Career Guide · Applications
How to Write a Cover Letter in South Africa
A well-written cover letter can set you apart from dozens of applicants with similar CVs. This guide covers structure, examples, and common mistakes.
Do You Really Need a Cover Letter?
Yes — especially in South Africa where the job market is competitive. A cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to the employer, explain why you want the role, and show personality that a CV cannot convey. Even when it is listed as optional, submitting one shows initiative and professionalism.
Cover Letter Structure
Do's
- Keep it to one page — no more
- Tailor it specifically to each job and company
- Open with a strong, specific hook
- Use numbers and results to back up claims
- Match the tone to the company culture
- Proofread twice — errors kill applications
- Save as PDF with a professional file name
Don'ts
- Don't start with 'I am writing to apply for...' — it's overused
- Don't copy and paste your CV into the letter
- Don't make it longer than one page
- Don't use a generic letter for every application
- Don't focus on what you want — focus on what you offer
- Don't use informal language or slang
- Don't send without a subject line if emailing