what does a cover letter have to say

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

How to write a cover letter

Skip to: 

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

When do you need a cover letter, how should you structure your cover letter, what should go in your cover letter.

A cover letter is a letter that you write about yourself and submit alongside your CV when applying for a job. Within it, you explain why you’re the right candidate for that role, based on your experience and skills. 

A potential employer might use a cover letter as an introduction to you before moving on to your CV, so it’s important to make a strong impression.

Just like you would tailor your CV to the specific role you’re applying for, you should write a cover letter with a particular job in mind. The concise structure of a CV can make it hard to stand out. But the structure of a cover letter gives you more room to showcase your skills and personality. 

A job application will tell you whether you need to include a cover letter or not. Most applications do ask you to, or some may get you to fill out some online questions instead. You probably won’t need a cover letter for a part-time job as a student, for example.

If a job description doesn’t say anything about a cover letter, play it safe and include one just in case. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show you’ve gone the extra mile.

A cover letter should be roughly one side of A4 and broken up into short paragraphs so it’s easy to read. Just like your CV, stick to a sensible font type, size, and colour.

Ideally, you should submit it as a PDF version with a clear filename, so it always looks the same regardless of the device it’s opened on.

Contact details

You should include the same contact information at the top of your cover letter as you would for your CV, in case it gets separated.

• phone number
• email address

Who to address your cover letter to

Ideally, you want to address your cover letter to the specific person who will be reading it. The job listing should say who this is. This might someone who works in HR or the person you will report to if you get the job.

If the job listing doesn’t clarify who this is, don’t be afraid to get in touch directly by phone or email. This shows initiative and is an early opportunity to make a personal connection, which can work in your favour.

If you’re struggling to find an individual to address your cover letter to, you should write ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ instead.

Clarify the role you're applying to

Begin by stating the role you are applying for. Sometimes it can be useful to say how you heard about the role, whether it was on a particular website or through someone you know..

I am writing to apply for the Data Analyst position in your organisation, as advertised on your website.

Now you’ve clarified the role you’re applying for; you can highlight why you’re the right candidate for it.

Describe yourself and your experience

Next, say who you are – easy, right? You don’t need to tack on any bells and whistles.

If you’re a school or college student applying for a part-time job, say where you go to school, what year you’re in, and what you’re studying. You may want to drop in your future plans (if you have any).

I’m in my second year of my A-levels at St John’s College, studying English, biology, and drama. I've received a conditional offer from the University of Sussex to study English and drama in September.

If you’re a graduate applying for your first job out of uni – say where you’ve graduated from, your qualification and grade.

I’m a graduate of the University of Sussex with a first class bachelor’s degree in English and Drama.

If you've taken a gap year, include what you did and how this has made you a stronger candidate for the role.

For example

I’ve spent the last six months volunteering in Ethiopia, leading a missionary programme – a role that’s been personally fulfilling, and has equipped me with a range of skills that I’m excited to bring to a role like this, including motivating a team and problem-solving.

If you’re currently working and applying for another job, outline the field you’ve been working in, including some of your key responsibilities.

I’ve been working in digital marketing for a charity for the past three years. My main responsibilities are email marketing, social media management, and content creation.

By highlighting a few of the areas you’ve been involved with, you may be kept in mind for another role if you're unsuccessful here.

Why you’re looking for a new role

You will want to touch on why you’re applying to this role, especially if you’re currently employed. Below are some tips about tailoring this to the role you're applying to.

• Do you want to move into a new field? Perhaps one that you’ve had a taste of and really enjoyed? 
• Do you want to do the same role, but in a different sector, such as moving from a commercial business to a charity? 
• Are you looking for more responsibility which you can’t get in your current role to progress on to a long-term goal? 
• Have your personal circumstances changed? An example would be relocating to be closer to family.

Demonstrate your key achievements

Now it’s time to show what you’ve done or achieved up to now, and how this makes you the perfect fit for the role in question (including any standout achievements or stats to back this up).

Don’t forget to relate these to the key skills or knowledge that have been set out in the job description and use the extra space to elaborate on these. Don’t just repeat your CV word for word.

• If you’re a school/college student applying for a part-time job or a degree apprenticeship, what have you achieved in your studies that demonstrates these key skills?
• Have you won any awards or come top in your year in your exams – this would show your work ethic. Have you headed up any clubs or societies where you’ve had to be organised, or lead by example?
• Are you involved in any societies or sports teams where you’ve worked closely with and motivated others?
• Have you completed any volunteering or internships?

As editor of the university newspaper, I was responsible for overseeing the production of over 40 issues, including sourcing exciting new contributors and managing strict budgets. In that time, the paper won several awards for its investigation into X.

If you’re currently working and applying for another job, you’ll have already mentioned the general areas you have experience in, but now it’s time to highlight the impact you’ve made.

After just a few months of completing the company’s graduate scheme, I was promoted to the role of account manager for several clients across different sectors, involving planning, implementing, and reporting on all their paid display activity. While it was challenging, I’ve continued to meet key targets. My ability to manage clients’ expectations satisfactorily was pulled out as a key strength in a recent client review survey.

You might want to back this up with key statistics:

One client has seen sign-ups climb 31% in a year since I’ve led on their account, resulting in a 5% growth in annual revenue.

Or being part of a project that's been big news in your field.

I was part of the team that worked on Project X, which received critical acclaim within the X industry. I was specifically responsible for overseeing X, Y, and Z in this project. This wonderful experience early in my career was capped off by winning an X award for Y.

Why that company/organisation/field?

This is your opportunity to show you’ve taken some initiative, done your research, and are passionate about getting this role especially. You want to prove this isn’t just another application you’ve churned out. Is there something about this role that makes it stand out from similar roles elsewhere?

The chance to apply my skills and collaborate with Dr Jane Smith and her team is one I couldn’t let slip. Also, the opportunities to grow in this organisation through X, Y, and Z fill me with confidence.

Is the organisation entering a particularly significant period that you’re keen to be a part of (and most importantly, that you feel you can contribute to in a big way)?

The organisation’s expansion into South America is something I would be thrilled to be a part of. My sixth-month stint in Mexico delivering the X project gave me a whole new perspective on this market but was all too short. Returning to the continent with the experience I now have would be a fresh, exciting challenge.

Is the role or organisation involved in something you’re personally invested in?

A family member’s recent experience with X has given me a whole new appreciation of the work Y do. I have been volunteering for Z for the past six months, something that has been a great source of fulfilment. To contribute further in a professional capacity would be all the more rewarding, while I believe my distinctive perspective would benefit the work I do and the organisation as a result.

This is where it may help to mention any ambitions or goals you have for the future, although be careful not to take your eye off the role you’re applying for.

Conclusion: reiterate with impact

Finish up with a short, punchy conclusion reiterating some of the key aspects you’ve outlined above.

Do this in a way that will make an employer excited to meet you for an interview (or at least get across your enthusiasm to meet them and learn more about the role).

If you’ve addressed your cover letter to a specific individual, sign off with ‘Yours sincerely.' If you don’t know the name of the recipient, stick to ‘Yours faithfully.'

You might also like to read

How to write a cv, how to prepare for an interview, virtual work experiences, sponsored articles ucas media service, top tips on funding and scholarships, find your perfect nhs course today, do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk.

Personal Statement vs Cover Letter: A Guide

Personal statements and cover letters are both valuable documents for your job applications. Either document can accompany your CV and help to convince the recruiter or hiring manager that you’re right for the job. In this article, we’ll discuss personal statements vs cover letters, comparing the differences between each document, outlining their uses and providing a guide to writing a strong example of each.

Understanding the Purpose of a Personal Statement or Cover Letter

The purpose of both a personal statement and a cover letter is similar. Both documents supplement your CV with useful additional information intended to persuade the employer that you’re a suitable candidate. Most modern CV examples are short, concise documents, so either a personal statement or cover letter can be useful for greater detail.

While the purpose of both the personal statement and cover letter are similar, their uses are different. A personal statement is distinct from a CV summary or CV objective, both of which are sections of the CV itself. It usually takes the form of a separate document, essaying your career highlights, skills, experiences and objectives. It tends to be a more personal document than a CV or cover letter, and it can be useful for speculative applications where you’re seeking to introduce yourself to a company.

On the other hand, a cover letter is a professional introduction that accompanies your CV for formal, specific job applications. While your cover letter can contain similar details to your personal statement, the format and structure of the letter is different.

Key Differences Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter

These key differences between a personal statement and a cover letter can help you decide which is most suitable for your job applications:

The primary purpose of a personal statement is to express your core values, ethics and strengths in a short, personal story about your life and career. These tend to be used as an introduction to speculative applications. They’re also often used for academic applications and graduate roles. Cover letters, on the other hand, are formal letters accompanying your CV for advertised positions.

Target audience

You’ll usually send your cover letter to a known contact who’s handling the hiring process. This could be a recruiter, an HR manager or a manager within the department you’re applying to work in. Personal statements may be addressed speculatively to heads of department, directors or managers within a company, although it’s still always best to obtain the name of the person you’re sending it to.

Personal statements are essays that delve into your motivations, objectives, values and key qualities. They give you the chance to really express what’s important to you in your career, and what you hope to achieve. Cover letters usually afford some space for this type of content, but they also include various pleasantries and formalities associated with formal job applications.

Length and structure

While there can be some scope for differences in length between a cover letter and personal statement, it’s important to keep both as concise as possible. A cover letter is typically three short paragraphs. A personal statement can be a little longer and more detailed, but a length of four or five paragraphs will usually suffice.

Expert Tip:

Although personal statements are often more speculative than cover letters, you should still write yours with a specific job in mind. This can help you to remain focused with the content of your statement, to make a more compelling case to hiring managers about your credentials and suitability.

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Cover letter templates typically include the sections outlined below. Follow this guide to ensure your cover letter has the structure and content to make a strong impression with hiring managers:

• Letter header: include your name, phone number, email address and postal address.
• Date: add the date you’re sending the letter.
• Hiring manager’s name and organisation details/address: address the letter to the hiring manager by name, if you have it. Include the company name and address.
• Greeting: greet the hiring manager by name if you know it (for example, ‘Dear Julia Lucas’). If you don’t know their name, use their job title (for example, ‘Dear HR Manager’), or simply ‘Dear hiring manager’.
• Introductory paragraph: in your first paragraph, confirm the role and mention where you saw it advertised. Briefly mention why you think you’re suitable for the role, how it fits with your career ambitions and why you’re keen to work with the organisation.
• Description of your qualities: in the second paragraph, explain how your experience and skills make you a strong fit for the role. Pick out one or two examples of achievements and successes in previous roles and highlight some of the key strengths you can bring to the role.
• Closing paragraph and call to action: finish the letter by expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm, and adding a call to action. This is typically an invitation for the hiring manager to contact you to arrange an interview, or to discuss the details of your application further.
• Sign off: use a conventional, formal letter sign-off to complete your letter. If you know the name of the hiring manager, use ‘Yours sincerely’. If you don’t know their name, use ‘Yours faithfully’. Sign your letter by hand or using a digital signature.

Example Cover Letter

Harry Boardman 27 Cuckoo Lane Bristol BS1 3EF

Joanne Saunders Head of HR Abacus Logistics

Dear Joanne,

I’m writing to apply for the role of Account Manager, as advertised in Transport Monthly’s June 2024 edition. I’m particularly interested in working for your organisation owing to its excellent reputation for developing staff and providing clear career pathways.

I joined Howells Transport and Logistics as an Account Executive in 2013, moving to Account Management in 2018. Since then, I’ve contributed to the ongoing growth of the company by building exceptional customer relations, increasing repeat business by 38%. My commitment to providing high-quality, reliable shipping and logistics solutions has helped Howells win the South West Transport Awards ‘Logistics Provider of the Year’ twice in the past five years.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss the role further. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to arrange an interview, or for any clarification about my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Harry Boardman

“The purpose of both a personal statement and a cover letter is similar. Both documents supplement your CV with useful additional information intended to persuade the employer that you’re a suitable candidate."

Crafting a Persuasive Personal Statement

As its name suggests, a personal statement can be a more personal document than a cover letter, which sticks to more formal letter-writing conventions. Follow this structure to create a compelling, persuasive personal statement:

Personal values and career objectives

Open your personal statement with an expression of your values and career objectives. This will help the employer to quickly understand your personality, the qualities you can bring to the organisation and how well you’ll fit in based on your career stage and what you hope to achieve.

Key skills and experience

In the next paragraph, provide a summary of your career to date, highlighting the key experiences you’ve had and the skills you’ve developed. Focus on the skills and experience required for the type of role you’d like to be considered for. Use strong verbs and active voice to keep this section focused, concise and impactful for the reader.

Express enthusiasm and gratitude

Use your third paragraph to express your enthusiasm for the organisation and the potential opportunities they might have for you. Explain why you want to work for the organisation, referencing their reputation and any types of work they’re known for.

Call to action

A call to action for a personal statement may be slightly more vague than it is for a cover letter. Mention that you’d be happy to meet or connect for an informal discussion about yourself, the organisation and any current or potential future opportunities.

Example Personal Statement

As a creative, innovative web designer, I’m keen to pursue opportunities to work for organisations that think differently and aren’t afraid to challenge the industry status quo. I’ve always sought to bring a fresh, vibrant energy to my design projects, and I’m hopeful of finding opportunities within your organisation that align with my priorities.

My experience includes four years’ working as a principal web designer for Almendra Web Design, a boutique web agency based in Manchester.  Working as part of a small team of designers and developers, we advocate for simple, beautiful apps that have a clear, stated purpose and deliver an unrivalled user experience. This stripped-back approach has enabled us to outmanoeuvre larger agencies and win major contracts with clients in the tech, retail and fashion industries.

For me, good design is characterised first and foremost by clarity and simplicity. My web design projects always start by defining the purpose and desired outcomes of the project in the clearest terms. I then strive to create simple, effective design concepts that deliver on the brief and provide developers with a strong framework to build upon. As a team, Almendra has been recognised by the Greater Manchester Business Awards as the city’s best medium-sized web agency.

I would be extremely interested in discussing my experience further with you, and how it might fit with your organisation. If you have any roles you believe are a good fit for my experience and skill set, or if you’d just like to discuss future potential opportunities for collaboration, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Key Takeaways for Personal Statement vs Cover Letter

Whether you’re writing a personal statement or a cover letter, remember to keep it concise and focused on the role you’re applying for. Use strong verbs and include examples of your achievements, while explaining your career motivations and objectives. Jobseeker offers a wealth of tools to help you craft the perfect job application. Find CV templates to easily create a winning CV. Read CV articles to understand how to make a better impression with employers. You can also access cover letter articles and resources to increase your chances of job application success.

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Did Biden’s White House pressure Mark Zuckerberg to censor COVID content?

In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, the Meta chief said he regretted caving in to government pressure.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has accused United States President Joe Biden’s administration of pressuring his team to censor content on the COVID-19 pandemic in a letter that Republicans have latched on to as alleged evidence of the administration cracking down on free speech.

Zuckerberg said it was “wrong” of the government to pressure social media platforms. He said he regretted buckling to the pressure. The testimony from one of the world’s most influential tech titans comes amid a heated presidential election campaign. Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, have long accused social media platforms of censoring them, and Zuckerberg’s comments are likely to fuel their assertions.

Keep reading

Is today’s india more unequal than under british rule, who is telegram ceo pavel durov what to know about his arrest in france, meta lifts restrictions on trump’s facebook, instagram accounts, meta shares surge after tech giant reports $13.5bn profit.

Here’s what Zuckerberg said, how the White House has responded and what the debate is all about.

What has Zuckerberg said in his letter?

Zuckerberg wrote the letter to the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, saying White House officials pressured his teams “for months to censor certain COVID-19 content”.

The letter pertains to an ongoing probe that the Republican-majority committee is conducting on online content moderation.

The letter detailed that the COVID-19 content censored due to pressure from the Biden administration included humour and satire and that the officials “expressed a lot of frustration with our teams when we didn’t agree”.

He acknowledged that it was his and his team’s decision to cave in to the pressure.

“I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” he says in the letter.

He added that he feels strongly that he should not compromise on content standards “due to pressure from any Administration in either direction”, concluding that he will push back in case of a similar instance moving forward.

Mark Zuckerberg just admitted three things: 1. Biden-Harris Admin "pressured" Facebook to censor Americans. 2. Facebook censored Americans. 3. Facebook throttled the Hunter Biden laptop story. Big win for free speech. pic.twitter.com/ALlbZd9l6K — House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) August 26, 2024

In July 2021, Biden said social media platforms such as Meta-owned Facebook are “killing people” with COVID-19 misinformation. Though he rescinded his statement a few days later, he maintained that Facebook was allowing the spread of misinformation.

What kind of COVID content have social media platforms been accused of censoring?

In February 2021, Facebook updated its policy on COVID content. It published a statement, saying it was expanding “the list of false claims we will remove to include additional debunked claims about the coronavirus and vaccines” after consulting leading health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

Under this policy, Facebook took down posts claiming that COVID-19 was a man-made virus, manufactured and leaked from a lab in China’s Wuhan. Amid speculation of how COVID originated, some scientists said the lab leak theory deserved further investigation, while many others debunked it.

In February 2023, The Wall Street Journal acquired a classified report from the US Department of Energy stating the virus was probably the result of a leak from a lab. In March 2023, FBI Director Christopher Wray said his agency assessed that a lab leak from Wuhan was likely the cause of the outbreak. These revelations bolstered the argument of those who said the initial censorship had been wrong.

Content that suggested that vaccines were not safe was also pulled down. Meta said more than 20 million posts were removed from Facebook and Instagram, another social media site owned by it, between the beginning of the pandemic and the summer of 2021.

It also added warning labels on more than 190 million posts about the virus that third-party fact-checkers had flagged as false or lacking context.

How has the White House responded?

US media reported that the White House released a statement in response, saying: “When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this Administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety.”

“Our position has been clear and consistent: we believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have on the American people, while making independent choices about the information they present,” it added.

What did Zuckerberg say about Hunter Biden’s laptop?

After talking about government pressure to censor COVID-19 content, Zuckerberg’s letter suggested that security agencies also tried to influence Facebook’s policies on a political bombshell story.

“The FBI warned us about a potential Russian disinformation operation about the Biden family and Burisma in the lead up to the 2020 election,” Zuckerberg said.

This alludes to Biden’s son, Hunter Biden , who was a board member of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. It was reported in 2020 that the younger Biden asked the US government for assistance on behalf of the company while his father was vice president and that evidence for this was found on Hunter Biden’s laptop , which he left at a repair store in Delaware in April 2019.

In 2020, Trump was in power. But the Republican flag-bearer and some of his supporters have long alleged a “deep state” plot to hurt him politically, though they have yet to present any evidence.

Zuckerberg wrote in the letter that, because of the FBI warning, he “demoted” the news story while waiting for it to be fact-checked. Meta describes the demotion of stories as a practice through which its algorithm reduces a story’s distribution on the feeds of consumers. The billionaire expressed regret about this too.

He added that he has revised policies to ensure this does not happen again and that Meta no longer demotes stories while awaiting fact-checking.

Has Zuckerberg faced pressure from the US government before?

Zuckerberg has faced pressure over different issues from US government officials, including:

• In February, the Meta chief appeared before Congress and apologised to the parents of children whose mental health was affected by social media platforms. This was after he was criticised for not taking measures to curb sexual exploitation of minors on Meta’s platforms.
• It was not Zuckerberg’s first Congress appearance. In 2018, he appeared before two joint US Congress committees following a scandal involving Cambridge Analytica , a big data company that worked on Trump’s 2016 election bid. It was reported that the company illegally harvested the personal data of 50 million Facebook users to tailor political advertisements, sparking outrage.

Money blog: Half of young people doing 'big no-no' with holiday money - here's the golden rules

Welcome to the Money blog, a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include a look at the chargeback refund option and the best way to buy holiday money. Let us know which discontinued snack you'd like to see come back in the form below.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 20:33, UK

• PM tells Britons he'll make 'big asks' of them in budget - with tax hikes now certain
• Pound highest v dollar since March 2022
• Half of young people doing 'big no-no' with holiday money - here's the golden rules

Essential reads

• The hidden refund option that could save you hundreds of pounds
• Bad news for those hoping 'best crisps ever' will return - but similar alternative has seen sales 'soar'
• Has the Nike trainer bubble burst?

Tips and advice

• Best mortgage rates for first-time buyers right now
• How to spend less on school uniform
• How to get money back when purchase over £100 goes wrong

Ask a question or make a comment

Asda has been forced to apologise after an IT glitch meant thousands of customers who ordered from its clothing range were left out of pocket.

It comes after the supermarket upgraded George's online system as part of an £800m IT project. Asda says all orders have now been fulfilled. 

River Island has threatened to send back clothing to suppliers over quality and sizing issues.

The Times is reporting that the fashion retailer has requested discounts on goods that it says have not met its standards. 

One supplier said River Island had accused it of sending a shipment of tops worth hundreds of thousands of pounds that were "ever so slightly too short in length. They threatened to send the whole lot back if we didn't agree to a discount".

According to Waitrose we are buying more treats , with early signs people are feeling increasingly confident about their finances.

James Bailey, Waitrose's executive director, said the grocer was seeing more sales of its premium products compared to this time last year.

He said that earlier in August, sales of its premium own-brand No.1 range were up about a fifth compared with the same week a year ago, in terms of volume.

Other premium labels, such as its Duchy Organic food and drink products, were also selling better than last year, he added.

Retail sales have dropped for the third month in a row, new data suggests.

The Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) latest Distributive Trades Survey found that sales have been "poor" in August.

The latest report's headline retail sales balance hit -27% for the month, as significantly more retailers witnessed a dip in sales.

However, it did represent an improvement, following a balance of -43% in July.

Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, struck a hopeful note: "Although households seem to still be feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis, firms should gradually begin to see some tailwinds from consumers' rising real incomes."

By Katie Williams and Brad Young , Money reporters

Half of young people are making the costly error of exchanging pounds for foreign currency at the airport instead of sorting it before their trip, a new survey has found.

Research from Compare the Market found that nearly three in 10 holidaymakers (28%) have opted for a currency exchange just before their flight - including more than half of people aged 16-24 (51%).

Those aged over 55 (12%) were more prepared, with most exchanging currency elsewhere.

Meanwhile, more than one in five people (22%) said they withdrew money from a cashpoint or bank during their last holiday abroad and were charged a fee, rising to 26% of 16 to 24-year-olds and a third of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Guy Anker, money expert at Compare the Market, said buying currency at the airport is a "big no-no".

Earlier this year we spoke with three travel experts to find out when, where and how to pay abroad to make your money goes as far as possible...

CREDIT CARD

"The  cheapest way to spend overseas is often on plastic , if you've got the right plastic," said James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian.

"Using credit and debit cards can be a great way to get the very best exchange rates."

He said rates offered by currency exchange shops are usually "much less attractive" than those offered on some cards, which were much closer to the rates the banks use themselves.

Fees could wipe out any gains

But it's essential to be aware of things like non-sterling transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees and credit card interest.

So shop around for a card with travel rewards, Mr Jones said - and do this before your trip.  

"You probably need to give yourself, ideally, six weeks."

Extra protection

When you book a trip between £100 and £30,000, try and pay for some of it on a credit card to get "extra protection" under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, said Mr Jones.

That means the card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong, such as arriving at a hotel only to find it has closed down.

If you are using a credit card, make sure you can pay it off in full to avoid interest charges, said Sean Tipton from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

One trap you must not fall into

An increasingly common trap when paying with card (credit or debit) is being presented with the option to pay in the local currency or in pounds, said Mr Jones and Mr Tipton.

While paying in sterling might "seem like a wonderful convenience" you will ultimately be paying "quite a bit more for the purchase", Mr Jones said.

If you pay in pounds, the local retailer's bank sets the exchange rate, but if you pay in the local currency, your UK bank sets the rate.

DEBIT CARDS

"Some service providers don't apply fees for overseas use on their regular UK debit cards," says Moneyfacts - but you must always check as some incur big fees.

Alternatively, "some service providers offer specialist travel debit cards that don't impose non-sterling transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees".

PREPAID TRAVEL CARDS

If you're looking to avoid a credit check, prepaid cards can be loaded with multiple currencies and work like a debit card, without being connected to your bank.

"Typically, prepaid travel cards will offer competitive or even no charges for foreign usage, which can make them a cheaper alternative to using a normal credit or debit card while on holiday," says MoneyFacts.

One of the most popular prepaid cards, Revolut, uses its own exchange rates, which might not always be the best you can find - and while it is fee free on weekdays, there are charges at weekends, so do your research.

Also be aware - prepaid cards do not offer purchase protection like a credit card and aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

"Don't rely solely on a card - it can backfire on you if you do," said Mr Tipton.

Some taxis only take cash, leaving you to face hefty charges withdrawing from an ATM.

In some countries, like Argentina, it can be difficult to get money out of ATMs without a local bank account, Mr Tipton said.

Mr Jones added: "If you're in a very remote part of the world that actually doesn't have many ATMs and maybe where cash is king, then that might dictate what you need to do."

Where and when to get cash

"I'd strongly recommend [to] get some cash out in the UK," said Mr Tipton.

It can be difficult to find a bureau de change in some developing nations, and ATMs have "started introducing quite hefty charges" across the board, he said.

The exceptions are countries with really high inflation rates, where it may make more sense to get cash out when you arrive, he added.

When to exchange currency really depends on the destination, said Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office.

"Exchange rates change frequently, so if you have time, do your homework and lock in a rate when it is good."

What is a good exchange rate for Europe?

Some 80% of British holidays abroad take place in the Eurozone, said Mr Tipton.

The rate has remained "fairly stable", but if you see the pound increasing in value that may be the time to buy a larger amount of Euros for a couple of years in advance, he added.

Mr Tipton said 1.2 to the pound is a "pretty healthy" time to buy, but "it is a bit of a lottery".

Every year the pound gets stronger against the South African rand, and the same in Argentina, where the peso is "unbelievably weak", Mr Tipton suggested.

In store or online?

"Most online suppliers will insist on a minimum order value that might be too high for some people, and you'll have to make sure that you're home for when it's delivered," said Ms Plunkett.

"But typically, rates are better online if that's an option for you."

Terry's is hoping to move "beyond" just being known for its famous chocolate orange and is launching a milk chocolate ball.

It will come in the same 20-segment format as its orange counterpart - to enable some "familiarity" to shoppers, Terry's has said. 

It will roll into "all major retailers" in September, with full distribution in October. The expected price will be £2, putting it on par with previous versions (although you can usually find them on sale somewhere - they're currently £1 at Asda and £1.50 at Tesco). 

It comes after Terry's launched its chocolate mint ball last year, which sold out halfway through the Christmas season (it will also return again this year). 

"Terry's is an institution so anything we do needs to respect the love that our customers have for it," said Terry's senior marketing manager Lorène Decam.

"We are always very careful to balance innovation with the brand's core." 

It's not the first time the brand has tried to innovate - some slightly less successful predecessors to the famous orange were Terry's chocolate apple (1926) and the Terry's chocolate lemon (1970).  

If you're looking to consolidate your credit card debt, you may find that some of the top deals have worsened - with several big banks reducing the amount of interest-free time they allow.

An 0% interest card is actually what it says on the tin - you can put spending/debt on it and you won't pay any interest for a set amount of time. It can be a good option if you are looking to spread out spending on a high-value item, such as a sofa or washing machine. 

But once the interest-free period ends, you can quickly rack up interest, with the average rate of APR standing at 35.6%.

While consumers could find offers of up to 30 months (two-and-a-half years) interest-free, these are becoming harder to come by, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . 

Tesco Bank, one of the market leaders, has reduced its 0% balance transfer offer from 29 months down to 27 months. 

And a month ago, Virgin Money cut its 28-month 0% balance transfer offer to 26 months.

In August 2023, the top offer was 30 months interest-free - today it is 28 months.

If you are shopping around for a new interest-free card, it's worth being aware of exactly when your rate ends, as the interest can quickly stack up. 

Set a calendar reminder a month ahead of time, and try and stick to repayments to ensure the debt is cleared in time. 

A typical small business (such as a restaurant, pub or independent retailer) is now paying over £5,000 more a year in energy bills than before the energy crisis in 2021.

Data from Cornwall Insight 's newly launched Business Energy Cost Forecast predicts annual electricity bills for a "typical small business" to be an average of £13,264 by April 2025 - 70% more than they were before the energy crisis began.

While this is a decrease on 2022-23, when the bill for a typical small business rocketed higher than £20,000, the market has never fully recovered from the impact of the energy crisis and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

And, unlike household energy bills, businesses do not benefit from any price cap to protect them.

"For all the criticism of the household energy price cap, it does provide a level of protection that businesses simply do not have," says Dr Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight. 

"Given the impact of the cost of living crisis on consumer spending and high street trade, the government will need to seriously consider how to support businesses with their high energy costs if they want to prevent further closures."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Last week we brought you news of the pound hitting its highest level against the US dollar since March 2022. 

After a slight dip, sterling is back at those levels with £1 buying more than $1.32. 

It's good for any Britons travelling to America or buying anything in dollars, as your pound is literally giving you more bang for your buck.

The currency shift comes after the chair of the Federal Reserve declared that "the time has come" for an interest rate cut.

Higher interest rates are generally supportive of a domestic currency - one reason is investors get more for their money.

A lack of guidance on how many cuts are likely across the rest of the year bolstered market predictions that several were on the cards before the end of 2024.

That has pushed the US currency sharply down against a basket of international rivals.

The pound is doing well,  but not quite as well, against the euro, as £1 will get you €1.18, the most since the very start of this month. 

The oil price is up about to $81.04 for a barrel of the benchmark Brent crude, the highest in nearly two weeks. 

The UK's benchmark stock exchange index, the FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, is up 0.46%. 

The larger FTSE 250 index of more UK-based companies rose 0.19%.

Sir Keir Starmer has given the clearest indication yet that major tax rises are coming in the October budget.

In a news conference in Downing Street, the prime minister said the economic legacy from the previous government was worse than expected - or "dire", to use his word.

He said even the Office for Budget Responsibility had been unaware - and pointed to bigger-then-forecast borrowing for last month.

Sir Keir said: "I'll have to turn to the country and make big asks of you... to accept short-term pain for long-term good."

He went on: "I know that after all you have been through, that is a really big ask and really difficult to hear. 

"That is not the position we should be in. It's not the position I want to be in, but we have to end the politics of the easy answer that solves nothing."

Sir Keir reiterated his promise that VAT, national insurance and income tax won't rise, and the pensions triple lock will be protected.

Follow live updates of this story in our Politics Hub...

Ikea has soft-launched a new marketplace that will allow customers to sell their unwanted furniture to each other - and it looks set to come to the UK.

The platform, Ikea Preowned, will be tested in Madrid and Oslo until the end of the year with the aim of rolling it out globally, The Financial Times has reported.

Ikea already has its buyback programme which allows customers to bring back used furniture, which it then sells on at a discount. The store's Circular Hub (previously known as the Bargain Corner) also sells off display and damaged goods.

Customers will enter their product on Ikea Preowned and their own pictures with a selling price while Ikea's own artificial intelligence-enabled database brings in its own promotional images and measurements.

The buyer collects the furniture directly from the seller, who has the option of receiving money or a voucher from Ikea with a 15% bonus.

Listings are free but Ikea could eventually charge "a humble fee", said Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka, the main operator of Ikea stores.

Basically, if a retailer hasn't provided the goods or services you paid for, chargeback is a hidden way to get your money back.

It's a mechanism whereby banks can reverse transactions made on a credit, debit or charge cards if there is a breach of contract.

You can make a request for a chargeback if the company is refusing to offer a refund. But bear in mind, this is a voluntary scheme card providers subscribe to - not a legal right.

When does chargeback come in handy?

Chargeback can be requested if the goods you purchased were defective or not as described - or if they simply never arrive, even if the company has gone bust.

This is because your bank is requesting the money back from the company's bank - not the company itself.

Chargeback is also useful if there is an error - such as being charged multiple times or after cancelling a subscription - or if someone fraudulently bought the item with your money.

The retailer will be given the opportunity to dispute your claim, but if you're unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Financial Ombudsman.

What cards are covered?

Debit: Visa debit, Visa Electron, Maestro and Mastercard

Prepaid: Visa and Mastercard

Credit cards: Visa Credit, Mastercard and American Express

How does it work?

Claims can be made via email, online form or written letter, but a good place to start is your bank's website, which may have a link for "disputed transactions" or "chargeback claims".

The claim should include the name of the retailer, the date of your purchase and how you paid, a detailed description of the goods, and expected delivery dates.

Describe what went wrong and, if this includes returning faulty goods, provide proof.

More evidence may be requested, including invoices, receipts, correspondence and the retailer's terms and conditions.

"You need to cite 'breach of contract' relating to your consumer rights," consumer champion Scott Dixon, AKA  The Complaints Resolver , told Sky News.

"You need to push hard on chargebacks as they are often rejected on the first attempt.

"Your bank or credit card provider will reverse the payment and give the retailer an opportunity to present their case.

"Retailers don't like dealing with chargebacks as they are problematic and costly to resolve."

Under American Express rules, the retailer has 20 days to dispute the claim, while under Visa and MasterCard rules they have 45 days.

Must-read caveats

Time limit: You must request a chargeback within 120 days of the date you were due to receive the product. Future events, like plane tickets, are covered by this policy from the date they would be used.

Deposits:  Because you are refunded what you paid by card, you won't get your money back if you just put down the deposit via plastic and paid the rest by a different method.

Credit cards:  If your credit card purchase is worth more than £100, you are entitled to legal protection under Section 75, which will pay out the full cost of an item even if you only deposit a single penny.

Mastercard minimum: There's a £10 minimum spend. This does not apply to Visa or American Express.

PayPal: Chargeback cannot usually be used when paying via PayPal. But it is possible if you have an empty account and pay using your registered debit card because it is easier to prove the amount you paid corresponds with the price of the purchase, according to MoneySavingExpert.

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