How to write a national service cover letter

Organisations that take national service personnel read many letters. Yours should be short, say clearly what you are asking for and show that you are ready to learn and to be useful.

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We draft it from your CV. You change every word, then download it as a PDF.

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What to include

  • The organisation, and the unit or work you would like to do if you know it.
  • Who you are: your course, your school and your graduation year.
  • Two or three things from your studies, projects or attachments that fit their work.
  • Why you want to serve with them in particular.
  • A polite request for a placement, and thanks.

Tips that make it stronger

  • Read about the organisation first and mention something specific about its work.
  • Say what you can do in your first month, not only what you hope to learn.
  • Keep it to one page and use the same name for the organisation throughout.
  • Send a CV with it. Our national service checklist has a full list of what to prepare.

Mistakes to avoid

  • A general letter that could be sent to any organisation.
  • Only talking about what you want to receive.
  • Typing the organisation's name wrongly.

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