If you’re a job seeker, you’re probably already familiar with cover letters. But if you’ve never written one before, this guide will help make the process much less intimidating. A cover letter is a short introduction to your resume.
It’s where you tell the hiring manager why they should call you for an interview instead of all the other candidates who are applying for the same position. This guide will walk through all the parts of a typical cover letter and give examples of how each section should look so that it’s easy to follow along.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A cover letter is an essential component of a job application. |
| A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates. |
| Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position, and highlight your relevant skills and experience. |
| Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company. |
| Address your cover letter to a specific person, whenever possible. |
| Avoid common mistakes such as using generic language and failing to personalize your letter. |
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a short, one-page letter that accompanies your resume. It is important to make sure it looks professional, but still appeals to the hiring manager. The cover letter should be addressed directly to the hiring manager and should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
The tone of your cover letter should be professional and friendly; avoid being too casual or overly formal by using overly formal language or writing in all caps (e.g., “MY RESUME IS ATTACHED”).
Starting a cover letter can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can make a great first impression. Check out our guide on how to start writing a cover letter to learn how to create an attention-grabbing opening.
Write Your Name And Address
Your name and address go in the top left corner. Your name goes above the address, and your address goes below it.
If you’re applying for a job, don’t just put down your phone number and email address. The person reading your letter probably won’t have time to call you or email you back to get more information about who you are or what kind of experience you have.
They’ll just toss out all of their cover letters together without looking at them carefully enough to notice that yours is worth reading!
Write The Date
The date should be written in the same format as the date on the letter. The date should be written in the upper-right corner of the page, in a box that is about half an inch wide.
If you don’t know what day it is, just write “Today’s date” or “Current date.”
The Recipient’s Information
On the top right of your cover letter, you will see the recipient’s information. This includes
- The name of the recipient
- The title of the person or department they represent.
- Their company name and address (if applicable)
- Their phone number and email address.
Your resume and cover letter are two essential components of your job application. Learn how to make the most of them and increase your chances of landing the job with our guide on how a resume and cover letter help you get the job.
The Title
The title of your cover letter should be short, relevant to the position, and grammatically correct. If you don’t have much experience in the field, use “Letter of Introduction” or “Resume Cover Letter” instead. Avoid using one-word titles like “Here’s” or “I’m.”
A catchy title can help grab a hiring manager’s attention but try not to make it too long as they usually stop reading after 10 seconds. It should also be relevant to the job description so that it shows that you understood what was asked for in the advertisement and prepared accordingly.
Salutation
The salutation is usually a simple “Dear Mr. or Ms. ___”
The salutation of your cover letter is the person you are addressing your cover letter to. It helps them easily identify who the letter is intended for and allows them to quickly scan through what they need to know to determine if it meets their needs or not.
Introduction
A cover letter is a short letter that you attach to your resume and send along with it. You should introduce yourself, summarize the position you are applying for, give reasons why you want that job, and state why you think you would be successful in it.
You do not have to start with “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, use their name if possible (for example Dear Mr. Smith). If using an online application form, then use the name of whoever requested applications from your company.
If writing a handwritten letter on paper, include this information on the top right corner of your page before starting paragraphs so that it does not interfere with your writing:
Your name _____________Date_________________
Address_______________City__________State__________Zip Code____________
A well-written cover letter can be the key to standing out from the competition and landing the job you want. Check out our guide on the importance of a cover letter with a resume to learn why a cover letter is essential and how to make it work for you.
Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs are where you expand on the job description and why you’re a great fit for the position.
Don’t let your body paragraphs be too long or specific. They need to be shorter and more focused than the introduction, with each paragraph focusing on a different area of your experience that relates to what the employer is looking for.
A body paragraph could include examples of your experiences, skills, or qualifications that relate specifically to a particular section of their job posting (e.g., if they said “has previous leadership experience” in their description). This way, you can show how well-suited you are for this role!
Conclusion
Thank the reader for their time and attention.
State your interest in the position, and provide contact information in case they want to reach out.
Sign off with a thank you!
Understanding how cover letters work can help you create a strong, persuasive application that captures the attention of hiring managers. Check out our guide on how cover letters work to learn more about the purpose and structure of cover letters.
Ending Salutation
If you’re applying for a job through an online application system, the company will send you an email with a link to complete your profile. You’ll have to click on the link and complete the form for your cover letter and resume to be included in their database of applicants.
After submitting your application, wait at least three days before following up on it. If you contact them too soon after submitting, they might think that you aren’t serious about the position because many other applications are coming through their inboxes every day.
Instead of doing this, wait until about three days later or until the first round of interviews begins (if there is one). Make sure that your contact information is up-to-date so they can easily find it when they need it.
It Is Important To Know What Makes A Cover Letter And How It Is Structured
To make a cover letter, you must understand what it is. A cover letter is a marketing tool, and as such, it should be structured like one.
To write an effective sales pitch, you have to know your product inside out. You need to know all the features that it has and how those features benefit the customer. If you don’t do this, then why would anyone buy your product?
The same goes for writing an effective cover letter: if you don’t know what makes a good cover letter and how they’re structured, then how can you expect anyone else to read yours?
Knowing how your product works will help guide the way you present yourself in the body of your sales pitch or your cover letter it will help guide them through their reading experience by making sure that they get everything they need from what’s being presented before moving onto other things on their plate (or inbox).
A great cover letter can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. Learn how to create an effective cover letter that gets results with our guide on how effective a cover letter can be. From tailoring your letter to the job to showcasing your skills and experience, we’ll show you how to make your cover letter stand out.
Conclusion
A cover letter is a formal way of introducing yourself to a potential employer. It should be more than just a list of your qualifications for the job, but also describe why you are the best candidate for it.
The main purpose of a cover letter is to show that you have researched and understood the company’s needs as well as its culture before applying for employment at this specific company.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you write an effective cover letter:
7 Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter: This article provides tips for crafting a cover letter that grabs the hiring manager’s attention and showcases your qualifications.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Indeed’s guide to writing a cover letter covers everything from how to address your letter to common mistakes to avoid.
How to Write a Cover Letter: 31 Tips You Need to Know: The Muse offers comprehensive advice on crafting a standout cover letter, with tips on everything from structure to tone.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position, and highlight your relevant skills and experience. It should also express your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be one page or less, with three to four paragraphs that highlight your qualifications and interest in the job.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, you should address your cover letter to a specific person, rather than using a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” This shows that you’ve done your research and are serious about the job.
How do I tailor my cover letter to a specific job?
To tailor your cover letter to a specific job, review the job description and highlight the key requirements and qualifications. Then, customize your letter to show how your skills and experience align with what the employer is looking for.
What mistakes should I avoid in a cover letter?
Common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter include using generic language, making spelling and grammar errors, and failing to personalize your letter for the specific job and company.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.