Cover letter example with expert tips and templates for job seekers

A neat and substance-heavy resume often isn't enough to land a job in Malaysia. You need a relevant cover letter to introduce your personality, motivation and how your skills relate to the role. Tailoring your cover letter gives your application a clear voice and explains to the hiring manager how your expertise can increase the company's productivity.  

Let's explore how to write a cover letter that works in the context of Malaysia. We highlight the must-have elements and cultural dos and don'ts and offer industry-specific examples with submission tips.  

Here's a summary of what we'll cover: 

• What is a cover letter? 
• Key components of a cover letter 
• Tailoring your cover letter for Malaysian employers 
• Cover letter examples for different industries 
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid for Malaysian job seekers 
• Tips for formatting and submitting your cover letter 
• Crafting your path to success in the Malaysian job market 
• FAQs 

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter is a short, personalised note that you include with your job application. It introduces you to the hiring manager and explains how your career experiences and interests make you a worthy applicant. Your cover letter could make a difference when an employer is undecided on which qualified candidate to choose.  

Unlike your resume, which lists your work history and qualifications, you can use a cover letter to show your personality. It allows you to expand on what your skill set can bring to a company. 

83% of hiring managers read cover letters. In Malaysia, many employers still value them, especially when they show an effort to understand the company's culture, projects, and skill requirements. A mindfully written cover letter can also highlight your communication skills to give you an edge in a crowded applicant pool. 

Key components of a cover letter 

A strong cover letter should have a structure and a storytelling tone. Hiring managers often scan cover letters quickly, meaning yours should be easy to absorb at a glance. Here's a breakdown of essential components: 

• Formatting and layout: First impressions start with your presentation style. Write with a clean, professional format to express your attention to detail and make your letter easier to read.  
• Length: Keep your cover letter between 250 and 400 words, ideally fitting on one page. 
• Font: Use standard, professional fonts such as 12pt Arial or Times New Roman. 
• Margins: Set all margins to an inch for a balanced layout. 
• Paragraph count: Aim for three to six short paragraphs, with no more than four sentences each. Big blocks of text can feel overwhelming, especially on a mobile screen. 

Include a header with basic details 

Your header makes it easy for hiring managers to contact you. Include your full name and professional email address. Make sure to avoid outdated contact details. Next, your phone number needs a country code if applying to multinational companies.  

There's usually no need to include your home address unless an employer specifically requests it. Save space for the content that counts. 

Address the recipient correctly 

If you know the hiring manager's name, use it. For example, “Dear Mr Lee” or “Dear Ms Tan”.   “Dear Hiring Manager” is the safe default if you don't. 

Avoid outdated phrases like “To Whom It May Concern”. Such statements feel impersonal and can suggest a lack of effort. Don't forget to double-check the spelling of names and titles since small details carry weight in Malaysian business culture. 

Set the tone with the opening paragraph 

Start strong by stating the position you're applying for and where you saw the listing. Add a sentence showing that you've read the job description and are genuinely interested in the company. For example, 

“I'm excited to apply for the marketing executive position at ABC Holdings in Penang, which you recently listed on Jobstreet. Your company's commitment to data-driven storytelling and community-based outreach is something I deeply admire.” 

Demonstrate your value through the body paragraphs 

Use one or two short paragraphs to highlight relevant experiences and achievements that are in sync with the job requirements. Don't repeat your resume. Instead, explain the details behind your experience. Tailor each point to the role and always come back to how it benefits the company. For example,  

During my internship at ABC Logistics, I streamlined a manual inventory system, reducing stock reconciliation time by 30%. This experience taught me how to work under pressure, improve processes, and support operational teams. These are qualities I'm eager to bring to your warehouse management team.” 

Tailoring your cover letter for Malaysian employers 

Sending a generic cover letter to multiple companies is the fastest way to lose a recruiter's attention. Malaysian employers look for proof that you understand their business and intricate job demands. 

Do your homework 

Get to know the company before you start writing. Visit its website, scroll through its social posts, or read recent newsletters and news articles. Check the language the company uses, such as formal or casual, community-driven, or innovation-focused. 

Understanding a company's tone helps you mirror it subtly in your letter without sounding forced. For example, if a brand uses Bahasa Malaysia terms alongside English on social media, you can include phrases that show cultural awareness and bilingual strength. 

Adapt to the local workplace culture 

Malaysian employers value qualities such as teamwork, humility, and adaptability. While confidence is great, avoid overselling yourself. Instead, stay grounded and explain how your skills support the team or contribute to company goals. For example, 

“My experience managing customer service teams has taught me the importance of collaboration and empathy, qualities I know your company values based on your recent client success stories.” 

This shows effort and awareness in a natural, respectful tone. 

Show effort with customisation 

Here are subtle ways to tailor your cover letter: 

• Refer to the company's mission or recent projects. 
• Use keywords from the job description. 
• Match the company's communication style (formal, friendly, or somewhere in between). 
• Mention skills or experience that relate directly to the job post. 

Most importantly, avoid exaggeration, as Malaysian recruiters appreciate sincerity. A genuine, well-written letter that clearly reflects your understanding of the company may have more success than one full of buzzwords or fluff. 

Highlight relevant skills and experience 

Tailoring your cover letter doesn't mean rewriting your life story. Select your most notable skills and experience that match the job. 

Look at the job ad: 

• Highlight the top three to five skills or requirements it mentions. 
• Use the keywords or phrases that it repeats. 
• Mention your experience with specific tools, your certifications, and your values. 

Rather than exactly mirroring the words in the job ad, show alignment. If a company values attention to detail or customer-first service, explain how you developed those traits in your previous roles. 

Demonstrate your understanding of the Malaysian job market

Local knowledge can be an advantage when applying for roles in Malaysia. This could be familiarity with regional regulations, understanding local customer preferences, or fluency in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, or Tamil. For example, 

“I have managed operations in Selangor and Penang, and developed an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour in urban and suburban markets.” 

If you're switching industries or coming from overseas, position your background as an asset rather than a gap. Show how your previous experience adds unique value to the local context. 

Cover letter examples for different industries 

Here are sample cover letters that you can use as a template to write your own: 

Fresh graduate example 

“Dear Hiring Manager, 

I'm writing to apply for the administrative assistant role at Synergy Logistics, which you recently advertised on Jobstreet. As a fresh graduate in business administration from Universiti Malaya, I'm excited to contribute my organisational skills to support your growing logistics operations. 

During my final semester, I interned at a freight forwarding company in Klang, where I handled data entry for shipment records, assisted in coordinating schedules for over 20 lorries daily, and created SOP checklists for internal use. I also prepared client-facing documents in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, strengthening my communication across teams. 

I admire how Synergy has expanded into East Malaysia while maintaining efficiency across branches. I'm confident that my attention to detail and hands-on internship experience make me a good fit for your admin team. 

Sincerely, 

Aina Zulkifli” 

Experienced professional example 

“Dear Ms Low, 

I'm applying for the marketing manager role at XYGFood Malaysia, which you advertised on Jobstreet. With eight years of experience leading brand campaigns in the FMCG sector, I bring experience in both traditional trade and digital marketing, especially within the northern region. 

In my current role at a local snack manufacturer based in Butterworth, I developed a Hari Raya campaign that boosted sales in Kedah and Perlis by 18%. I also led partnerships with Mydin and Lotus to increase in-store product visibility by bundling promotions and culturally themed point-of-sale materials. 

AstraFood's emphasis on Malaysian-made products and community-driven values strongly resonates with me. I would like to apply my Penang market insights and shopper marketing experience to support your brand's next expansion. 

Best regards, 

Kelvin Lim” 

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid for Malaysian job seekers 

Even the most qualified candidates can lose opportunities because of cover letter slip-ups. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing job applications. 

• Using the same letter for every job: Recruiters can tell if you use a generic template for multiple companies. Malaysian employers, especially small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and local startups, may look for signs that you've read their job posts. 
• Not adjusting your tone: A government-linked company (GLC) may expect a formal tone, but a digital agency in Subang Jaya may expect something friendlier. It's important to match the communication style in the job ad or company website. 
• Oversharing personal details: Mentioning your IC number, religion, or why you left your last job (“my boss was unfair”) is unnecessary. Stick to what makes you a good hire. 
• Writing long, chunky paragraphs: Many recruiters review applications on their phones. Use short, spaced-out paragraphs to make reading easier. 
• Closing without a proper sign-off: Never end with just “Thanks” or a similar abrupt sign-off.  “I'd be happy to share more in an interview and look forward to the opportunity. Thank you for your time” might be a better closing.  

You may also want to avoid overly flowery or stiff greetings. Similarly, try not to sound unsure of yourself. And if a job post mentions bilingual skills or community engagement, show that you can switch between English and Bahasa Malaysia comfortably. Employers often prioritise languages in customer service, admin, and education roles. 

Tips for formatting and submitting your cover letter 

Even a great cover letter can fall flat if it's challenging to read or if you submit it the wrong way. Here are some tips to get formatting and delivery right for Malaysian employers: 

• Save and send your cover letter as a PDF file unless the job ad asks for a Word document. This helps to keep your layout intact across devices. 
• A clear filename like CoverLetter_AinaZulkifli_Astro.pdf looks professional. Avoid vague names like document1 or CVfinalfinal.pdf. 
• Stick to one page, ideally between 250 and 400 words. Malaysian recruiters often skim applications, especially during peak hiring periods (post-Raya, year-end). 
• If the job post mentions what to include in your subject line or how to attach your documents, follow the instructions exactly. Many hiring teams filter candidates based on this alone. 
• If you haven't heard from the company in one or two weeks, and the job post doesn't say “We will only contact shortlisted candidates”, a short follow-up email can show initiative. 

Crafting your path to success in the Malaysian job market 

You can use these cover letter templates and tips to give employers a reason to remember you. In Malaysia’s job market, showing effort and relevance often matters as much as qualifications. The applicants who show real interest and effort are often successful. 

So, whether you're applying for a job in Kuala Lumpur or making a mid-career move to Johor Bahru, take your time to prepare a cover letter. Highlight what matters and keep it local.  

Search for employment on our job search platform and scroll through thousands of vacancies across industries. 

FAQs 

Here are some answers to common questions about sending cover letters. 

1. What are the current trends in cover letter writing for Malaysian job seekers? 
   ⁠Malaysian job seekers are increasingly using AI tools to write concise and tailored cover letters that highlight job-specific achievements and skills. 
2. What are the specific cultural considerations for writing cover letters in Malaysia? 
   ⁠Emphasise professionalism, courtesy, and respect. Address the recipient appropriately, maintain a formal tone, and ensure the content reflects Malaysian cultural norms. 
3. How do cover letter requirements differ across various industries in Malaysia? 
   ⁠Industries such as finance and law usually expect formal, detailed cover letters, while creative fields may appreciate more personalised and visually engaging formats. 
4. How should fresh graduates in Malaysia structure their cover letters differently from experienced professionals? 
   ⁠Fresh graduates should focus on academic achievements, internships, and transferable skills, while experienced professionals should emphasise work accomplishments and industry-specific expertise.