A cover letter is a short letter or email that you send with your CV. Many applicants in Pakistan skip it or paste the same generic text for every job. A short, specific cover letter shows the employer that you actually read their advertisement and understand what they need, and it often decides who gets shortlisted when CVs look similar.
When do you need a cover letter?
- When applying by email – the email body itself works as your cover letter.
- When the advertisement asks for an “application” or “covering letter”.
- When applying through company websites or LinkedIn that have a cover letter field.
Government jobs usually require you to fill in an official form instead. In that case, follow the form exactly and attach only the documents requested.
The four-paragraph format
- Opening – which job you are applying for and where you saw it.
- Why you fit – two or three strengths that match the advertisement, with a brief example.
- Why this employer – one or two lines showing you know something about the company.
- Closing – thank them, say you are available for interview and give your phone number.
Keep it under 250–300 words. Recruiters read it on their phones as often as on computers.
Sample cover letter (email)
Subject: Application for Accounts Officer – Ref AO-12
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Accounts Officer position advertised on your company’s LinkedIn page. I hold a B.Com from the University of the Punjab and have two years of experience in accounts at a Lahore-based distribution company.
In my current role I prepare monthly payroll for 120 employees, reconcile bank statements for four accounts and handle sales tax records. I reduced month-end closing time from ten days to six by setting up simple Excel templates for reconciliations. I am comfortable with QuickBooks and advanced Excel, which your advertisement mentions.
I would welcome the chance to bring this experience to your finance team, especially as your company expands its retail network across Punjab.
Thank you for considering my application. My CV is attached, and I am available for an interview at your convenience on 03xx-xxxxxxx.
Regards,
Ali Raza
Common mistakes
- “Dear Sir” when you do not know who will read it – “Dear Hiring Manager” is safer.
- Repeating the CV – pick the most relevant points and explain them.
- Wrong company name – the most common error when copying an old letter. Always check before sending.
- Begging or emotional language – stay polite and professional; focus on what you can offer.
- Attachments with unclear names – name files clearly, for example Ali-Raza-CV.pdf.
Tips for fresh graduates
If you do not have work experience, use your final-year project, internship, volunteer work or a part-time job as your main example. Show a skill the employer wants and one result. For example: “During my internship at a telecom company I prepared weekly sales reports in Excel for the regional manager, which taught me to work with deadlines and large data sets.”
Email etiquette
- Use a professional email address (name-based, not nicknames).
- Write the job title and reference number in the subject.
- Do not send the same email to many companies in CC – send each one separately.
- Follow up politely once after a week if you hear nothing.
Before you send it, make sure your CV is just as strong. See our guide on how to write a CV for jobs in Pakistan.