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What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you should include to stand out.

W hen applying for a job or internship, companies could ask you to send in several documents, such as a resume or work samples. In many cases, you may also have to include a cover letter for an application. 

According to Indeed, resumes are essentially "condensed fact sheets" about an applicant, including someone's education, previous work experiences, qualifications  and skills, among other personal information. 

But what about a cover letter? What is it, and what should be in a cover letter? 

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If you are looking to send out some applications and need to amp up your professional prowess, read on to learn more about cover letters and how to write one. 

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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a written document you send along with your resume to a company when you are applying for a job. This document contains additional information on your skills and experiences as they pertain to the job you applied for , according to Indeed. 

There are four types of cover letters, says Indeed: 

  • Application cover letter 
  • Referral cover letter 
  • Letter of interest
  • Value proposition letter

An application cover letter is often the standard when applying for jobs. This type expands on your previous professional experiences referenced on your resume and relates them to the requirements of the current job you are applying for. 

A referral cover letter is a deviation of the aforementioned but includes the names of a current employee who referred you to apply to the job opening. 

A letter of interest is a more general inquiry about any openings at a company where you are interested in working. In this type of cover letter, you are not applying for a specific position but are instead looking to learn more about a company's current hiring prospects.

A value proposition letter focuses on what you can add to a company and what makes you unique. This style of cover letter can often answer "tell me about yourself" type questions or personal essay prompts in applications. 

What should be in a cover letter?

The major component for a cover letter is personal information , says the University of Washington. 

Be sure to include your name and contact information, such as cell phone number and email, so the recruiter or hiring manager can easily identify your application and get in touch if they wish. 

As with any letter, add a greeting before you get into the main content, such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear (Insert name of contact)." You may also choose to include the company's name and address above your introduction. 

In the introduction paragraph, express your initial interest and name the advertised position you are applying for. You may also want to include how you learned of the opening, such as through LinkedIn or an employee referral. 

In the body paragraphs, outline how your previous experiences inform your work ethic. You may also want to feature your personal skills and provide specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. 

In your closing, focus on why you fit the job opening and hone in on your capabilities. Make sure to thank the manager for their time and open the door to hear from the employer about the next steps.  

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How necessary is a cover letter?

Cover letters are important when applying for a job since they show an employer a deeper view of your initiative and highlight your qualifications beyond what is already on your resume, says Indeed. Through a cover letter, hiring managers can gauge how your skills and experience are relevant for the opening. 

According to Indeed, cover letters are necessary when sending out a job application if: 

  • The employer specifies to send a cover letter 
  • The application asks for a submission 
  • You have been referred to a position and wish to identify the company referral 

If an application explicitly states you should not include a cover letter, then do not. 

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you should include to stand out.

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    A cover letter, also known as an application letter, is a three- to four-paragraph memo to employers explaining your interest in the job and company and your fitness for the role. It's typically submitted along with your resume in a job application.

  2. Cover Letter Samples and Templates

    Browse Indeed's library of free cover letter examples, templates and advice. Customize professional cover letter samples by job title based on your needs.

  3. Free Cover Letter Templates

    An application cover letter is a standard and formal cover letter that is used along with your resume when you apply for a job. The application cover letter is written for a specific job and should include your skills and qualifications for the job.

  4. FAQs: Adding, Uploading, and Submitting Cover Letters

    Yes. Here's how: Click Add next to Supporting documents at the bottom of the application review page. Select a reference letter, transcript, or portfolio from your device after clicking Upload file. Other files can still be added even if you've added a cover letter. Click Update to save the attached file (s).

  5. Cover Letter Template (With Tips and Examples)

    View more jobs on Indeed Cover letter samples by job title Here are cover letter samples to help you create your own: Consultant Customer service representative Engineer Executive assistant Graphic designer Human resources manager Intern Marketing Preschool teacher Registered nurse Sales Server Warehouse

  6. How to Write the Best Cover Letter (With Template and Sample)

    1. Use the proper formatting There are several rules to follow when structuring your cover letter: Make sure everything is left-aligned. Use single line spaces within paragraphs and double spaces between sections or paragraphs. Include a one-inch margin on every side of your letter.

  7. FAQs: Writing Cover Letters (Career Guide Templates and Tips)

    Learn more Letter of resignation How do I resign if I want to keep a good relationship with the company? Here are some tips on resigning with grace from your current company.

  8. How to write a cover letter in 5 steps

    Indeed Editorial Team Updated 28 January 2023 Whether you love writing cover letters or view them as a chore, many hiring managers still rely on them to gauge an applicant's personality, attention to detail and written communication skills.

  9. Writing a General Purpose Cover Letter: With Template

    1. Begin with a professional heading Start the letter with your contact information, the date and the recipient's contact information. Include your mailing address, email address and phone number including area or country code. You might include a link to your online professional profile. 2. Open with a salutation

  10. How to Write a Cover Letter

    Find more cover letter tips: https://go.indeed.com/cg_howto_from_coverletterGet started with free cover letter templates: https://go.indeed.com/free_cover_le...

  11. FAQ: Is a Cover Letter Necessary? (Plus What Optional Means)

    Yes to both questions. Even if your cover letter goes through the application process unread, an employer may still expect to see it attached to your resume. This is especially true if the hiring manager asked for a cover letter as part of the job posting.

  12. How to Write a Cover Letter (Template and Example)

    1. Establish formatting Following a few guidelines can help you write an effective cover letter. It's common for a cover letter to use left-aligned paragraphs with equal breaks between them and double spacing between the paragraphs.

  13. How to Write a Cover Letter (With Tips)

    View more jobs on Indeed What is a cover letter? A cover letter serves as your introduction to an employer and typically accompanies an application for employment and/or a resume. A cover letter allows you to highlight the qualifications on your resume in more detail.

  14. 8 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)

    Indeed Editorial Team Updated September 11, 2023 A cover letter is the perfect way to get the hiring manager's attention and detail your accomplishments. To immediately get the employer's attention, you need a powerful introduction that sets you apart from the competition.

  15. How to Format a Cover Letter

    Indeed Editorial Team Updated August 16, 2023 When you're applying for a job, it's common for employers to request both a resume and a cover letter. In around three paragraphs, your cover letter should highlight what makes you a great fit for the job and motivate the hiring manager to set up an interview.

  16. How to write the perfect cover letter (With examples)

    1. Begin by introducing yourself To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2. Mention your skills and qualifications

  17. How to use the best cover letter format (With examples)

    Related: How to Write a Sales Cover Letter (With Examples) 2. The hiring manager's address and date. The next section of your cover letter contains the letter's date, followed by the hiring manager's contact information. Add a space after the date and before the name of the hiring manager. You can use this structure:

  18. When Should You Include a Cover Letter? (With Tips)

    Indeed Editorial Team Updated March 18, 2023 A cover letter may be optional when applying for jobs. Your decision to include one may vary depending on your preferences or the employers' requirements.

  19. What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you ...

    A cover letter is a document you send along with your resume to a company when you are applying for a job to highlight your skills and experiences. ... read on to learn more about cover letters ...

  20. How to Write a Cover Letter (With Tips)

    1. Note the date Document the date you are sending the letter. The date line is usually in between your address and the address to which you are sending the letter. 2. Include your name and address

  21. How to write a cover letter

    1. Customise your header based on the format of your application If you're writing your cover letter directly within an online job application, there's no need to include your address or other contact information, as you've probably already typed that into other areas of the application form.

  22. Writing a Cover Letter With a Resume (Plus Tips and Examples ...

    Indeed Editorial Team Updated 24 May 2023 Cover letters allow candidates to show how their skills and achievements apply to specific positions, duties and organisations. These documents typically accompany a resume and can strengthen your application by providing a demonstration of your suitability for the job.

  23. How to Write a Cover Letter

    First, read the job description on the left, then read the cover letter. In the first example, you'll see how the writer uses specific phrases from the job description and includes them in the letter. The second example takes a more creative approach. The author includes some personal details but still focuses the cover letter around the ...

  24. Cover letter examples and templates

    A cover letter should include the following parts: Header. Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration.

  25. How to write a data entry cover letter (with example)

    Add a call to action to invite the hiring manager to contact you for updates on the next step of the recruitment process. Consider mentioning the contact method you prefer the hiring manager to use. 7. Review your cover letter. Proofread the cover letter and ensure you meet all employer data entry requirements.