You might have heard the term “cover letter” thrown around in your job search, but you aren’t quite sure what it is or what purpose it serves. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common questions about cover letters and provide you with tips on how to write one that will impress hiring managers.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A cover letter is a document that accompanies a job application and introduces you to a potential employer. |
| A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired. |
| Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and should highlight your relevant skills and experience. |
| Keep your cover letter concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page. |
| It’s important to customize your cover letter for each job you apply for, and to address it to a specific person if possible. |
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you as an applicant for an open position. When applying for jobs online or through email, hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications from qualified candidates so yours must stand out from the pack!
Your cover letter should include specific details about why you want to work for the company and why their job interests you specifically.
Crafting a cover letter that can land you the job interview is not an easy task, but with the right strategies, it’s achievable. Our comprehensive guide on writing a cover letter that will land you the interview provides tips and examples to help you make your cover letter stand out.
How Do I Format My Cover Letter?
There are no strict rules regarding how to format your cover letter; however, there are some guidelines worth following:* Use Times New Roman font size 12.* Keep paragraphs short (three sentences max).* Ensure there are no spelling errors.*
Avoid using phrases like “I am excited about this opportunity,” as they can come across as insincere or clichéd if repeated throughout multiple applications.* Do not use personal pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “myself.” Instead refer to yourself as either an employee (e.g., “An employee”) or by name (e.g., “John Smith”).
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
The answer to this question depends on the type of job and the company. For example, if you’re applying for a position that requires a lot of experience, then you can expect your employer to ask for more in-depth information about yourself.
If you are applying for an entry-level position or internship, then it’s likely that your employer will only want to know what makes you qualified for the job and why they should hire you over others.
If another applicant may have similar qualifications as yours, then make sure your cover letter is long enough to stand out from theirs! It might also be helpful to include some personality in there (such as telling them about any previous experiences or volunteer work).
How Do You Address A Cover Letter?
Most cover letters have a basic structure, which consists of an introduction, a body, and a closing. In the introduction, you should state your interest in the position and why you’re qualified for it.
The body is where you expand on your qualifications and explain how they align with the requirements specified in the job posting or ad. The closing is simply what you say at the end of your letter; it might include something like “I look forward to speaking with you soon” or “Thank you for considering me.”
When addressing all this information correctly can be tricky because every company has its style guide that dictates how things should be done (and some companies don’t even have established guidelines). To make sure that yours is error-free:
When it comes to writing a cover letter, explaining why you’re a good fit for the job is crucial. Our guide on why you are a good fit for the job can help you articulate your skills and qualifications in a way that convinces potential employers that you’re the right candidate for the job.
Should You Send A Cover Letter With Your Resume?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you need a cover letter at all. Many employers will not require them, but many do. If your resume includes extensive details and explanations of your skills and experience, a cover letter may be superfluous (especially if the employer already has high expectations).
However, if your resume is more basic or doesn’t include detailed descriptions of your work history, including one in your application package can help reinforce what’s on paper.
Even so, there are several reasons why sending a cover letter with your resume isn’t always necessary:
Cover letters don’t introduce you as well as they could it’s easy for employers to forget who they are reading about after getting through several pages of resumes. A great deal of information gets lost without an introduction from someone familiar with the applicant’s background (and who knows how important it would be for him/her).
What Does A Good Cover Letter Look Like?
A good cover letter should be brief, to the point, and easy to read. It should convey a level of professionalism without revealing too much personal information. A good cover letter is also grammatically correct and has no spelling errors. If you’re submitting your application electronically, your cover letter must be formatted correctly as well.
Do I Need To Send A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is an important part of your job application. While it’s not essential to have a cover letter, it can help you stand out from the crowd and get your foot in the door.
A cover letter should be sent with every application you submit unless specifically instructed otherwise by the employer.
Cover letters are a great way to show that you want this particular job and demonstrate why you’d be good at it and they’re also a convenient way for employers to learn more about applicants’ qualifications.
Your CV (or resume) is meant to list all of your professional experience; a cover letter allows you to expand on those details and elaborate on any information that might not fit on one page of text.
Showing interest in the company you’re applying to can be the difference between a generic cover letter and a compelling one. Learn how to express your interest in the company by checking out our guide on why you want to work for this company.
Does Anyone Read Cover Letters Anymore?
There are two main reasons why a cover letter is still an important part of the job application process.
First and foremost, it’s a chance to sell yourself. A well-written cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you’re the right candidate for the position and demonstrate your personality in a way that goes beyond your resume.
If your resume is good but not great (and who doesn’t have at least one “good” resume?), then you need to make sure that your cover letter stands out as something more than just another piece of paper.
A strong cover letter can help set you apart from other candidates without giving away too many details about yourself or your work style if done well, it can even be used as inspiration for future job interviews!
A well-written cover letter can increase your chances of getting your desired job. Learn how a cover letter can help you achieve your career goals by reading our guide on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job, which provides tips on how to make your cover letter stand out to potential employers.
Should My Resume And Cover Letter Have The Same Font?
If you’re using a common font, your resume and cover letter will look much more professional than if you choose something unique. However, it’s important to use a font that is easy to read and appropriate for the job.
Remember: the best cover letters are those that are easy for employers to scan. If they have to work too hard at reading your letter, they might just toss it aside without giving it much thought.
Is It Okay To Have Typos On Your Resume Or Cover Letter?
A resume and cover letter are marketing documents. You have a very limited amount of space to get your message across, so you want to present yourself in the best light possible. This means avoiding spelling and grammar mistakes like an email sent by someone named “S. Kontny.”
If you aren’t a native English speaker or aren’t confident about your writing skills, I’d recommend asking someone whose work you admire (a friend or family member) to proofread it for you before sending it out into the world.
Are you wondering if writing a cover letter is worth the effort? The answer is yes! Our guide on how cover letters help explores the benefits of writing a cover letter, including how it can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your qualifications.
Are Video Resumes And Video Cover Letters Effective, Even In Today’s Digital Age?
While the effectiveness of video resumes and cover letters is still up for debate, there are several reasons why you might prefer to use them.
If you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of physical activity, or if you’re in a field where appearances matter such as modeling or acting a video resume or cover letter could be effective at communicating your skills and experience to the employer.
Video resumes are also more likely than regular ones to show off your personality and make an impression on hiring managers.
Video cover letters have been found in some studies to be more effective than traditional ones, but this may be because they convey more information about who you are as an applicant in less time than their written counterparts do.
Additionally, many people consider reading email attachments difficult; videos allow them not only to read what they want with ease but also to see it displayed before them visually so they don’t have any questions about what was written down on paper prior
Further Reading
How to Write a Cover Letter: 10+ Cover Letter Tips and Examples – A comprehensive guide that provides tips, examples, and templates for writing an effective cover letter.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Tips, Examples, & Template – An article that offers tips and advice for crafting a cover letter that grabs the attention of employers.
How to Write a Cover Letter Guide with Examples – A guide that provides step-by-step instructions and examples for creating a professional cover letter.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include an introduction, a brief summary of your relevant experience, and an explanation of why you’re a good fit for the job. You should also highlight any relevant skills or qualifications that make you an ideal candidate.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be concise and to the point. Typically, it should be no longer than one page.
Should I customize my cover letter for each job I apply for?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. This shows the employer that you’re serious about the position and have taken the time to tailor your application to their specific needs.
What’s the best way to address a cover letter?
Ideally, you should address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don’t know the name of the person who will be reviewing your application, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Do I need to sign my cover letter?
It’s not necessary to sign a cover letter that you’ll be submitting electronically. However, if you’re submitting a hard copy of your application, it’s a good idea to sign your cover letter to add a personal touch.
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.
