A cover letter is a short introduction that accompanies your resume. It gives the employer a better idea of who you are, why you’re applying for their job, and what makes you stand out from all the other applicants. A good cover letter will make an employer want to learn more about you and contact you for an interview.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other job candidates. |
| Including a cover letter can showcase your enthusiasm for the position. |
| Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job posting can increase your chances of being hired. |
| Your cover letter should be concise and easy to read, typically no longer than one page. |
| The format of your cover letter is important, and it should be visually appealing and easy to follow. |
Should I Submit A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself, but it’s not always necessary. If you don’t know whether or not a company requires one, look at the job posting. If they don’t ask for one and there isn’t an online application, then don’t worry about sending one in.
If you do want to send a cover letter, make sure it’s tailored specifically to the job. Sell yourself as someone who matches what they’re looking for and mentions any relevant experience that may help them decide if you’re right for the position (or connect with their company values).
A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about cover letter to get started on crafting the perfect cover letter.
How Do I Make My Cover Letter Stand Out?
To make your cover letter stand out, you’ll want to be specific. You should be able to tell exactly what position you are applying for and why you want it. If the employer is looking for someone who can do something specific, let them know that you have those skills or are willing and able to learn them if given the opportunity.
Be concise. Don’t write an essay about yourself; keep things brief and focused on what makes you qualified for this job specifically your experience as well as any other relevant skills that might not be directly listed in their posting (a few examples: “I’ve worked in retail before.” or “My team has won several awards at our biggest annual event.”)
Be brief! Lengthy cover letters can get boring fast so don’t waste space with unnecessary information or fluff; keep it simple and comprehensive without going overboard on adjectives either! Remember: skills matter most here when it comes down to who gets hired so make sure yours stand out by being both relevant AND unique!
A good rule of thumb would be one paragraph per section containing information about previous work experience etcetera…but even then sometimes less is more when it comes down
How Much Time Should I Spend On My Cover Letter?
Cover letters are more in-depth than resumes, so they should be kept short. A typical length is one page, which allows you to elaborate on your skills and experience.
A good cover letter provides an opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the job, and why you’re interested in working there. It may also help demonstrate your writing skills if they aren’t obvious from the rest of your application materials for example, if you’re applying for a writing position.
How Should I Choose The Best Format For My Cover Letter?
Be sure to choose a format that is easy to read, print, and edit. If you want your cover letter to be shared with multiple people in the company, you should use a standard format like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. This will allow the recipient of your email to easily access it and make edits if necessary.
When choosing a cover letter format for yourself or others in your organization:
Use simple fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point font size (or larger). These are readable on most computers and smartphones without having to zoom in too much on the text.
Avoid using fancy fonts (such as comic sans) or handwritten fonts because they can cause problems when printing out documents at work.
While a strong resume can help you land an interview, a cover letter is often what sets you apart from other candidates. Learn more about the importance of a cover letter when applying for a job with our guide on how important is a cover letter in the job application process.
Should I Include My References On My Cover Letter?
References are not essential to a cover letter, but they can help strengthen your application. If you have a reference who is willing to write you a recommendation specifically for this job, include the name and contact information of that person in your cover letter.
You can also include other references who have agreed to recommend you for employment opportunities in the future (maybe even multiple jobs!).
You don’t need to provide references if you don’t have any at all most employers won’t expect them from applicants unless they ask for them specifically. However, if the employer must know how great of an employee and person you are before they hire you, then it may be worth considering including some recommendations on your own accord!
Can I Mention Two Jobs In One Cover Letter?
A: If you have had more than one job, it is possible to mention both. However, make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the specific position that you are applying for and not just a generic document with several openings listed at the top.
If you do mention jobs from different companies within your cover letter, be sure to focus on how these experiences have helped prepare you for the position for which you are applying.
Should I Include A Salary History On My Cover Letter?
If you are applying for a job that is similar to your current job, then it is okay to include salary history on your cover letter. If this is not the case, then it is best to keep this information off of your cover letter.
For example, You are looking for a new position as an administrative assistant at a company. The company has offered you $30K per year and wants you to start immediately upon being hired. This information can be placed at the end of your cover letter (before your signature) or in an enclosed PDF file attached with other documents as part of the application process.
A cover letter is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and experience and how they align with the job you’re applying for. Our guide on how do cover letters work explains the different components of a cover letter and how to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.
What Should Be Included In The Opening Paragraph Of A Cover Letter?
In the opening paragraph, you should be clear about who you are and why you’re writing. If your name is also on the résumé, include it at this point. For example:
“Hello, Mr. Smith! My name is John Smith, and I am interested in applying for the position of [job title].”
You can then follow this with a statement of your purpose in writing. In most cases, this will simply be that you want to apply for a job or internship with that organization but it’s important to make sure it aligns with what they’re looking for if they’ve shared any details on their website
Or elsewhere (e.g., “I’d like to apply for an editorial assistant position at HarperCollins because I’ve had great experiences working as an intern there.”).
This should be followed by something related to qualifications the skills and experience that make you perfect for the role (or would make someone else perfect).
Should I Include A Thank You Note With My Resume And/Or Cover Letter?
Thanks for your time! A quick thank you note is a great way to show your appreciation for a job application and/or interview. To avoid being too formal or lengthy, keep it short and sweet: “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I look forward to hearing from you again soon. Sincerely, [Name]”
If someone else referred or recommended you, be sure to mention them at the end of your note as well. The most important thing when writing a thank-you note is that it’s customized specifically for each person who reads/interviewed with you and also that it’s sent after they’ve responded!
What Should Be Included In The Second Paragraph Of A Cover Letter?
The second paragraph of your cover letter is all about the benefits. The first paragraph introduced the reader to you and your brand (or at least, you hope it did), but this one is all about how you can help them.
What makes a good candidate? It depends on the job description and company culture. But if they are looking for someone with “strong writing skills” and “experience in sales” a lot of experience with that, really you should highlight those things in your cover letter.
Just remember: A strong resume will get you through 90% of the process, so don’t spend too much time on it or else no one will read your application!
Are you unsure whether or not to include a cover letter with your job application? Our guide on is a cover letter always necessary can help you decide if a cover letter is necessary for the job you’re applying for and provide tips on crafting a compelling cover letter.
Should I Sign My Email When Sending A Resume And/Or Cover Letter To An Employer?
Yes, you should sign your email when sending a resume and/or cover letter to an employer.
Signing your email shows:
You are professional and serious about the job.
You are a real person, not a bot.
You are confident about yourself.
When Should I Use Bullets Or Numbers In My Resume And/Or Cover Letter?
Bullets and numbers are useful tools for highlighting key points on your resume. They can also be used to emphasize the most important information in your resume, making it more scannable and professional looking.
For example, if you have a section titled “Key Skills” or “Qualifications”, use bullets or numbers to highlight those skills/qualifications. Here’s an example:
What Should Be Included in The Closing Paragraph Of A Cover Letter?
In the closing paragraph, you should once again thank the employer for their time. You could also mention that you are available to answer any questions they have about your resume or qualifications.
You must specify which position you’re applying for in this part of your cover letter as well so that it doesn’t get lost in all of the other information about your past accomplishments (e.g., “Thanking you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to review my resume and cover letter.
I hope it met with approval and I look forward to speaking with someone soon regarding [Employer]’s Assistant Administrator position).
While not all job postings require a cover letter, including one can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your enthusiasm for the position. Learn more about the importance of cover letters with our guide on is cover letter mandatory in the job application process.
Conclusion
There are a lot of questions to consider when writing your cover letter, but the most important thing to remember is that it should be personalized and tailored to the job you’re applying for. If you’re having trouble getting started or simply need some guidance on how to write an effective one, we hope this article has been helpful!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about cover letters and their importance in the job application process:
Is a Cover Letter Necessary?: Indeed’s comprehensive guide on the importance of cover letters and when to include them in your job application.
Is a Cover Letter Necessary?: TopResume’s guide on the importance of cover letters and how to craft a strong cover letter that will help you stand out from other candidates.
Do You Need a Cover Letter to Apply for a Job?: The Balance’s article on whether or not a cover letter is necessary and how to write a great cover letter if you decide to include one in your job application.
FAQs
Q: Is a cover letter always necessary for a job application?
A: While not all job postings require a cover letter, including one can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your enthusiasm for the position.
Q: What should I include in my cover letter?
A: Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the job, and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Q: How do I tailor my cover letter to a specific job posting?
A: To tailor your cover letter to a specific job posting, research the company and the job requirements, and explain how your skills and experience align with the job posting.
Q: How long should my cover letter be?
A: Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page.
Q: How important is the format of my cover letter?
A: The format of your cover letter is important, as it should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use a professional font and keep the formatting consistent throughout the document.
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.