical structure that works

There’s no single format, but most strong cover letters follow a similar structure. It should be tailored, focused, and no longer than a page.


1. Introduce your intent:

State the role you’re applying for and where you found it. Keep it direct and professional:“I’m writing to apply for the [Job Title] role as advertised on [Platform].”


2. Explain your motivation:

Why this role? Why this company? Show that you’ve done your research and have a clear reason for applying. Mention what stood out in the job description or what you admire about the organisation.


3. Connect your experience:

Rather than listing your duties, explain how your background aligns with the key requirements of the role. Focus on a few relevant examples that demonstrate capability, not a full career overview.


4. Close with clarity:

Summarise your interest, thank them for their time, and express your availability if relevant. Keep it professional and confident.


Avoid common pitfalls


A well-intentioned cover letter can quickly become ineffective when it falls into one of these traps:


  • Repeating your CV: If every sentence mirrors your CV, the letter adds no value. Instead, use it to highlight and interpret the most relevant parts.

  • Generic content: “I’m a hard-working team player” doesn’t say anything specific. Avoid boilerplate phrases - they make your letter blend into the background.

  • Excessive formality: Overly stiff, distant language disconnects you from the reader. Respectful, straightforward communication is more effective.

  • Over-explaining gaps: Don’t try to resolve every question in your cover letter. Stay focused on your strengths and interest in the role.


Useful questions to guide your writing


If you're unsure what to include, ask yourself:


  • What about this role genuinely interests me?

  • What does this organisation do that I’d be proud to be part of?

  • Which parts of my experience best reflect what they’re looking for?

  • What would I want to know, if I were hiring for this position?


These prompts will help you move from a general outline to a focused, relevant message.


Keep it short and purposeful


A well-written cover letter is typically three or four short paragraphs. Avoid long explanations or unrelated detail. If you’re going beyond one page, it’s time to refine.

The goal isn’t to cover everything - it’s to demonstrate that you’ve understood the role, thought carefully about how you align with it, and can communicate that with clarity.


Connecting with your CV - not duplicating it


If you’ve read our recent blog on How to Tailor Your CV, you’ll know we emphasise relevance.


A cover letter is a continuation of that mindset.


You’re not restating what’s already there. You’re highlighting why those points matter in this particular context.


What’s next


Once you’ve refined your CV and cover letter, the next step is to bring that same clarity and confidence into your interviews - something we’ll cover in the next post in this series.


Need some guidance?


If you’re unsure whether your cover letter is strengthening your application, we’re happy to offer feedback.


We won’t rewrite it - but we can help you assess whether it’s clear, relevant, and positioned to support your application.


📩 Contact us if you’d value a second opinion: hello@dennyrecruits.com



Comments

bottom of page