A carefully written cover letter is an important part of a job application. It introduces you to potential employers, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you are a strong candidate for the role. Follow these steps to create an effective and professional cover letter.
Examples
Writing a Cover Letter
Understand the Purpose of a Cover Letter –
A cover letter explains your interest in the role and demonstrates how your skills meet the employer’s needs. It complements your resume and helps you stand out. For example, if the job posting emphasizes “team leadership,” use your cover letter to describe a specific team project you successfully managed.
Research the Company and the Role –
Learn as much as you can about the company and the position before writing. Visit the company’s website, read about their mission, and study recent projects. Examine the job description to identify the key skills and qualifications the employer values. For instance, if the company prioritizes innovation, mention a time you introduced a creative idea that improved results.
- Reflect: What inspires you about this company? How does this role align with your career goals?
Use a Professional Format –
Structure your cover letter in a professional format. Include a header with your contact information:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
Add the date and the employer’s details, such as their name, title, company, and address. Use a standard font, like Times New Roman or Arial, in 11-12 point size with 1-inch margins. Keep the letter concise and limited to one page.
Elizabeth Eden
1234 Elm Street
City, State, ZIP Code
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (123) 456-7890
January 15, 2095
Ms. Charlotte Smith
Human Resources Manager
XYZ Corporation
5998 Maple Avenue
City, State, ZIP Code
Dear Ms. Smith,
Address the Hiring Manager by Name –
Whenever possible, direct your letter to a specific person. If you know their name, use it, such as:
- “Dear Mr. Jerry Maguire,” or “Dear Ms. Charlotte Smith.”
- If the name is not available, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Write a Compelling Opening Paragraph –
Begin with an engaging introduction that specifies the role you are applying for and where you learned about it. For example:
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Specialist position at XYZ Corporation, as listed on your careers page.
Include a brief statement about your qualifications or a notable achievement:
With three years of experience in digital marketing and a record of increasing brand engagement by 25%, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your team.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements –
Use the main paragraphs of your cover letter to emphasize 2-3 key qualifications or accomplishments that relate to the job. Include specific examples, such as:
In my previous role as a Sales Associate at ABC Retail, I exceeded monthly sales targets by 20%. By launching a customer feedback program, I improved client retention by 15%.
For students or career changers:
As a recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Science, I led a research project on renewable energy that was recognized by my university for its innovative approach.
Connect Your Skills to the Company’s Goals –
Devote a paragraph to explaining why you are a great fit for the company. Use your research to align your skills with their mission or recent initiatives. For example:
I am inspired by XYZ Corporation’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. Your recent launch of [specific initiative] resonates with my commitment to creating eco-friendly solutions.
For career changers:
Although my background is in finance, I completed a certification in data analytics to align my skills with your team’s focus on data-driven strategies.
Write a Strong Closing Paragraph –
In your final paragraph, summarize your enthusiasm for the role and encourage further discussion. For example:
I am eager to contribute to XYZ Corporation as a Marketing Specialist. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs.
Thank the reader for their time and close professionally:
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Eden
Tips
- Ensure your tone is professional and aligns with the role you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description where appropriate.
- When saving your cover letter, choose PDF format to preserve layout and design.
- Double-check the company’s application instructions. If they ask for a specific file format or naming convention, follow it precisely.
- Read your letter aloud or have someone else review it to catch overlooked issues and assess its clarity.
Important
- Avoid vague statements like “I am a hard worker” without specific examples.
- Do not submit a letter with typos or formatting errors, as this can reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
- Avoid repeating your resume verbatim; focus on adding context and insights.
FAQs
Yes, unless the job posting specifically states not to include one. Tailor each cover letter to the specific role.
Keep your cover letter to one page, ideally divided into 3-4 concise paragraphs. This will ensure it is easy to read and respects the hiring manager’s time. Focus on the most relevant achievements and qualifications to make an impact while maintaining brevity. For instance, highlight standout metrics such as “Increased sales by 20% within six months” to illustrate your contributions.
Customizing each cover letter demonstrates your dedication to the role and your understanding of the company’s specific requirements and culture.
Focus on transferable skills that are relevant to the new industry. For example, if you are moving from teaching to project management, emphasize skills like organization, communication, and team leadership. Using a cover letter template can help structure your content effectively while ensuring you highlight relevant experiences.
Follow the employer’s instructions. If not specified, send it as a PDF attachment along with your resume.
