advice for cover letters

Contoh Cover Letter Internship (Latihan Industri)

Ramai pelajar yang memohon internship sering terlepas pandang kepentingan menyertakan cover letter bersama permohonan mereka.

Cover letter yang baik membolehkan anda mempamerkan nilai unik, menunjukkan minat dan motivasi, serta menjelaskan sebarang kekosongan atau peralihan dalam resume anda. Ia juga berfungsi untuk menarik perhatian bakal majikan.

Artikel ini akan memberikan panduan lengkap untuk menulis cover letter internship yang profesional dan komprehensif termasuk contoh-contoh untuk rujukan. Ikuti langkah-langkah yang disediakan untuk memastikan cover letter anda menonjol daripada calon lain dan seterusnya meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapatkan internship yang anda impikan.

Apakah itu internship?

Apakah itu cover letter internship, struktur asas cover letter, contoh cover letter, tips tambahan untuk menulis cover letter internship, soalan lazim (faq).

Internship, atau latihan industri,adalah tempoh praktikal di mana pelajar atau fresh graduate bekerja di sebuah syarikat untuk mendapatkan pengalaman kerja yang sebenar.

Tujuan utama internship adalah untuk menerapkan pengetahuan teori yang diperoleh di bilik kuliah ke dalam situasi kerja sebenar. Latihan industri membolehkan pelajar memperoleh kemahiran praktikal yang diperlukan dalam industri, dan berpeluang membina rangkaian profesional yang berguna untuk membina kerjaya mereka.

Baca artikel ini “Kenapa Latihan Industri (Internship) Penting Untuk Kerjaya,” supaya anda dapat mendalami bagaimana latihan industri boleh membuka pintu kepada peluang yang tidak pernah terlintas di fikiran anda.

Cover letter internship merupakan surat pengenalan yang dihantar bersama resume semasa memohon latihan industri. Fungsi utama surat ini adalah untuk memperkenalkan diri anda dengan baik dan menjelaskan sebab anda berminat untuk menjalani internship di syarikat tersebut.

Ia juga berperanan untuk menunjukkan bagaimana kemahiran serta kursus yang anda pelajari di kolej atau universiti menjadikan anda calon yang sesuai untuk syarikat mereka.

Gunakan pelbagai contoh cover letter internship yang disediakan dalam artikel ini untuk membantu anda dalam menyediakan cover letter yang profesional dan tersusun.

Menulis cover letter yang baik memerlukan struktur yang teratur dan komponen yang tepat. Berikut adalah komponen asas yang perlu disertakan dalam cover letter anda:

1. Pengenalan:

Mulakan dengan memperkenalkan diri anda dan nyatakan tujuan surat anda. Jelaskan bagaimana anda mengetahui tentang peluang internship yang diiklankan dan nyatakan minat anda terhadap syarikat dan jawatan tersebut.

"Nama saya Amirul Hakim, seorang pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Kejuruteraan Elektrik di Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Saya menulis surat ini untuk memohon peluang latihan industri di syarikat anda, XYZ Electronics, seperti yang diiklankan di portal Jobstreet.

Saya sangat bersemangat untuk menyertai XYZ Electronics kerana syarikat ini dikenali dengan inovasi teknologi dan pendekatannya yang progresif dalam industri elektronik. Ini amat selaras dengan minat dan pengajian saya.”

2. Badan surat:

Dalam bahagian ini, jelaskan pengalaman, kemahiran, dan motivasi anda untuk menyertai syarikat tersebut dengan padat dan tersusun. Terangkan bagaimana pengalaman dan kemahiran anda sepadan dengan keperluan jawatan yang dimohon serta bagaimana anda boleh menyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut.

"Sebagai pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Kejuruteraan Elektrik di Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, saya telah mendalami prinsip-prinsip reka bentuk sistem dan teknologi elektrik melalui pelbagai kursus akademik. Pengetahuan ini telah memberikan saya asas yang kukuh dalam bidang yang saya ceburi.

Kemahiran saya dalam penyelesaian masalah dan kerja berpasukan telah diperkukuh melalui latihan yang diperoleh dalam kursus-kursus tersebut. Selain itu, saya juga mempunyai kemahiran komunikasi yang baik dan keupayaan untuk menyesuaikan diri dengan cepat dalam persekitaran baru.

Pengalaman saya dalam aktiviti kokurikulum, seperti penyertaan aktif dalam kelab inovasi teknologi, telah memperkaya kemahiran praktikal saya dan membentuk keupayaan saya dalam menangani cabaran secara kreatif. Setelah meneliti projek-projek inovatif di XYZ Electronics melalui laman web syarikat, saya sangat bersemangat untuk menyumbang kepada inisiatif tersebut dan berhasrat untuk memanfaatkan kemahiran serta pengalaman saya bagi menyokong matlamat syarikat.”

3. Penutup:

Akhiri surat dengan kesimpulan ringkas yang merangkumkan minat anda dan nyatakan cara untuk menghubungi anda. Ucapkan terima kasih kepada majikan kerana mempertimbangkan permohonan anda.

Contohnya :

“Saya amat menghargai peluang untuk ditemu duga dan berbincang lebih lanjut tentang bagaimana saya boleh memanfaatkan peluang latihan industri ini untuk belajar serta menyokong matlamat syarikat anda. Saya juga berharap dapat menyumbang dengan sebaik mungkin sepanjang tempoh latihan ini. Untuk sebarang maklumat lanjut atau pertanyaan, sila hubungi saya di [nombor telefon] atau melalui e-mel di [alamat e-mel]. Terima kasih kerana mempertimbangkan permohonan saya.”

Menulis cover letter yang berkesan dapat meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapatkan internship. Untuk memudahkan anda, berikut adalah beberapa contoh cover letter internship yang boleh digunakan sebagai panduan.

Anda boleh memilih untuk menggunakan contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu atau Bahasa Inggeris, bergantung kepada keperluan syarikat yang anda mohon.

1. Contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu

Syarikat yang terlibat dalam sektor kerajaan mungkin lebih menghargai penggunaan Bahasa Melayu dalam cover letter. Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu yang boleh anda gunakan untuk memohon tempat latihan industri.

Ili Binti Sulaiman ⁠24, Jalan Anggerik, ⁠42350 Kuala Lumpur ⁠ [email protected]

1 Julai 2024

Encik Mohd HusainiABC Sdn Bhd ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Internship di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd

Saya, Ili Binti Sulaiman, ingin memohon peluang untuk menyertai program internship di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd dalam bidang pemasaran. Saya sedang mengikuti pengajian dalam bidang Multimedia di Politeknik M dan ingin memohon untuk menjalani latihan industri di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd bermula 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 Disember 2024.

Sepanjang pengajian saya dalam bidang Multimedia di Politeknik M, saya telah mengikuti kursus-kursus yang meliputi reka bentuk grafik, pengurusan media sosial, dan strategi pemasaran digital. Kursus-kursus ini telah memberi saya pemahaman yang mendalam tentang prinsip-prinsip dan teknik-teknik terkini dalam pemasaran.

Selain kemahiran kreatif dalam reka bentuk grafik, saya juga fasih dalam beberapa bahasa, termasuk Bahasa Inggeris, Melayu, dan Mandarin. Keupayaan komunikasi saya membolehkan saya berhubung dengan pelbagai pihak secara efektif dan menyesuaikan diri dengan mudah dalam persekitaran kerja yang pelbagai.

Tambahan pula, penglibatan aktif saya dalam aktiviti persatuan telah memperkaya pengalaman saya, terutamanya dalam mengendalikan kempen media sosial dan mereka bentuk poster untuk bisnes kecil-kecilan. Melalui projek-projek ini, saya telah mengasah kemahiran praktikal saya dalam reka bentuk grafik dan strategi media sosial.

Saya percaya bahawa latihan industri di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd akan memberi peluang kepada saya untuk mengaplikasikan pengetahuan teori yang telah saya pelajari ke dalam situasi kerja sebenar. Saya juga yakin bahawa pengalaman ini akan membolehkan saya membangunkan kemahiran profesional yang penting dan membina rangkaian industri yang luas.

Saya berharap dapat berbincang dengan lebih lanjut mengenai peluang ini. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui email di [email protected] atau telefon di 011-234567

Terima kasih atas pertimbangan tuan.

Yang benar,

Ili Binti Sulaiman ⁠Pelajar Tahun Ketiga, politeknik M

2. Contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Inggeris

Di kebanyakan sektor swasta, penggunaan Bahasa Inggeris dalam permohonan kerja adalah perkara biasa, termasuk untuk permohonan internship. Oleh itu, adalah penting untuk menulis cover letter dalam Bahasa Inggeris bagi menunjukkan kesediaan anda untuk berkomunikasi dalam bahasa profesional yang digunakan dalam industri.

Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Inggeris yang boleh membantu anda dalam memohon tempat internship:

Muhammad Daniel Ikram ⁠33, Jalan Desa, 42350 Kuala Lumpur ⁠ [email protected]

1st July 2024

Ms Jennie Tan ⁠HR Manager ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Dear Ms. Jennie Tan,

Application for Internship at ABC Sdn Bhd

I am writing to express my strong interest in the IT Project Assistant Internship position at ABC Sdn Bhd, as advertised on Jobstreet. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at University T, and I am eager to intern with your esteemed organization from 1st August 2024 to 1st December 2024.

Throughout my academic career, I have built a solid foundation in IT, focusing on system administration, network management, and cybersecurity. My projects and coursework have endowed me with practical skills in troubleshooting, database management, and IT support, alongside proficiency in SQL, Linux, and Cisco networking.

I have also honed essential soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. My ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly has been instrumental in collaborative projects, and my proactive approach has consistently driven team success.

I have also been involved in a project to develop a web application for the university's IT Society. This role involved designing functionality, addressing technical issues, and managing smooth operations, providing me with hands-on experience in SQL, Linux, and network configurations using Cisco.

I am particularly impressed with ABC Sdn Bhd's commitment to innovation and excellence, highlighted by your recognition as the "Top IT Solutions Provider in Malaysia" by the Malaysian Digital Association and your pivotal role in the nationwide cybersecurity initiative.

The opportunity to contribute to and learn from such an esteemed organisation excites me. I am confident that my technical skills, combined with my proactive approach and eagerness to learn, will allow me to make meaningful contributions to your IT team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team. I can be reached at [email protected] or 01-1145365 at your convenience.

Sincerely, ⁠Muhammad Daniel Ikram ⁠Final year IT student, University T

Anda juga boleh mengikuti panduan dalam artikel Fresh Graduates: How to Make Effective Cover Letters that Stand Out ini untuk menulis cover letter yang menarik perhatian majikan.

3. Contoh cover letter internship accounting

Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam bidang perakaunan yang sesuai untuk pelajar perakaunan yang ingin memohon internship. Contoh ini boleh digunakan sebagai panduan untuk mempamerkan kemahiran serta minat anda dalam bidang tersebut.

Shamini Nadarajan ⁠10, Jalan TTC2, 47000 Sungai Buloh ⁠ [email protected]

Encik Aaron Lim ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Internship di Bidang Perakaunan

Saya, Shamini Nadarajan, merupakan pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Perakaunan di Universiti A dan ingin memohon untuk program internship di ABC Sdn Bhd. Tempoh latihan industri yang saya memohon adalah dari 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 November 2024. Saya yakin bahawa peluang ini akan membolehkan saya mendalami aspek praktikal perakaunan serta memperkukuhkan asas teori yang telah saya pelajari sepanjang pengajian saya. Pengalaman ini akan menjadi batu loncatan yang penting dalam membangunkan kemahiran dan pengetahuan saya, sambil memberikan sumbangan yang bernilai kepada pasukan di ABC Sdn Bhd.

Antara kursus yang saya telah ambil adalah Perakaunan Kewangan dan Perakaunan Pengurusan untuk mengasah kemahiran teknikal dalam bidang perakaunan. Selain daripada keupayaan komunikasi yang baik, saya juga memiliki kebolehan memimpin dan bekerja dalam pasukan, serta dikenali sebagai seorang yang teliti dan analitikal.

Ini membawa kepada pemilihan saya sebagai Bendahari Kelab Usahawan di universiti, di mana kami telah menjalankan pelbagai program keusahawanan. Dalam peranan ini, saya berpeluang untuk mengurus bajet, menyelaraskan laporan kewangan, dan memastikan ketepatan rekod kewangan.

Pengalaman ini telah membantu saya memperkukuhkan kemahiran dalam pengurusan kewangan, serta meningkatkan kecekapan saya dalam setiap tugas yang diamanahkan.

Saya berharap dapat diberi peluang untuk menjalani internship di ABC Sdn Bhd dan menerapkan kemahiran yang saya pelajari dalam projek-projek syarikat sepanjang tempoh latihan industri ini. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui e-mel di [email protected] atau nombor 019-8765439

Shamini Nadarajan ⁠Pelajar Tahun Akhir Jurusan Perakaunan, Universiti A

4. Contoh cover letter untuk management trainee dalam bahasa melayu

Sebagai fresh grad atau pelajar tahun akhir, mengambil bahagian dalam program latihan seperti management trainee adalah langkah strategik untuk memperluas pengalaman profesional. Berikut adalah contoh cover letter untuk management trainee dalam Bahasa Melayu yang boleh membantu anda memohon jawatan ini dan membina asas kerjaya anda.

Farhan Hazim ⁠143, Jalan Indah Permai, 47000 Sungai Buloh [email protected]

Puan Cheryl Raj ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Jawatan Management Trainee

Saya, Farhan Hazim, ingin memohon jawatan sebagai Management Trainee di ABC Sdn Bhd. Saya merupakan pelajar tahun akhir di Universiti S dalam bidang Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pengurusan Perniagaan.

Saya amat berminat untuk menyertai syarikat ini kerana ABC Sdn Bhd dikenali sebagai peneraju dalam industri dengan reputasi cemerlang dalam inovasi dan pengurusan projek. Saya ingin memohon untuk menjalani tempoh latihan di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd dari 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 November 2024.

Sepanjang pengajian saya, saya telah mempelajari pelbagai aspek pengurusan seperti Pengurusan Kewangan, Pengurusan Sumber Manusia, dan Pengurusan Strategik. Penguasaan dalam bidang-bidang ini membolehkan saya memahami asas-asas penting dalam pengurusan perniagaan dan strategi korporat.

Selain itu, saya mempunyai kemahiran dalam menganalisis data, membuat keputusan strategik, dan menguruskan projek. Pengalaman sebagai Ketua Projek untuk beberapa inisiatif universiti seperti Projek Keusahawanan Muda dan Program Kesedaran Kewangan telah membolehkan saya mengasah kemahiran dalam memimpin pasukan, merancang strategi, dan melaksanakan projek dengan jayanya. Pengalaman berorganisasi ini telah mengajar saya untuk mengurus masa, sumber, dan pasukan dengan cekap.

Saya berharap dapat diberi peluang untuk membincangkan bagaimana saya boleh mengambil bahagian dalam pasukan ABC Sdn Bhd dan menyumbang kepada projek-projek syarikat sepanjang tempoh latihan ini.

Saya percaya bahawa pengalaman ini akan menjadi landasan kukuh untuk kerjaya saya dan membantu saya mencapai matlamat profesional saya. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui e-mel di [email protected] atau nombor 018-765432.

Saya sertakan bersama resume untuk rujukan pihak Puan. Saya berharap untuk mendapat peluang menghadiri temu duga dan seterusnya menyertai pasukan ABC Sdn Bhd.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Yang benar, ⁠Farhan Hazim ⁠Pelajar Tahun Akhir Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pengurusan Perniagaan, Universiti S

Rujuk artikel 6 contoh cover letter dalam bahasa melayu untuk fresh graduate untuk dapatkan idea dan inspirasi untuk menulis cover letter bagi pelbagai jawatan lain.

Terdapat beberapa Do's and Don'ts yang penting untuk memastikan cover letter anda menonjol daripada calon-calon yang lain.

• Ringkas dan padat: Pastikan surat permohonan anda tidak melebihi satu halaman agar anda dapat menyampaikan maklumat penting secara efektif.
• Fokus pada kemahiran dan pengalaman relevan: Sorot kemahiran dan pengalaman yang berkaitan dengan jawatan yang dimohon, dan jelaskan bagaimana kemahiran tersebut boleh menyumbang kepada syarikat.
• Semak kesalahan tatabahasa dan ejaan: Pastikan tiada kesalahan tatabahasa atau ejaan, kerana kesalahan ini boleh menjejaskan profesionalisme anda.
• Jangan menggunakan bahasa santai atau informal: Elakkan gaya bahasa yang terlalu kasual yang tidak sesuai dengan suasana profesional.
• Jangan menghantar surat permohonan generik: Hindari menggunakan satu cover letter yang sama untuk semua permohonan. Pastikan ia disesuaikan khusus untuk syarikat dan jawatan yang dimohon.
• Jangan mengulang maklumat dari resume: Elakkan mengulangi maklumat yang sudah terdapat dalam resume anda. Sebaliknya, fokuskan pada bagaimana pengalaman dan kemahiran anda relevan dengan jawatan yang dimohon.

Cover letter adalah elemen penting dalam permohonan internship, kerana ia memberikan peluang untuk memperkenalkan diri dan meyakinkan majikan bahawa anda adalah calon yang ideal untuk menyertai pasukan mereka.

Dengan cover letter, anda dapat menonjolkan kemahiran dan pengalaman yang relevan serta menunjukkan minat anda terhadap syarikat tersebut. Selain itu, cover letter yang disusun dengan baik menunjukkan kesungguhan anda dan boleh memberikan kelebihan berbanding calon lain.

Gunakan panduan dan contoh-contoh ini untuk memastikan cover letter anda profesional, tersusun, dan mampu menarik perhatian majikan. Ini akan meningkatkan peluang anda untuk berjaya mendapatkan internship yang diinginkan.

1. Perlu saya menyebutkan tempoh latihan industri dalam cover letter?

Ya, menyebutkan tempoh latihan industri dalam cover letter adalah penting kerana ia membantu majikan menilai kesesuaian tempoh latihan anda dengan keperluan syarikat.

2. Bagaimanakah cara menunjukkan minat terhadap syarikat dalam cover letter?

Kaji dengan teliti syarikat tersebut dan terangkan dalam cover letter apa yang menarik minat anda mengenai syarikat itu serta bagaimana ia sejajar dengan matlamat anda.

3. Apakah perbezaan antara cover letter dan resume?

Cover letter adalah surat pengenalan yang menerangkan minat dan kelayakan anda, manakala resume adalah dokumen ringkas yang merangkumi pengalaman kerja dan kelayakan akademik anda.

4. Bagaimanakah cara untuk menonjolkan diri dalam cover letter?

Fokuskan pada kemahiran dan pengalaman yang relevan, dan berikan contoh konkrit tentang bagaimana anda telah menggunakan kemahiran tersebut untuk mencapai kejayaan.

5. Adakah saya perlu menghantar cover letter jika tidak diminta dalam iklan jawatan?

Ya, menghantar cover letter walaupun tidak diminta menunjukkan bahawa anda bersikap proaktif dan ini boleh meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapat peluang temu duga atau internship di syarikat tersebut.

Top search terms

Popular on jobstreet, explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

• CV Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• CV Examples Supermarket Student Cleaner Care Assistant Sales Assistant View all
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Care Assistant PhD Internship Cleaner Short View all
• Cover Letter Builder

How to write a CV objective (with UK examples)

Review the job description fully

Reflect on your motivations for applying for the job, spotlight your achievements, be clear and concise.

Whether you’ve just graduated, are looking to switch careers, or are stepping into the workforce for the first time, an entry-level CV objective is a great way to share your goals and let the hiring manager know about your unique strengths.

However, CV objectives can be viewed as outdated. If it’s all about you and not the prospective employer, then including a CV objective could make you look a little self-serving. The trick is to get the balance just right by clarifying how your strengths and goals align perfectly with the job posting and prospective employer.

In this article, we’ll explain what a CV objective is, the right time to use one and provide you with some examples of CV objectives that you can tailor to your unique requirements.

What is a CV objective?

An entry-level objective on your CV is an introductory paragraph designed to highlight your key skills, career goals, and share the reasons for applying to a specific company.

Traditional CV objectives are typically brief statements focused on your goals, such as “Keen to secure the role of IT specialist and progress to a supervisory role at ABC Group.” While this communicates your objectives, it doesn’t tell the hiring manager about your unique strengths or how you plan to add value if appointed.

The best approach is to craft a short paragraph (three to five sentences) that includes key skills mentioned in the job description, relevant education, and any notable achievements. 

How to write an entry-level CV objective

Including a CV objective on your entry-level CV can help you project your ambition and professionalism. Here are the steps to follow: 

Treat the job description as a master plan when preparing your CV objective. This document will outline exactly what the employer is looking for in a potential candidate, so take note of any skills, experience, education, and attributes that are emphasised as important. These keywords or terms should feature prominently in your CV objective. 

Why are you applying for the job? Why do you want to work for the company? What motivates you and what do you hope to gain from the position? The answers to these questions will help you write a CV objective that is both authentic and compelling.

• Tailor your CV objective to the specific job opportunity and make sure it’s consistent with the rest of your CV.
• Include any specific facts or quantifiable figures in your CV objective. This backs up the skills and experience you are putting forward.
• Use complicated language in your CV objective as it can sound unauthentic. Instead of “flourishing,” try “growing.”
• Brag and oversell your skills and abilities in your objective. It’s great to be confident, but you can trip up in an interview situation.

While you may be applying for your first job, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have zero accomplishments to highlight in your CV objective. Have a brainstorming session and make a list of any relevant awards or achievements you have acquired via your academic studies, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Selecting a notable achievement can make your CV objective shine. 

Don’t try to cram too much information into your CV objective and use clear language to communicate your intentions for applying for the role. Hiring managers prefer a short, succinct CV objective, rather than a long and winding tale.

CV objective examples

Now you have the lowdown on the steps to writing a powerful CV objective, let’s take a look at some CV objective examples to give you some inspiration.

Detail-oriented environmental science graduate with a passion for sustainability. Successfully completed an internship with Celsa UK, contributing to policy analysis and research projects. Keen to apply solid academic background and acquired scientific expertise to contribute to EcoCentral’s short- and long-term goals.

Caring, creative, and reliable child care professional, holding NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Childcare and valuable volunteer experience gained at a local toddler group. Focused on supporting young children to reach their full potential. Keen to learn, progress, and contribute as a nursery assistant with ABC Nursery.

Driven professional with eight years of experience in sales and business development in the financial services sector, and a passion for digital marketing. Currently completing a diploma in digital marketing management. A creative problem-solver, adept at engaging with diverse clients to enhance revenue and boost brand visibility. 

Key takeaways

• Writing a powerful CV objective is a great tool you can leverage to convince a hiring manager to give you a shot when applying for your first job.
• Review the job description so you can identify the key requirements of the specific role, then address these areas in your CV objective.
• While a lack of experience may seem like a major obstacle when creating an entry-level CV, don’t forget that your academic studies, part-time jobs, volunteering and extracurricular activities are all valuable areas you can reference.
• Keep your CV objective direct, succinct, and impactful without stuffy language or jargon. Include facts and figures as much as possible, and tell the company exactly what you can do for them. Show yourself as the solution to their problem!

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]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Top 10 Cover Letter Tips (+ Mistakes To Avoid)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Ah, the cover letter. While it seems like writing a cover letter would be so incredibly simple, it’s often one of the most intimidating parts of the application process. Why? Well, there are quite a few reasons.

With a cover letter, you have to showcase your capabilities differently than you would in a resume. If you’re new to cover letters, that alone could be enough to set you on edge.

Plus, cover letters can feel a lot like bragging. It’s a one-sided conversation, where you tout your abilities to an audience that isn’t answering. That, too, can be a bit uncomfortable.

But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from creating one. With the right cover letter tips, you can create an effective cover letter that boosts your job search prospect. Ready to make the most of this little document? Then, come with us as we explore how to do just that.

What Is a Cover Letter? What Are They Used For?

Before we dig into any cover letter tips, let’s take a step back and answer a couple of basic questions.

First, what is a cover letter?

Well, a cover letter is a critical document that takes the form of a traditional letter. It lets you introduce yourself to the hiring manager in a way that isn’t possible with a resume alone. In many ways, it allows you to extend a more meaningful digital handshake.

Generally speaking, resumes are fact-based documents. You list your achievements, using a bullet point approach. It’s succinct, targeted, and straightforward.

Cover letters have more flow. You can use “I” statements and describe yourself. You can showcase your personality, both in the way you write and the points you choose to cover. While it needs to be relevant to the position you want to land, a cover letter is more conversational.

A second question that frequently crosses job seekers’ minds is, what are cover letters used for? After all, your resume highlights your skills, traits, and achievements. Do you really need anything more than that? Well, yes, you do.

Your resume has to be incredibly focused and concise , and the presentation of your abilities often feels a bit rigid. It’s hard to showcase your personality in a resume. Plus, you don’t have a lot of room to explain various details. Sometimes, that works against you.

With a cover letter, you give yourself that room. You can cultivate a narrative, sharing aspects of your story that have no place on a resume. Got a gap in your work history? You can discuss why in your cover letter. Switching careers? You can explain your choice and tap on how your skills are transferable in a cover letter.

Now, that doesn’t mean you want to get too personal – we’ll dig into that more in a bit – a cover letter does give you some freedom of expression. When used well, it can make a world of difference, helping you stand out from the pack and land an interview.

Characteristics of a Good Cover Letter

What to put in a cover letter? That’s likely a question running through your mind. Luckily, the answer isn’t challenging.

Now, we’ve covered the various structural aspects of an effective cover letter before, so we’ll just tap on them briefly here.

Just like resumes, cover letters need the right components and structure. You want to address a cover letter the right way and choose the correct cover letter format .

If you aren’t sure where to begin, your best bet is to start with a cover letter template . You can also review some cover letter examples to get moving in the right direction.

Just remember, if you’re using examples, don’t copy them verbatim even if they are a good match for your capabilities. There’s always a chance that a hiring manager is going to check your cover letter for plagiarism and, if they discover you pulled yours straight from another website, you can kiss that job goodbye.

At the opening of your cover letter – after you’ve covered your and the hiring manager’s contact information along with a greeting – you need to introduce yourself. Also, in the first paragraph, mention the job title and department of the position you’re going after. If you’re applying to a recruiter that fills openings at multiple businesses, list the company name, too. That way, there’s no doubt as to why you’re writing.

After that, when you are deciding what to put in a cover letter, drawing the hiring manager in needs to be your goal. How do you do that? By targeting the content.

You already know that tailoring your resume is important; the same is true of your cover letter. You don’t want to send out a generic form letter. That won’t pack a punch.

Instead, you want your cover letter to showcase why you’re the best fit for this specific job. When you’re writing a cover letter, it’s all about creating a standout value proposition. You need to highlight how your capabilities will help the company thrive. You can’t do that without tailoring the content.

Luckily, the process isn’t unlike targeting a resume. If you get to know the STAR Method and the Tailoring Method , you can use many of those techniques in your cover letter, too.

Awesome, right?

Usually, you’ll extol your virtues and present a standout value proposition in two or three body paragraphs. Then, it’s time for an amazing closing.

Express your appreciation. Reaffirm your interest. Say, “thank you.” Let them know you’re looking forward to hearing back and how you intend to follow up. Then, sign off, listing your LinkedIn page or personal branding website after your signature.

Keep the overall length of your cover letter reasonable. Usually, you are aiming for about one page, with one opening paragraph, two or three body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Alright, we are getting closer to the amazing cover letter tips that will help you stand out from the masses. But before we start on those, let’s take a minute to cover something else important: what not to do.

Cover letter mistakes can turn a great cover letter into a terrible one. That’s why avoiding missteps is essential. So, without further ado, here are three things you don’t want to do.

1. Not Writing a Cover Letter

In reality, the biggest cover letter mistake you can make is not writing one. Even if the application doesn’t make one mandatory, skipping it will usually hurt you.

After all, 26 percent of recruiters view cover letters as important when they are trying to make hiring decisions. Why? Think about it. Cover letters help them learn more about candidates. If they really want to find the cream of the crop, reviewing job seeker cover letters can help them do it.

Plus, 52 percent of hiring managers would give more attention to a resume with a cover letter. When you add a good cover letter to your resume, you’re going the extra mile. It takes effort to create one of the best cover letters around, and hiring managers will notice that you gave it your all.

In nearly all cases, creating an effective cover letter works in your favor. That’s why skipping it is generally a bad move.

There is one situation where you don’t want to submit a cover letter: when the instructions specifically say not to. If you send one in anyway, you’re not following the directions. Even if you literally wrote the most spectacular cover letter ever created, you failed to do what the instructions said, and that usually means a one-way trip to the discard pile.

2. Making It All About You

Alright, we admit this mistake is a bit counter intuitive. After all, aren’t you supposed to tell the hiring manager why you’re amazing? Well, yeah, you are.

The trick is how you approach it. It shouldn’t be “me, me, me.” Instead, it needs to explore what you can do for the company.

You’re creating a value proposition. You need to position yourself as a solution to specific company challenges. How do you do that? Start by scouring the job description .

As you look at the vacancy announcement, look for insights about how this role functions based on the bigger picture. What critical duties will the new hire handle? How does this employee push the company towards its goals and broader success?

Once you figure that out, showcase how you can do that for the company.

Now, this doesn’t mean you rehash what’s on your resume. No, no, no. Redundancy is never good. Instead, you want to cover points that don’t work in your application elsewhere, or add context about your capabilities that didn’t fit on your resume. That’s how you make your value proposition stronger.

3. Being Too Personal

Showcasing your personality is a good idea, but that doesn’t mean you need to give the hiring manager intimate details about your life. The focus needs to be on your professional capabilities, not your strange hobby, your recent back surgery, or that you’re relocating because your ex was a nightmare.

If you cross the line, there’s a good chance that the hiring manager is going to have immediate doubts about you as a candidate. They may figure that you don’t know what is or isn’t appropriate to discuss in a professional environment, at a minimum.

Oversharing doesn’t help you stand out, at least, not in a good way. So, resist the urge to tell them about any aspect of your life that isn’t highly relevant to the job.

Remember, cover letters are short. Don’t waste real estate on something that isn’t making your value proposition stronger.

Top 10 Cover Letter Tips

Now it’s time for what you’ve been waiting for. Here are 10 cover letter tips that can help you make yours as awesome as possible.

1. Make It a Document, Not Just an Email

Alright, this piece of cover letter advice might seem a bit weird in the digital age. After all, if you’re applying via email, why shouldn’t you just put your cover letter in the body of the message?

Well, the thing is, many hiring managers still print out the attachments. A surprising number of companies rely heavily on paper files. If your cover letter isn’t in a separate document, it might not get printed. That means it gets detached from the rest of your application.

Make sure your cover letter is printable, and not just as an email. That way, if this hiring manager prefers to review paper documents, you’re covered.

2. Use Keywords

If the company you want to work for uses an ATS, there’s a chance your cover letter and resume will go through a keyword screening. That can work in your favor, giving you another place to get some valuable keywords in.

Now, you don’t want to just regurgitate what’s in your resume. Instead, if you didn’t get a chance to tap on a keyword in your resume (or could only fit it in once), you can use your cover letter to cover it.

3. Watch Your Sentence Structure

Since you’re writing about yourself, you may have a tendency to start every sentence with “I.” While you can do that on occasion, if every sentence starts “I,” one after another, the tone of your cover letter is going to be a miss.

Similarly, if every sentence is the same length, you’ll run into trouble. It makes your cover letter sound monotonous and, monotonous often equals boring. You’re trying to catch the hiring manager’s attention, so mix things up a bit.

Make sure you use different starting words and vary your sentence length. It’ll make your cover letter more interesting, and that’s ridiculously important.

4. Talk About Them

Creating a value proposition means showing how your skills will make life easier for them. Discuss yourself but only in the context of applying your capabilities to solve their problems. That makes you look like a solution, and that’s what you really want.

One of the simplest ways to pull this off is to identify a pain point. Then, you can mention it briefly and follow that up with how you can make it easier to overcome. Easy peasy.

5. Match Tone

Hiring managers need to find candidates that are also great culture fits. If you want to highlight yourself as a potential match, use the company’s tone as a guide.

See what language they use in social media posts, mission and values statements, website, and job ad. Then, convey a similar tone, while keeping things professional. It’ll make you seem like a better fit, and that’s a great thing.

6. Use Numbers

Quantifying your cover letter is just as important as quantifying your resume. Numbers stand out visually and provide valuable context. So add in some digits whenever it’s appropriate.

7. Make the Most of Your Opening Line

While your first paragraph needs to serve as an introduction, that doesn’t mean you have to start with, “My name is…” In fact, you shouldn’t. Your name is at the top of the page, so you don’t need to repeat yourself.

Similarly, starting with, “I’m applying to [position]…” won’t help you stand out. While you do need to cover that information, consider making your first sentence something different.

Use a relevant quote. Highlight your professional motto. Lead with a brief anecdote. Any of those options are fairly unique, and may increase your odds of standing out.

8. Go Image-Free

Pictures, graphics, emojis… they don’t usually have a place in a cover letter. Plus, if your cover letter is screened by an ATS, anything other than text can confuse the system, and that could hurt you. So, leave the images out.

9. Skip Cliches

If you want to be unmemorable, rely on cliches. Phrases like “go-getter” and “team player” won’t help you. You’re better off using your achievements to showcase those traits than telling the hiring manager you have them.

10. Follow the Directions

If there are any directions regarding the cover letter, follow them to the letter, period. Failing to follow the instructions won’t result in anything but a rejection.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, all of the cover letter tips above can help you stand out from the crowd. Make use of every single one. That way, you can stand out from the crowd for all of the right reasons.

Remember, you’re an exceptional candidate. Let that shine through in your cover letter.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

Get expert insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

8 Min Read | Feb 23, 2024

Job hunting isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re putting in extra hours after work, chipping away at application questions, polishing up your resumé, and hoping for the best. And to top it all off, you’ll sometimes have an extra item to check off your list: writing a cover letter.

Now, not all companies require a cover letter these days, so I wouldn’t worry about sending one unless the company you’re applying to asks for it. I’d rather you include the typical information found in a cover letter—like a summary of your experience and an explanation of why you want the job—in your resumé .

But if you’re filling out an application that does ask for a cover letter, write one! You want to show potential employers that you’re paying attention. So let’s go over the best method for writing a cover letter—the same one I teach on The Ken Coleman Show . We’ll also look at some sample cover letters to give you some extra direction and clarity.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short letter written directly to the person who will read your job application and resumé. Traditionally, while your  resumé  is more of a high-level overview of your past experience, your cover letter tells your story and what you  want  to do. A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your skills and motivate the hiring manager to consider you for the position.

How to Write a Cover Letter 

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you deserve an interview . Here’s how you can put your cover letter together to make an impact.

1. Choose a template. 

There are plenty of easy-to-use, free cover letter templates that can help you figure out how to format your document. But it doesn’t need to be cookie-cutter—it should still show who you are and why you want to work at this specific company.

Think about it: When you’re writing a letter to a friend (or a text message, in this day and age), you make it personal and conversational. Each cover letter you write should be personalized for the company you’re applying to. Put yourself in their shoes. If you were hiring for this position, what would you be looking for?

No matter which cover letter template you choose, you should learn everything you can about the company and the position. Use that information to make your letter relevant and show you’ve done your homework. Keep it to around 300 words (that’s about one page), and remember, just like your resumé, don’t overdo the design. Leave the crazy fonts alone, folks. The goal is to look professional, not tacky!

2. Include your contact information in the header. 

Even if your contact information is already on your resumé, you should still put it in the header of your cover letter. Here are the important things to include:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Any helpful follow-up information: a link to your portfolio, website or LinkedIn account (if you don’t have any of those, that’s okay)

This header can go at the top of the page underneath your name or in the top right corner. If you want to get  really  formal, you could also include the name of the person you’re addressing, the name and address of the company you’re applying to, and the date of application. This info can go on the left side of the page below the header.

3. Start with the right greeting. 

Don’t start out with “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern.” You’re not Shakespeare! Think about how you’d say hello to someone if you were sending them a polite and professional email. Here are some options:

• Name of hiring manager : If at all possible, directly address the person who will be handling your application. See if you can figure out who it is through a mutual connection at the company, the website, or maybe even LinkedIn.
• Name of company you’re applying to : If you can’t find the name of a specific person, “Dear [Company Name] Team” is always a safe bet.
• Generic title or position : Another option is to just say “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Team You’re Applying For] Hiring Manager.”

4. Use an eye-catching headline. 

Treat your opening line like a hook. It needs to grab the reader’s attention and give them a reason to stick around. Make it count! For extra oomph, you can write this in large (and maybe even bold) letters to mimic a newspaper article headline.

You deserve to win at work. Our new book and assessment will show you how.

Think of the headline like a great social media post. When you’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, what causes you to pause, squint your eyes, and take a closer look at what you see?

Once you’ve snagged their attention, it’s time to make your case about why you’re a good fit for the job.

5. Explain why you want the position. 

This is your chance to wow the recruiter with your knowledge and enthusiasm about the company and role. Show them you’ve done your homework by touching on the mission, vision and values of the business. Then, explain why you’d be thrilled to contribute to their work.

6. Talk about your skills and passions. 

This is the meat of the letter—but I want you to think lean. The HR team reading your application doesn’t have time for a novel. Write a couple of paragraphs, but make sure each one is only a few sentences.

Be humble—but confident—as you talk about your talents and skills. What makes you a good fit for this job? Include both hard skills (like coding or project management) and  soft skills  (like how you’re curious and always ready to learn something new).

Also, describe the passion  that drives the work you do. What makes you come alive? What activities cause you to lose track of time? Let the recruiter sense your excitement for work.

7. Wrap it up.

This is where it gets fun. When you’ve found a job that combines what you do best with what you love to do most, you’ll be producing results that matter. Talk about the core motivation that helps you wake up every morning. Tell the hiring manager how you’ll contribute your skills and passions to help move the company forward.

Then, wrap it up by thanking the hiring manager for their time and attention.

Let me be clear about something: It’s not your job to follow up. It’s  their  job to reach out to you. If you lay out your case like I’ve described, they’ll have plenty of motivation to reach out to you for an interview. You’ve done the best you can do—now relax and let the chips fall where they may.

Other Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

• Share your purpose statement . A well-crafted purpose statement that identifies your talents (the things you do best), passions (the work you love), and personal mission (the results you care about) is a great way to help the reader understand your goals and whether you’d be a good fit for the role. For some extra help on that front, check out my guide on how to find your purpose .
• Use words and phrases the company uses . Take a look at their website and social media to get an idea of their core values and culture. Using a phrase from the company itself can let them know you’re dialed in to their culture. Show them from the get-go that you’re speaking their language. Just don’t get too cheesy with this one.
• Avoid clich és. While you’re writing about what makes you a strong candidate for the job, make sure your  words are bold too . Don’t use cliché phrases like “I’m a team player” or “I think outside the box.” Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate those skills. Remember: Actions speak louder than words. Show, don’t tell.
• Proofread your letter! Grammar, spelling and accuracy  matter . Every detail in your cover letter should look, feel and sound excellent. Don’t let a few typos rob you of your shot at your dream job! So, before you hit send, double-check your spelling and grammar. You may even want to print the letter and read it out loud as a final checkup, or have a friend look it over for you.

Cover Letter Examples

Whether you’re brand new to the workforce, finding the right fit for you, or an old pro moving up the ladder, there’s a way to write a cover letter that’s best for you and your experience. Here are a few examples of cover letters for new college graduates, middle managers, folks making a career change, and senior executives that you can use as a guide.

New College Graduate Cover Letter

Mid-Career Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter

Senior Executive Cover Letter

You’ve Got This!

Remember this: The goal of a cover letter is not to sound like a professional writer—so there’s no need to put that kind of pressure on yourself. Instead, cover letters are all about showcasing your skills, expressing your enthusiasm for the position, and making a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the job. If you follow these tips, that’s exactly what you’ll do.

Writing a great cover letter is only half the battle when you’re filling out a job application—it’s usually even more crucial to pair your cover letter with a high-quality resumé. And since most recruiters only spend an average of 7.4 seconds reading each resumé, yours needs to stand out from the pack in a big way. 1

That’s why I created my free resumé guide . It’ll walk you through a five-step process for making your resumé a one-page guide that leads right to an interview. If you want to get noticed, you need to make your resumé noticeable , and this guide will help you do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a cover letter be.

A good length to shoot for in your cover letter is around 300 words, or one page. Anything beyond that is too long.

What do I write in a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, you should give a quick summary of your relevant experience and education while also explaining why you believe you’re a good fit for the job. It’s also a good idea to spell out why you want the job and how the company’s mission connects to your career goals.

What is a powerful opening sentence in a cover letter?  

You should open your cover letter with an eye-catching headline that grabs the reader’s attention and gives them a reason to stick around. Think of the headline like a great social media post—it should instantly hook the reader.

Did you find this article helpful? Share it!

About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

18 Tips for Starting a New Job the Right Way

So, you’re starting a new job. Congrats! But now what? Here are 18 practical tips on how to make the most of your role during your first day, your first week and your first few months.Starting a new job? Make sure you meet these five people your first week in the office.

How to Find Your Dream Job

Being miserable in a boring 9-to-5 job is no way to live. Stop wondering if you’ll ever get your dream job—instead, start working my proven seven-stage path to meaningful work.

To give you the best online experience, Ramsey Solutions uses cookies and other tracking technologies to collect information about you and your website experience, and shares it with our analytics and advertising partners as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse or by closing out of this message, you indicate your agreement.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

Daring Leadership Institute: a groundbreaking partnership that amplifies Brené Brown's empirically based, courage-building curriculum with BetterUp’s human transformation platform.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Find your coach

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

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

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

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

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

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

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

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

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

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

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

1. Personalization

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

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

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

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

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

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

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

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

Clear and concise writing

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

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

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

Achievements and accomplishments

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

Enthusiasm and motivation

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

Professionalism

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

How do you structure a cover letter?

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

Contact information

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

Employer's contact information

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

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

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

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

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

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

1. Add a header and contact information

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

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

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

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

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

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

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

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

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

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

3. Draw them in with an opening story

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

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

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

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

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

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

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

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

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

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

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

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

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

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

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

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

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

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

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

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

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

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

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

Should I include references in my cover letter?

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

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

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

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

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

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

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

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

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

Write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), how to make yourself indispensable at work: pro tips, 5 tips for reentering the workforce, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), how to write a job application email that gets a reply, how to close a cover letter (with 25+ eye-catching examples), how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Personal Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

Top 10 Cover Letter Writing Tips

Advice for Writing a Top Notch Cover Letter for a Job

Maddy Price / The Balance

Are you working on a cover letter to send with your resume? It's important that your cover letter makes the best impression, because it's what can help you secure a job interview.

When you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, it's sometimes the small things that can make a big difference. The closer to perfect your letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager.

Follow these tips and techniques for sending a top-notch cover letter, and you will increase your chances of getting an interview.

Select the Right Type of Cover Letter

 Fizkes /  iStock / Getty Images Plus

There are  several types of cover letters  that can be sent to employers and contacts. For example, there are traditional cover letters (also known as application letters ), which are written to apply for specific job openings. If you know some who can refer you for a job, you'll want to write a referral cover letter .

There are also letters of interest (also known as prospecting letters), in which you ask about possible job openings at a company. Cold contact cover letters are written to companies that haven't advertised job openings.

Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects what you are applying for, why you are writing, and what you are requesting.

Go Beyond Your Resume

Chris Ryan / OJO Images / Getty Images

Your cover letter should not be just another version of your resume. Instead, this letter should provide specific evidence of what you will bring to the company .

For your letter, pick two to three skills or abilities you want to highlight. Then offer examples of times you demonstrated those traits.

For example, if you want to highlight your experience and skill tutoring children, provide an example of how you successfully tutored a student. You can include a particular teaching moment when you were particularly successful.

These examples are what will make your cover letter different from your resume.

Whenever possible, include numbers to show how you have added value to previous companies you worked for. In the example mentioned above, you might provide data on how your previous students’ grades improved while working with you.

If you are a recent graduate or otherwise do not have a lot of work experience, you can highlight some of your transferable skills in your resume. Provide evidence from projects, classes, volunteer work, etc. that demonstrates that you have these skills.

Write a Custom Cover Letter for Every Job

A hiring manager can quickly tell if you have written a generic cover letter that you use for every job. That is a quick way to get your application thrown out. Instead, take the time to customize your cover letter so it reflects your interest in the specific position and company you're applying to.

Target each letter to fit the specific job. The best way to do this is to  match your qualifications to the job :

• First, look carefully at the job listing.
• Second, select two or three skills, abilities, or experiences that the job requires that you know you have.
• In your letter, provide examples of times that you demonstrated each of those skills.

Include  keywords  from the job listing in your cover letter as well. For example, if the listing says the ideal candidate has experience with “data-driven decision making,” you might include an example of a time you used data to make a decision or solve a problem.

Take the time to showcase your personality  and explain how you'd be a terrific fit for the position and the company.

It can be ​time-consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort. A custom letter will help the reader to see, at a glance, that you are a good match for the job.

Don't Point Out What You're Missing

Generally, don’t apologize for anything in your cover letter. There are some things you don't need to include in a cover letter . If you lack a required skill or degree, don’t mention it. That will only highlight what you don’t have. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences you do have, and explain how they make you a great fit for the job.

However, when you have recent gaps in your work history (within the past year or so), whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to  explain an employment gap .

If you decide to mention this employment gap in your cover letter, do so very briefly, then quickly return to highlighting your skills and abilities.

Try to Find a Contact Person

It's not always easy to find a contact person to address your cover letter to, but it's worth spending some time trying. When it comes to cover letters, taking the time to get personal is really important. Find out as much as you can about the company and the  hiring manager .

Be sure to address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager who will be reading your letter. If you don’t know who that person is, check out the company website, or even call the company and ask.

If you can’t figure out who will be reading the letter, address your letter with the greeting, “Dear Hiring Manager.”

If you have any contacts at the company who referred you to the job or are willing to put in a good word for you, mention their names in the first paragraph of your letter. This is a great way to gain an employer’s interest. However, make sure you have checked with your contacts in advance and asked if they are willing to give you a referral .

Format Your Cover Letter Properly

It's essential for your first impression to be a good one, because that's a step towards getting an interview. You will want your cover letter to not only to include the proper information, but also to look polished and professional. Therefore, be sure to format your cover letter properly. If you are sending a physical letter, use business letter format. Include your contact information, the date, and the contact information of the employer at the top of the letter.

If you are sending your cover letter as an email , your format will be a bit different. You will also need to include a subject line that mentions your name and the job title.

A  cover letter should not be longer than a page (three to four paragraphs at most).

If your cover letter is a bit too long, you can adjust the margins to give yourself more space.

However, you want to have plenty of white space in your cover letter, so don’t make the margins too small.

Also include a space between your greeting, between each paragraph, and after your closing. This will add white space as well. No matter how you send your cover letter, be sure to pick a simple, readable font . 

Be Yourself and Show Your Personality

You want your cover letter to be professional, but you also should be clear about what you have to offer the employer—and that's you and your credentials. Professional doesn't mean that you have to use awkwardly formal language. Avoid phrases that don’t feel natural, like “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “I wish to convey my sincere interest in a position at your exquisite institution.” Instead, use clear, straightforward language.

Also avoid clichéd, overused phrases that hiring managers are sick of reading (“go-getter,” “team player,” etc.). Replace those phrases with power words like “initiated” and “collaborated.”

You want to come across as polite and professional, but not fake. Don’t use language that feels uncomfortable or corny. Read more about how to show your personality in a cover letter .

Use Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Take the time to review cover letter examples before you start writing your own letter to apply for a job. Examples can give you an idea of how to structure your letter, and what information to include.

Also check out some cover letter templates , which can help you format your letter. A template also gives you the framework you can personalize for your own letters.

While it is useful to look at templates and examples, be sure to change any letter sample to fit your own skills and abilities, and the position you are applying for.

Proofread and Edit Your Letter

Because hiring managers look at hundreds of applicants, a small typo can make or break your chances of getting an interview. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter(and all of your application materials, for that matter).

Read through your letter, looking for any spelling or grammar errors. Make sure you have the correct company name, hiring manager’s name, date, etc. in your heading.

Reading your letter out loud is a useful way to check for mistakes.

Consider asking a friend or family member to read your letter as well. Ask them to check for errors, but you can also ask for more general feedback. Ask whether or not your friend is convinced that you are a great fit for the job after reading your letter.

Follow the Instructions in the Job Posting

The most important part of sending a cover letter is to follow the employer's instructions. If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an email attachment , attach Microsoft Word or PDF files to your email message. If the hiring manager says they want you to submit your materials using an online application system , don’t email or mail a physical application.

If you need to email your cover letter , be sure to include your name and the job title of the position in your message.

It's important to send your cover letter and resume attachments correctly, to include all the information requested so your message is read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ."