how to write a cover letter for advertising job

10 Advertising Cover Letter Examples

Advertisers are experts at creating captivating campaigns that grab attention and persuade audiences to take action. Similarly, your cover letter is your personal marketing campaign, designed to capture the interest of recruiters and convince them of your value. In this guide, we'll explore top-notch Advertising cover letter examples, demonstrating how to effectively sell your skills, experience, and passion for the industry.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Advertising cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention immediately. This could be achieved by mentioning a recent successful campaign you've worked on, or by expressing your passion for a campaign the company has recently run. It's also important to address the hiring manager by name if possible, showing that you've done your research. For example, "When I saw your recent campaign for X, I was impressed by its creativity and impact. As a seasoned advertising professional with a track record of creating successful campaigns, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team." This approach shows your enthusiasm for the company and your relevant experience.

Advertises should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and the unique skills they bring. They should reiterate their enthusiasm for the role and the company, and express a desire for further discussion. A strong closing might be: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision making to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further." Always remember to thank the reader for their time and consideration. The closing should be professional and positive, leaving a lasting impression. Sign off with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

An Advertising cover letter should ideally be about one page in length. This is because hiring managers often have to go through numerous applications, so a concise, one-page cover letter ensures your key points are easily digestible. It's enough space to highlight your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements without overwhelming the reader. Remember, in advertising, being able to communicate effectively and succinctly is a valued skill, and your cover letter is a great place to demonstrate this.

Writing a cover letter with no experience in Advertising can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can approach this: 1. Contact Information: Start with your contact information - your name, address, phone number, and email address. 2. Salutation: Address the letter to the hiring manager. If you don't know their name, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager". 3. Introduction: Begin your letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting. 4. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct experience in advertising, you likely have skills that are relevant. Maybe you've taken courses in marketing or communication, or perhaps you've worked in sales or customer service. Highlight these skills and explain how they're relevant to the role you're applying for. 5. Show Enthusiasm: Show your passion for the industry. Maybe you've always been fascinated by how advertisements can influence consumer behavior, or perhaps you love the creativity involved in developing ad campaigns. Whatever it is, make sure to convey your enthusiasm. 6. Provide Examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills. For instance, if you've taken a marketing course, talk about a project where you had to develop a marketing plan. If you've worked in sales, discuss how you used persuasion techniques to convince customers to buy a product. 7. Show You've Done Your Homework: Research the company and mention something you admire about it in your cover letter. This shows you're serious about wanting to work there. 8. Closing: In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Express your interest in the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. 9. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, the goal of a cover letter is to show the hiring manager why you'd be a good fit for the role, even if you don't have direct experience. Highlight your transferable skills, show your passion for the industry, and demonstrate that you've taken the time to research the company.

Related Cover Letters for Advertisings

Brand manager cover letter.

Brand Strategist Cover Letter

Digital Marketing Manager Cover Letter

Social Media Manager Cover Letter

Media Buyer Cover Letter

Public Relations Cover Letter

Advertising Cover Letter

Advertising Manager Cover Letter

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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Marketing Cover Letter: 10 Examples & Writing Tips

When applying for a marketing position, submitting a cover letter alongside your resume is essential to stand out to hiring managers. A marketing cover letter serves as an opportunity to explain your relevant experience, skills, and passion for the industry.

The purpose of a marketing cover letter is to highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) and showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail.

Importance of writing a customized Marketing Cover Letter

A customized marketing cover letter can increase your chances of landing an interview as it shows you have put in the effort to tailor your application to the specific role and company. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to market yourself effectively.

Best practices for writing a marketing cover letter

When writing a marketing cover letter, it is important to keep it concise, highlighting only the most relevant experiences and skills. It should also be personalized, addressing the specific needs of the job and the company. Finally, it should showcase your creativity and writing abilities.

A well-written marketing cover letter serves as an important tool for job seekers to showcase their qualifications and demonstrate their fit for the role. In the following sections, we will explore 10 examples and writing tips to help you craft a compelling marketing cover letter.

Research the Company and Job Position

In today’s competitive job market, having a polished and effective cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over. One key element of this process is conducting thorough research on the company and job position.

A. Importance of researching the company and job description

Before you start writing your cover letter, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the company and its values, brand, and culture. Your goal is to show how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals and mission. Additionally, researching the job description will allow you to customize your application to the specific position you’re applying for, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.

B. Tips for conducting research on the company and job position

To begin your research, start with the company’s website, social media accounts, and any recent press coverage. Look for information about the company’s history, mission statement, values, and how they’re making a positive impact in their industry. Pay attention to any recent news related to the company, such as new product launches, partnerships, or any awards or recognitions.

Next, review the job description carefully and consider how your skills and experience match with the specific requirements and qualifications outlined. Do your best to speak to the specific skills and qualities that the company is looking for in a candidate.

Another way to gather insights on the company is to talk to current or former employees, industry professionals, or business contacts who have knowledge or experience in the company’s field.

C. The benefits of tailoring your cover letter to the job description and company culture

By customizing your cover letter to the company’s values and the job position, you’re showing the employer that you’re invested in their vision and eager to work for their organization. Hiring managers are always looking for candidates who are a good fit for the company culture, and tailoring your cover letter to match their values can set you apart from other candidates.

When writing your cover letter, be sure to use specific examples of your achievements, skills, and experience that relate to the job description and the company’s mission. By demonstrating your understanding of the company’s goals and showing how you can contribute to their success, you’re more likely to catch the employer’s attention and get an interview.

Conducting thorough research on the company and job position shows the employer that you’re serious and invested in the opportunity. By tailoring your cover letter to match the company’s culture and the job’s requirements, you can make a strong case for why you’re the right fit for the job.

Tips for Formatting your Cover Letter

A strong marketing cover letter can make a huge difference in your job application process. As you craft your cover letter, keep in mind that presentation and formatting are just as important as the content you include. Here are some tips for formatting your marketing cover letter:

A. Basic format of a marketing cover letter

A marketing cover letter should follow the standard format of a business letter. This means including your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s contact information. Use a professional font and keep your letter to one page.

B. Essential elements to include in the cover letter

In addition to the basic format, there are certain elements that should be included in a marketing cover letter. First, make sure you address the hiring manager by name – this shows that you’ve done your research and are invested in the position. Next, introduce yourself and briefly explain why you’re interested in the job. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills, and explain how they would make you a strong fit for the position. Finally, close your letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the job and thanking the hiring manager for their time.

C. Best practices for formatting your marketing cover letter

Here are a few additional best practices to keep in mind as you format your marketing cover letter:

• Use bullet points to break up dense text and draw attention to important information.
• Avoid using long paragraphs and blocks of text – keep it visually appealing and easy to read.
• Bold or italicize keywords to make them stand out and emphasize your skills.
• Use white space to your advantage – don’t cram too much content onto the page.
• Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or overly casual language.

Formatting your marketing cover letter correctly can help ensure that your application stands out in a competitive job market. Remember to follow the basic format of a business letter, include all essential elements, and use best practices to make your content visually appealing and easy to read. With these tips in mind, your marketing cover letter can help you land your dream job in the field of marketing.

Opening lines for Marketing Cover Letters

Crafting a compelling introduction is critical in marketing cover letters. It sets the tone for the entire document and leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager. In this section, we will discuss some effective introductions to use, tips for crafting a strong introduction, and common mistakes to avoid.

A. Effective introductions to use in your marketing cover letters

The following are some examples of effective introductions for your marketing cover letter:

“As a seasoned marketer with over 5 years of experience in driving brand awareness and revenue growth, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ company.”

“Having honed my skills in digital marketing through working with top e-commerce businesses, I am confident that I can help ABC company achieve its marketing goals.”

“I have a passion for marketing and a proven track record of developing innovative marketing strategies. I would love the opportunity to apply my skills to the Marketing Coordinator position at LMN company.”

B. Tips for crafting a strong introduction that grabs attention

Follow these tips to craft a strong introduction that grabs the hiring manager’s attention:

Personalize the introduction by using the hiring manager’s name.

Start with an attention-grabbing statement that highlights your skills and experience.

Mention the company and position you are applying for in the introduction.

Tailor your introduction to the company and position you are applying for by researching the company’s values and mission.

End your introduction with a clear statement of your interest in the position and how you can help the company achieve its goals.

C. Common mistakes to avoid in the opening statement

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your opening statement:

Using cliches or generic phrases that do not differentiate you from other applicants.

Focusing too much on your experience without mentioning your interest in the company or position.

Writing a lengthy introduction that loses the reader’s attention.

Using informal language or slang.

Starting with a weak or irrelevant statement that does not grab the reader’s attention.

By following the above tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong introduction that sets you apart from other applicants and impresses the hiring manager.

Showcase Your Skills and Experience

When it comes to crafting a winning marketing cover letter, it is crucial to showcase your skills and experience effectively. Here are some tips to help you highlight your marketing skills and craft a convincing narrative of your achievements:

A. Tips for Highlighting Your Marketing Skills

• Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Take a close look at the job description and tailor your skills to match the requirements of the position.
• Use specific examples to showcase your skills, such as successful campaigns you have worked on or specific marketing techniques you have used.
• Highlight any awards or accolades you have received for your marketing work, as this can add credibility to your skills.

B. Crafting a Convincing and Relevant Narrative of Your Achievements

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your achievements. This will help you tell a compelling story of how you contributed to the success of a marketing campaign or project.
• Use quantitative data whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. For example, instead of saying you increased website traffic, state exactly by how much.
• Tie your achievements back to the requirements of the job you are applying for. This shows the recruiter that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

C. Understanding What the Recruiter is Looking For

To make sure your cover letter stands out, it is crucial to understand what the recruiter is looking for. Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Research the company and the position thoroughly. Look for information on the company’s values, goals, and marketing strategies, as well as the requirements of the position.
• Use the job description as a guide. Look for keywords and phrases that match your skills and experience, and make sure to include them in your cover letter.
• Show that you understand the challenges and opportunities the company is facing. This demonstrates your knowledge of the industry and your ability to contribute to the company’s success.

Showcasing your marketing skills and experience effectively in your cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling narrative of your achievements and demonstrate your understanding of what the recruiter is looking for.

Give Specific Examples

One of the most effective ways to make your marketing cover letter stand out is by giving specific examples of your past achievements. Not only does this demonstrate your experience, but it also shows that you have a concrete understanding of the industry and a proven track record of success.

A. The Value of Giving Specific Examples

Recruiters and hiring managers want to see evidence that you can deliver results. Simply stating that you are a “results-driven marketer” will not be enough to catch their attention. By providing specific examples of how you have contributed to successful marketing campaigns in the past, you can clearly demonstrate your abilities and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Moreover, specific examples can help you to paint a clearer picture of your skills and expertise. Rather than making broad, sweeping statements about your experience, which can be easily dismissed as generic buzzwords, specific examples add specificity and credibility to your claims.

B. Recent Accomplishments and How to Present Them

When selecting examples to include in your marketing cover letter, it is generally best to focus on recent accomplishments. This is because recent achievements are generally more relevant and indicative of your current abilities than those from several years ago.

When presenting your accomplishments, make sure to describe the results you achieved in a clear and concise manner. Use metrics and numbers whenever possible to quantitatively show your impact. For example, instead of saying “I managed a successful marketing campaign,” you might say, “I managed a marketing campaign that generated a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in sales.”

C. Tailoring Your Examples to the Recruiter’s Needs and the Company Culture

Finally, it is important to remember that every marketing role is different, and recruiters will be looking for specific skills and attributes based on the needs of their company. To make sure your examples resonate with recruiters, tailor them to the specific needs of the company and the role you are applying for.

Research the company’s culture and values, and try to identify examples that demonstrate how you align with their mission. Additionally, study the job description and identify the key skills and attributes the company is looking for. Then, select examples that showcase your abilities in those specific areas.

Giving specific examples in your marketing cover letter can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise. By focusing on recent accomplishments, describing them clearly and concisely, and tailoring them to the needs of the company, you can increase your chances of landing your dream marketing job.

Benefits and Value Proposition

As a candidate for a marketing position, it’s crucial to showcase the value you can bring to the company. Your value proposition is a statement that explains what sets you apart from other applicants and how you can benefit the organization.

A. The importance of showcasing the value you bring to the company

Employers are always on the lookout for candidates with a unique skill set and experience that can add value to their company. By emphasizing your value proposition, you can demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization’s overall success. This can increase your chances of getting hired and getting the compensation you deserve.

B. How to emphasize the benefits of hiring you

To emphasize the benefits of hiring you, you should first understand the organization’s objectives and expectations. This can help you tailor your value proposition to align with their needs. You should also highlight your accomplishments and successes in previous jobs that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Another way to emphasize your value is to demonstrate your industry knowledge and expertise. Highlight your certifications, training, or relevant publications. You can also showcase your soft skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork, which can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.

C. Best practices for positioning your value proposition

To effectively position your value proposition, you should keep the following best practices in mind:

Be specific: Avoid vague or general statements. Instead, provide concrete evidence and examples of how you have added value to previous companies.

Focus on the employer’s needs: Tailor your value proposition to address the employer’s needs, objectives, and expectations.

Be concise: Keep your value proposition succinct and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic.

Use persuasive language: Use persuasive language to engage the employer and convince them of your value.

Highlight your unique selling proposition: Identify what makes you unique and valuable compared to other candidates. Also, don’t hesitate to mention your passion and enthusiasm for the position and the industry.

Showcasing your value proposition can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream marketing job. By being specific, focusing on the employer’s needs, and highlighting your unique selling proposition, you can position yourself as an invaluable and irreplaceable asset to the organization.

Professionalism and Tone

Professionalism and tone are essential elements of any effective marketing cover letter. A well-written and professional cover letter can not only make a good first impression but also set the tone for a successful job application process. Here are some essential guidelines for maintaining a professional tone in your marketing cover letter:

A. Essential Guidelines for Maintaining a Professional Tone

Use a formal tone: Your marketing cover letter should convey professionalism and expertise, so it’s essential that you use a formal tone throughout. Avoid using colloquial language, abbreviations, or slang terms.

Address the recipient appropriately: Address the recipient by their name, instead of using generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” This conveys attention to detail and shows that you have taken the time to research the recipient.

Keep it concise and to the point: Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, generally not exceeding one page. Use short, clear sentences without unnecessary elaboration or repetition.

Use active voice: Writing in the active voice imparts a sense of action and can make your cover letter more engaging. Avoid passive voice constructions that can make your writing appear lackluster.

B. Best Practices for Language and Tone

Apart from the essential guidelines outlined above, here are some best practices for language and tone in your marketing cover letter:

Show confidence: A confident tone shows that you believe in your abilities and are capable of delivering what the company needs. However, avoid overstatements or unrealistic claims.

Customize your language: Use language that resonates with the company or the job requirements. Use keywords, phrases, and terminology that the company or industry uses in their communications.

Use appropriate tone: The tone of your cover letter should match the company culture and values. If the company culture is informal, you may adopt a slightly informal tone. However, maintaining a professional tone is always recommended.

C. Avoiding Overused Phrases and Verbs

Using generic phrases and verbs can make your cover letter seem unimaginative and unoriginal. Here are some overused phrases and verbs to avoid:

“I’m a results-driven individual.”

“I’m a team player.”

“I have excellent communication skills.”

“I’m a problem solver.”

“I’m passionate about what I do.”

Instead, use specific examples that highlight your skills and experience. Use action verbs that convey power and describe a specific contribution you have made. For example, “Managed a successful campaign that increased sales by 20%,” or “Developed and executed a comprehensive social media strategy that increased engagement by 30%.” This approach not only makes your cover letter more compelling but also gives the employer a clear idea of your skills and accomplishments.

Call to Action and Follow-Up

One of the most important aspects of a marketing cover letter is the call to action (CTA) and follow-up. A well-crafted CTA can help differentiate you from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview. In this section, we will discuss the importance of CTAs, how to craft an effective one, and the best practices for following up with recruiters.

A. Importance of Call to Actions in Cover Letters

CTAs are crucial because they provide a clear and concise invitation for the recruiter to take action. Without a CTA, your cover letter may be considered incomplete or lack direction, leading the recruiter to move on to the next applicant. On the other hand, a well-placed CTA can guide the recruiter to take the desired action, whether that means scheduling an interview or reviewing your portfolio.

B. Crafting an Effective Call to Action

A good CTA should be brief, compelling, and aligned with your objective. The language used in the CTA should also be action-oriented, so the recruiter feels compelled to take the desired action. For example, a great CTA for a marketing cover letter might be:

“Let’s connect! I would love to discuss how my digital marketing expertise can help your company grow. Please feel free to reach me at [insert phone number or email] to schedule an interview.”

This CTA is both inviting and clear, indicating that the applicant is interested in the company’s growth and ready to discuss their qualifications during an interview.

C. Following up with the Recruiter after Submitting Your Cover Letter

The follow-up process is just as crucial as crafting a winning CTA. After submitting your cover letter, it is essential to follow up with the recruiter to express your continued interest in the position. Keep in mind that most recruiters receive numerous applications, and a follow-up can help you stand out from the competition.

A few tips for following up with the recruiter include:

• Wait a few days after submitting your application before following up.
• Keep your message clear and concise, reminding the recruiter why you are interested in the position and highlighting your qualifications.
• Be professional and polite in your approach, keeping the recruiter’s schedule and workload in mind.
• Use a call-to-action in your follow-up, such as asking for a phone call or in-person interview.

By following these tips, you can build strong relationships with recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember, crafting an effective call to action and following up are both key components of a successful marketing cover letter.

Review and Editing Tips

As with any important document, your marketing cover letter requires thorough proofreading and copyediting. Even a small mistake can significantly reduce your chances of being considered for the position. Here are some tips to ensure your cover letter is error-free:

A. Proofreading and copyediting your marketing cover letter

• Start by taking a break after writing your cover letter, then come back later with fresh eyes to review it.
• Read your cover letter out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or spelling mistakes.
• Use grammar and spelling tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to help you identify any issues.
• Have a friend or colleague review your cover letter as a second set of eyes.

B. Common mistakes to avoid

There are some common mistakes that applicants make with their marketing cover letters. To avoid these mistakes, keep the following in mind:

• Do not simply repeat your resume – your cover letter should expand on your experience and skills.
• Keep the tone professional, avoiding overly casual or slang language.
• Avoid cliches and generic statements – instead, use specific examples to showcase your achievements and skills.
• Make sure to address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name (if available) instead of using a generic greeting such as “To whom it may concern.”

C. Tips for submitting your marketing cover letter

When submitting your marketing cover letter, make sure to follow these tips:

• Proofread your cover letter one last time before submitting it.
• Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting to ensure formatting remains intact.
• Customize your cover letter for each position by highlighting how your skills and experience align with the job description.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by the employer regarding submission or formatting.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your marketing cover letter effectively showcases your skills and experience while avoiding common mistakes. Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job.

Sample Marketing Cover Letters

When it comes to searching for a job in the marketing industry, drafting an effective marketing cover letter is vital. The cover letter serves as a chance for you to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualities relevant to the position you’re applying for. In this section, we’ll discuss examples of effective marketing cover letters, tips for leveraging these cover letters, and analyzing the structure, style, and content of sample marketing cover letters.

A. Examples of Effective Marketing Cover Letters

There are countless ways you can write your marketing cover letter, but the key is to create a compelling and impressive one. Here are some examples of effective marketing cover letters that you can use as a guide.

The “Storytelling” Cover Letter – In this type of cover letter, the writer tells a compelling story about their past experiences and how it led them to apply for the position they’re seeking. This way, the hiring manager can get to know the candidate, their achievements, and what drives them to succeed.

The “Data-Driven” Cover Letter – This type of cover letter emphasizes the candidate’s analytical and data-driven background. The writer should highlight their expertise in research, analysis, and data interpretation, and how these skills can add value to the company.

The “Creative” Cover Letter – This type of cover letter is perfect for those in the creative marketing field. The writer can showcase their creativity by adding visuals such as graphs or charts, or by presenting their information in an unconventional way.

B. Tips for Leveraging These Marketing Cover Letters

While these cover letter examples can serve as excellent templates, it’s crucial to customize and personalize it to fit your particular situation. Here are some tips for leveraging these marketing cover letters:

Analyze the job description – It’s essential to understand the requirements and responsibilities of the position you’re applying for so you can tailor your cover letter to address them. Make sure you showcase how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

Highlight your unique value proposition – What makes you stand out from other candidates? Make sure to showcase your unique qualifications and how they can add value to the position you’re applying for.

Be concise and to the point – Keep your marketing cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to read more than one page.

C. Analyzing the Structure, Style, and Content of Sample Marketing Cover Letters

The structure, style, and content of your marketing cover letter can make or break your chances of getting hired. Here’s how you can analyze them:

Structure – Your marketing cover letter should start with a captivating introduction, followed by your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the job requirements. Lastly, end your cover letter with a compelling call to action.

Style – Use a professional and conversational tone in your cover letter.

Tips for Writing a Successful Marketing Cover Letter

Crafting a marketing cover letter that stands out from the rest can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach and a bit of creativity, you can write a compelling cover letter that will grab the attention of potential employers. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Highlight your achievements and skills

The goal of your cover letter is to demonstrate to the employer how you can add value to their organization. Therefore, it’s important to highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’ve successfully executed a marketing campaign that resulted in increased sales or engagement, mention it in your cover letter.

2. Research the company

It’s essential to research the company you’re applying to before writing your cover letter. This will give you a better understanding of their values, mission, and products/services. Use this information to tailor your cover letter to show the employer how you can contribute to their organization.

3. Be concise

Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Employers receive dozens of applications, so you want to make sure that your cover letter stands out without being too lengthy. Ideally, your cover letter should be no longer than one page.

4. Use a professional tone

Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using casual language or slang. Instead, use formal language and proper grammar.

5. Show your passion for marketing

Employers want to hire someone who is passionate about their work. Use your cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for marketing and the industry as a whole.

6. Include a strong call-to-action

End your cover letter with a strong call-to-action. This shows the employer that you’re serious about the job and that you’re eager to hear back from them. For example, you could express your interest in scheduling an interview or ask to discuss your qualifications further.

Writing a successful marketing cover letter requires a combination of research, skill, and creativity. By highlighting your achievements, tailoring your letter to the company, being concise and professional, demonstrating your passion for marketing, and including a strong call-to-action, you’re sure to impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

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5 Marketing Cover Letter Examples That Worked in 2024

• Marketing Cover Letter
• Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Assistant
• Marketing Director
• Write Your Marketing Cover Letter

You’re a promotional wiz. Target markets are identified, sales campaigns are created, and conversion rates are increased successfully with you on the job. 

But does your cover letter complement your marketing resume and help you convert job leads into interviews?

You thrive when writing promotional copy, so all you need is a push in the right direction when writing a great cover letter and really grab a hiring manager’s attention. You can use our marketing cover letter examples as templates or our free cover letter builder for success in your job hunt.

Marketing Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Your marketing cover letter will be successful when you show how your experience with web content optimization, email marketing campaigns, and social media targeting addresses the requirements associated with a media publication role.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Marketing Coordinator Cover Letter Example

• Harness the power of metrics in your cover letter to further illustrate your tangible success as a marketing coordinator skilled in tools like CMS platforms, Joomla, and SEO.

Marketing Intern Cover Letter Example

• Can you connect personal passion (think: passion for sustainable energy practices) with a company’s mission (think: Chevron’s mission of sustainability)?
• Reinforce this connection in your closer to reaffirm alignment with the company’s mission and eagerness to contribute to its goals.

Marketing Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Notice how Leo highlights his past interaction with Blue Diamond Growers during their Homegrown Goodness Tour? Why not use such associated memories or personal experiences with the hiring company’s products or initiatives to add a unique twist to your masterpiece?

Marketing Director Cover Letter Example

• Did you lead a marketing team to spend less yet reap more? Do you recount that workplace where you nurtured marketing rookies into champions? Turn these episodes of success into a compelling tale that will have the hiring manager root for you, envisioning you replicating the success in their company.

Related cover letter examples

• Business analyst
• Social media manager
• Data analyst
• Product manager

Harness Your Skills for the Perfect Marketing Cover Letter

When creating a marketing campaign, you understand the importance of tailoring your message to the brand’s target market. The same is true for your cover letter. 

Every company markets its products and services in varying ways. One company may focus on social media marketing, whereas another wants to boost its email marketing efforts. Therefore, the skills and values you emphasize here should be customized for each company.

Engage employers instantly with your greeting and intro 

You’re used to grabbing attention in ads within the first few sentences to get readers interested in your offer. The same is true for your cover letter. You want to grab attention right away. 

First, you want to address someone by name, if possible. Some companies will list a contact person in the job description , or you could try to find the hiring manager’s name on the company website or LinkedIn. It’s the same as how using someone’s name in an email marketing subject line makes it feel more personal and engaging. Otherwise, “Dear [name of company] hiring team,” can work well too.

The next step is connecting with the company’s mission or needs, just like you’d connect with a customer’s pain points or ideals in promotional content. For instance, if the company emphasizes environmentally-friendly products or team culture, you could try to highlight those aspects. 

Just like customers don’t like generic ads with irrelevant information, hiring managers won’t like your opening if it reads like the one below. 

You’re not selling your skills with this one!

I’m writing to apply for the marketing position at your company. I have a few years of experience in marketing and have been quite good at it. The position appeals to me and is one I’d like to fill, and your company sounds like a pleasant place to work.

A better idea is to connect with the company and make your opening feel specific to their needs, just like you’d do for everyone in your marketing campaign’s target audience. The example below perfectly connects with GoDaddy’s focus on customer-centric innovation and cutting-edge web services. 

Use an opener aligned with the company’s vision! 

Dear Ms. Sharma,

As an admirer of GoDaddy’s impressive achievements in empowering entrepreneurs and businesses through cutting-edge web services, I’m thrilled to apply for the marketing coordinator position. GoDaddy’s commitment to customer-centric innovation resonates deeply with me.

Emphasize achievements in your marketing cover letter body

In any marketing message, you know it’s essential to share the facts about what a product or service can help a customer achieve. You want to do the same with your abilities in a cover letter. 

Leaning on marketing metrics from previous achievements is a great way to stand out. Consider metrics like engagement or click-through rates that many companies will focus on. 

Additionally, tailor what you put in the body to the company’s needs to better connect with each specific marketing role. For instance, if you’ll be focused on SEO, sharing how you boosted organic traffic by 59% using keyword research tools like Semrush would be a great idea.

A good body paragraph optimized with relevant marketing metrics

With over 6 years of experience in digital marketing, I have honed my skills in connecting with audiences and optimizing web content. While working as a marketing coordinator at Carvana, I led a social media campaign that increased our follower base by 44% within six months and boosted engagement rates by 32%. 

Seal the deal with a strong closing for your marketing cover letter

As you end your cover letter, think about how you would close out a sales call. You’d want to summarize the key information you covered and end with a CTA. 

Do the same for your cover letter, but remember you’re not going for a hard sell. A light CTA like “I look forward to hearing from you soon” is the right level of persuasion to aim for here. 

Additionally, just like you’d want to thank a customer for their time, saying thank you somewhere in the closing or sign-off is a good idea. 

What you don’t want to do is have a closer like the one below that shares the wrong personal information and doesn’t relate to the company or specifics of the marketing position at all.

Providing the wrong information here! 

Thanks for considering my application.

I can start immediately since I’m currently unemployed and I’m really keen to get this job. I hope you choose me for the marketing position.

Instead, aim for a closer like the one below that reconnects with GoDaddy’s mission of providing excellent web services and finishes with a nice CTA, as you would do with any of your marketing messages. 

A CTA-infused closer for success!

I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my skills to further GoDaddy’s mission of providing excellent web services. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can be a valuable asset to the GoDaddy team. 

Sincerely, 

Luna Torres

Marketing Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• The last thing you want to spotlight in your marketing cover letter is a poor knowledge of market trends! Demonstrate key knowledge about your target market (the company you’re applying to) by appealing to their vision. You can find more info on their organizational values or how you can help solve current obstacles by doing some research. Find their website, and definitely revisit the original job listing to see what the role emphasizes so you know what to reflect in your marketing cover letter.
• This tip goes hand-in-hand with staying on top of trends and lingo that apply to your dream job’s target market. Right now, your target audience is the recruiter or hiring manager who’s reading your cover letter! So seize the chance to appeal to them by name—not the dreaded sir or madam —you’ll make a much better impression.
• While writing your cover letter, demonstrate your marketing knowledge by getting super specific about company needs. (This will be your job once you nail that interview, after all!) You want to offer up key examples of how you can better the organization and contribute to their team. For instance, discuss specific SEO tools, such as Ahrefs or SEO Testing, to provide memorable context for accomplishments that align with the company’s current goals.
• You don’t want to send out a promotional email or make a social media post only to discover a typo you previously overlooked! And you definitely don’t want to do this with your cover letter, either. It’s well worth your time to proofread, especially if you used ChatGPT for your cover letter , just in case you left out a comma or misspelled an important keyword.
• Marketing is all about results! How are your customer acquisition and retention rates? Has your work resulted in a measurable increase in star ratings on Google Reviews? Look for numerical, quantifiable metrics for the positive impact you’ve made with your knowledge of Adobe software and Google Suite.

Your cover letter shouldn’t go over one page. The optimal word count is somewhere between 300-500 words. This allows you enough room to provide details about your market analysis and campaign strategizing abilities while keeping it highly specific to each job’s needs. 

Candidates without much experience will want to pull from what they gained through education, transferable skills like customer service, and passion for each position. For instance, you could talk about your passion for creating a great customer experience and how your consumer behavior courses provided you with the skills needed to achieve that. 

Choosing the right tone is similar to choosing your brand’s voice for a specific target market. Analyze how the company speaks in the job description and try to match their levels of energy and formality as best as possible. 

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to 

start your cover letter

 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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Insights and resources for employers and professionals.

Knowing when to use a cover letter in today’s job market.

Today, the use of cover letters remains a component of the job application process. Including a customized cover letter in addition to your resume can help your application stand out to hiring personnel and give you a leg-up on other candidates.

Dahl Consulting (DAHL) remains up-to-date on the latest hiring trends to provide job seekers with helpful insights to thrive in a dynamic job market. In this blog, discover the instances when a cover letter is a benefit and learn valuable tips for crafting an effective one.

The Importance of Cover Letters

In today’s competitive job market, cover letters play a role in showcasing your qualifications and setting yourself apart from other applicants. While resumes provide a summary of your skills and experience, cover letters allow you to personalize your application and demonstrate your passion for the position.

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to expand on relevant experiences, highlight key accomplishments, and explain any gaps in your employment history. It serves as a persuasive tool to convince employers that you are the ideal candidate for the role. Jamie Rebischke, VP of Talent at Dahl Consulting, shared that cover letters “can also be a way to express your communication skills and demonstrate your strong understanding of the position.”

Many companies still consider cover letters as a screening tool to assess an applicant’s attention to detail, communication skills, and overall fit for the organization. In fact, according to a of 625 hiring managers across the US, 94% of them agreed that cover letters are influential when deciding who to interview. Plus, the large majority of those surveyed stated that they definitely read cover letters. This study tells us it is a good idea to invest time and effort into crafting a compelling cover letter.

When to Include a Cover Letter in Your Job Application

While cover letters are generally expected for many job applications, there are specific instances when including one becomes particularly crucial.  The following five scenarios are when you should include a cover letter with your application.

• When the job posting explicitly requests a cover letter: Some employers specify that applicants must submit a cover letter along with their resume. Failing to include one in this case can result in your application being disregarded. Even when cover letters are “optional,” 72% of recruiters still expect a cover letter to be included, and 77% of recruiters give preference to candidates who submit one. It is always best to err on the side of caution by including a cover letter if you are not sure.
• When you want to showcase your qualifications in more detail: If you have relevant experiences or accomplishments that are not adequately conveyed in your resume, a cover letter allows you to provide additional context and highlight your suitability for the position.
• When you are changing careers or industries: A cover letter can help bridge the gap between your previous experience and the requirements of the new role. It allows you to explain your transferable skills and demonstrate your enthusiasm for making a career transition.
• When you have been referred to a position: If you’ve been referred to a position, it can be helpful to send your cover letter and resume directly to the person who referred you so that they can send it to the proper hiring personnel.

In general, it is recommended to include a cover letter unless the job posting explicitly states otherwise. It is always better to err on the side of caution and provide additional information to support your application.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out

To make your cover letter stand out and capture the attention of hiring managers, consider the following tips :

• Tailor your cover letter to each job application: Avoid using a generic template and take the time to customize your cover letter for each position. Highlight specific qualifications, experiences, or skills that align with the job requirements. Rebischke weighed in, stating that “Cover Letters work best when tailoring them to a specific role where you can highlight how your background and experiences will not only fit the role but enhance it as well.” When tailoring a cover letter, it is also important to include the name of the hiring manager if you know it. Be sure to address them directly .
• Use a professional and engaging tone: Your cover letter should be written in a professional yet personable tone. Avoid using excessive jargon or overly formal language. Instead, focus on expressing your enthusiasm and passion for the role.
• Keep it concise and focused: Hiring managers often receive numerous applications, so it is important to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. A short cover letter is preferred; aim for a length of around three to four paragraphs, or about 400 words , and ensure that each paragraph adds value to your application.
• Showcase your achievements and unique selling points: Use your cover letter to highlight your most relevant achievements and unique selling points. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experiences have contributed to previous successes.
• Avoid repeating information from your resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Avoid simply restating the information already provided in your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to provide additional context and highlight relevant experiences.
• Don’t focus too much on yourself: While it is important to showcase your qualifications, remember to also demonstrate your understanding of the company you’re applying to and the value you can bring to the organization. Tailor your cover letter to address the employer’s needs and emphasize how you can contribute to their success.
• Proofread and edit: Last, but certainly not least, before submitting your cover letter, carefully proofread it for any grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure that the letter is well-structured and flows smoothly. If utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools for your cover letter, this step is especially important. Make sure to edit for authenticity and accuracy. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well.

By following these tips, you will successfully write a cover letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Utilizing Cover Letters to Showcase Your Skills and Experience

Cover letters provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in a more comprehensive and personalized way compared to your resume. To effectively utilize cover letters, it is important to focus on relevant accomplishments that may not be included on your resume. Cover letters provide an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications through specific examples of successful projects or challenges you have overcome. Additionally, this provides an opportunity for you to explicitly connect your skills to the job requirements, which can help you to stand out to the hiring manager.

In addition to accomplishments, cover letters can help you to explain career transitions or employment gaps directly. By explaining the reasons for the transitions or gaps and emphasizing the valuable skills and experiences you gained during those periods, you can help to avoid any confusion up front.

Lastly, a cover letter is an excellent way to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the company and position to which you are applying. As mentioned, it is important to not only expand on your skills and accomplishments but also to share why you are excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with the organization’s goals and values. This can help hiring personnel understand more about how your background will make a great fit, plus, it helps to reiterate why you applied to work for their organization.

By effectively utilizing cover letters, you can provide a more comprehensive picture of your skills and experiences, increasing your chances of impressing potential employers and securing job interviews.

DAHL provides jobseeker tips and advice on a wide variety of topics, including cover letters. Learn more in our blog , or get connected with one of our employment experts today!

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Money Report

Did ChatGPT write your resume and cover letter?: How to answer the most obvious job interview AI question

By emily larcher,cnbc • published may 16, 2024 • updated on may 16, 2024 at 12:30 pm.

• Studies show that a significant number, though by no means a majority, of job hunters are using artificial intelligence like ChatGPT to write resumes and cover letters.
• The use of gen AI in the job hunt is especially prevalent among younger workers.
• AI can be a valuable writing partner, but job seekers will need to be prepared to explain how and why they used it in the job application process.

Recent surveys show that artificial intelligence is playing a greater role in the job application process. Use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT is becoming more common as a writing partner for resumes and cover letters.

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It's no surprise. It may be a good idea. Submitting materials as part of the job application process is a task that can cause anxiety and which people have an inclination to put off. Many job seekers fear their resume may not stand out from the crowd, or may include embarrassing errors that even after proofreading they somehow missed in a rush to apply. AI can ease some of these concerns and be a productive writing partner.

So far, the surveys suggest that roughly one-fifth of job seekers are relying on AI. A survey out this week from ResumeTemplates found that 22% of Gen Z job applicants used ChatGPT to create a resume or cover letter. An earlier survey conducted by ResumeBuilder found that in the past year, 18% of U.S. job seekers say that they used ChatGPT to craft resumes and cover letters, as well as prepare for interviews. In its survey, usage dips to 9% among job seekers in the 45 to 54 year-old age bracket.

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Use of AI to write resumes and cover letters remains controversial. Some career experts say the big problem is that job seekers are using tools like ChatGPT the wrong way. As a hiring manager and founder of a career development business recently told CNBC Make It , "no matter how exciting this new technology is, humans are still in charge of the hiring process. Which is why having a robot write   your resume is a recipe for disaster."

There is a risk that use of ChatGPT and similar tools leads to the production of resumes and cover letters that all start to look exactly the same .

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Importantly, the ResumeTemplates survey found that 77% of job seekers who used AI said they made edits to what ChatGPT provided.

In the end, the situation is similar to what's happening in education. Banning use of ChatGPT and other gen AI among students is a losing battle for teachers. Better to help students understand how to use AI as a tutoring tool to improve their own unique performance. Editing a first draft of a resume or cover letter produced by an AI — the same way that a student might an essay — is an important step. But even if a job seeker is successful in creating a resume or cover letter with an AI that stands out, that still won't prepare them for the final step: when human resources or a hiring manager asks them point blank whether they used AI in the job application process.

Here's how career experts say you should handle that.

Career expert advice on using AI to get hired

ChatGPT can in fact help you land a job, according to those who have used it. The first thing to know is that fear that hiring firms will look down upon use of AI is not a given, by any stretch. The recent ResumeBuilder survey found that over half (55%) of job seekers stated that potential employers lauded their use of AI during job interviews. Only 29% of job seekers said they believed their use of AI with prospective employers led them to not be hired.

Any job interview question about AI should be seen as a chance to pivot the conversation. When HR or a hiring manager asks about use of AI in production of a cover letter or resume, the onus is on the job seeker to pivot the AI conversation to make a more compelling point, says Marissa Morrison, v.p. of people at ZipRecruiter. Applicants should have a talking point prepared to show that their use of AI is an example of their familiarity with, and embrace of, technology trends. Morrison said job seekers that are open about their AI use for "administrative and automated tasks" can demonstrate they are prepared to create new avenues of productivity on the job — a key goal of organizations in AI adoption. 

Don't deny use of AI, and be knowledgeable about how a hiring firm uses it. Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster.com, says job seekers should start with honesty — denying the use of AI won't get you anywhere. She also focused on how to pivot the AI conversation. Specifically, ahead of any interview, job seekers should research and be knowledgeable about a specific company's scope of AI use, and bring an AI conversation with HR or hiring managers back to that company-specific case. 

Be skeptical of working for any company that is dismissive of AI . Job seekers should be on the lookout for companies that may be a bad fit — any organization that is dismissive of AI may not be where a worker wants to grow in a career long-term. Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist for ResumeBuilder, said no matter how much a job seeker may need a position, this is not a red flag to be ignored given where most of the market is going with AI deployment. As with the other experts, Toothacre says job seekers should practice talking about how they not only embrace, but "own" AI and are prepared to leverage it in "understanding job efficiency standards." 

Most important of all: Never use AI as a "crutch." What ChatGPT, or any other AI tool, should not be is a "crutch" to generate resumes and cover letters tailored to job postings, says Katie McGinnis, vice president of human resources at online learning company Udacity. Employers can easily spot when an applicant relied solely on AI for resumes and cover letters. McGinnis says to be as specific as possible during job interviews about AI skills, "just as you would any other technical skills."

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