Open with relevance
State the role you are applying for and give the recruiter a reason to keep reading. A useful opening identifies your current professional position or strongest relevant experience and connects it to the vacancy.
Avoid generic openings about being passionate, hardworking or excited unless you immediately support them with specifics.
Show that you understand the organisation
Refer to the organisation's work accurately and selectively. You do not need to summarise its entire website. Pick the part most relevant to the vacancy: a programme area, audience, strategy, service model or current priority.
Then explain why your experience is useful in that context.
Choose two or three proof points
A cover letter is strongest when it develops a few relevant examples rather than listing everything. Choose achievements that match the most important requirements in the advert and explain the outcome.
If you are changing sectors, include one example that makes the transferability of your experience obvious.
Explain motivation without overclaiming
Motivation can come from the cause, the type of work, the organisation's approach or the opportunity to apply your professional skills in a purpose-led setting. Keep it honest.
Avoid implying personal experience or commitment you do not have. Credibility matters.
Close with practical confidence
End by reinforcing fit and interest, not by repeating the whole letter. Check the employer's application instructions carefully; some charities request a supporting statement instead of a cover letter.
Save the document with a professional file name and proofread names, job titles and organisation details before sending.
Frequently asked questions
Do charities expect a cover letter?
Only when the vacancy requests one. Follow the application instructions rather than sending extra documents by default.
How long should it be?
Usually one focused page is sufficient unless the employer asks for something different.
Can I mention salary?
Only if the application asks you to address expectations or there is a specific reason to clarify them.
Recruitment processes vary by employer. Always follow the instructions, essential criteria and deadlines in the specific job advert you are applying for.