why a cover letter is important

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How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. Your goal is to convince the employer to interview you.

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

• Highlight your qualifications:  You’ll show how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: You’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: You’ll give the employer a sense of your personality and writing style.

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Submit a Cover Letter when…

• The posting explicitly requests that you do so
• You’re applying to an opportunity at a mission-driven organization
• You think that doing so could provide important information to the employer that they wouldn’t get from your resume

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

• It’s marked “optional” in an application, and you have the bandwidth to do so
• You have content that you can easily recycle or repurpose into a tailored cover letter

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

• A posting specifically tells you not to submit one
• There’s no way to submit one in an application portal, and doing so would require a serious workaround

If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

How do I write a cover letter?

Your cover letter should articulate your qualifications and motivation for the position. Read the job description closely and research the organization. As you craft your cover letter, use examples that demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and interests. The cover letter should be concise, clear, and well-organized.

Before Writing

Research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. 

• Review the firm’s website and LinkedIn page.
• Speak with current or previous employees.
• Read articles and social media for current news.

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

• What attracts you about this role/company/industry?
• What have you have done in your work experiences, classes, internships, activities, projects, volunteer work, travel, etc., that is similar to the duties required of the job? 

Cover Letter Structure

As a business letter, the cover letter should include:

• Heading: Include your name and contact information in the same format as your resume
• Salutation: Address your letter to the specific individual who can hire you, if this is known. If the name is not included in the job description, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or title mentioned in the job description.
• Body Paragraphs:  Discuss your experiences, interests, and skills to show the employer how you can add value to their team. See the section below for more guidance.
• Signature Line: Include a closing and your name.

The cover letter should be one page, about three or four paragraphs, and single spaced. Use 10-12 point font and one inch margins. 

When applying online, upload your cover letter as a PDF file, unless another format is specified. When sending your resume and cover letter by email, you may write a short note or paste your cover letter in the body of your email (without the address header) and also attach the PDF file.

Cover Letter Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction

State the position for which you are applying. If you have a referral or spoke with someone from the company, you can mention it in the introduction. Provide some basic information about yourself; this can include your class year and what you’re studying at Columbia. Briefly outline why you’re interested in the organization and what you bring in terms of relevant experience and skills. 

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs will highlight your qualifications and strengths that are most relevant to the organization and position. Use the job posting and your research as clues to determine what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Have your resume beside you and reflect on what you want the employer to know about you. Are there experiences you want to expand upon that demonstrate your understanding of the role and ability to do the job requirements?

Structure the paragraphs based on relevance, not chronology. Lead with your most relevant skill or strongest experience.

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence.  This can highlight a key skill set, a transferable experience, or a core area of knowledge you’ve built through your studies. Walk the reader through a project or experience, integrating the relevant skills you used and qualities you demonstrated. Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.

Recap what you would bring to the organization and your interest in the position. Thank the employer for their consideration. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Editing Tips

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

• Ensure that the content reflects the requirements in the job description
• Keep the cover letter concise, at one page or less
• Correct any errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling
• Use the active voice
• Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”

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Writing an Effective Cover Letter: The Ultimate Guide

Picture this. You’ve just found an excellent job opening that meets all of your requirements— competitive salary, great benefits, and the ability to work on exciting projects. This has been your dream, and you know you have the qualifications. But, after reading further, you are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter. 

Many people skip over the idea of writing a cover letter because they can be difficult to write, especially if you’re applying for your first job. This is a mistake! In fact, your cover letter is one of the most important parts of the hiring process and should be written to the best of your ability.

Find your bootcamp match

In this guide, we’re going to explore how you can write an effective cover letter which you can use to apply for any position in tech.

Why Are Cover Letters Important?

Your cover letter is one of the first impressions you will make on a company. Even if you already have a recommendation from a current employee, there will be people in the company who will read your resume and cover letter before you proceed to the next stage of the hiring process. And to those people, these documents will be their first impression. You know what people say, “first impressions stick.”

When you reach out to a company, you want to tell them a story about yourself and how you’re going to help them meet their goals. Your resume will outline your skills and past experience, sure, but your cover letter will back up what you’ve said in your resume and give you the opportunity to explore your interest in a certain position with more depth. 

Most importantly, your cover letter, which can take many formats, can be highly personalized for each company. This is a chance for you to tell them your story. 

What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

The cover letter is still an expected attachment to a resume and serves as the first impression a candidate will make on a potential employer. Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to talk about why you’re interested in the position and how you would uniquely contribute to the organization. Everyone may use the same format for their resume—listing their skills, qualifications, and more—but in the cover letter, you can get more creative. You can talk about why you’re excited about the company and craft a convincing pitch that will make them want to talk with you again.

Over the last few years, there has been a perception that cover letters are no longer relevant. If you have a Twitter profile and a presence on LinkedIn or AngelList, why should you have a cover letter? Well, the truth is that employers still value a cover letter. If you don’t include a cover letter, a potential employer may pass on you before they get the chance to read about your skills in greater depth.

Your cover letter tells employers that you’re applying for a certain position. You may be able to get away with using the same resume for multiple jobs, but the cover letter should be unique to each position and company. You want to convince the company why you are the best person for their team. And you want to tell them why you want to work with their company more than any other. The more detailed you are, the better the impression you can leave on hiring managers and recruiters.

How to Format a Cover Letter

Before we get started on the contents of a cover letter, it’s important to understand how you should format the document. Here are a few tips on how to format your cover letter:

• Use single line spacing for all text
• Use double-space between each section
• Include a one-inch margin on all sides
• Align everything to the left side
• Choose an easy-to-read font

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Your cover letter—like a resume—should only be a single page long. The best cover letters are short, concise, and ideally under 300 words . You’ll only have the attention of a recruiter for a minute or two at best, and you want to impress them as soon as possible.

What to Say in a Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be all about the position you’re applying to and the company itself . Before you get started writing a cover letter, you should make sure you are aware of the needs of the company and their expectations for a candidate in the position. 

By doing some research in advance, you’ll find it easier to adapt your cover letter to the specific position you’re applying to. Recruiters will always value a personalized cover letter over one which includes generic text about why a candidate is “good.”

When doing research for your cover letter, consider the following questions:

• Why is the company hiring someone new?

Does the company have an always-open application so they can hire the best talent? Do they need more people to help them scale? When it comes time to writing your cover letter, make sure you keep these things in mind. If the company is scaling quickly, you may want to talk about how you have experience in fast-paced work environments, for example.

• What skills do they expect a new candidate to have?

What are they looking for in a new candidate? Do they need someone with skills in a particular technology? Do they need someone ambitious who can help them bring their ideas into reality? Answers to these questions are difficult to ascertain before actually talking with someone in the company, but you can’t write a cover letter without knowing what they expect.

Spend some time reading through the job description and take notes on what skills they expect applicants to have. Also, read over any materials on the company’s website such as their “about” page and their vision statement so you can learn more about their expectations and long-term goals. Doing this research will show companies you know what they’re all about, thereby indicating you’re passionate about a particular position.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters can be difficult to write because you need to write a new one for each position you’re applying to. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind which will help optimize your cover letter writing process.

Expand on Your Resume

In your cover letter, you should go beyond your resume. It can be tempting to simply reiterate what you have said in your resume in more depth. But you shouldn’t repeat yourself in your cover letter. Instead, you should use your cover letter as an opportunity to discuss your experience in more depth . Write a sentence or two about how a past position helped you refine a specific skill that the employer is looking for. Customize the letter to show you have the requisite skills for the position. If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to ask yourself these questions:

• How did you tackle one of the responsibilities you had in a past position?
• How did you accomplish a specific milestone you mentioned on your resume?

Main Components of a Successful Cover Letter

Now, let’s get to the cover letter itself. There are three main parts in a cover letter:

• The Introduction

Let’s break these down and explore each component in more depth.

• Cover Letter Introduction

The first few sentences in your cover letter are key. If you include some generic and bold assertions about your skills, the recruiter may get bored and move on to the next candidate. But if you make your introduction impressive, they will want to read on further.

Your introduction should start with “Dear, [hiring manager name].” Make sure you include the name of the hiring manager or recruiter who is hiring for the position. If the company has a relaxed office culture, you only need to use their first name; if the employer is more traditional, use their first and last name.

The first paragraph should tell the company why you want to work with them . There are two things you could say in this paragraph—you believe in the company’s mission, and you want to work on the problems they are solving or, you want to work with their team. You should mention one of these facts and give a specific reason why. You’re interested in helping the company solve problems? Now you need to tell them why. 

Giving a specific reason shows the company you’ve tailored your cover letter to them and done some research about their company. Saying that you have applied because a friend told you about the company or because you saw a job opening sounds like you haven’t thought about the company in any depth—you just applied. When a company feels you are passionate about their vision or their team, they are more likely to reach out to you. They are always going to hire the person who wants to work for the company more than the person who would accept any job. Even subtle personal touches will go a long way in a cover letter.

• Cover Letter Body

You’ve written a great introduction, and you now have the attention of the recruiter. What’s next? You have to tell them your story. The main body will be what a recruiter uses to help them decide whether to schedule an interview or file your application away.

The main body should be around three sentences —even if you are applying for junior or senior positions in tech. The goal of telling this story is to convince the company you meet all of their specifications. Tell the company about your knowledge of the technologies they are using or your past experience with a certain process they mentioned in the job listing. Whatever it is, make sure you tell them how you can help solve their problems better than everyone else . And always provide specific examples .

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Let’s say the company is looking for a front end web developer who can help them speed up their app. You could say, “In my one-year tenure as an intern at Google, I used React.js to improve the speed of an internal landing page by 50ms.” 

Specific, concise, and easy to understand.

In this section, you should be sure to make links between your qualifications and the specific requirements for a position . Mention how your skills meet the requirements of a company. You should also be sure to keep your paragraphs short. If you are writing three sentences, you may split those up into two paragraphs. This will make it easier for the recruiter to read your cover letter and understand the most important information. The more personalized your cover letter is, the more an employer will feel that you’re passionate about the company and its vision.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to talk about your past experience, there are a few questions you should keep in mind. These questions will ensure you know how to articulate your past experience and present it as effectively as possible to a future employer. Ask yourself:

• What projects did I work on?
• How many users did my project have?
• What big milestones did I achieve?
• What use cases did I have to take into account?
• What tools (i.e. GitHub, Confluence, CircleCI) and methodologies (i.e. Agile) did I use to work on this project?

You should end up with something like, “I was a core team member building X and leveraged tools such as CircleCI to create a new continuous integration process, which helped cut down our deployment time by 30%.” 

• Cover Letter Close

The hiring manager is reading your cover letter. They are getting more interested in reaching out to you for an interview. Now, you need to close your cover letter effectively.

The first thing you should mention in your closing lines is a call to action: a specific statement that tells employers how they can reach out to you . You may decide to say, “If you are interested in talking with me further about how I can help Microsoft boost the efficiency of their Azure platform, reach out to me at [email address].” Again, this is specific, concise, and actionable.

Then you want to close with “sincerely” or “kind regards” and sign the letter with your full name . Optionally, you can include a phone number or another contact information below your name. After you’ve done that, your cover letter will be complete. You do not need to make your close complicated—it should be simple and tell hiring managers how to reach out to you in only a few words.

Example of a Cover Letter

Here is an example of a cover letter that uses the above format. The letter states why a candidate wants to work for the company and gives them a specific example of how this candidate can help them achieve their goals. The letter is simple, concise, and actionable.

30 October 2019

Stephanie M. Anager

Hiring Manager

Career Karma

San Francisco, CA 94107

Dear James,

I used Career Karma to help choose a coding bootcamp when I was learning to code, and I recently learned about your new bootcamp directory. It got me thinking that I want to help others find the right educational opportunities for them, just like you did for me. I would like to apply for the position of junior full stack engineer at your company.

At my previous job, I started off as a junior web developer and I learned how to build efficient web applications using JavaScript and the React.js framework. I spent time working with the development team analyzing inefficiencies in our application, and made numerous changes to make our pages render quicker. If I were to join your team, I would be able to help you make your website more efficient, and help you scale the site as you gain more traffic.

If you would like to talk with me further about how I can help you improve your web application, reach out to me at [email protected].

Kind regards,

Candidate N. Ame

What Not to Include in a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to tell your story to a prospective employer. You can tell them about yourself, your history, your knowledge, and more. Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to show an employer why you are a good candidate for a position and why they should hire you.

But many people feel compelled to include more information than they need to. Your cover letter should be short, to-the-point, and focused on how you can help a company achieve its goals. You don’t need to include every detail about your employment history. Keeping your cover letters short will make it easy if you apply for multiple positions and need to write many different letters.

Your cover letter should be formatted correctly and should be free of any spelling or grammar errors , as it will also implicitly showcase your writing and communication skills. If your cover letter includes obvious grammatical errors, an employer may question how much attention you pay to detail—a critical component of most jobs in tech.

Here are a few things you should avoid doing in a cover letter:

• Making assertions which are not true. Employers will check the facts of a cover letter if they proceed with the interview process. Make sure your cover letter is truthful and accurately represents your skills. There are many people who have exaggerated their skills in a cover letter but were unable to meet the requirements when it came time for the interview.
• Information not related to the job. Don’t include anything which is not directly related to the position for which you are applying. You only have a few hundred words to use when writing your cover letter—use them all effectively.
• What you want. Don’t mention what you want to get out of the company. You should be pitching how you can help the company, not how they can help you.
• Expressing too much interest in the job. Companies want to know you are interested in them. But talking too much about how you like the company may cause you to lose leverage when it comes time to negotiate a salary. You are pitching yourself and your abilities, not how much you like a company. Tell the company why you’re applying, but don’t go into too much depth about how you like X, Y, and Z about them.
• Discussing the skills you don’t have. If a company posts a position looking for writing experience, don’t say something like, “Although I have a short track record of writing experience… [insert other unrelated claims]…” Keep your cover letter focused on what you can do. You are not expected to meet every requirement listed in a job description.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

Here are a few tips on how you can write a wonderful cover letter:

1. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize.

The main thing you should remember about this guide is that your cover letter should be personalized. It should be tailored to one specific company and one position . It’s easy to tell if a cover letter has been reused multiple times—they include generic statements, and the author doesn’t talk about why they want to work for a specific company. 

If you want to save time, you should consider making a template cover letter. You can then make a few changes for each company before you send the cover letter out. For example, you can keep your close and some of your main body the same; the main thing you would change is why you want to work for each company. This saves time while still allowing you to maintain a professional tone.

2. Include Some Statistics

Hiring managers like to see stats. Numbers show that you’ve had a quantifiable impact on an organization you’ve worked for in the past. For example, if you’re a front end developer, you could talk about how you improved the render speed of pages. Similarly, if you’re a DevOps developer, you could talk about how many servers you maintained in a cluster. Statistics are not necessary, but they do help illustrate how much of an impact you have made in the past.

3. Show Personality

Your cover letter should be yours . The resume you wrote will include lists of facts about you and your history. But your cover letter should be more free-flowing and showcase your human side to hiring managers.

Spend time researching the company’s culture, and try to adopt a similar tone in your cover letter. And, before you send it, read your cover letter aloud and remove anything which doesn’t sound like how you would speak.

4. Keep It Short and Simple

Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. But your cover letter should be as short as possible . In one survey, more than two-thirds of employers said they prefer a cover letter that is half a page or, “the shorter the better”. The more wordy your writing is, the more difficult it will be for the hiring manager to take away the key points.

5. Review and Edit

As we mentioned earlier, you should run a spell check of your cover letter before you submit it. But don’t mistake a spell check for editing . Spend some time after you’ve written your cover letter to read it over and evaluate whether any changes need to be made. After a few reviews, you’ll most likely notice a few things you want to change or improve.

You can also reach out to a friend or family member and ask them to review your cover letter and make any suggestions for how you can improve the letter. Consider asking them, “Does this letter accurately showcase my skills?” and “Does this letter get you excited about me?” to make sure you have covered all your bases.

If you need some additional assistance, you can use tools such as Hemingway to help improve the tone of your work. Hemingway will highlight sentences that are too wordy and difficult to read, use passive voice, or use complex vocabulary when a simpler term would suffice.

6. Highlight Your Technical Skills

If you’re applying for a software development position, you should make sure you highlight your technical skills explicitly. Prospective employers will look at a cover letter for only a few seconds, or they may even have it parsed through an Automated Tracking System. Thus, you should spend time talking about the specific technical skills you’ve acquired so a recruiter can easily find out whether you have the skills you need to be a good fit for the job.

Mention any specific technologies you know and one major goal you met using that technology. For example, you could say, “At my previous job, I used Ruby on Rails and GraphQL to move from a REST-based architecture to GraphQL, which we found to be more efficient based on our business needs.” 

In this example, the candidate has spoken about how they know Ruby on Rails (a programming language), GraphQL (a data architecture tool), and how they have a good knowledge of REST (an API structure). If an employer is hiring someone who has these skills, this statement will really make the candidate stand out ahead of everyone else. 

7. Use Action Words

When you’re writing a cover letter, you should avoid using “buzzwords” or talking about specific skills that are not fully relevant to the job. Instead, you should use action words that showcase your involvement with particular projects. If you are a software developer, you may feel tempted to use words like “coded” or “developed” a few times in your cover letter because you have created a lot of applications. But you should try to introduce some variety into your cover letter.

Here are a few examples of action words you can use in your cover letter:

• “I was a key collaborator on a tight-knit team…”
• “Helped our team meet the project goal…”
• “Created a new system to…”
• “I managed a team of…”
• “I helped create a new process…”

You should also try to include results-oriented words in your cover letter. These words help show that you have experience in yielding good outputs from your work and will show the extent of your responsibilities in your past experience.

A few words you may want to consider using include: redesigned, updated, implemented, produced, increased, streamlined, reduced .

Hopefully you now understand that writing a good cover letter is not too difficult and that cover letters are a great way for you to showcase your skills to employers. If you follow these guidelines on how to write a cover letter, you’ll be more likely to land a technical interview for your dream job.

In brief, here are our main rules on how to write a good cover letter:

• Research the company, their culture, and read the job description thoroughly
• Introduce yourself by talking about why you want to work for the company
• Show the company how your past experience will help you be an effective contributor
• End with a call to action and a professional close
• Review your cover letter to make sure you do not include anything unnecessary
• Do a final review of your cover letter and send it to some friends to get feedback

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Blog Cover Letter Help What Is a Cover Letter?

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document included in your job application (along with your resume). When written well, your cover letter provides employers with important context that isn’t covered in your resume.

As featured in *

Example cover letter for a job application

What should i include in a cover letter for a job, types of cover letters used in 2024, why including a cover letter with your resume is important, frequently asked questions about cover letters.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you to an employer, and give them additional information about your qualifications, character, and why you’re interested in working for them.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Not sure what a cover letter should look like? Here’s a simple cover letter example written by a mid-level candidate:

Here’s a quick look at what to include in a cover letter for a job:

• Contact information – List your name and contact details in your cover letter header , followed by the hiring manager’s name and contact details.
• Salutation – Greet the hiring manager ideally with their preferred honorific (Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. / Dr. / etc.) and their name. Can’t find their name? “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
• Opening paragraph – In your cover letter’s first paragraph, formally greet the hiring manager. Introduce yourself, and explain how you found the job posting.
• Body paragraph(s) – Provide information about your previous work experience, and how it’s relevant to the job. Also use this space to list details about your professional accomplishments and skills.
• Closing paragraph – In your closing paragraph, restate your interest in the position, and thank the hiring manager for their time.
• Sign-off – End your cover letter with a sign-off like “Sincerely,” and then sign your name below.

Your cover letter is the most versatile part of your job application. A great cover letter showcases your personality, argues why you’re the best person for the role, and even explains unique circumstances (if you have any).

These are the most common types of cover letters:

Application cover letter

Cover letter for internal position

Referral cover letter

Scholarship cover letter

Letter of interest

Volunteer cover letter

1. Application cover letter

An application cover letter is the most common type of cover letter and is used to apply to an open job position – think of it as the default cover letter.

Your application cover letter should briefly outline your professional experience and skills, and make a compelling argument for why you’re the ideal person for a job.

You can also use your cover letter to explain anything that isn’t addressed in your resume. For example, a gap in your employment history or that you’re interested in changing careers.

2. Cover letter for an internal position

A cover letter for an internal position is what you submit to your employer if you’re applying for a different position within your current organization.

For example, if you’re applying for a promotion or want to transfer departments, you might need to write an internal cover letter to formally apply for the new position.

A cover letter for an internal position differs from a regular cover letter because it doesn’t include a formal introduction (your company already knows you). Instead, it focuses on your commitment to the company you currently work for, and your specific accomplishments while working there.

3. Referral cover letter

If you’re being referred for a job by a current employee of the company, then you should write a referral cover letter .

The main difference between a referral cover letter and a regular cover letter is that you mention the name of the employee referring you in the opening paragraph of your cover letter. This way, you immediately grab the attention of the hiring manager and are given extra consideration.

4. Scholarship cover letter

Many scholarships require you to submit a scholarship cover letter along with your other application materials.

Writing a cover letter for a scholarship gives you the opportunity to highlight your:

• Commitment to your education

The goal of a scholarship cover letter is to ultimately convince scholarship committees that you deserve their assistance.

A scholarship cover letter differs from a standard cover letter because it targets your future ambitions and educational achievements rather than your work experience.

5. Letter of interest

Are you interested in working for a company but they don’t have any publicly listed job openings?

In this situation, you’d write a type of cover letter called a letter of interest (sometimes called a speculative cover letter) to communicate to the hiring manager that you’d like to be considered for any open positions they might need to fill but aren’t advertising or future roles that become available.

A letter of interest is a great way to show initiative and be considered for positions that companies have available but don’t urgently need to fill. Even if you don’t immediately land a job by sending a letter of interest, it’s still a good way to be considered for future job openings.

Not sure how to write your cover letter? Our AI cover letter generator can help you draft and format a professional cover letter in no time.

6. Volunteer cover letter

Some organizations require applicants to submit a cover letter when applying for volunteer positions.

A volunteer cover letter is similar to other types of cover letters, but with a focus on your willingness to donate your time rather than seeking paid employment.

When writing a volunteer cover letter, focus on your enthusiasm for the organization’s mission and explain how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

Including a cover letter in your job application is essential in a variety of situations. For example, you should always write a cover letter if:

• The job advertisement requests that you submit a cover letter
• Someone at the company suggested you include them in your cover letter as a referral
• The job you’re applying for requires writing skills

However, even if the job you want doesn’t require a cover letter, you should still write one when possible.

Including a well-written cover letter in your job application helps you stand out from other candidates. It can even convince an employer that you’re the right person for the job – even if your resume isn’t 100% what they’re looking for.

Finally, your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to explain your unique situation and qualifications. This much-needed context is something that your resume simply can’t communicate on its own.

Still have questions about making a cover letter? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about cover letters:

What should not be included in a cover letter?

Here’s what shouldn’t be included in a cover letter:

• Spelling or grammar mistakes: mistakes make you look sloppy and are an immediate red flag
• Salary expectations: your cover letter isn’t the appropriate place to discuss salary. Instead, talk about this once you’re offered the job.
• Inappropriate personal details: information about your sexuality, race, or religion don’t belong on your cover letter and put you at risk of hiring discrimination.
• Lies or exaggerations: if employers find out you aren’t being honest, they won’t want to hire you.
• Too much information: your cover letter should be concise and only highlight your most relevant qualifications.
• Negative comments about previous employers: all the information on your cover letter should be polite and professional, focusing on what you can do for prospective employers.

The details above are all considered cover letter red flags by employers, and can derail your chance of landing a job.

Who reads cover letters?

Cover letters are read by hiring managers or employers. If a job ad lists a cover letter as a requirement and your application is being seriously considered, then someone is definitely reading your cover letter.

That’s why it’s important to ensure your cover letter is well-written and effectively communicates your value as an employee.

Are optional cover letters really optional?

Yes, optional cover letters are really optional. However, submitting a cover letter even when it’s not required is still a good idea if you’re really interested in a job.

Submitting a well-written cover letter communicates to employers that you’re serious about the position, and allows you to elaborate on your employment history, achievements, and skills.

The only situation you definitely shouldn’t include a cover letter with your job application is if the job ad specifically states not to submit a cover letter, or there’s no place to include one on the online form.

What is the difference between a cover letter and an introduction statement?

The difference between a cover letter and an introduction statement is that a cover letter serves as a complement to your resume and is part of a job application, while an introduction statement (or letter of introduction) is a quick summary of your career used for networking purposes.

For example, you might use an introduction statement to introduce two of your business connections to each other, or you could ask an acquaintance to write one for you and introduce you to someone in their network who you’d be interested in working with.

Ida Pettersson

Career Coach and Resume Expert

Committed to empowering job seekers of all experience levels to take the next step in their careers, Ida helps professionals navigate the job hunt from start to finish. After graduating from New College of Florida with a B.A. in Philosophy and Chinese Language and Culture, Ida moved to Hong Kong to begin her own career journey and finally settled in Taiwan. Her insights on resume writing, interview strategies, and career development have been featured on websites such as LawCareers.net, Digital Marketer, and SheCanCode.

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What is a cover letter, and why is it important?

In today’s competitive job market, the cover letter remains an essential element of the application process. It is a snapshot of your qualifications, accomplishments, and personality, providing hiring managers with valuable information beyond your resume .

While some argue its demise, a poll by the Office of Career Education at Arcadia University in 2022 found that 72% of recruiters expect cover letters even if they are optional, and 77% prefer candidates who submit a cover letter.

 More importantly, 83% of recruiters said a cover letter could help you get a job interview even if the resume isn’t good enough.

Moreover, a well-crafted cover letter demonstrates your communication skills , sets you apart from other candidates, and allows you to explain gaps or career changes. So, whether required or not, including a cover letter is crucial for making a strong impression and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document typically submitted alongside a resume as part of a job application. It is a three- to four-paragraph memo that provides an opportunity for applicants to explain their interest in the job and company and highlight their skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the position they seek.

A well-written cover letter goes beyond the information in the resume, allowing applicants to delve into more detail about their professional career and demonstrate their fit for the role and company.

By effectively showcasing their qualifications, a cover letter aims to make a positive impression on potential employers and set applicants apart from other candidates.

How to write a cover letter

Creating an effective cover letter will increase your chances of getting an interview with a hiring manager. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your efforts:

1. Address the contact mentioned in the job advert

When addressing your cover letter, ensure it is received by the correct person – ideally using the hiring manager’s name. When you are unable to find out the hiring manager’s name, it is still crucial to address your cover letter appropriately.

Instead of using “To whom it may concern,” which can sound impersonal, there are several alternatives you can use to make your salutation more specific and professional.

Here are some examples of how to address a cover letter if you don’t know the recipient’s name:

• “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager”
• “Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager”
• “Dear Hiring Manager”
• “Dear Human Resources Manager”
• “Dear [Company Name] HR Department”

When you use these greetings, you avoid assuming someone’s gender or marital status and maintain a professional tone. It is recommended to be as specific as possible, such as addressing the hiring manager for a particular department or using the company’s name in the salutation.

2.   Outline your current job situation and why you want to move on  – don’t be negative

If you are currently employed, explain the reasons for your interest in the new role in the cover letter, whether that be career progression, personal interests, or even that you are just looking for a change.

If you are between jobs or have previous employment gaps on your resume, use the cover letter to highlight the reasons for your interest, but also ensure you are upfront as to  why you have been out of employment previously.

3. Show you’ve done your research

In a cover letter, it is beneficial to demonstrate an understanding of the company’s history and its area of business. Doing so can showcase your interest in the position and alignment with the company’s goals and values.

Researching the company’s history and area of business allows you to tailor your cover letter to the specific organisation and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

When you demonstrate an understanding of the company’s history and area of business, it shows the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research and are genuinely interested in the role. It also helps you craft a more targeted and personalised cover letter, making a stronger impression on the hiring manager.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. You don’t need to provide an extensive history lesson in your cover letter but rather incorporate relevant information demonstrating your understanding and genuine interest. Focus on key points that align with the position you are applying for.

Remember to use your own words and avoid copying directly from the internet or other sources. Tailor the information to your experiences and explain how your skills and background make you a strong fit for the company and the position you are applying for.

4. State why you are interested in working for them as an employer

When writing a cover letter, it can be beneficial to demonstrate how the role you’re applying for aligns with your long-term career goals. This way, you can showcase your ambition, motivation, and strategic thinking to the employer.

Articulating the connection between the position and your career aspirations can help you stand out as a candidate. Here are some key points to consider when incorporating your long-term career goals into a cover letter:

Identify relevant goals and aspirations

Choose the career goals most aligned with the position you’re applying for. Select the ones that demonstrate a clear connection between the role and your future plans. Make sure to adjust your goals, if necessary, to match the job description and emphasise how the position supports your overall career trajectory.

Highlight previous positions

Discuss your previous roles and how they have contributed to your professional development and progression towards your long-term goals.

Share specific skills you have acquired and relevant experiences you have gained that directly relate to the position you’re applying for. This demonstrates the active pursuit of your career goals and shows that you have been proactive in acquiring the necessary skills and experiences.

Showcase how you can benefit the company

Employers want to know how the role can benefit you and how you can bring value to the company. Explain how the position will help you gain industry knowledge, enhance your skills, and contribute to the company’s goals.

Show that you have researched the organisation and understand how your abilities align with its objectives. Emphasise the mutual benefits of your career goals and the company’s mission.

Discuss your future with the company

Express your interest in long-term commitment and growth within the organisation. Share how staying with the company can provide opportunities for skill development and advancement towards your career goals.

Discuss how the company’s culture, values, and vision align with your aspirations. Demonstrate that you see yourself as a valuable asset to the company and convey your enthusiasm for a lasting partnership.

By incorporating these elements into your cover letter, you can effectively demonstrate to the employer how the role fits into your long-term career goals. This approach shows your forward-thinking mindset and aligns your aspirations with the objectives of the position and the company.

Remember to tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for, highlighting the aspects that resonate most with your career goals.

5. Tell them why they should be interested in you as an employee

Most top candidates will be skilled and hardworking professionals, so it’s important to consider why you would be the perfect candidate and communicate this in your cover letter. Highlight your past accomplishments and any additional skills that would benefit the organisation if you were selected to fill the position.

6. Tailor your cover letter to the job and avoid repetition

If you’re applying for multiple roles, don’t fall into the trap of reusing the same cover letter. It should be tailored to the position you are applying for and closely aligned with the job description.

7. Highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and versatility

Transferable skills can help determine your suitability for a role, so include any personal characteristics or personality traits that make you a better fit for the position and interesting to a hiring manager. If you have achieved outstanding results in a similar role, highlight your success.

8. Tailor your information, but don’t slavishly match the job description

Where your skills and experience fit the criteria, mention the crossover between them, but don’t use every word or listed skill set to describe yourself in your cover letter.

9. Make sure it’s neat, brief, and typo-free

A typed, one page and error-free cover letter is expected. If your cover letter contains spelling mistakes, your resume will very quickly find itself in the ‘no pile’, regardless of how experienced or skilled you are.

10. End by politely expressing interest in further dialogue

Invite them to get in touch or make reference to speaking further in an interview to emphasise your keenness to join the team. If you don’t hear back, email or call the interviewer.

Traits to showcase in a winning cover letter

Recruiting and hiring managers may receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters to review during the recruitment process. Your cover letter must reflect your unique capabilities, which position you as an ideal candidate. 

The purpose of your cover letter is to demonstrate the key attributes necessary for the position, so you should take the time and effort to write it well. Here are a few qualities and characteristics your cover letter should demonstrate:

Valuable:  What do you have to offer as a professional, and how could you positively affect the organisation if you were to be offered the role? Sell your key strengths confidently in your cover letter to grab the reader’s attention. This will increase the likelihood of progression through the selection process.

Literate:  There’s nothing worse than a glaring spelling error on your cover letter. A mistake in your letter suggests to the hiring manager not only that you lack attention to detail but also that you don’t care enough to take the time to proofread.

Therefore, it’s essential to make sure you check it over and have a friend do so as well before submitting it. It can be challenging to check your own work, so you could get a friend or mentor to help read your cover letter. Alternatively, you can run your letter through writing tools like the grammar checker on Microsoft Word or Grammarly.com.

A unique candidate:  Use your cover letter to display your unique combination of skills and experience that relate to the job selection criteria of the role. Provide examples demonstrating a clear link between your knowledge, experience, abilities, and the employer’s needs.

Experienced:  While soft skills, as well as academic abilities, are critical for securing an interview, your cover letter should also demonstrate your experience in relation to the job description to the hiring manager.

Be sure to include examples of relevant experience in your cover letter to highlight the value you would bring to the role and why you would be the best-suited candidate for the position. 

Enthusiastic:  A tailored, compelling cover letter shows you have taken the time to research the company and understand the employer’s needs and job requirements. It is an opportunity to express that you are enthusiastic about the role, keen to be part of the team and demonstrate the value you would add to the company.

Cover letter template

Now that you know how to ensure your cover letter is ticking all the right boxes, you are ready to start writing. Like a resume, a certain amount of personal preference is involved when writing your cover letter.

There are generally similar guidelines for writing cover letters, and candidates should choose different letter structures that reflect their preferences and the job they are applying for.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise, usually one page long, and use a simple, professional font. Format it like a business letter with appropriate sections and spacing.

Here is a cover letter template you can use as a starting point for creating yours:

Dear <<Hiring Manager>>,

I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for the ‘Human Resources Recruitment Specialist’ position. Please find attached my resume for your consideration.

I am excited to express my interest in this role and believe that my experience and accomplishments make me an ideal candidate. With four years of successful experience as a human resources recruitment specialist, I have developed a deep understanding of the industry.

My background includes working for a leading global recruitment company, where I gained expertise in both specialist and generalist roles. Additionally, I have a proven track record of working with clients from various sectors, including the private and public sectors.

In my current role as a human resources recruitment specialist, I have achieved significant milestones that demonstrate my value:

• Established strong relationships with the human resources functions of leading retail banks, earning preferred supplier status for HR and the wider business.  
• Expanded the client base by 20% year over year, showcasing my ability to diversify and attract new clients.  
• Increased the number of job placements across the client base by 45% year over year, indicating my success in finding suitable candidates for diverse roles.  
• Improved productivity and revenue by 30% year over year, contributing to the overall growth and success of the organisation.  
• Successfully managed multiple projects alongside day-to-day activities, including organising a CSR day and charity quiz, which raised $6,000 for charity while enhancing client and candidate relationships.

My experience aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role, and I am confident that I can bring substantial value to your organisation.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please do not hesitate to contact me via the details on my resume. I am available at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

<<Your name>>

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20 key elements to include in your cover letter.

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When it comes to landing your dream job, your cover letter can be your strongest ally. A well-crafted cover letter goes beyond just reiterating your resume—it's a chance to showcase your personality, highlight your relevant skills and explain why you're the perfect fit for the position. In a competitive job market, standing out is crucial and a thoughtfully written cover letter can catch the right attention.

Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members share advice on 20 essential components that every potential employee should include in their cover letters to make a lasting impression and increase their chances of securing an interview.

1. Tailor Your Cover Letter To A Specific Role

If asked for a cover letter, make it meaningful and use the opportunity to show a potential employer you did your homework. Don't miss an opportunity to bring your unique voice to your application, and be sure to make it relevant to the specific role. Employers, if you want to read something interesting, ask for it! Put the effort in, too—ask candidates to respond to a creative prompt. - Tory Clarke , Bridge Partners

2. Share The Context That Supports Your Resume

Cover letters are tricky. I don’t just want your sales pitch. I want to see the context that supports and informs your quantifiable impact and accomplishments in your career. The cover letter is your opportunity to share the context that supports the resume, not regurgitate it. - Christopher Courneen , M S International, Inc. (MSI)

3. Let Your Personality Shine Through

Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to highlight your past accomplishments and how they can benefit this potential employer. All accomplishments should be personalized to the specific role you're applying for. It's also a great way to let your personality shine through. Doing something a little different will often catch the hiring manager's eye and make you stand out. - Hazel Kassu , Sudduth Search

4. Demonstrate How You Will Fit In With The Culture

As culture is moving to the forefront, many companies are looking more for cultural fit. Cover letters should connect your character traits and practices to that of the company's core values and culture indicators, which makes it easier for companies to visualize a great fit. - Tiersa Smith-Hall , Impactful Imprints, Training & Consulting

5. Create A Compelling And Tailored Narrative

The most important thing for candidates to include in their cover letters is a compelling and tailored narrative that effectively communicates their qualifications, experience, enthusiasm, unique selling points, company knowledge and alignment with the job requirements. Tailor each letter, be concise, proofread and include contact information. - Subhash Chandar , Laminaar Aviation Infotech

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6. Explain Questions That Arise About Your Resume

A cover letter can show your story. Were you laid off? Did you take time off to have a family? What did you learn from your time off of work? It is a great way to explain resume gaps, highlight training or education, add additional skills and abilities and explain any other situations. It gives the recruiter and hiring manager a chance to get to know more about you. - Erin ImHof , CertiK

7. Treat Your Cover Letter As A Mission Statement

Your cover letter is a mission statement, presenting not what you can do but why you do it. In a tough market with an abundance of qualified candidates, you need to differentiate yourself with personality and aspirations. Recruiters are looking for your passion for the company and why your values match the company’s mission—stand out as a candidate who will have drive behind their work. - Laurie Chamberlin , LHH

8. Do Your Research And Demonstrate Your Knowledge Of The Company

Cover letters that stand out demonstrate a potential employee’s deep knowledge of the company and why they want to work there. Cover letters should not be vague or formulaic. Candidates who want to land a job need to take the time to do their research, get to know the company and be specific about why they are a good fit. - Leigh Yanocha , Knopman Marks Financial Training

9. Outline Two Tangible Accomplishments And Keep It Brief

Keep it brief. Outline two tangible accomplishments that showcase ownership, collaboration and determination to succeed. Also, it is important to not repeat what is included in your resume. Instead, connect specific and relevant information that highlights your communication and critical thinking skills, and your growth and progressive mindset. Lastly, what is your value to the company? - Chandran Fernando , Matrix360 Inc.

10. Demonstrate How Your Skills Are Transferable And Adaptable

Talent agility is key for organizations in this era of technological innovation. Demonstrate what skills you have in your backpack and how those are transferable and adaptable across different kinds of work and roles. Given the shrinking shelf-life of skills, it's also a huge advantage to show an appetite for continuous learning so that you can grow and pivot with the organization. - Siobhan Savage , Reejig

11. Be Present On Social Media, Especially LinkedIn

Cover letters are a practice that is a little outdated. CVs, too. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and add as many details as you can there. Write articles or be present on social channels. And if you want to add an extra flavor to your application, record a short video highlighting why you are the best person for this role. - Ilona Bernotaite , Kilo Health

12. Be Specific About What Excites You

Candidates should explain why they are enthusiastic about the job. Organizations want skilled employees, but they also want employees who will bring positive energy to work and contribute to the culture. By being specific about what excites them about the role, candidates demonstrate their ability to drive culture, engagement and productivity. - Niki Jorgensen , Insperity

13. State Your Value Proposition Clearly

Some may argue that the cover letter's crown jewel is your value proposition: what you can offer that no one else can. This isn't merely a repetition of your CV. Instead, it's a story about how your unique skills and experiences make you the right person for the job. Conveying this effectively can set you apart from the crowd. What makes you unique? What is your superpower? - Joseph Soares , IBPROM Corp.

14. Highlight Your Value As A New Hire

Always intertwine the mission, vision and values of the organization into your message. It allows the reader to easily convey which skills and experiences support and relate to the company's specific values and aspects of the vision and mission. Also, using the mission, vision and values to describe how you plan to address conflict and company challenges will highlight your value as a new hire. - Kimika Banfield , Arootah

15. Choose The Appropriate Format To Submit

Are cover letters passé? Maybe. Maybe not. Many employers describe the value of cover letters as a means for the candidate to highlight their alignment of values and skills, yet so many cover letters go unread or skimmed at best. If applying for a writing position, then adhering to the tradition might be a good idea. If not, consider replacing the written document with a quick and entertaining video clip that exposes personality and fit! - Laci Loew , XpertHR (a division of LexisNexis Risk Solutions)

16. Prepare Your Digital Footprint As Well

A cover letter may still be expected, but is it really needed? In today’s world, let your digital footprint tell your story. Make sure your online brand and resume—your LinkedIn account and social media channels—are updated, professional and competition-ready. A cover letter is fine, but it doesn't tell your whole story. - Jess Elmquist , Phenom

17. Make Your Cover Letter Interactive

Cover letters can be seen as outdated and offer little space to tell a truly impactful story. So, work with that and create a differentiated and interactive cover letter that engages the reader. Add a QR code to your LinkedIn profile, a custom microsite or portfolio, social media accounts, or a personalized video message that shows your passion (free tools exist). Branding 101—get creative to stand out. - Nicole Fernandes , Blu Ivy Group

18. Treat Your Cover Letter And Resume As Marketing Materials

Cover letters continue to be controversial in their value proposition. Some recruiters and managers may say the most important thing to include is to not submit a cover letter at all. That said, if you are including a cover letter, use that to differentiate and capture the attention of the reader. Cover letters and resumes are marketing documents so choose your words and tone wisely. - Julie Hankins , NNIT

19. Highlight Your Most Significant Accomplishments

Cover letters are not an effective tool in the modern job market but they can supplement a resume if written in formal, explicit language. It should be well-organized, concise and accurate, highlighting the candidate's most significant accomplishments on projects or tasks. The key to overcoming an employer's preconceptions about all job applicants is to highlight relevant skills and experience. - Dr. Nara Ringrose , Cyclife Aquila Nuclear

20. Sell Who You Are And Your Superpower

As cover letters start to fall out of trend, the employers that require them are even more likely to read them. So don't miss the opportunity to sell who you are, how you align with the role and the superpower that makes you rise above the other candidates. - Jessica Wallen , Marten Law

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What Is a Cover Letter for a Job? Definition and Examples

A cover letter is a personalized document submitted alongside your resume or CV when applying for a job. It is designed to introduce yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and establish a connection with the hiring manager.

Cover letters are crucial in the job application process, as they are the first impression you give to a potential employer. They demonstrate your communication skills, highlight your unique strengths that align with the job requirements, and show the employer that you have put in the effort to tailor your application specifically to them.

In this article, we will cover the essential elements of a cover letter, including the structure, content, and format. We’ll also provide you with tips on how to make your cover letter stand out and share specific examples that you can use as inspiration.

Specifically, we will discuss:

• The purpose of a cover letter
• The different types of cover letters
• The structure and format of a cover letter
• How to tailor your cover letter to the job and company
• Tips on how to write an effective cover letter
• Examples of successful cover letters

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to create a compelling cover letter that will impress any employer. So, let’s get started!

The Definition of a Cover Letter

Defining what a cover letter is.

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It provides a personalized introduction to the employer and serves as a sales pitch highlighting your qualifications, skills, and experience.

Explaining the Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to showcase your interest in the job and the company while presenting yourself as the best candidate for the position. It should not duplicate the content of your resume but rather expand on it by providing specific examples of how your skills match the job requirements.

A cover letter is also an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and personality. It should be carefully crafted and tailored to the employer’s needs to make a positive impression and stand out from other applicants.

Differentiating a Cover Letter from a Resume

While a resume provides a comprehensive summary of your work history, education, and achievements, a cover letter is more focused on your motivation and fit for the specific job.

A resume is typically structured in a chronological or functional format, whereas a cover letter follows a specific format with a heading, introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing.

A cover letter is an essential job application tool that complements your resume and allows you to shine as a candidate. By personalizing your application and demonstrating your fit for the job, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and securing the job you want.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

One of the most critical components of a job application is a cover letter. It provides the candidate with an opportunity to introduce themselves and explain why they are an excellent fit for the position. The following section explores why a cover letter is essential for job seekers and highlights the benefits of including it in a job application.

Demonstrating Why a Cover Letter is Important for Job Seekers

A cover letter is the first part of your job application that a recruiter or employer will see. Therefore, it is essential to make a positive first impression. The cover letter should highlight your strengths, experiences, and qualifications that are relevant to the job description. It should be well-structured, error-free, and customized for the specific job you are applying for.

Cover letters provide the candidate with an opportunity to explain their motivation for applying for the job. They can also showcase their personality, communication skills, and writing style. A well-crafted cover letter can set the tone for the entire application and make the candidate stand out from other applicants.

Exploring the Benefits of Including a Cover Letter with a Job Application

Including a cover letter with a job application has several benefits. Firstly, it shows initiative and effort, indicating that the candidate is genuinely interested in the job. It also demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

A cover letter can also provide valuable insights that may not be apparent from the resume alone. It allows the candidate to elaborate on their skills and experiences, as well as to address any gaps or challenges in their career history. Additionally, a cover letter provides an opportunity to express enthusiasm for the company and the position.

Furthermore, a cover letter can help job seekers overcome potential obstacles or barriers. For instance, if the candidate is transitioning into a new career, lacks relevant experience or has gaps in employment history or has faced any limitations such as disabilities, a cover letter can be a valuable tool to address these concerns sensitively.

A cover letter is a crucial component of job seeking. It can make the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over. By demonstrating motivation, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the position, a well-crafted cover letter can set the applicant apart from the competition. Therefore, job seekers should take the time to create an outstanding cover letter that highlights their strengths and illustrates why they are the best fit for the job.

The Basic Cover Letter Format

When it comes to formatting your cover letter, it’s important to stick to a standard structure that potential employers expect to see. Here is a breakdown of the basic cover letter format:

Heading and contact information

At the very top of your cover letter, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Next, include the date you are sending the letter and the contact information for the employer, including their name, title, company, and address.

Begin your cover letter with a salutation, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [employer’s name]”. It’s important to address the letter specifically to the person who will be reviewing your application.

Opening paragraph

In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. If someone referred you to the job, mention their name and connection to the employer.

Body paragraphs

The body of your cover letter should highlight your qualifications and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Use specific examples from your work experience or education to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Closing paragraph

In the closing paragraph, thank the employer for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview. Include your contact information again and invite the employer to contact you with any further questions.

End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”, and sign your name.

Tone and style of writing

When it comes to the tone and style of your cover letter, it’s important to strike a balance between professionalism and personality. You want to sound knowledgeable and competent, but also friendly and engaging. Here are some tips for writing an effective cover letter:

• Use a conversational tone, but avoid slang or casual language.
• Tailor your language to the specific job and company you are applying to. Use keywords from the job description and research the company culture to get a sense of the appropriate tone.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for the job, but avoid going overboard or sounding desperate.
• Be confident and assertive, but also humble and gracious.
• Use examples and anecdotes to demonstrate your skills and qualifications, but avoid rambling or repeating information from your resume.

By following the basic cover letter format and using an appropriate tone and style, you can create a compelling letter that stands out to potential employers and increases your chances of landing the job.

How to Write a Cover Letter

In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide to creating a successful cover letter.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The first paragraph is your chance to introduce yourself to the employer and explain why you’re interested in the position. Start off with a clear and concise statement of the job you’re applying for and where you saw the opening. You can also include a sentence or two about your qualifications and why you’d be a good fit for the role. Remember to keep it brief and to the point.

Paragraph 2: Your Qualifications

In the second paragraph, highlight your qualifications and experiences that match the job description. Be specific and use examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements. This is your chance to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Make sure to use keywords from the job description to show that you understand the requirements of the position.

Paragraph 3: Your Value Proposition

The third paragraph is where you can really sell yourself. Explain what sets you apart from other applicants and why the employer should hire you. This is your opportunity to showcase your strengths and explain how you can bring value to the company. You can also use this paragraph to express your enthusiasm for the company or industry.

Paragraph 4: Call to Action

In the final paragraph, thank the employer for considering your application and reiterate your interest in the position. End with a strong call to action, such as expressing your availability for an interview or follow-up call. Remember to include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, so the employer can easily reach you.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a strong and effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. Keep in mind that every cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying to. Good luck!

Specific Details to Include in a Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a cover letter, including specific details can greatly enhance your chances of landing your dream job. Here are some examples of information that should be included in your cover letter:

• Contact information:  Your full name, phone number, email address, and home address. This info helps the hiring manager contact you quickly and easily.
• Job reference number or title:  If the job you are applying for has a reference number, include it in your cover letter. If not, it’s essential to mention the job title in your introduction.
• Dates of availability:  Let the hiring manager know when you’re available to start the job. This detail helps the employer to determine your readiness and to plan accordingly.

Crafting a perfect cover letter for a job isn’t just about including the necessary details. It is also essential to tailor the cover letter to the job posting and company. Here are some tips to do so.

Tips for Tailoring the Cover Letter to the Company and Job Posting

• Research the company:  Before writing a cover letter, research the company to understand how they operate and their values. Use this information to personalize the cover letter.
• Match your skills to the job:  The job posting lists the required skills and qualifications. Make sure to mention them and link them to your experience and skills.
• Use the right tone of voice:  The tone of the cover letter should align with the company’s values and culture. If the company is serious and formal, use a professional tone. If it’s more relaxed, your tone can be conversational.
• Address the hiring manager by name:  Addressing the hiring manager by name shows professionalism and interest in the job.
• Highlight your achievements:  In the main paragraphs of your cover letter, highlight your significant achievements that relate to the job posting.

It is essential to follow these tips to create a compelling and personalized cover letter that catches the hiring manager’s attention. By focusing on the specific information and tailoring the letter to the company, you increase your chances of standing out among the other candidates.

How to Customize a Cover Letter

When applying for a job, it’s important to customize your cover letter to the specific job posting. This helps to show your potential employer that you have a genuine interest in the position and that you understand what they’re looking for. Here are some tips on how to effectively customize your cover letter for different job postings.

1. Research the Company

Before you start writing your cover letter, it’s important to research the company you’re applying to. Look for information on their mission statement, values, and any recent news or events. This will give you a better understanding of what they’re looking for in a candidate and help you tailor your letter accordingly.

2. Use the Job Description

The job description is your guide to what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Read it carefully and make note of the qualifications, skills, and experience they’re seeking. In your cover letter, use this information to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

3. Show Your Enthusiasm

When customizing your cover letter, it’s important to show enthusiasm for the job and company. Use specific examples from your research and experiences to demonstrate why you’re excited about the opportunity. This can help to set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re genuinely interested in the job.

4. Address Specific Concerns

If there are any specific concerns or requirements mentioned in the job posting, make sure to address them in your cover letter. For example, if the employer is looking for someone with experience working with a certain software program, mention your experience with that program specifically.

5. Keep it Professional

While you want to customize your cover letter, it’s also important to keep it professional. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, and make sure to proofread carefully for any spelling or grammar errors.

Customizing your cover letter may take some extra time and effort, but it can make a big difference in your job search. By showing the employer that you understand their needs and are enthusiastic about the job, you’ll be more likely to stand out from other applicants and land your dream job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cover Letters

In order to create an effective cover letter, it is important to understand the common mistakes that many applicants make. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Repeating Information from Your Resume

It is important to remember that your cover letter is not simply a summary of your resume. One of the biggest mistakes that applicants make is repeating information from their resume in their cover letter. Instead, use your cover letter to highlight specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

2. Writing a Generic Letter

Another mistake that many applicants make is writing a generic cover letter. This means that they use the same cover letter for every job application. Instead, tailor your cover letter to the specific position you are applying for. Research the company and the job requirements, and use this information to customize your letter.

3. Focusing Too Much on Yourself

While your cover letter is a chance to sell yourself, it is important to remember that the letter should focus on how you can benefit the company, not just on your own achievements. Make sure that you highlight how your skills and experience can help the company succeed.

4. Making Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

It may seem obvious, but it is important to make sure that your cover letter is free from grammar and spelling mistakes. A poorly written letter can create a negative impression and may even result in your application being rejected. Proofread your letter carefully before submitting it.

5. Failing to Follow Instructions

Many job postings include specific instructions for submitting a cover letter. Failing to follow these instructions can make a bad impression on the hiring manager. Make sure that you carefully read the job posting and follow all instructions for submitting your cover letter.

Suggestions for Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, take the time to carefully craft your cover letter. Research the company and the position, and use this information to personalize your letter. Highlight specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the job. And always proofread your letter carefully to avoid embarrassing mistakes. By putting in the effort to create a strong, tailored cover letter, you can increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a crucial part of the job application process. It’s a chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, highlight your qualifications for the job, and express your interest in the position. To make a great first impression, it’s essential to write an exceptional cover letter.

Here are some helpful tips for writing a standout cover letter:

Do your research:  Before writing your cover letter, research the company and the job you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your letter to the specific position and show the employer that you’ve done your homework.

Include a strong opening:  A strong opening sentence can grab the employer’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Use an attention-grabbing phrase or statistic to start your letter.

Highlight your qualifications:  Your cover letter should highlight your most relevant skills and experience for the job. Use specific examples that show how your past experience can be applied to the position you’re applying for.

Use active voice:  To make your letter more engaging, use active voice rather than passive voice. This will make the letter more dynamic and show the employer that you’re confident and assertive.

Avoid clichés:  Clichés like “I’m a team player” or “I’m a self-starter” are overused and don’t add anything to your letter. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate these traits.

Be concise and to the point:  Your cover letter should be one page or less and easy to read. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up the text and make it easy to scan.

Show enthusiasm:  Your cover letter should express your interest and excitement for the job. Show the employer that you’re passionate about the position and eager to contribute to the company.

By following these best practices, you can write an outstanding cover letter that sets you apart from other applicants and impresses the employer. Remember to proofread your letter carefully and tailor it to each job you apply for. Good luck with your job search!

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• Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024? Do I Need a Cover Letter?

Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2024 & Do I Need One?

Asking yourself "Do I need a cover letter?" We surveyed 200 hiring decision-makers to find out if cover letters are still important in 2024.

A cover letter is an important tool that lets you show that your skills and work experience meet the employer's expectations. It allows you to address the recruiter 's needs by giving more context to your resume.

That's the kind of advice you can find all over the Internet. But—

Are cover letters still  necessary in today’s job search? 

Yes, they almost always are. 83% of recruiters agree that knowing how to write a cover letter and sending one is crucial. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are a great fit for the company you are applying for. A cover letter is important as it boosts your chances for a job.

There are many contrasting opinions on that matter—most, supported by outdated studies or reports.

To find the real, definitive answer, we surveyed US hiring decision-makers: external recruiters, in-house HR team members, and teams’ hiring managers. 

Let’s hear from those who would read it.

How Important Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is an important component of the decision-making process among 83% of hiring managers, recruiters, and HR staff. 

In a separate question, 83% respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t good enough.

Bottom line—writing a cover letter can help you make up for flaws in your resume in more than 8 out of 10 cases.

Is a cover letter always required?

Even if not required, cover letters are usually preferred:

• 74% of recruitment decision-makers prefer to receive job applications which include cover letters apart from resumes.
• For jobs with a direct application process (for instance through an email), a cover letter is required 64% of the time.
• For vacancies advertised via automated online tools (e.g. job boards such as Indeed, or internal career sites), 61% recruiters require cover letters.

Should you send a cover letter if it’s optional?

Even if a cover letter is optional it can still dramatically boost your chances of landing a job:

• Even if submitting a cover letter is optional, 77% of recruiters will give preference to candidates who did send a cover letter.
• 72% of recruiters still expect cover letters even if the job ad states they’re optional.

In other words, that “optional” cover letter is pretty much mandatory in 2023.

Why is a cover letter so important?

According to HR pros, cover letters are important and useful for the following purposes:

• Explaining the motivation to join the company (63% of respondents)
• Describing career objectives (50% of respondents)
• Explaining the reasons for changing careers (50% of respondents)
• Explaining employment gaps (49% of respondents)
• Highlighting professional achievements (47% of respondents)

Expert Hint: Don’t Be Generic. Sending a generic cover letter breaks all the important rules, because: 1) It’s not tailored to the company. 2) It is not personalized to the hiring manager. 3) It tells them you are lazy and not so interested.

Interestingly, only 36% of recruitment professionals consider cover letters useful for displaying that mythical “cultural fit.” The lesson? Keep your cover letter professional and focused on your career. No need to force jokes, look for common ground with the hiring manager or get overly cute.

Do you need a cover letter?

You need a cover letter in most cases, especially when a cover letter is required in the job ad.  When the cover letter is required for a given job posting and you fail to attach one, only 13% of decision-makers will process your application.

Do Employers and Recruiters Read Cover Letters?

• 77% of hiring decision-makers said they would read the cover letter even if it wasn’t required.
• When a cover letter is required, 74% of recruiters claim they read it.

With such an overwhelming majority of hiring pros highlighting the importance of cover letters, it would seem an obvious career move for job-seekers to send a covering letter alongside their resumes. Is it that obvious, though?

Do Candidates Send Cover Letters?

According to recruiters, most of the candidates don’t.

• If it says cover letter optional in the job ad, only 35% of candidates attach a cover letter to their application.
• If it says cover letter required , only 38% of candidates submit a cover letter.

Surprisingly, no matter what the job ad says, 6 out of 10 candidates don’t write a cover letter. If you were on the fence about writing a cover letter, you should already be convinced.

In What Form Should You Send a Cover Letter?

There’s no dilemma if you’re applying via an automated system. Most likely, you’ll just have to follow the instructions and upload your cover letter or type it up in a proper field. But what about applying through email ? Should the email be the cover letter? Or do you need an attachment? Sadly, we can’t give you a perfect answer.

When you submit a job application via email:

• 49% of recruiters prefer when the cover letter is written in the email body.
• 42% prefer to get a cover letter attached as a separate document.

Pay close attention to the job ad. Chances are, the preference regarding the cover letter will be specified. No information about how to send a cover letter? No need to obsess over it. Whether you write an email cover letter or attach your covering letter to your job application message won’t make or break your chances. 

Cover Letter or Resume—What Gets Read First?

Back in the day, a cover letter served as an actual paper cover page for your resume. Its purpose was to formally introduce you to the hiring manager and encourage them to read the resume.

• Today, 36% of hiring decision-makers read a candidate’s cover letter before they review the resume. 
• 37% will read the resume first. 
• The remaining 27% will start with either document and won’t follow any particular order.

Methodology and Limitations

This survey was run by OnePoll on behalf of ResumeLab. In it, 200 recruiters, HR specialists and hiring managers were surveyed.

The data rely on online self-reports after eligibility screening. Each participant responded without any researcher administration or interference. Potential issues with self-reported data include but are not limited to exaggeration, selective memory, and attribution errors. Some questions and responses have been rephrased for clarity and ease of understanding for readers. In some cases, the percentages presented may not add up to 100 percent: this is either due to rounding or due to responses of “neither/other/don’t know” not being presented.

ResumeLab helps to make the most of your cover letters. Our cover letter generator together with cover letter templates allows you to write a perfect cover letter in just a few minutes. 

Apart from cover letters, you can also learn how to write a job-winning resume and make one in our resume builder with a matching resume template . 

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

With vast expertise in interview strategies and career development, Michael is a job expert with a focus on writing perfect resumes, acing interviews, and improving employability skills. His mission is to help you tell the story behind your career and reinforce your professional brand by coaching you to create outstanding job application documents. More than one million readers read his career advice every month. For ResumeLab, Michael uses his connections to help you thrive in your career. From fellow career experts and insiders from all industries—LinkedIn strategists, communications consultants, scientists, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or even FBI agents—to share their unique insights and help you make the most of your career.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

What to Include in a Cover Letter: A Full Guide for 2024

There’s a lot you want to say to convince your future employer to hire you. But before you start writing, learn what to include in a cover letter with our expert guide.

Mariusz Wawrzyniak

Career Expert

How to Format a Cover Letter: Examples & Tips for 2024

A proper cover letter format can score you a few points. Read on, and learn how to format your cover letter so it won't go unnoticed.

33+ Cover Letter Tips and Advice to Stand Out in 2024

Looking for cover letter tips and advice to really stand out? Want cover letter mistakes to avoid and other dos and don'ts? You've come to the right place.

Christian Eilers

15 Reasons Why Cover Letter Is Important?

Table of Contents

15 Benefits Of Cover Letter For Job Seekers

1. cover letter shows you are serious about the job, 2. cover letter gets your resume read, 3. cover letter can make you stand out from the crowd, 4. cover letter is a chance for you to introduce yourself, reference video – are cover letters important, 5. cover letter shows you have taken the time to research the company, 6. cover letter shows that you are a well-rounded candidate, 7. cover letter can be used to discuss the job advertised, 8. cover letter can increase your confidence, 9. cover letter can increase your chances of getting the job.

According to a study by Azuma, resumes with cover letters are six times more likely to be called for an interview than those without. So even if you’re not the best writer, taking the time to put together a well-written cover letter is worth it.

10. Cover Letter Can Help You Ace The Interview

11. cover letter can help you with salary negotiations, 12. cover letter can help you get feedback, 13. cover letter can be used as a reference, 14. cover letter establishes the first contact with the recruiter.

A well-written cover letter establishes that your email address is not a spam address and that you are interested in the job.

15. Cover Letter Helps You Clarify Your Intentions

Importance of cover letter – conclusion.

In conclusion, the importance of a well-written cover letter simply cannot be overstated. A good cover letter can help you to stand out from the competition , make a great first impression and even increase your chances of landing an interview.

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Kamala Harris Isn’t Giving Interviews. Any Questions?

Critics say the vice president has been too cautious with the press. Her supporters think it’s the right strategy at the right time.

• Share full article

By Michael M. Grynbaum

Michael Grynbaum has covered the interactions between presidential candidates and the news media since 2016.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election .

The press has questions for Vice President Kamala Harris. She isn’t giving a whole lot of answers.

In the nearly three weeks since President Biden withdrew his candidacy, catapulting Ms. Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket, the vice president has shown little eagerness to meet journalists in unscripted settings. She has not granted an interview or held a news conference. On Thursday, after a rally in Michigan, she held her first “gaggle” — an impromptu Q.-and-A. session — with reporters covering her campaign.

It lasted 70 seconds.

Ms. Harris replaced a Democratic nominee who has hosted fewer White House news conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan. Now she is taking a similarly cautious approach, relying on televised rallies and prepared statements amid a tightly controlled rollout of her candidacy.

Asked on Thursday if she might sit for an interview anytime soon, Ms. Harris suggested that she would get through the convention first. “I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month,” she said, as aides signaled to the scrum of journalists that question time was over.

Ms. Harris’s lack of engagement with the media has become a constant rallying cry on the political right, with Republican critics and Fox News stars accusing the vice president of ducking scrutiny. The Harris campaign says it is being thoughtful about how best to deploy its message, and to introduce a new candidate to crucial voters in battleground states.

David Axelrod, the architect of former President Barack Obama’s winning campaigns, believes that Ms. Harris — who on Thursday said she had agreed to a prime-time debate on Sept. 10 with her opponent, former President Donald J. Trump — was trying to strike a balance.

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