Why You Might Actually Need a Cover Letter

(& What It Even Is)

Okay, here’s the thing, when we first started job hunting in fashion and marketing, we asked ourselves, do we really have to write a cover letter? Isn’t a resume enough? The truth is, a cover letter is often what helps us get noticed and land the interview.

So, what is a cover letter exactly? It’s our chance to introduce ourselves, explain why we want the job, and show why we’d be a great fit - all in a way that feels authentic and personal, not robotic or copied and pasted (yep, unfortunately that means making each one unique to where you're applying…sorry). 

What do you write in a cover letter?

If the resume is where we list our skills and past jobs, the cover letter is where we get to tell the story behind it. It’s where we connect our passion, our learning mindset, and our understanding of the brand’s vibe - which is super important in fashion, marketing, and e-commerce.

Cover letter vs. resume vs. portfolio - what’s the difference?

• Resume: The basics - where we’ve worked, what we can do, and our skills.

• Cover letter: The introduction - why those things matter for this specific job and why you want it.

• Portfolio: The proof - the projects, campaigns, or creative work we’ve done, even if it’s just from uni, internships, or personal projects.

What if I don’t have much experience? What do I include?

Not having a long list of past jobs isn’t a problem, especially when you’re starting out. Here’s what we can do instead:

• Highlight transferable skills like communication, organisation, or creativity.

• Talk about passion projects, volunteer work, or internships that taught you something relevant.

• Show enthusiasm for the brand and the role, explain why this job excites you.

• Mention any courses, workshops, or online learning that’s helped us build skills.

• Keep it honest and confident - why you're eager to learn and ready to contribute.

The goal is to make it clear that, even if we’re new, we’re serious, motivated, and a good match.

Why does a cover letter matter for juniors in fashion and marketing?

Because brands and agencies want to hire people who understand their culture and energy,  not just someone ticking boxes. A great cover letter shows that we care, we’ve done our research, and we’re genuinely interested.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got a cover letter template [here] designed to make it simple and effective - perfect for anyone just getting into the industry.

Need more help writing yours?

business &PLEASURE is the guide we wish we had when we started. It walks through how to write cover letters that get attention, plus resumes, what to wear at work, and everything else you need to land that first (or next) role in fashion, marketing, or e-commerce.

Ready to take your job hunt to the next level?

Join the waitlist for business &PLEASURE now and be the first to access the full guide and templates that make applying easier and more successful.

Because your dream job is waiting and we’re here to help you get it.