Cover Letter Magic

Peaches James
May 8
3 min read

No fluff. No begging. Just clarity, confidence and a bit of your magic.

Let’s Take the Pressure Off

If the thought of writing a cover letter makes you want to close the tab—you’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve been out of the workplace for a while.

Maybe you’re returning after a career break or a tough season.

Maybe you’re just not used to talking about yourself in a “professional” way.

The good news?

You don’t have to perform or pretend.

A strong cover letter isn’t about fancy words or perfect experience—it’s about being clear, relevant and human.

This chapter gives you a structure that works, a tone that feels natural and examples you can build from.

You’ll walk away with something that feels like you but also opens doors.

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

Not every employer reads cover letters.

But some do—and when they do, this is your chance to stand out quietly.

It’s a space to:

Show you understand what the job is about
Highlight why you’re a good fit, even if your path has been non-traditional
Give context if you’ve been out of work, changed careers or had gaps

Think of it as a bridge—not a performance.

It connects you to the job in a way a CV alone can’t.

A Structure That Works (Keep It Simple, Keep It You)

Use this as your base.

You can adjust it depending on the job, but this layout gives you what you need without the stress.

1️⃣ Opening: Start Warm and Direct

Let them know why you’re interested—and that you’ve read the job ad properly.

"I’m writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

The role stood out to me because of [a specific reason you connected with it—values, duties, location, team vibe]."

2️⃣ Middle: Show What You Bring

Mention your background, the skills you’ve developed (inside or outside of formal work) and what makes you a strong match.

"I bring experience in [area] and a track record of [skill or result].

Over the past [time period], I’ve developed skills in

[e.g. organisation, communication, patience, leadership]

through [work, volunteering, caregiving, courses].

I’m adaptable, reliable, and ready to grow in a role like this."

If you’ve had a break:

"During [years], I focused on [family, health, study, etc.].

Now I’m returning to work with renewed focus and a strong skillset I’m ready to apply."

3️⃣ Ending: Keep It Professional, Not Desperate

End with clarity and confidence.

No need for dramatic closing lines—just keep it simple and solid.

"I’d welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team

and am confident I’d bring focus and care to the role.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application."

Warm regards, [Your Name]

Adapting the Letter to Your Story

Here’s how to lightly shape your letter depending on your situation:

🌀 Career Break (Parenting, Health, Recovery)

I’ve spent the past few years focusing on [your reason]. During that time I stayed connected to [life skills or informal work], and I’m now looking forward to rejoining the workforce with clarity and commitment.

🌱 Career Change

After building experience in [past area], I’m now excited to transition into [new area]. My transferable skills—like [examples]—and my recent [training, volunteer work, courses] have helped me feel prepared for this shift.

✨ Low Experience or First Job

While I’m just starting out in the workplace, I’ve gained strong [soft skills] through [life experiences, community involvement, personal projects]. I’m eager to learn and I take pride in showing up with consistency and a good attitude.