How to Write a Cover Letter to a Recruitment Agency

Updated 22 March 2023

A cover letter to a recruitment agency is a document that a job candidate addresses to a recruiter in which they share key information about their employability and career achievements. It typically accompanies a resume and can significantly improve a candidate's chances of capturing a recruiter's interest. Learning how to write an effective cover letter can help you secure a position within your desired profession. In this article, we outline a list of steps describing how to write a cover letter you can send to a recruitment agency and provide a cover letter template and example you may find beneficial.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a cover letter to a recruitment agency

Here's a step-by-step guide you may find helpful when writing a cover letter to a recruitment agency:

1. Conduct research on the recruitment agency

Because there are a variety of different types of recruitment agencies, it can benefit you to research your desired agency to make sure they offer the services you require. For example, you might be searching for temporary work, in which case a temp agency is likely ideal for your situation. Perhaps you prefer a full-time position in your chosen profession. A traditional recruitment agency can help you achieve this. Recruiters in these agencies typically receive commission for the number of candidates they successfully provide to employers, so they may have an incentive to secure you a role quickly.

2. Study the job description

When you're planning your cover letter, consider reviewing the job description of your desired position and highlight the abilities, experiences, traits or qualifications the employer has listed as requirements for the job. Not only can this help you decide if you're suited for the role, it can also provide you with greater clarity about what the employer is searching for. You can use this information to customise your cover letter so that it addresses specific employment criteria. Doing this can attract the attention of an agency and encourage them to contact a hiring company on your behalf.

3. List your contact information

Begin crafting your cover letter by inserting your contact information in the top-left corner of your document. Start by writing your full name. Underneath your name, list your phone number, email address and the city and state or territory in which you live. Supplying multiple forms of contact information can help an agency contact you, as it gives them a variety of ways to connect with you to arrange an interview with potential employers. Here's an example of how you might format this in your cover letter:

Jessica Groves (08) 5550 2541 | jessica.groves@email.com | Perth, Western Australia

4. Write a salutation

Open your cover letter with a formal salutation. This is a customary greeting that helps the reader identify who your letter is addressing. If you've previously contacted the recruitment agency, and you know the name of the hiring manager, you may address them directly. For example, you might write, Dear Mrs Allen. Perhaps you don't know the hiring manager's name. In this instance, simply write, Dear Hiring manager.

5. Make your intentions clear

In the opening paragraph of your cover letter, introduce yourself and make it clear to the reader what the intent of your document is. Recruitment agencies receive many resumes and cover letters for various jobs. Because of this, it's a good idea to state what type of job or specific vacancy you're interested in so that the hiring managers can identify immediately what position you're applying for. For example, you might write, I am interested in being matched with the Office Administration position with Darlington Services or any other administrative role you may have available.

6. Discuss your credentials and accomplishments

The second paragraph of your cover letter is your opportunity to discuss your relevant qualifications and elaborate on some of your key accomplishments within your chosen profession. This might involve outlining a significant certification or degree you have, followed by several sentences discussing specific experiences or skills that make you a suitable fit for your desired role.

When writing this section, aim to use quantifiable data when possible, such as numbers, dollar values or percentages. Doing this can add credibility to your claims and help hiring managers visualise your competence. For example, if you were creating an administrative officer cover letter, you might write, In my previous role, I used my writing and research skills to prepare over 50 detailed reports, which helped the business learn key details about their customers.

7. Conclude your cover letter

Write a concluding paragraph in which you restate your enthusiasm for your desired role and briefly summarise your key skills and suitability for the job. Open this paragraph by expressing your gratitude to the hiring manager for considering your cover letter. This can show them you're a professional and respectful job candidate. For example, you might write, Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

To make a final positive impression on your desired recruitment agency, consider ending your cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a brief statement, typically one to three sentences long, in which you provide an engaging prompt to entice the hiring manager to contact you to arrange a job interview. Including this in your letter is an excellent way to show the recruitment agency you're passionate about securing the role. Here's an example of a call to action for a cover letter:

I'm confident that my customer service skills and database management knowledge make me an excellent fit for the vacant Office Administrator position or any other administrative roles you may have available. I look forward to speaking with you in further detail about my professional background and how I can bring significant value to any hiring organisations that are searching for an experienced administrator.

8. Sign your cover letter

At the bottom of your cover letter, close with a professional sign-off, followed by your full name. Doing this can show that you're a professional candidate who understands the writing conventions of a cover letter. There are a variety of appropriate sign-offs you may choose from, including Sincerely, Respectfully and Kind regards. Here's an example of how this may appear on your cover letter:

Respectfully,

Jessica Groves

9. Proofread your cover letter

Consider proofreading your cover letter before you send it to a recruitment agency. Doing this can ensure your document doesn't contain any unintended punctuation or grammatical errors. Having a well-written letter can display you're a proficient communicator and show hiring managers you're serious about securing the role. To proofread effectively, consider reading your document aloud. Reading aloud can help you catch typographic or grammatical errors you may miss during the reading process. Grammar checker software is also a beneficial editing tool. You can use it to scan your document and gain instant feedback on your writing.

Cover letter template

Here's a template you can use when building your cover letter:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or qualification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] [Post code]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name]

[Express excitement for the position.] [Include the job title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how it aligns with your career goals and what attracts you to the company.]

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's on your resume.] [Highlight one or two relevant achievements with facts and data.] [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company.] [If necessary, address an employment gap or career transition.]

[Express gratitude.] [Summarise your qualifications.] [Restate your interest in the role.] [Include a call to action, your availability and your preferred contact method.]

[Complimentary close],

[Signature]

Cover letter example

Here's an example of a cover letter you may refer to for inspiration when writing your own:

Olivia Nelson
(08) 5550 6767 | olivia.nelson@email.com | Perth, Western Australia*

21/02/2023

Greenhill Recruitment Agency

Dear Mr Williamson,

I am interested in being matched with the Marketing Consultant position for Kearns Consulting Group and any other marketing role you may have available.

With over seven years of experience as a marketing consultant, I have developed strong talents in a range of relevant areas that I believe qualify me for the position. For example, in my previous role, I developed a variety of social media strategies that helped clients boost their website traffic and increase their business sales. I also conducted extensive market research, which led to the company establishing new opportunities and markets.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I'm enthusiastic about the prospect of providing Kearns Consulting Group with my expert knowledge and helping them achieve their business objectives. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss my qualifications in greater detail.