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A compelling cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression on potential employers by showcasing your qualifications and demonstrating your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a cover letter, offering insights, professional cover letter examples and professionally designed templates to help you craft a cover letter that wins interviews.
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What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal job application document that introduces you to potential employers and showcases your relevant skills and qualifications.
Your cover letter complements your resume by providing context and showcasing your motivation and suitability for the role. Your cover letter should accomplish the following:
- Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
- Provide details about your qualifications.
- Tell employers why you want to work for them.
- Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
- Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.
Build a professional cover letter effortlessly with our Cover Letter Generator. Answer a few prompts about your professional background and target role to create a compelling cover letter in minutes.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
The standard cover letter format is the same as the business letter format and should include the following sections:
Your contact information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Include the date you're writing the letter.
Potential employer's contact information: If you have it, include the name, title, company name, and address of the hiring manager or employer.
Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear XYZ Company Team").
Introduction: State the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Express your enthusiasm for the role and briefly introduce yourself.
Body paragraphs: In the body paragraphs of your cover letter, highlight two to three key qualifications that align with the job description, provide specific examples of your impact in past roles and summarize your interest in the role and company.
Sign-off: Close your cover letter with a professional and polite closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name.
Explore our guide on what to include in a cover letter for a detailed overview of each section.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
Step 1
Research the Company
Preparation is crucial for a successful application! Begin by thoroughly examining the job description to align your professional skills and qualifications. Create a checklist highlighting:
- Noteworthy professional achievements from past roles.
- Volunteer experiences that honed skills listed in the job description.
- Relevant skills encompassing both technical abilities and interpersonal strengths.
- Academic credentials, including certificates and licenses.
- Pertinent awards and distinctions.
Then, delve into researching the company to grasp its core principles. This groundwork enables you to craft a tailored cover letter that reflects your authentic interest in the company and job.
- Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, mission and values, which will enable you to articulate your alignment with its objectives.
- Stay informed about recent company developments through news and press releases.
- Learn the hiring manager’s name so you can address your cover letter to them.
STEP 2
Choose a Cover Letter Template
We recommend crafting your cover letter using a professional template to ensure your cover letter is organized effectively and optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Start with this template or browse our library of cover letter templates to find your match, and let our Cover Letter Generator do the work for you!
STEP 3
Add a Professional Header
Incorporate a professional cover letter header at the top of your cover letter, following the standard business letter format. The header should include your name, address, phone number, and email address, and can be aligned to the page's left or center.
STEP 4
Include Your Contact Information
Ensure your header lists your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and professional email address (e.g., "Jdoe@email.com" rather than "soccermom45@email.com").
If applicable, also include links to your Bold.pro profile or an online portfolio to provide additional context and showcase your professional presence.
STEP 5
Include the Recipient’s Contact Information
First, write the current date followed by a space. Then include the hiring manager’s name and title, company address and the hiring manager’s email address. It should look like this:
Always follow the instructions in the job listing. If a job description directs you to address your cover letter to a human resources team member or the HR department, use the information the prospective employer provides for the recipient’s address.
STEP 6
Greet the Hiring Manager
Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible to establish a personal connection. If you're unsure of their gender, use their full name (e.g., “Dear Alex Taylor”).
If you know the hiring manager’s gender, you can use “Mr.” or “Ms.” (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Johnson”), but avoid titles like “Mrs.” or “Miss” to prevent assumptions about marital status.
Steer clear of informal greetings such as “Hello” or “Hi,” as well as outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team” as a respectful alternative. See how to address your cover letter for additional tips.
- Dear Lucy Garcia,
- Dear Ms. Lowe,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Vice President of Marketing,
- Hi there!
- Hey Mr. Jones,
- Dear Sir,
- Sam Spade:
STEP 7
Write a Compelling Introduction
The opening sentences of your cover letter serve as your elevator pitch, so it’s crucial to clearly and succinctly convey why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
Start with a compelling cover letter introduction that demonstrates your enthusiasm and aligns with the job requirements. This will capture the hiring manager's attention and entice them to read further.
Here are some examples to help you craft an engaging introduction that highlights your genuine interest in the position and the company.
Assert Your Interest in the Role or Company
To craft a standout cover letter, begin with a compelling introduction that clearly demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
This initial statement should confidently convey why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with the role.
“I was excited to see that Tech Solutions — a company I respect for its innovation — has an opening for an experienced lead producer.”
Emphasize Your Skills and Experience
Kick off your cover letter with a strong introduction that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.
Clearly articulate how these qualifications make you an excellent fit for the role, setting the stage for a compelling case.
“With seven years of experience in production for leading start-up companies in Silicon Valley, I have in-depth knowledge of cyber security and cloud computing and know my way around artificial intelligence.”
Demonstrate Your Research
Highlight your knowledge of the company by referencing an intriguing fact, recent news story or key statistic from their website.
This shows that you’ve done your homework and demonstrates your genuine interest in and understanding of the organization.
“When I saw that WILCO Services was touted in Business Magazine for being one of the most inclusive companies in the world, I knew I had to apply for the marketing associate position.”
Highlight Measurable Accomplishments
Showcase your qualifications by mentioning an impressive award, honor or a measurable accomplishment from a past role.
“As director of Visit Mass, I created tourism programs that resulted in a 30% increase in international tourists to Massachusetts in 2019.”
Tell Your Professional Story
Tell a story about why you are applying. Discuss how your passion and motivation have driven your career choices and how they align with the position and company.
“When I was a child, I spent my days in the city parks around my neighborhood, listening to birds sing and watching squirrels jump through trees. Those days instilled a passion in me for wildlife that has intensified over the years and, combined with admiration for the animal rehabilitation programs at Prospect Park Nature Conservancy, led me to apply for the Wildlife Technician position at the conservancy.”
Mention a Shared Contact
If applicable, mention a shared contact that you have with the hiring manager. This can help explain who you heard about the role from and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager.
“Jayne Peck told me you had an opening on your graphics team, and I’m thrilled to apply for the role. You and I know Jayne from Volunteers for the Bay, where I volunteered on the cleanup crew in 2017.”
STEP 8
Write the Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your cover letter should explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Follow the tips below to learn how to write a professional cover letter with engaging body paragraphs.
- If you have work experience in your target role or industry, detail your work accomplishments and use numbers to quantify the results of your actions.
- If you’re applying for your first job, connect the new opportunity with a personal or school project, extracurricular activity or internship.
- Highlight relevant skills from your work experience and explain clearly how you can apply them to the job.
- If you think you’re a shoo-in for the company’s culture, show it! For example, if you enjoy volunteering for social justice causes and you are applying to a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, explain why the company’s mission is meaningful to you.
- If you’re changing careers, emphasize your transferable skills. Career change cover letters that emphasize transferable skills are more effective because they show prospects that you can perform the work with little or no experience.
STEP 9
Write a Closing Paragraph
When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job.
Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration.
You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you”). A “call to action” in your cover letter closing paragraph shows hiring managers that you’re serious about the job and confident in your qualifications.
Here are a few examples of how to write a strong cover letter closing paragraph.
I have attached my resume and creative portfolio to my application for further review of my credentials. I am eager to speak with you about this role and greatly appreciate your consideration. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss my background in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m excited about the prospect of working for the Museum of Ancient History. I look forward to discussing what I learned in my year abroad as an English teacher and how I can apply those lessons to the docent role. Feel free to contact me any time during the week.
I’m confident that a review of my resume and portfolio will convince you that I have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the lead designer role at Creative Ads, LLC. I’m excited about the opportunity and would be thrilled to meet with you and your team next week to discuss my ideas for your next campaign. Please contact me this week to schedule a convenient date and time.
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STEP 10
Sign-Off
Signing off on a cover letter professionally is crucial, as it demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism, and respect for the hiring manager and the company.
A professional sign-off can also show that you are serious about the job and that you have taken the time to craft a well-written and thoughtful cover letter.
See how to write a proper cover letter sign-off below (and what language to avoid).
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Thank you,
- Yours,
- Take Care,
- Cheers,
- Thanks!
STEP 11
Proofread Your Cover Letter
Knowing how to write a formal cover letter isn’t all there is to making one. You’ll also need to proofread your letter at least once before sending it to a potential employer. Typos and cover letter formatting mistakes can reduce your chances of getting hired.
When you’ve finished proofreading, have someone else read it for you, too, just to be sure it’s job application-ready. You can ask a trusted friend or family member, a former colleague, or a professional mentor to read your cover letter.
Be specific about the feedback you are seeking. For example, you might ask for constructive criticism in the following areas:
- Relevance: Does your cover letter demonstrate how your skills and experience match the job requirements?
- Clarity: Is your writing clear, concise and easy to understand?
- Tone: Is your tone professional and appropriate for the company and position you are applying for?
- Grammar and spelling: Are there any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes that need to be corrected?
- Formatting: Is your cover letter formatted properly with a clear and organized structure?
- Overall impression: Does your cover letter make a strong impression and effectively communicate your enthusiasm and interest for the position?
Alternatively, you can seek the advice of a career counselor or professional resume writer who can review your cover letter and provide constructive criticism to help you improve your application.
Our Cover Letter Generator features built-in spell check to ensure your document is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
How Do You Write a Cover Letter With No Experience?
Writing a cover letter without experience can be challenging, but creating a compelling letter showcasing your skills and potential is possible.
Begin your letter by explaining why you are interested in and qualified for the position. You might mention your skills, education or relevant coursework.
Even if you don't have work experience, you can provide examples of demonstrating relevant skills in other settings.
For example, you might mention a group project you completed in school that required communication skills and teamwork.
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. Use clear, concise language and avoid repeating information that is already in your resume.
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Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Now that you know how to write a compelling cover letter, we recommend running through this cover letter writing checklist to ensure that your document isn’t missing anything.
- Template
- Did you choose a cover letter design that matches your resume?
- Contact information
- Are your name, location, phone number and email address up to date and displayed at the top of your cover letter?
- Did you add a link to your professional portfolio or website and your current LinkedIn profile (if you have them)?
- Date
- Did you add the current date at the top of your cover letter?
- Company information
- Did you address your letter to the hiring manager by name and include their title, email address and the correct company address?
- Salutation
- Did you greet the hiring manager, recruiter or HR associate by name or title?
- Did you use a polite but formal greeting?
- Opening paragraph
- Are the first few sentences of your cover letter clear and compelling?
- Do you convey enthusiasm for the job?
- Body paragraphs
- Did you effectively express how you can apply your skills, experience and achievements to the target job to help the company achieve its goals?
- Did you highlight one or two things you like about the company, such as its values or culture and why?
- Closing paragraph
- Did you thank the reader for their time?
- Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
- Sign-off
- Did you use a proper, formal closure to end your letter?
How to Write a Good Cover Letter That Stands Out
A professional cover letter template is the best way to craft a standout cover letter. Use one of our professionally designed templates with our Cover Letter Generator to make a cover letter in minutes.
Our cover letter templates frame your qualifications with the correct formatting, and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements.
See how to make a resume following ATS guidelines to increase the chances that your job application reaches hiring managers.
Our builder makes it easy to write a cover letter for a job application with the following features:
- Job-specific phrases and skills: Click to add job-specific content suggestions written by career experts.
- Step-by-step guidance: Get professional advice on how to write a good cover letter at every step to help you showcase your top skills and qualifications.
- Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
- Multiple download formats: Save and export your cover letter as a PDF, DOCX or plain text.
Always match your cover letter template to your resume template for a polished job application. Use our Resume Builder or CV Maker to complete your job application with a matching template.
Cover Letter Tips From Career Advice Experts
A cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer, providing a platform to showcase your personality, qualifications and enthusiasm for the job and company. Below are some pro tips to help you craft an effective cover letter.
Showcase Your Unique Professional Story
Toni Frana, Career Coach: “Highlight your career story by emphasizing key accomplishments and experiences relevant to the role. Explain why you want the job at the specific company, showing your interest in the company's mission and values. This personalized approach can set you apart from other candidates.”
Address Employment Gaps and Transitions
Jasmine Escalera, PhD: “Use your cover letter to clarify any gaps or transitions in your employment history. Explain how these experiences have contributed to your qualifications and make you a strong candidate for the position.”
Demonstrate Fit and Value for the Role
Keith Spencer, Career Expert: “Clearly articulate why you are a strong fit for the role. Provide specific examples of your relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. This alignment will help solidify your candidacy in the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers.”
Follow Application Instructions
Always adhere to the job posting's specific guidelines, whether you submit your cover letter as a PDF or include it in the body of an email. Failure to follow these instructions can result in your application being overlooked.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Job
Avoid generic cover letters. Customize your content to reflect your enthusiasm for the specific job and company. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the requirements.
Avoid Apologizing for Lack of Experience
Focus on what you bring to the table rather than what you lack. Highlight relevant experiences, such as volunteering, school projects or community service, that showcase your skills and potential.
Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
While explaining career changes or gaps is important, avoid sharing unnecessary personal details, such as political views, salary expectations or unrelated hobbies.
Maintain a Professional Tone
Convey enthusiasm and interest in the position, but keep your tone professional, genuine and confident. Avoid being overly casual or too enthusiastic.
End With a Call to Action
Before signing off, thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. This demonstrates your proactive approach and interest in the role.
By incorporating these tips and following these guidelines, you can create a compelling cover letter that resonates with hiring managers and increases your chances of securing an interview.
Cover Letter Examples for Popular Jobs
Get inspired by our professionally crafted cover letters for top jobs and industries. Use them with our builder to create a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications.
ER Nurse Cover Letter Example
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Cover Letter Examples for Unique Situations
No Experience Cover Letter Example
Career Change Cover Letter Example
Employment Gap Cover Letter Example
Cold Call Cover Letter Example
Unadvertised Position Cover Letter Example
Temporary-To-Permanent Position Cover Letter Example
Internal Position Cover Letter Example
Seeking a Promotion Cover Letter Example
Key Takeaways
- A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the hiring manager, expands upon the information in your resume and explains why you’re an excellent fit for the role.
- Address the cover letter to the hiring manager. If you can’t find their name, then address them as “Hiring Manager,” by their title or address the department.
- Write a cover letter introduction that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and compels them to keep reading.
- Using a professionally designed cover letter template is a good idea to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
- Tailor your cover letter to your target job and use keywords from the job description that accurately reflect your skills and qualifications.
FAQ
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter should typically be one page long and no more than three to four paragraphs. Aim to concisely express your points in about 250-500 words. Explore how long a cover letter should be for additional tips and guidance.
Hiring managers and recruiters often receive many applications, so a short, focused cover letter that quickly communicates your qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants.
Read up on how to write a basic cover letter to browse professionally made examples and to learn how to write a simple cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.
However, ensuring that your cover letter provides enough detail to showcase your skills and experience and convince the employer to invite you for an interview is also important.
How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name?
It’s always best practice to try to find the hiring manager’s name when writing a cover letter because it personalizes your letter and emphasizes your interest in the position by showing you’ve done your homework.
It also creates a connection with the hiring manager and conveys that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which is a quality most hiring managers want to see in prospective employees.
If you don’t have a name, it’s acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Role or Title],” or “Dear [Department Name]” to address your cover letter.
How do you send a cover letter by email?
To send a cover letter by email, first save your cover letter and resume as separate PDF or Word documents, then follow the steps below:
- Write a clear and professional subject line that includes the job title and your name.
- Compose a brief message in the body of the email, introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for.
- Attach your cover letter and resume to the email, making sure they are properly named and labeled.
- Double-check the email address of the recipient and proofread your email and attachments for any errors or typos before sending.
It’s important to note that some employers may have specific instructions on how to submit your application, so make sure you read the job posting carefully and follow their guidelines.
Additionally, if the employer requests that you send your application to a specific email address or through an online application system, make sure you follow those instructions.
Is a Cover Letter Necessary?
While writing a cover letter for a job application is not always required, it is highly recommended to include one either way. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest in the position.
A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills, highlight your qualifications and experience and explain why you are a good fit for the job.
Even if the job application does not specifically request a cover letter, submitting one can show that you are willing to go above and beyond to make a good impression and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.
So while not always necessary, a well-crafted cover letter can definitely improve your chances of getting hired. Explore our guide on the necessity of cover letters for more tips and examples from career advice experts.
What Do I Write in a Cover Letter?
Wondering what to write in a cover letter? Generally, cover letters should tell employers why you’re the best fit for your target job. Write about your background and how it fits the job, show your personality and explain precisely what you can do for the employer and how.
It’s also a good idea to explain unique situations like job gaps or frequent career changes in your cover letter. Remember to include the following information in your cover letter:
- A header with your contact information and the employer’s information if you have it.
- A professional salutation that includes the employer’s name if you have it.
- A brief introduction explaining why you’re interested in the job.
- One or two body paragraphs that summarize your qualifications.
- A conclusion that reiterates your interest in the position.
- A professional signoff such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Overall, your cover letter should be concise, well-written and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to make a valuable contribution to the company. We recommend trying out an AI cover letter generator to make a cover letter in minutes.
What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?
A good cover letter follows the standard business letter format. Your cover letter should be well-formatted, easy to read and professional in appearance. Remember to include the following when using the standard business format to structure your cover letter:
- Your contact details: On the letterhead, include your full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address.
- Date: The date should be written below your address.
- Recipient’s contact details: Below the date, include the recipient’s full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address.
- Salutation: The salutation should be formal, such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name].”
- Body: The body of the letter should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph discussing a specific point or topic. The tone of the letter should be professional and courteous.
- Closing: The closing should be formal, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” and followed by your signature.
Download a sample cover letter from this page to jump right into writing your cover letter rather than worrying about formatting.
What Are the Goals of a Cover Letter?
The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job and worth considering for further evaluation.
A cover letter allows you to formally introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest in the job and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Some of the specific goals of a cover letter include:
- Providing context for your application.
- Demonstrating your qualifications and fit for the position.
- Showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
- Differentiating yourself from other applicants.
A well-written cover letter should grab the employer’s attention and persuade them to take a closer look at your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview.
What Do Employers Look for in a Cover Letter?
Employers look for a well-written cover letter that demonstrates relevance, enthusiasm, attention to detail, personalization and professionalism. Here are a few key areas to keep in mind while you write your cover letter:
- Relevance: Demonstrate that you have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role.
- Enthusiasm: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and explain why you are excited about the job.
- Attention to detail: Your letter should be free of errors and show your ability to communicate effectively to demonstrate that you have taken the time to write a thoughtful cover letter.
- Personalization: Employers want to see that you have tailored your cover letter specifically to the job and the company. Demonstrate that you have done your research and understand the company’s mission, values and culture.
- Professionalism: Your cover letter should demonstrate that you are professional and have a strong work ethic. Use a professional tone and demonstrate your ability to work well with others.
Ultimately, your cover letter should indicate your relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role. Remember to include new information in your cover letter rather than restating the same details from your resume.
Should I Give Examples in a Cover Letter?
Yes, it is often a good idea to give examples in a cover letter to illustrate your skills, experience and accomplishments.
Providing specific examples of projects, measurable accomplishments, or other work experiences can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
You can use examples to show how you have solved problems, worked collaboratively, demonstrated leadership skills or achieved specific goals in your previous roles.
Ensure that your examples are concise and to the point and do not take up too much space in your cover letter.
What Should the First Paragraph of a Cover Letter Include?
The first paragraph of a cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you are writing the letter. Here are some key elements to include in the first paragraph of a cover letter:
- Your value as a candidate: Begin your letter with a compelling statement about the top skills or qualifications that make you a great fit for the role.
- How you learned about the position: If you were referred to the position by someone you know or if you saw the job posting on a specific website, mention it in this paragraph.
- A brief statement about your qualifications: In one or two sentences, explain why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit for the job.
Overall, the first paragraph of your cover letter should be clear, concise and engaging to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
What Is a Good Opening Sentence for a Cover Letter?
A good opening sentence for a cover letter should be attention-grabbing and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Here are a few examples:
- “As a passionate and results-driven marketing professional, I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company.”
- “With a proven track record of success in project management and a genuine passion for driving organizational growth, I am excited to submit my application for the Project Manager role at ABC Corporation.”
- “When I saw the job posting for the Software Engineer position at DEF Tech, I knew I had found an opportunity that perfectly aligns with my expertise and career aspirations.”
Remember to customize the sentence to fit your own experiences and the specific job you are applying for.
Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
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