what is the importance of cover letter checklist

Resume Worded

Your cover letter checklist, this step by step checklist will guide you through the process of writing and optimizing your cover letter for a job., jump to a section, introduction, body paragraphs, final things, what you should know before you write your cover letter., what you should do, remember the goal of your cover letter.

Employers use cover letters to decide if you're a good fit for their company, beyond just the hard skills and experience (which is usually on your resume). Always keep this in mind as you write your cover letter - employers are looking for evidence of your soft skills, enthusiasm and personality - things they can't get out of your resume.

⭐️   Some employers care about cover letters a lot, while some ask for them but don't primarily use them for consideration. In all cases, however, a cover letter that shows enthusiasm and passion for the specific job can move an applicant from the maybe to the yes pile.

⭐️   Avoid fancy templates. A simple Word document is the standard format.

Don't just summarize your resume

Think about it. When employers ask for both a cover letter and a resume, they don't want one to just be a duplicate of the other in paragraph form!

⭐️   The number one rule of cover letters is that if you decide to send one, it needs to say something your resume doesn't. For example, you can write about how your interests/passion relate to the role - this is something that won't be on a resume.

⭐️   You can describe accomplishments you stated in your resume, as long as you use a unique angle. For example, if on your resume you wrote about running a workshop, you can use your cover letter to describe how running workshops have helped you developed specific skill sets that the job requires.

Address questions a recruiter might have about you

If you don't have the 'ideal' background for the role, your cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you're a good fit. For example, if you're underqualified, overqualified, or your experience is in a different industry (i.e. a career changer), the cover letter can be your way of showing a hiring manager that you're a good fit, although it isn't obvious just from your resume.

⭐️   If you have an usual background or you're changing careers, use the cover letter to explain how your current skills will translate into the new role.

Change your tone depending on the industry

Use a warm, conversational tone for most non-formal industries, e.g. technology companies, startups, hospitality, etc. For formal industries like banking/finance or legal, use a more formal tone.

⭐️   Personality is important when it comes to cover letters. Employers, particularly smaller companies, want to know if you're a good fit in terms of culture.

Sample Cover Letters

Professional cover letter samples that you can use as inspiration

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Here's how to start your cover letter..

If you can easily find the name of the hiring manager, address it to them directly. If you can't, 'Dear Hiring Manager," is totally fine.

⭐️   Don't assume a hiring manager's gender, so avoid using, "Dear Sir".

⭐️   Even "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern" are considered unnecessarily formal and outdated; stick to "Dear Hiring Manager" if you can't find a name.

Introduce who you are

In the first paragraph, quickly mention what position you're seeking. Examples: - I'm excited to apply for the X role. I'm confident that my background and expertise would serve Y well and leave a lasting impression in your ABC department. - I am excited to apply for the position of X at Y. - I've been following ABC Corp for years and recently saw that you're looking for an X to join the Y team. - It’s with great enthusiasm that I am applying to be your next X.

⭐️   Don't overthink the opening line, it doesn't need to be that creative!

⭐️   Don't say, "My name is…" - your name is already at the bottom of your resume!

⭐️   Use the job title that was used in the job posting

Mention how you found out about the opening (optional)

If you heard about the company/job in an interesting way (e. g. through a personal connection, networking event), include it here. For example: I recently attended the AcmeCorp Graduates Webinar, and I was thrilled when ABC’s CEO mentioned there was an opening for a project manager role on the Maps team. I believe this position is an excellent fit for my background and interests.

⭐️   If you found out about the posting on Indeed or while mass applying to jobs, that's fine too! You don't always have to have a creative story for applying to a company - just say you were excited to come across the opening.

⭐️   Try to show personality in your cover letter by using phrases like, "I'm excited" or "I was thrilled"

Use two to three paragraphs to discuss why you are a good fit for the role,

Why you why the industry why this company.

This is a common structure that you can optionally use when writing your cover letter. The most important is why you're a good fit for the role (why you?) while the next paragraph is

⭐️   This structure is just for guidance of areas you can cover.

⭐️   Example of how to tie in the company to your experiences: I am especially drawn by X's commitment to [something they're known for, e.g. working in small teams ] which would ensure [why it's important to you, e.g. significant responsibility and exposure to senior professionals early in my career. This commitment to ... is my central reason for applying. ]

Describe your accomplishments while weaving in your soft skills

Show, don't tell. Explain how you have demonstrated the soft skills the job/industry requires by using real examples from your experience. Avoid just saying "I have great attention to detail and exceptional communication skills." State specific examples which demonstrate this, whether that's writing up a 100 page report for the management team, presenting to key stakeholders, etc.

⭐️   Where possible, use numbers and metrics to make your accomplishments more impressive. Did you increase revenue? Decrease costs? Improve % efficiency?

⭐️   Avoid arrogant hyperboles, like "thought leader" or "expert"!

Personalize your skills to the job description

Review the job description and highlight keywords and skills that are clearly very important for the role and industry. Use them in your cover letter.

⭐️   Our Targeted Resume tool helps you identify keywords from the job description. It's built for resumes but the technology works equally well for cover letters too if you just need to enter the job description.

Your cover letter is not just about aligning your hard and soft skills to the job description. Describe also how your unique personal experiences align to the company's values and culture.

⭐️   Example: Resume Worded is a company that attains diversity at all levels – whether it is through its diverse clientele from a number of industries or through the global nature of its employees. My experiences in London, New York and Tokyo have increased my appreciation for such diversity reinforcing my belief that a career at Resume Worded will provide both the knowledge in a wide variety of fields and the opportunity to interact and work with people even more diverse than myself.

If you don't have experience, describe your transferrable skills

⭐️   Describe specific projects you worked on that require similar skill sets to the one this job requires.

Targeted Resume

Find important keywords in the job description

Here's the best way to end your cover letter.

Use a standard conclusion statement.

The conclusion is a simple one or two liner. Examples: "I'm confident that my skills and experience would be a great asset to ABC Corp, and I'd love to chat with you about the role in more detail. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon." "I’d be thrilled with the opportunity to learn more about the role, and would love to talk to you about the contributions I can make at the ABC Corp. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon."

⭐️   You can also briefly restate why you're a good fit for the role with an additional sentence (e.g. I'm confident that my passion for X and Y will make me a great addition to the Z team, or I'm confident my X and Y skills will allow me positively contribute to a project team at Z)

End the letter with your name and contact details

A simple signature works fine: " Sincerely, [Your name] +1 234 56789 [email protected] LinkedIn URL"

⭐️   A link to your LinkedIn profile is optional, but recommended

Before you send off your cover letter.

Keep your cover letters to around 200 - 300 words. Lengthy cover letters are less likely to be read.

⭐️   In terms of page length, keep it to 3/4 of a page to one page. Two pages is often too long (unless a longer cover letter is explicitly asked for)

No spelling or grammatical errors

Spelling errors are a strict no-no. Make sure you have triple-checked your spelling and grammar.

⭐️   Also ensure you have correctly spelled industry standard terminology.

Sufficiently personalized

We get it. Writing a unique cover letter for every single job can get pretty tedious. However, recruiters can easily tell when a cover letter isn't personalized at all, so you want to sufficiently personalize your cover letter to the position. That could be adding in a few sentences about the company's culture and how that relates to you, or highlight a few specific skills from the job description.

⭐️   Here are two tests to figure out if your cover letter is sufficiently personalized: 1) Can you swap out just the company's name for a totally different company and everything still fits? If so, it's probably too generic. And 2) Can you imagine other applicants sending the same letter? If so, it's likely not personalized enough to you.

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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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Crafting a Cover Letter: A Checklist for Success

Creating a compelling cover letter is an essential component in your job search strategy. It's your opportunity to stand out, narrate your professional journey, and pitch your unique value to potential employers. This post will serve as a 'cover letter checklist' and guide to 'successful cover letter writing'.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your initial contact point with a potential employer. It gives you an opportunity to highlight skills or experiences relevant to the job description, which might not be evident in your resume.

A Guide to Successful Cover Letter Writing

• Align your Cover Letter with the Job Description
• Briefly mention the job you're applying for. Tailoring your cover letter to match the job requirements shows your interest and makes you a relevant candidate.
• Create a Compelling Opening
• Start your cover letter with a striking opening that grabs the employer's attention. This could be a brief summary of your professional history or an exciting point about why you're interested in the role.
• Highlight your Key Achievements
• Showcase your major accomplishments that align with the job role. Be very specific with examples and avoid generic statements.
• Showcase your Soft Skills
• Apart from professional skills and experiences, highlight your soft skills like effective communication, leadership or problem-solving. This sets you apart from others.
• Use a Professional Closer
• End your cover letter on a professional note, expressing your eagerness to discuss the role further.

This checklist will help convert your 'cover letter checklist' into a 'successful cover letter writing' strategy. Remember, the goal isn't only to get noticed, but to make the employer want to know more about you.

Get your personalized cover letter, instantly.

Cover Letter Checklist | What to Do Before You Apply With a Cover Letter

Making sure your cover letter is well-written and error-free increases your chance of getting an interview. In this article, you can learn about the steps you should follow before submitting your cover letter and resume.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document you send with a resume when you’re applying for a job. It serves as an introduction and explains why you are a good candidate for the position you’re applying for. It complements your resume, providing extra information about why your skills and experience meet or exceed the requirements shown in a job posting. Cover letters are like written sales pitches designed to convince the hiring manager to interview you.

Steps before applying with a cover letter

You can use these steps as a checklist to help you write a cover letter:

1. First, write your cover letter

When you’re writing your cover letter, make sure the introduction is compelling enough to grab your recipient’s attention, with your career objectives and key strengths stated clearly. Ensure each paragraph flows smoothly into the next. Check whether your conclusion leaves a strong impression and contains a direct call to action, encouraging the recipient to interview you.

2. Second, check the contact information

Make sure all contact information for you and the employer is correct. Check the names, postal and email addresses, and phone numbers included in your header, signature and other areas of your documents. Check for spelling errors, missing digits and typographical mistakes. Make sure you include your contact information, including your cell phone number and email address, so your recipient can reach you. Compare the contact details you have with the employer’s website to make sure there are no mistakes.

3. Third, cross-reference your cover letter and the job posting

Put your cover letter and the job posting side by side to check whether you have addressed all the requirements. Your cover letter should make it clear that you are the kind of candidate the employer is looking for. It should also outline the ways you would benefit the company.

Make sure your skill and experience keywords match the job posting’s keywords. Remember to include any elements the job description asks for, such as the date you can start work or the job reference number.

4. Fourth, edit your cover letter

Edit your cover letter so that it sounds good. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page with three or four paragraphs. If the job posting lists a maximum cover letter length or word count, you may need to reduce your cover letter even further. Look for sentences you can simplify or make more clear. Remove anything that does not support your application.

5. Then, proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter helps you find and correct accidental errors and awkward sentences. Read through your cover letter several times. Proofreading out loud helps you identify parts that sound repetitive or clumsy. Refine as you go to improve your cover letter.

6. Next, format for applicant tracking software (ATS)

Some companies use software programs called applicant tracking software (ATS) to search through applications for keywords from the job posting. ATS programs respond to clear, simple formats. Using an ATS-friendly format for your cover letter ensures that it can find your keywords and rank you favorably. 

Try to keep your cover letter simple because ATS programs can find it hard to read tables, images, text boxes and special characters. Use a common font style such as Arial, Tahoma or Georgia.

7. Remember to save in an appropriate file format

Save your cover letter as a .doc, .txt or .pdf file. ATS programs can easily read these common formats. These are not usually the default file formats, so you may need to look for them in a drop-down list when you save your file. Your cover letter should also have a name that clearly identifies it is your cover letter, such as ‘HardcastleLee_CoverLetter.pdf.’

8. Once again, proofread your cover letter

A final proofread will make sure your cover letter does not contain any typing mistakes or awkward phrases. It provides one more chance to make your cover letter the best it can be. If you have time, conduct your final proofread a day or two after completing the steps above. Time away from your letter will help you look at it clearly and you can look for areas to refine.

9. Lastly, ask someone to review your cover letter

Ask someone you trust to review your cover letter to get a second opinion. Professors or teachers, industry professionals, family members and friends are all good options. Give them a copy of the job description so they can check whether your cover letter fits the position. Ask them to identify any errors, sections that need more information or any other areas that need improvement.

Cover Letter Checklist : Learn How To Impress Recruiters

In This Guide:

Let's start with the cover letter.

Cover letter checklist – What Items to Include in the Content

How about a formatting checklist, spelling and grammar checklist, you followed all cover letter checklist points.

You have found the perfect job. You apply with the self-confidence that you have the needed experience and knowledge. But they reject you…

A day of a Recruiter is full of applications – colorless and long. Take time to make your cover letter impeccable and you will be noticed!

In the following lines, we’re going to show you cover letter checklist points, so next time you need a great cover letter, you’ll have all you need, just one click away.

Here is what we have for you:

• How to introduce yourself and seize recruiters’ curiosity immediately.
• Simple ways to show yourself in the best light
• The best strategy to seal the deal at the end of your cover letter.
• How to correct your cover letter and make it look compelling.

Let's start with the cover letter.

Upload & check your resume.

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The beginning of your cover letter should be something that is going to be remembered. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm, brief the company why you love doing what you do. Show them that you are driven by passion.

Verify your contact information

Imagine this situation: A recruiter from your most wanted company loves your resume and cover letter and wants to invite you to an interview. They call you immediately, but the answer they get is “Wrong number”… Why? Because you mistyped it.

This is one of the most common reasons why people don’t get invited to interviews or don’t receive feedback. Because they mistyped their mail or phone number. So, always double-check your contact information.

Customize your greeting

You should always try to customize your greetings by starting with “Dear” and calling the hiring person by name. Try as hard as you can to find the name of the person, who is going to read your cover letter. This could mean calling the company, explaining to them that you are applying for one of their positions and asking for the name of the hiring manager.

We know it sounds strange, but believe us, this makes a very good impression.

However, sometimes it is a struggle to find the wanted recruiter and you will need to use more generic greetings, such as “Dear Human Resources Manager” or “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Build upon your resume bullet points and provide actual examples

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when writing their cover letter is that they just repeat what they have already said on their resume. Don’t do that. When the hiring manager sees a cover letter, he expects to learn more about you.

Look through your resume and see which points are most valuable as an experience for the position you are applying for. Keep them in mind and add real examples from your work.

Answer the why question

Why have you chosen this company?

Every company wants to feel special. Believe us, they will find out if you have used your cover letter to apply for 1000 more companies. Show real interest in the position.

If you have some personal story connected to the company, share it. If you do not, explain why you like the organization, show them that you know more than just their name. This small research is useful for you too, because at least you will know what their main products or services are. And yes, there are people who don’t know what the company is doing, when they go to an interview. Please do not be like them, show that you care.

Adapt your cover letter to the job description. Speak about your personal experience and how it relates to the company you’re applying for.

Imagine this situation:  The company is looking for somebody, who has worked with customers and remains under control in stressful situations. Tell them an actual example of a situation with a customer, that you have handled.

They want an experienced manager, working with technical projects and you are in this sector? Tell them all of the projects you have managed and have finished successfully.

Speak about your transferable skills if you’re switching careers or you are early on in your job hunting. If you are just starting your after college journey or you are diving into something new, you won’t have a lot of experience to add. That is absolutely okay, write about your experience in school or in the university or even in an unrelated work field. Tell them how you can transfer those skills.

For example, if they are looking for a person with a team spirit, use your experience in group projects in your school or university.

Closing paragraph

Now, you have poured out your soul in your cover letter, it is time to shine for one last time. The key here is to finish on a high note, short and strong.

We all know everyone’s favorite closing sentence “I look forward to hearing from you”. Well, if you use this, it is possible not to hear from them. Don’t be sad, there are plenty of ways you can have a good closure.

“I am really excited to learn more about the position of [name of the position] and demonstrate why I am a great fit for your company.”

“If I’m hired for this job, I’ll exemplify the passion and commitment that helped me grow [name of your old company] business by 30% in just one year”

End with signature, name, and best regards.

A couple of last clicks and the cover letter is ready. It is time to sign it.

Like you did in the opening, you should keep the formal tone and show respect to the person who is going to read your letter. The old golden hits such as “Best regards” and “Best wishes” plus your name will do the work.

Okay, now you are ready with the content. Now it’s time to make it shiny.

There are a couple of easy steps that are going to make it look professional, and yet not boring.

Business letter format

The best way to format your cover letter is as a business format.

And if you want to make it even better, you can use the same design that you used in your resume. This way they are going to be perfectly connected.

If you are still wondering how to format it best, here you can check out lots of different cover letters. If you are lucky enough, you can even find the perfect one for your wanted position.

Contact information

Make room for your contact information, keep it separated, with higher font-size and color different than black. This catches the attention of the Hiring Manager at the moment they open it.

Because you are drawing attention to your contacts, you should keep in mind to have a professional email address. If your address is something like “[email protected]” or “[email protected]” you won’t really have much of a chance.

Margin, font size, and line spacing tips

Let’s face it, your cover letter won’t be very representative if all of the symbols are too close to each other, or if the font size is so small that you have to put glasses on.

There are simple rules that you can follow and you will have a readable letter.

• Have a single blank line spacing between the paragraphs
• Line spacing of 1.5 in the paragraphs.
• Font size could be between 10 and 12 points – it should be readable
• Align it to the left or Justify
• Margins could be left at normal (1 inch)

Keep it up to one page.

Imagine this situation: You are a hiring manager and there are 125 applicants for the position. More than half of them have a cover letter. You are going through the pile of resumes and letters and around the hundredth one, you see a letter, which is two pages long. Would you read it?

Most probably no, because you have read a hundredth more before that.

This is part of the life of a Hiring manager, so if you want to be sure that they have read your letter, you should keep it short.

Spelling and grammar are some of the most important aspects of your resume and cover letter.

Nobody wants to hire somebody illiterate or lazy, so better look through these tips and make it perfect.

Use language that’s familiar to every reader, only use industry jargon if you’re sure the recruiter will understand the specific terms

Most of the time your application goes through the sharp eyes of a recruiter. However, they are not always familiar with the industry jargon and the twisted words in your work field, so it’s better to keep it simple.

Consistent capitalization

Check if you start every new sentence with a capital letter. When you are writing on a computer, it will correct it automatically, however, some mistakes may occur.

Correct spelling

Double-check your content, you want to make the best impression. You can use Enhancv’s content analyzer  or   Grammarly .

Consistent punctuation to end bullet points and sentences

We talked about consistent capitalization, but it is also important to remember to put periods, question, and exclamation marks in the right places. And don’t forget the semicolons after bullet-points.

And voilà , you have a consistent and eye-catching cover letter. As you see, cover letters are an important part of your introduction to the company and we are glad that we can help you through this journey.

Keep in mind our cover letter checklist tips and you will increase the return rate of your job applications for sure.

We hope that the article showed you a new angle of cover letter writing. However, tell us your personal most interesting cover letter experience? Does it follow these tips and tricks?

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The Ultimate Cover Letter Checklist: What to Include in a Cover Letter

Peanut butter and jelly. Milk and cookies. Resumes and cover letters. Some things are just better together.

Now, it may not be delicious or sweet—or even very good to eat—but a cover letter is still one very important half of a perfect pair—at least when it comes to applying for jobs. A cover letter is a short, one-page letter that you send along with your resume when applying for a job. It allows you to showcase your skills, interest, and intent, and it is used to expand upon the information in your resume, particularly as it relates to your work experience. Crafting the perfect cover letter is extremely important because it gives you the opportunity to explain, in detail, how and why you are the perfect fit for a particular position. It also gives you a chance to show your personality and demonstrate to the employer why the company would benefit from hiring you.

The Cover Letter Checklist: What to Include

✓ The same full contact information as your resume. Include your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile or, if you have one, your personal website.

✓ A consistent look . Make sure that your resume and cover letter match in style and presentation.

✓ Paragraph sections. Include a salutation, opening (one paragraph), main body (one to two paragraphs), and closing (one paragraph).

• Salutation: This is your greeting (such as Dear Ms. Meya Fransson ). Try to get an exact name instead of using To Whom It May Concern .
• Opening: Briefly introduce yourself. State the position you are applying for and why you are a great fit. Demonstrate to the reader your strengths in a few powerful lines.
• Main body: Get to the nitty-gritty about how and why you are best for the job. Look at the qualifications, experience, and skills outlined in the job description and show the reader how you match these. Explain some of your greatest past accomplishments. Focus on the company’s requirements and what it needs; try to do so without the use of “I” statements. When writing this section, always keep the following question in the back of your mind: Why should we hire you?
• Closing: This should be a quick summary of what you talked about in the body to reiterate what you bring to the table. Thank the employer and suggest a meeting. Sign off in a polite and professional manner.

✓ The right amount of white space —not too much or too little.

✓ A length of about half a page (one full page including your contact information and that of the recipient).

✓ No spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

✓ Personalization. The letter must include a salutation and be addressed to the right person.

✓ Your key skills as they relate to the position being applied to, written in the same way that they are written in the job posting to increase your chances of making it through the applicant tracking system (ATS).

✓ The reasons why you would be best for the position . Include knowledge, skills, and experience as they relate to the job posting.

• NOTE: Each and every cover letter you write must be tailored to a specific job and employer. You cannot reuse a cover letter or work from a template, simply changing words here and there. The more customized your letter is, the greater your chances will be of making it through the system, getting your letter read by the hiring manager, and getting an interview.

What to Omit and Avoid

✓ Avoid clichés , such as the following:

• “To Whom It May Concern”
• “My name is . . .”
• “I am writing to express my interest in . . .”
• “I’m probably not the best candidate, but . . .””I am applying for the role of [title] at [Company] . . .”

✓ Never reuse a cover letter. Start fresh each and every time. It’s okay to use a guideline, but never use the same cover letter twice.

✓ Don’t be vague. Be specific, especially in outlining your skills as they relate to the position.

✓ Don’t repeat your resume. Instead, discuss your work history and emphasize any major accomplishments that relate to the position you’re applying for. Expand on certain aspects in detail to tell a story about your accomplishments, but don’t tell the reader what he or she already knows.

Design Elements

✓ Be consistent . Make sure that your resume and cover letter match in style and presentation.

✓ Keep it short . One page, at most (about 250–350 words). The hiring manager will admire your ability to be concise.

✓ Keep it succinct . Try to use short sentences instead of long ones, and try to keep each paragraph to five lines or fewer.

✓ Use numbers and metrics . These really make your accomplishments stand out and help draw the reader’s eye.

✓ Use boldface if you want to emphasize something, instead of underlining or italics.

✓ Avoid graphics , pictures, images, tables, etc.

✓ Use a common document type . Unless the employer asks for a specific format, prepare your cover letter as a Word document (.doc or .docx). Word documents, as opposed to PDFs or other file types, are the most common and are therefore the easiest to be emailed/attached, opened, and read.

✓ Format appropriately . Use a standard business letter format, listing your name and address, the date, and the recipient’s name and address first, followed by the salutation and substance of the letter. The main body of your letter will vary from industry to industry, but a rough outline looks like this:

• State the position you are applying for, including any job posting numbers.
• This is where you hook the reader in.
• This should be one or two paragraphs in length.
• How do you fit in? What do you bring to the table? How do your skills match those required for the position?
• Thank the reader.
• Show enthusiasm for the position.
• Restate the best way(s) to contact you (phone, email).
• Ask for an interview.

✓ Include white space (or negative space). This refers to margins (the areas between the main content and the edges of the page), gutters (the vertical space between columns), and the spaces between lines of type and graphics or figures. Having a balance between white space and content will keep your cover letter from looking cluttered.

✓ Use an appropriate font style, size, and color . Use a font that is easy to read and that doesn’t distract from your message. Fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Times New Roman, Georgia, Lucida, Tahoma, or Trebuchet were designed for the web and are commonly accepted. The font size should be between 10 and 12 point, and the color should be consistent throughout (black).

✓ Use one-inch margins all the way around your cover letter. This will ensure that no information gets cut off if a paper copy is printed.

Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation

✓ Attention to detail . Spelling and grammar are important indicators of a candidate’s attention to detail; they highlight defects instead of spotlighting qualities. It is nearly impossible to recover from spelling errors in your cover letter.

✓ Action words . Use words that convey action, such as advised, examined, oversaw, prepared, resolved, and compiled.

✓ Consistency . Be consistent with your punctuation throughout. This includes using only single or double quotation marks, using the serial comma consistently, and using only straight or curly quotes.

✓ Acronyms . Always make sure to spell out any acronyms in full upon their first use, followed by the acronym in parentheses.

✓ Editing . Make sure to take the time to thoroughly edit and proofread your cover letter. Even the smallest spelling mistake can have a disastrous effect, so pay extra attention when reading through this document. You may even want to use a professional editing service to have an extra set of professional, discerning eyes catch any errors you may have missed. A hiring manager who sees mistakes in your cover letter won’t take you seriously and will think you are lazy, which also makes it more likely your application will be rejected.

✓ Punctuation . Make sure to use punctuation marks properly. Know the difference between a hyphen (-), an en dash (–), and an em (—) dash; when and how to use a semicolon (;); how to use a comma properly (,); and that a period (.) goes at the end of each complete sentence.

✓ Capitalization . Capitalize words correctly. Do capitalize names; proper nouns; names of cities, states/provinces, and countries; languages; company names; brand names; and months. Do not capitalize job titles (unless they come before a name); college/university majors; important-sounding career words that aren’t proper nouns; seasons; or directions.

✓ Style. Be formal in your letter, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be true to yourself in your language and tone.

Bonus Tips for an Awesome Cover Letter

✓ Get to know the company’s culture (read its website; look at its LinkedIn page) so you can write like one of the team members and show that you’d be a perfect fit.

✓ Regardless of whether you’re fresh out of university or 10 years into the workforce, try to focus on your work experience, not your education.

✓ Be a storyteller. If possible, tell a story. Explain how you came to learn about this company; what brought you here? Try to connect in a way that makes you stand out from the rest.

✓ Show your future employer that: a) you’re going to excel in the position; b) you’re friendly and likable, and you get along well with others; and c) you’re going to be a great fit.

✓ Write like a real person—don’t be robotic and overly formal, but also don’t be super excited and so over the top that you seem disingenuous.

✓ Read over the company’s website and try to write in its “voice.”

✓ Show interest and enthusiasm about what you have to offer and what the company can offer you.

✓ Stay positive and focus on your strengths; don’t apologize for not having the right experience or exact educational background.

✓ Use an active voice instead of a passive voice.

✓ Be yourself, not fake or too formal. You want to appear sincere, approachable, and real, so make this come through in your writing.

So there you have it: the ultimate cover letter checklist. Remember, the cover letter is like peanut butter to jelly or cookies to milk—you can’t just submit one without the other when applying for a job. And, as you can see, the cover letter is a necessary (even mandatory) part of the job application process. Your resume isn’t enough, and most employers require that you submit a cover letter along with your resume to expand on your skills and to show how you’d be a perfect fit for the position. Taking into consideration things to include, things to avoid or omit, design elements, and spelling, grammar, and punctuation, you should be well on your way to crafting your best cover letter yet.

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What is a cover letter?

Why is a cover letter important, how to write a cover letter., tips for creating a strong cover letter., proofread and edit your cover letter., cover letter checklist., example cover letters., frequently asked questions..

The job search process can be stressful, whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, pivoting careers, or simply looking for a change. Hiring is competitive, and your application needs to clearly demonstrate why you’re an ideal candidate and distinguish you from other applicants.

To provide a holistic view of what you bring to the table and improve your chances of hearing back from a hiring manager, you should submit a cover letter. Read this guide to learn the best tips and tricks for creating an effective cover letter.

A cover letter is a writing sample that accompanies your application. It serves as an introduction, allowing you to explain why you’re a good fit for the position, demonstrate your knowledge and experience, and share more personal details outside of your resume.

Even if a cover letter is optional, you can significantly increase the probability of scoring an interview by providing one. According to a recent survey of 200 hiring decision-makers, 83% of respondents said that a well-written cover letter would persuade them to schedule an interview — even if the applicant didn’t have a strong resume.

How long should a cover letter be?

The average cover letter length is three to four paragraphs. In general, it should be no more than one page.

Your goal should be to create a concise letter that captures the most important details about your previous experience and skills, your interest in the job, and how you can contribute to the company or organization.

Since a cover letter is a quick read, you’ll need to make each sentence count. Be creative about demonstrating your unique personality and qualifications by sharing short stories and relevant details about your work experience and approach.

First impressions are foundational to influencing your prospective employer’s expectations and perceptions of you. A cover letter is your chance to shape their idea of you and show off your accomplishments and distinct voice.

Your cover letter can add a personal touch to your application, giving the reader a better sense of who you are and why you would be successful in the position. It also demonstrates your interest in the job, your writing abilities, and your willingness to go beyond what’s required — especially if a cover letter isn’t specifically requested.

Job application forms often involve pre-assigned questions and information, with limited character counts or space to fill out your answers. A cover letter allows you to share additional details that don’t fit on your application, like personal connections to the company, previous internships or roles with the organization, and special circumstances that explain gaps in your resume.

What is the format of a cover letter?

Sharing your letter in a compact, secure format — like a PDF — will help create a professional look and feel, ensuring your document functions and appears the same across devices. While you can be creative about the content of your cover letter, you should follow a standard structure of one page with three to four paragraphs.

Since hiring managers skim many applications and are often short on time, this framework is the most effective way to quickly summarize your relevant experience, express your enthusiasm, and persuade the reader to consider you for the position.

You should include specific contact information for yourself and the company and clearly express a few main ideas in each paragraph.

Let’s get a closer look at the individual building blocks of an effective cover letter.

Before you begin writing the actual letter, choose a compelling design that matches your personality and the tone you’d like to set. Many free templates are available online, so get creative about which cover letter approach will let your individual experience and character shine.

Now that you’ve chosen your canvas, you’re ready to start crafting a standout letter. Ahead of delving into the actual body copy, you’ll need to research the company and gather relevant contact information for the header. Depending on the template you select, your header can include the following:

• Your full name
• Your contact information (optional if included in other areas of your application)
• Name of the hiring manager or contact
• Title of the hiring manager or contact
• Name of the company or organization
• Full address of the company or organization (optional if space is limited)

After creating the header, write a salutation addressing the letter recipient. Be as specific as possible, greeting the person reviewing your application by name if you can. This information is not always readily available in a job posting, so you may need to peruse the company’s website or explore social media pages and profiles.

If you can’t determine who will read your letter, you can reference the company or department name or simply use “Hiring Manager.” You might also include honorific titles, like Dr. or Prof., before someone’s name if relevant.

Here are a few greeting ideas to get you started:

• Dear [Full Name],
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Dr., Prof., Mr., Ms., or Mrs. Full Name],
• Dear Hiring Manager,

Including a specific name or more personalized greeting will show that you took the time to learn more about the company, naturally helping the reader feel more inclined to review your letter. Avoid using a general greeting such as “To whom it may concern.”

Opening paragraph.

In the opening paragraph, you should introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, and hook the hiring manager’s interest. These first few sentences set the stage for their impression of you and influence their decision to continue reading.

To create a strong opening, stay away from generic statements and prioritize highlighting concrete details and relevant experience. Remember to name the specific position for which you’re applying and outline how you will provide value to the company.

First body paragraph.

The next paragraph should describe your previous experience, accomplishments, and skills. This is your chance to fill in details that didn’t fit on your resume or application and spell out how your career history or goals connect to the position. Be sure to add numbers or measurable impact to strengthen your case.

Steer clear of simply recapping your resume. Your cover letter should supplement your resume, encouraging the hiring manager to refer to it for more information.

Now is not the time to be shy — but don’t go over the top, either. Focus on using a confident tone and displaying your competence without exaggerating or using overly bold claims.

Second body paragraph.

The following section of your cover letter should tie your career history and specialties to the company’s needs and position. A good practice is to include keywords from the job description. You can also study the organization’s website and posts to get a sense of their culture and writing style in order to match their tone.

Like a sales pitch, you want to show how you can solve the company’s “pain points” or contribute to their goals through your strengths and previous job experience. Even if you’re new to the workforce or pivoting careers, companies value candidates who demonstrate other traits that aren’t necessarily taught — like passion, reliability, and initiative.

Closing paragraph.

In your conclusion paragraph , you should reiterate why the hiring manager should consider you for the position and how you would bring value to their organization if chosen. Assert why you’re an ideal candidate and leave them with a positive impression.

It’s also a good idea to thank the hiring manager for their time. Inform them of the best way to reach you and indicate that you look forward to discussing your application and learning more about the opportunity.

Finally, select a professional closing to wrap up your cover letter. These are a few tried and tested options:

• Best regards,
• All the best,

Write your full name after the closing, including a signature below if desired.

• Do your research. Your letter should reveal your knowledge of the company and relate directly to the job position.
• Mention referrals or connections you have to the company. These references help establish trust and set you apart from other qualified candidates.
• Use clear, succinct language. Fit in specific examples of how you’ve brought value to other companies, proving your points with numbers or anecdotes about how you addressed challenges in previous roles.
• Save your cover letter in a format that will preserve the design on any device. We recommend converting your cover letter to a PDF — a versatile format that is sleek and easy to save and share, no matter the operating system. Adobe offers free online services to meet all your cover letter needs, like updating a Microsoft Word document to a PDF .

Tailor your cover letter to the job and company.

Many people send generic letters with different job applications, and the lack of specificity shows. Universal cover letters can undermine otherwise strong applications and reduce your chances of landing an interview.

Mirror the language of the job posting and the company’s website to capture the right tone and ensure your interest in the position is apparent.

If you’re applying for many positions and want to save time by repurposing your work, make sure to customize each cover letter by honing in on specific details that apply to individual positions.

To speed up the process, you can create a personalized cover letter template using a digital document tool like Adobe Acrobat . A template will allow you to update and customize sections of your letter while maintaining the structure and evergreen information.

For a polished final product, ask a mentor or trusted friend to read through your letter and provide feedback. It can be helpful to get a second opinion about whether your message is clear and anything that needs to be refined.

Using a collaborative digital document tool like Acrobat can make getting feedback a breeze, with editing tools like annotating, commenting, and drawing on a PDF.

Acrobat also has tools to spell-check your document — highlighting typos and grammar errors directly within the file and freeing your energy to focus on the content of your letter.

To help you develop an effective cover letter, we’ve created a checklist to help you remember what to include and put your best foot forward.

Check out these cover letter samples to spark your creativity. Note how each letter pulls keywords from the job descriptions and tailors the tone and content to the specific position.

Junior copywriter — job description

Memorable Marketing Agency is seeking a part-time junior copywriter to join our team. If you have a knack for creative writing and a way with words, we want to hear from you. You’ll work closely with our senior editor to craft copy across a variety of mediums, from social media platforms to websites. A successful applicant will have a sharp eye for detail, appreciation for clear messaging, and ability to adapt their writing to different voices and tones.

Responsibilities

• Interview subject matter experts and research a variety of topics to meet clients’ messaging requests.
• Collaborate with the senior editor to create and interpret content briefs.
• Write copy for social media posts, email marketing campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO) content, and design assets.
• Stay current on style guidelines and social media trends.
• Manage overlapping deadlines and projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in English, communications, marketing, or journalism
• Exceptional writing and interviewing skills
• One to two years of experience in copywriting
• Experience writing for social media (preferred)

Junior copywriter — example cover letter

Click to open

Senior staff accountant — job description

Big Dipper Bank is looking to add a full-time senior staff accountant to the team. This role will take the lead on preparing financial statements, completing in-depth research analysis, and completing annual audits. To be successful, you should use a detail-oriented approach, possess strong organizational skills, and have the ability to manage and train junior staff members.

Job summary

• Prepare and review tax return documents, balance sheet reconciliations, and general ledger analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit preparations.
• Mentor and guide junior staff accountants and interns.
• Ensure accurate financial statements and create monthly reports.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
• CPA credential (preferred)
• Over five years of experience in finance or accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Oracle NetSuite ERP
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and tax laws

Here are some quick-hit answers to common questions about creating cover letters.

What do I write in a cover letter?

In your cover letter, you should discuss your skills and experience and share why the hiring manager should consider you for the position. This is your chance to distinguish yourself from other candidates and provide a more qualitative and holistic picture of who you are outside of your resume.

You should include details like connections to the company, why you’re interested in the role, how you would contribute, metrics and specific benchmarks of previous success, and keywords from the job description. Most templates include a header with the hiring manager’s name, title, and contact information, as well as space for your name, contact information, and signature.

What is a cover letter? What should an example look like?

A cover letter is a writing sample introducing yourself to the prospective employer. Even if it’s not required, you should submit a cover letter with your resume and job application to add a personal touch and persuade the hiring manager to schedule an interview.

If you’re struggling to envision what a cover letter should look like, there are many free cover letter templates available online that you can browse. You should include a header with the hiring manager’s contact information, a salutation, three to four paragraphs detailing your qualifications, a closing, and your name or signature.

It’s best practice to convert your document to a PDF to keep a professional appearance across devices and share it with ease.

What is a cover letter for a resume?

When submitting a resume, you should include a cover letter to supplement your application. Encourage the reader to refer to your resume or CV in the letter to learn more about your career history and skills.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Since hiring managers have to sift through lots of applications, a cover letter can help you get noticed and shape the employer’s perception of you as a candidate.

Strong cover letters should be specific, concise, professional, and enthusiastic. They should mirror the language and tone of the company’s website and job description and capture your unique personality and strengths.

What is a good cover letter format?

After spending time researching and creating your cover letter, don’t diminish your hard work with an unprofessional format or lopsided design. Ensure your cover letter functions and looks great on any screen by saving it as a PDF file.

Keep your document to one page and include three to four paragraphs spotlighting the most important information the prospective employer should know about you and your application.

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Cover Letter Checklist

All job search letters serve as an example of your written communication skills, your understanding of professional business etiquette, and your enthusiasm and qualifications for a particular job. Also, they provide additional opportunities for you to make a positive impression on a prospective employer. Take the time to draft them and make revisions; they must be free from spelling and grammatical errors. Well written, strategically timed letters can impact a successful job search outcome—they are that important!

This checklist is a guide to identifying the fundamental elements of a cover letter:

• Proofread your letter for errors and complete the self-review checklist
• Have a peer, faculty member or professional review your cover letter – include position description for his/her review

Example cover letter (PDF)

• Demonstrate that you reviewed the position description and company website to identify your qualifications, skills,and abilities for the position/organization
• Address why you are interested in the organization as well as why you are a fit for the specific position
• Follow all directions in the posting, including references, letters of recommendations, special essays, if applicable

Introduction paragraph

• Identify the position for which you are applying and describe how you heard about the opening
• Specify if you were referred by a specific person and note that person by his/her name, if applicable
• Briefly highlight why you are interested in the job and organization
• Be creative and catch an employer’s attention quickly

Body paragraph(s)

• Identify your strongest and most relevant qualifications, skills, and abilities; clearly state how these apply to the position
• Incorporate keywords from the position description to demonstrate a strong match
• Elaborate on why you are interested in the position, organization, industry and/or location
• Describe the experiences in which you developed relevant qualifications, skills, or abilities; provide clear examples that capture the reader’s interest to review your resume. Tell a story about your experience; do not just repeat your resume
• Discuss how your skills and experience relate to the job description of the position in the 2nd paragraph
• Discuss how your soft skills and personality relate to the qualifications of the position in the 3rd paragraph

Closing paragraph

• Thank the reader for taking the time to read your letter
• Reinforce your desire to work for the organization and your fit for the position
• Identify next steps and describe how you will follow up with the employer in a specific time frame

Closing and signature

• End with a formal closing, such as Sincerely, Regards, or Best regards; Be sure to put a comma after your closing
• Your full name goes on the next line if you are submitting online or through email
• Stay within one page; two page cover letters are not necessary
• Do you have your contact information listed on your cover letter? You should have the same header on your cover letter as your resume
• Target your letter toward a specific employer and use keywords from the job description and/or the organization’s mission statement/values
• Does your cover letter use the same font and font size as your resume? Consistency is important and noticed
• Have you addressed your letter to a specific person? Call or research online to find the appropriate name and title if necessary

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Last modified: Tue, Jan 16, 2024, 02:49 by Melissa Kinney

Career Tips , Getting a Job , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

What is a Cover-Letter? How To Write One That Stands Out?

Updated: January 11, 2024

Published: November 19, 2021

When it comes to getting the job of your dreams, you’ll have to do something to set yourself apart from other applicants. One major way you can do so is by writing a unique and powerful cover letter. Now, you may be pondering: What is a cover letter? And, more importantly, how to write a cover Letter that stands out?

We’ll share with you everything you need to know about cover letters, including the basic cover letter format to follow and the special ways that you can make yours different from the crowd.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that job applicants can submit to be considered for a job position. The main purpose of a cover letter is to summarize your professional background and use it to explain how and why you’d be a good fit for the position and company you are applying to. It accompanies a resume or CV , but it should not completely reiterate the information that a hiring manager can glean from your resume.

A strong cover letter can make your application memorable, thereby securing you an interview to get you one step closer to landing the job.

What Should A Cover Letter Format Include?

The basic format of a cover letter includes:

• Date and contact information
• A formal greeting 
• Opening paragraph that grabs attention and shares why your experience is suited for the position
• Middle paragraph that explains why you specifically want to work for said company
• Closing paragraph that reiterates the one-page letter and ends with a formal sign-off

Writing That Unique Cover Letter that Land the Job

While most people end up using a cover letter template, there are some ways to spice up your cover letter to hit a home run and move forward in the hiring process.

Let’s look at a few different types of cover letters you can write to land the big position you’re aiming to fill.

In this day and age, it’s always best to create your brand digitally. This could be in the form of a LinkedIn profile , a personal website, and/or a resume uploaded online. If you have any of the aforementioned items, then be sure to link them in your cover letter. If you have yet to create a personal website, then get started with the basics. You can even simply host your resume online and link it within your application. Not only does linking these items digitally make it easier on the hiring manager, but it also showcases your technical acumen (which is a requirement for pretty much any job these days).

When you send over your cover letter, do so in PDF format. Providing links in-line can lead them to a digital version of yourself that allows for them to get to know you even further, which can end up making a lasting imprint.

When you write a cover letter, you’ll want to spend time editing it to ensure that the grammar is perfect. In addition, it pays off to be catchy and add some wit. Hiring managers and teams spend a lot of time going through stacks of cover letters. Think about a hiring manager going through a pile of cover letters that all look and flow the same.

While the format should stay relatively consistent, you can inject bits of your personality by being humorous and creative. For example, suppose you are applying for a sports media company. In that case, you can consider opening with something like: “Next up to bat is the candidate you’ve all been waiting for because he helped his last team accomplish a 20% increase in customer growth and grew the owner’s revenue by 15% year-over-year.” By writing something like this, you can play into what the company stands for and showcase your achievements.

Get Specific

As we said, hiring managers and teams have to sift through hundreds of cover letters for each position that they post. You don’t want them to feel like you are applying to everything and anything, even if you are. Just like you want to stand out, it’s important to make the reader feel like you are determined to work specifically at their company.

To make this the case, you’ll need to perform research on the company itself. Along with knowing the product and service it provides, it’s good to understand the business model, its unique value proposition, and the company culture. You can do so by looking through the company’s website, LinkedIn profile, social media accounts, and even reaching out to current employees. Once you have some of this information, include it within your cover letter.

Be very specific about why you want to work for them. To give you an idea of what this could entail: it could be because you value how the company prioritizes the customer experience by personalizing their marketing or that they donate a percentage of their proceeds to a social cause that you genuinely care about.

Many people will end up opening their cover letter with a greeting like: “To Whom It May Concern.” Although it’s grammatically correct and formal, it is very impersonal since it isn’t directed to anyone in particular. However, on the other side of your cover letter, there is a real person with a name reading your story. The cover letters that begin with their name may be able to grab their attention.

If the job posting doesn’t list the hiring manager’s details, then do a quick search of the company on LinkedIn. Use the “People” search and go through the list to find who may be the hiring manager. If you can’t find the hiring manager, consider reaching out to ask someone in HR or the head of staffing.

The effort you put in to find the person’s name may be viewed as a reflection of your work ethic and attention to detail, which will help you stand apart from all the “To Whom It May Concern” openers.

Cover Letter Checklist

Once you’ve written your amazing cover letter, check these boxes to ensure that you’ve covered all the bases:

• Contact Details (name, phone number, email address)
• Hiring manager’s name, mailing address, and email address (left-aligned)
• Used a readable font (10.5-12 points in size)
• Margins are between .5” and 1”
• Body copy is single spaced and there are two spaces between each paragraph
• Saved the file as a PDF (for any links, be sure they lead to the right URL)
• Save the file as “my name-job title-cover-letter.pdf” to send
• Signed off with a formal and polite salutation
• Signed the bottom and/or typed out your name at the end

Now that you know what to include, here’s an example of a cover letter from a person applying to a barista position in hospitality and management. As you can see, the applicant remains professional, crosses off all the checkboxes, and infuses personality and passion into the cover letter to stand out.

Closing Thoughts

We’ve answered “What is a cover letter?” and now the ball is in your court to create a unique, engaging, and memorable cover letter of your own. Remember that a cover letter can be all the difference in getting a job or not.

If you can find a way to stand out with your experience and showcase how much of an asset you’ll be to the team, you can make it to the next step, which is more often than not going to be an interview in-person, via video, or on the phone.

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