Summary:
Learn how to write a cover letter in Kenya to boost your job application success.
Key Steps: Start by addressing the hiring manager personally, introduce yourself and the position you’re applying for, and highlight your relevant skills and achievements.
Importance: Covering letters complement CVs by providing a more personal introduction and detailing how you can add value to the company.
Tools and Tips: Use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway for proofreading. Consider using a cover letter template to guide your drafting process.
From Good to Great: Transform Your Kenyan Cover Letter Today
The key to landing your dream job is an outstanding cover letter, but most people don’t know that. Most people think a loaded CV or resume is enough to do the trick.
What they fail to realise is that a CV or resume only goes halfway. A cover letter then meets it halfway to create the magic.
After weeks of job-hunting, perfecting your resume, and preparing for interviews, you find that you must write a cover letter before calling it a day. Now you are staring at a blank page on your screen and wondering how to even begin.
We understand and we are here to tell you that writing a cover letter is not as hard as it seems. Yes, you could use cover letter-generating AIs to do the work. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it on your own.
In this article, we will show you an easy-to-follow and step-by-step approach to creating a compelling cover letter that aligns with hiring trends.
How to Write A Cover Letter in Kenya Professionally
Cover letters should be quick and tailored to the job market. Here are some quick tips for writing a great cover letter in Kenya:
Make it concise. Keep it to one page and around 250-350 words.
Address the letter correctly and use the hiring manager’s name when you can.
Introduce yourself and mention the position you’re applying for.
State where you found the advert and express your interest in the position.
The skills and experience you include must be relevant to the position and summarised.
Explain how you can contribute to the company and (briefly) discuss your 30-60-90-Day Plan (optional).
Showcase your (relevant) accomplishments.
Proofread for typos or grammar errors (Use free Grammarly and Hemingway apps to improve readability).
You will find more details as you read the body article.
Key Takeaways
A cover letter is like a sales pitch or ad copy.
A cover letter completes your job application by showing who you are beyond the bullet points.
When writing a cover letter, you must make it concise and direct, address the letter correctly, introduce yourself, show relevant accomplishments, explain how you will add value, and proofread.
Anyone can write a good cover letter, whether you are a recent graduate, a young professional, or a mid-career professional.
Use a template when writing your cover letter for guidance.
Why A Cover Letter Is Important? Understanding the Cover Letter
A cover letter or job application letter is important because it is your sales pitch. It is your ad copy that helps recruiters gauge whether or not you are a good fit.
Like a sales pitch or ad copy, a cover letter tells recruiters who you are beyond the bullet points.
If you check the definition of a cover letter, you will find that it is a document that provides additional information about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
It is a document (you submit together with your CV) that introduces you by briefly summarising your professional background.
Your cover letter is meant to convince the recruiter that you are a good candidate worth interviewing. It adds focus to your CV and increases the chances of getting an interview.
Use a Proper Heading and Role Title
Your heading is the first thing employers see, so ensure it makes a good impression by making it professional and organised.
Start your heading with your full name, P.O. box number, city, postal code, and contact information (phone number and email address) at the top.
Write the date below your contact information.
Use a professional format to write the name of the hiring manager (if available), company name, P.O. box number, city, postal code, and email.
Example:
Jane Mwangi
Finance Assistant
+254 712 345678
janemwangi@gmail.com
P.O. Box 12345
Nairobi, 00100
Kenya
23rd October 2024
Human Resource Manager
ABC Company
P.O. Box 67890
Nairobi, 00200
Kenya
Address it to a Person (The Hiring Manager Directly)
A personalised greeting makes your cover letter more genuine and thoughtful. Whenever possible, use the name of the hiring manager. You can find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company’s website or LinkedIn page.
Instead of saying sir/madam, send it to the recruiter directly. If you know the name, use it. For example, “Dear Mr Kamau.”
Avoid using a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Hiring Team” if you don’t know the hiring manager’s name. In that case, don’t add a salutation. Move straight to the caption (e.g., C# Developer Vacancy (Ref #RT4758)
Make Your Introduction Strong
Your introduction should grab the employer’s attention and explain why you’re a great fit in a matter of seconds. State why you are writing to them and mention where the job was advertised. This is your chance to make a memorable first impression.
For example:
When I came across the Sales Executive position at ABC Company on [specify job platform, e.g., Brighter Monday], I knew it was an excellent opportunity for someone like me who is passionate about driving sales and building client relationships.
Outline Relevant Experiences Only
This is the main body of your letter. Talk about your professional experience and skills as it relates to the position. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your abilities.
Use metrics if possible. Quantifying your achievements makes them more impactful and adds more context. For instance, “Increased sales by 20% within six months.”
This part of your cover letter should be clear and relevant to the job requirements. Two or three paragraphs are enough to get your message across.
For example:
In my previous role at XYZ Ltd, I successfully managed a portfolio of 50+ clients and achieved a 95% client retention rate. My ability to connect with customers and understand their needs helped me exceed sales targets by 20% annually.
Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Organisation
Start by briefly stating why you’re excited to work for the organisation. Then, explain how your work experience, capabilities, and achievements make you a perfect fit for the company. Talk about how you can add value to the company’s goals.
To make this part solid, mention (specific) company values and goals and how they align with yours. This shows that you made the effort to understand the company.
An example:
I admire ABC Company’s dedication to sustainability and community support, values I share deeply. I am eager to bring my expertise in sales and customer service to your team and prioritise social responsibility.
Close with a Strong Conclusion
In your closing, be polite but confident. Briefly summarise your interest and invite the employer to contact you for an interview.
Thank the hiring manager for their consideration and for taking the time to read through your application. Invite further conversation by mentioning that you look forward to discussing your application in an interview.
Your closing remark should be either “yours sincerely” or “yours faithfully”. Then place your signature and full name below.
An example:
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can benefit ABC Company. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
Jane Mwangi
Watch this video for more tips on how to write good covering letters in Kenya in 2025:
Best Practices for Cover Letters
- Keep your cover letter concise and focused on the role. A cover letter should be at most one page and provide relevant information only.
- It should be clear and demonstrate your skills, attitude, and expertise for the role.
- Use a professional tone and format.
- Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
- Highlight your achievements and qualifications.
- Use a professional closing (e.g., Kind regards) and sign your name.
- Include your contact information and a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview.
- Proofread your letter.
4 Sample Cover Letter Templates to Inspire Yours
Are you looking for templates to spark ideas and help you craft your standout cover letter? Here are four cover letter templates you can use.
Cover Letter Examples For Graduates and Young Professionals
For graduates and young professionals, here are sample cover letters to help you create a strong first impression.
Example 1 (Download Word version – Free Cover Letter Example for Job Seekers in Kenya)
Why this cover letter stands out:
Rather than stressing hard skills and qualifications (which are outlined in the resume), Kipchirchir emphasises a genuine commitment to the clients served and the mission of this organisation. The letter closes with a P.S. that highlights even more value.
Why this cover letter stands out:
Rather than stressing hard skills and qualifications (which are outlined in the resume), Kipchirchir emphasises a genuine commitment to the clients served and the mission of this organisation. The letter closes with a P.S. that highlights even more value.
Example 2 (Download Word version)
Key Strengths of This Cover Letter:
Kimani makes an immediate connection with Ms. Chebet by sharing his philosophy about website design—a business that greatly intersects with the job posting. The letter includes specific skills, certifications, and experiences that relate directly to the position as described in the advert.
Cover Letter Examples For Mid-Career Professionals)
Here’s how to write a powerful cover letter that highlights your experience, skills, and the unique value you bring as a mid-career professional.
Example 3 (Download Word version)
What makes this cover letter exceptional:
Despite being relatively lengthy, this letter is well-designed to make it readable, and the relevant content is sure to engage the reader. The heading graphic is distinctive and perfect for a kindergarten teacher.
Example 4 (Download Word version)
Reasons This Cover Letter Excels:
Ochieng’s cover letter is well-designed to reflect her professional experience and unique qualifications, effectively highlighting her skills and experiences relevant to the position she is applying for.
Finalising Your Job Application
Reiterate your interest in the position and mention your desire to discuss your application in more detail.
Thank the employer for considering your application and express your commitment to the role.
Mention your availability for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Make sure to proofread your cover letter and job application letter carefully before submitting.
Before you send your letter (E-note can be via email), ensure you include all the documents the advertiser requires.
If you’re using an E-note, create a fresh free account for your application purposes. Then paste your message in the email body and send.
My Last Advice: Please, Pay Closer Attention
We are finally at the finish line! Congratulations champion!
If you’ve come this far, you’re dead serious about changing the narrative in your favour. Hunting for jobs can feel like a game of chance, but with the knowledge from this article, it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
You’ve already done good work reading the tips outlined in this article. You only have to implement them right now. You cannot read this article and leave empty-handed. Start honing your cover letter game now, and recruiters will be knocking in no time.
We believe in you and we know the stuff you’re made of. So, go out there and show them!
Cheers!
References
Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark (2017). Modernize Your Job Search Letters Get, Noticed… Get Hired. Emerald Career Publishing, USA.
Opportunities For Young Kenyans (2024): How To Write A Job Application Letter In 2024
