How do I match my experience to the job requirements in a cover letter?

Pick the most important requirements from the advert and address each one with a short, specific example from your background. Make the connection obvious so the reader does not have to work it out.

Steps:

• Highlight the key requirements in the advert, such as skills, tools, responsibilities and qualities.
• Choose the two to four most important.
• For each, write one or two sentences: what you did, where, and the result.
• Use the advert's wording naturally where it fits.

Example for a Procurement Officer advert asking for "supplier negotiation" and "SAP experience":
"Your advert asks for strong supplier negotiation skills. Last year, I renegotiated terms with our three largest packaging suppliers at Crescent Foods and secured longer payment terms without raising prices. I carry out all purchase orders and goods receipts in SAP MM, so I would be comfortable with your system from the start."

Another approach is a short list matching their needs to your evidence, but keep most of the letter in paragraphs. Be honest: do not claim a requirement you do not meet.