cover letter when applying for a part time job

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Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job

Tips for writing a cover letter for a part-time job, printed letters vs. email messages, sample cover letter for a part-time job, part-time job email cover letter examples.

When you are applying for  part-time positions , you should follow the same procedures as you would if the position was full-time. That means writing a thoughtful, well-crafted resume and cover letter.

While not all part-time jobs will require a cover letter, it is always a good idea to write one. A great cover letter will show the employer that you are very interested in the job and that you have what it takes to do the job well.

When writing a cover letter, use business letter format. In the top-left corner of your letter, include your name and address, the date, and the employer’s name and address. Start your letter with a polite salutation to the hiring manager. If you know the employer or hiring manager’s name, be sure to use it.

In your first paragraph , introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Also, explain how you heard about the job. If someone recommended you for the job, mention this.

Your second paragraph  (and maybe a third paragraph as well) is where you specify your qualifications and make connections between your skills and the requirements of the job.

Provide examples of times you demonstrated various  skills  necessary for the job.

Include a final paragraph  with your follow-up plan. Explain when and how you will get in touch with them, or where they can reach you.

Then, end with a professional closing . Include a handwritten signature, followed by your typed signature.

(Almost) Always write one.  You should always write a cover letter unless you are specifically asked not to.

Even if an employer does not ask for a cover letter, it is a great way to take initiative and show how much you care about the position.

Keep it brief.  You always want to keep a cover letter concise. This is especially the case when applying for a part-time job, for which the employer might have many applicants. Keep your letter under one page. Include a lot of white space on the page too—add spaces between paragraphs and keep the margins at least one inch wide.

Emphasize your flexibility.  If the part-time job requires shift work, consider mentioning in your cover letter your ability to work flexible hours. Employers look for shift workers who can take multiple shifts and are willing to step up whenever needed.

Edit and proofread carefully.  Whether applying for a part-time or full-time job, you need to write a professional cover letter. This means thoroughly editing your cover letter to avoid any spelling or grammar errors. A well-written cover letter will show the employer your professionalism, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Thoroughly read through the job listing to see if there are instructions on whether to send your cover letter (and other job materials) via email or by mail. If there are no directions, you can choose.

If you decide to send your cover letter via email, you can either attach it to the email as a Word document or PDF or write the letter directly into the email message.

If you're sending your cover letter in an email message, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the message. Don't list any contact information or the date at the top. Instead, start your email message with the salutation. Then, include your contact information in your email signature. You don’t need to include the employer’s contact information.

This is a part-time job cover letter example. Download the part-time job cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for more examples.

The Balance

Sample Cover Letter For a Part-Time Job (Text Version)

Eric Anderson 123 Main Street Anytown, CA, 12345 111-111-1111 eric.applicant@email.com

April 6, 2022

Jeremy Lee Manager Sarasota Saddlery 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in the part-time position at Sarasota Saddlery, as advertised in The Sarasotian. I have extensive equine experience as I have worked with horses for over nine years. Not only have I shown and ridden horses, but I have also assisted in multiple barns. Through working with horses, I have acquired a thorough knowledge of horses, tack, and equine apparel for both horse and rider.

While I have equine experience, I also have excellent communication skills and an aptitude for customer service. My experience as a volunteer at Sarasota Hospital made it necessary for me to focus on providing quality customer service, and also enabled me to work with all types of people. I believe that my communication skills, partnered with my equine knowledge, would make me an asset to your company.

Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at 111-111-1111 or eric.anderson@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Eric Anderson

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job #1

Subject:  Part-Time Position – Gerald Johnson

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am interested in the part-time sales associate position at XYZ Company. I read the posting on Monster.com with interest, and I feel that my experience would be valuable to your firm. My communication skills and attention to detail are assets that I have been able to utilize in my previous sales positions.

I have extensive retail experience, having worked at small boutiques as well as large department stores. In these jobs, I was often praised for my attention to detail. I was particularly skilled at spotting items that were out of place, and quickly returning them to their appropriate locations in the store.

I also have strong communication skills. I am able to interact with clients in a friendly, approachable manner. In my last position, I interacted with over 50 clients daily. I was named Employee of the Month for three months in a row and was recognized for my contribution to a 10% yearly increase in sales in my department.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you regarding this position. I am available flexible hours, and I believe that you would find me to be an asset to your company.

Gerald Johnson 555-555-5555 gerald.applicant@email.com

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job #2

Subject:  Office Assistant - April Chang

I am interested in applying for the office assistant position that was listed on CareerBuilder.

I have experience in scheduling appointments and communicating with clients, and I am familiar with a variety of phone systems. My communication skills are excellent; I have been praised for my ability to communicate with clients effectively on the phone, in person, and over email.

I also have training in a variety of software programs and systems, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe InDesign, DocuSign, and more. I recently led a workshop for office staff at my previous job on how to effectively use SharePoint. I am a fast learner who is skilled at mastering computer software.

My schedule is flexible, and I would be available to work at your convenience. I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

April Chang 37 Paper Street Baytown, CT 06061 Email: april.chang@gmail.com Cell: 806-555-1245

Part Time cover letter examples

Are you looking for the perfect part-time position?

Then you need to give yourself a competitive edge with an impressive cover letter.

If you’ve been guilty of ignoring these in the past, now’s the time to fix that. Find out how to write an interview-winning application with our part-time cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Part Time cover letter example 1

Part Time cover letter example 2

Part Time cover letter example 3

These Part Time cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Part Time cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Part Time cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Part Time cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Part Time cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Part Time cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hi Gabriel,

I hope you’re well.

I am excited to apply for the Part-Time Business Development Consultant position at your prestigious organisation. As a strategic and results-driven professional with over 17 years of successful experience in B2B sales and business development for software companies across the UK and Europe, I am confident that my proven track record of identifying new opportunities, maximising profitability, and driving revenue growth aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role.

During my tenure at Bubble, I established new partnerships with two world-leading software companies, resulting in the development of innovative product offerings and significant market share expansion. Additionally, I successfully implemented a new inbound sales strategy that contributed to a remarkable 22% increase in the company’s customer base in just two years.

As a passionate ISP Level 6 Business Development Professional, I am eager to bring my expertise to your organisation and contribute to its continued success. I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further during an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Nathan Clark

I am excited to apply for the Part-Time Administrator position at your esteemed recruitment firm. As a highly competent Administrative Coordinator with five years of experience providing seamless support to council and corporate offices, I am confident that my data processing expertise, meeting coordination skills, and meticulous attention to detail make me an excellent fit for this role.

My administrative skills have been proven during my tenure at Lloyds TSB, where I successfully reorganised office supplies storage, reducing accidental overordering by 60%, and streamlined the expense reporting process which led to a 20% reduction in errors.

As an IAM-certified administrator, I have consistently developed and implemented improved reporting systems to enhance efficiency. During my tenure at Coventry City Council, I was appointed as the designated meeting coordinator after successfully organising five meetings with over 50 attendees each in one week, demonstrating my exceptional organisational capabilities.

I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further during an interview at your convenience.

Simon Teller

I am thrilled to apply for the Part-Time Shop Assistant position at your esteemed store alongside my undergraduate studies in Business Administration. As a detail-oriented Checkout Operator with over 3 years of experience in fast-paced retail environments, I am confident that my exceptional customer service skills and proficiency in cash handling make me a perfect fit for this role.

Throughout my current role my ability to manage point-of-sale systems efficiently has resulted in seamless transaction processing, and my dedication to resolving customer complaints promptly has contributed to maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. For example, I successfully identified and reported potential stock losses, reducing inventory discrepancies by 30% in 2021. During my role as a part time Sales Assistant, I consistently surpassed daily sales targets by 15% through effective communication with customers and skilful promotion of sales promotions.

I would love to discuss my suitability further during an interview at your convenience.

Carlos Arani

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Part Time job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

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Part-Time Job Cover Letter Template

Get the job you've always wanted and find ideas for your own cover letter with our free, outstanding Part-Time Job cover letter template. Copy-paste this cover letter sample for free or rewrite it directly in our sleek cover letter creator.

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Part-Time Job Cover Letter Template (Full Text Version)

Charlie Brews

Dear Sir/Madam,

I was pleased to discover that you are looking to fulfill the Part-Time Marketing Assistant position within O&Y Group, LLC as I believe that I possess everything necessary to execute the role and all associated tasks successfully while coming to you with a pro-active approach, exceptional work ethic, and determination to meet and exceed all goals.

First of all, I am a performance-driven and results-oriented high school student offering excellent communication skills and the crucial ability to solve complex problems. Having served as a President of the Benjamin Banneker Academic High School Business Club for over 1 year, I excel at coordinating and supervising other students, planning and organizing various events, and developing and managing operational budgets. On top of that, I am skilled in:

• Producing original promotional content for multiple social media platforms.
• Representing the society at various school meetings and maintaining relevant files and records.
• Executing key administrative tasks and performing other duties as required.

Next, I am a native English speaker with a proficiency in French and a basic knowledge of Chinese. Possessing the experience with all software programs necessary for the job, including QuickBooks, Xero, and Slack, I am a dedicated individual and would appreciate the opportunity to come in for an interview to discuss the position and my qualifications in more detail in person. I can be contacted at any time at 555-555-5555 or via email at [email protected].

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Kind regards,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Home » Part Time Job Cover Letter: 09 Sample Examples

Part Time Job Cover Letter: 09 Sample Examples

Hiring managers and recruiters want to know that you are a qualified candidate for the position Part Time Job Cover Letter. So, make sure your cover letter is tailored specifically to this job. It’s no secret that finding a part time job is difficult. With the right cover letter, you can help make your application stand out and get noticed by hiring managers! So If you’re looking for some new ideas to spice up your next cover letter, we’ve got them here in this blog post for you.

Are you looking for a part-time job but don’t know where to start? A cover letter can be the key to getting your foot in the door. So check out these ideas to help get you started. Therefore your cover letter is your opportunity to show an employer that you are the perfect candidate for the position. It is also your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. If you are looking for a part-time job, be sure to customized your cover letter accordingly.

Part time jobs are a great way to make some extra cash and gain experience. It is essential that you put together an impressive cover letter when applying for one of these positions, as it will be the first impression given to your potential employer. You should include information about how you meet their requirements, why they should hire you over other applicants, and any relevant skills or experience you have in this field. Therefore check out our expert tips below on what makes up a good part-time job cover letter.

For More: 131+ Catchy Part Time Job Resume Objective Ideas

Table of Contents

Part Time Job Cover Letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for the part time job position available at your company. Also have a strong passion for customer service and believe this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced work environment. Also I am a hardworking, honest person who always has a smile on her face and works very well with others. So If you would like to learn more about my qualifications, please see below:

• At XYZ Company I was a key member on the team that helped increase profits by 25%.
• I studied Professional English for over 7 years and can help all of your staff with communication on a daily basis.
• In my most recent job I was responsible for the shipment of over 1000 packages, and always made sure my co-workers were kept up to date on the status of each package.

I am available for an interview anytime, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

Part Time Cover Letter

I am writing this letter to apply for the post advertised on [website name]. I saw your advertisement and was impressed by [briefly describe what attracted you to it or what stood out in some way. You don’t need to repeat why you’re here, but showing that you researched the role and know who it’s for is great]. You mentioned in your advertisement that you are looking for [briefly restate what they said about this role] and this is exactly what I have to offer.

I am a [your degree subject], who has recently finished studying in [university name]. My studies involved lots of teamwork, meeting deadlines, and time management skills, all of which I believe would be essential for this position.

I am a motivated and driven individual, who always tries to give my best in everything I do. During university, I was part of the [club name] team and we practiced every Saturday throughout the year and competed at various regional and national levels. The experience gave me lots of valuable skills such as communication and teamwork ability, which will be useful in the role.

I am currently working at [company name]. I work between 10 am-6 pm on a Friday and 2 pm-6 pm on a Saturday. So, my availability would be after 7:30 pm until 9:45 pm every Monday and Wednesday and every Friday until 6 pm.

I look forward to hearing from you and I hope that my application will be considered for this position. Thank you,

Yours faithfully, Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

Cover Letter Examples Part Time Job

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I’m writing in response to the ___________ that you posted on indeed.com. I would like to take this opportunity to express my interest in your company and employment opportunity outlined above. Working in team environment with other individuals striving for success is something I really enjoy doing, which lead me to also be an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys participating in track & field.

I am able to quickly establish strong working relationships with my colleagues, while also being an independent worker who can effectively manage his time while meeting deadlines. My work experience includes ___________ where I was responsible for ___________ which included ___________ and ___________. It’s safe to say that I’m ready to handle any challenge you throw my way.

As an applicant for the ___________ position, I feel I am the perfect candidate to fill your needs as I have some experience working in a fast-paced environment while also having strong communication skills and being able to multi-task. I look forward to hearing from you soon about scheduling an interview.

Thank you, Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

Sample Cover Letter for Part Time Job

I am writing to apply for the position of ______________ as advertised on your website. On my resume, I have outlined my professional experience and qualifications that make me an ideal candidate for this role.

As you can see from my resume, I have extensive experience in customer service roles having worked with several long-term clients over the past 5 years. Have been involved with everything from ___________ to ______________ and my enthusiasm for this role lies in the fact that it would allow me to continue my work in this area, while also exploring new avenues at your organization.

I am a dedicated person with great communication skills and a proven ability to adapt under pressure. Therefore I am accustomed to working in fast-paced environments and my experience in __________ has prepared me well for this role.

So I hope that I can make an appointment to discuss the opportunity with you further at your soonest convenience. My contact details are below should you wish to reach out to me directly. Please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile at __________. You will find that I have included examples of my work throughout the page. Thank you for your time and consideration,

Yours Sincerely, Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

Cover Letter for on Campus Part Time Job

Dear HR Manager,

I have recently graduated from XXXX College with a degree in Business Administration, and I am currently seeking a part-time job.

As summer approaches, people are starting to consider ways to earn money from their free time. In my case, So I am looking for employment at your company as a part-time receptionist. I have experience in this position from part of my internship during my time at college.

I am a highly motivated and self-driven individual. When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to be independent and take on challenges with the support of her guidance. As a student, I have been involved in numerous activities outside of school such as clubs, team sports, and volunteer work.

I hope that my experience as a part-time receptionist will benefit your company. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me at (000) 555-1234). Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Part Time Job Letter

Dear Human Resources Manager,

I am writing to apply for the open part-time receptionist position at your company. Have worked as a full-time receptionist for XXXX Co. during my summer breaks from college and would like to continue working there in this capacity.

I am very familiar with all of the duties involved in this position. As well as the general responsibilities of a receptionist. A few highlights from my experience include:

I am an excellent candidate for this position because I have a positive outlook and demeanor that shines through on a daily basis. My customer service skills are outstanding and I truly enjoy working with the general public. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

For More: 103+Best Objective in Resume For Production Operator ideas

Student Cover Letter for Part Time Job

I am writing to express my interest in the part-time opening for a receptionist you have recently posted on LinkedIn. I am a reliable, dedicated, and proactive worker with excellent communication skills and many years of administrative experience under my belt. So I believe that my work ethic and personality would be a great fit within your organization.

As per the position description you have posted, Therefore I have two years of experience in a fast-paced office environment. Highlights of my resume include the following:

• Handling emails, phone calls & scheduling meetings for 4 employees simultaneously.
• Updating file management systems on a daily basis.
• Assisting with company wide projects as needed.

I enclose my resume for your perusal and thank you for the opportunity to apply. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Part Time Job Application Letter For Students

Dear Sir, Madam,

I am writing to apply for an on-call position with your company. As so I would like to work flexible position for your company as I would like to work flexible hours with the opportunity of extra earnings. Also I am available for an immediate start and can undertake all duties assigned to me.

Some of my key abilities are:

• good organizational skills
• excellent communication skills
• problem solving skills and ability to work well within a team.

I am able to undertake all duties assigned to me. I look forward to hearing from you regarding this position and hope we can arrange an interview as soon as possible. Also, I have attached my CV below which outlines my employment history and experience to date. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Faithfully, Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

Application Letter Sample for Part Time Job

I am writing to apply for a position in your company as a part-time job. So after careful consideration, I have decided that this is the type of position I am looking for. The job responsibilities include:

• Maintaining an up-to-date schedule of the company vehicles and delegating tasks to drivers in a timely manner.
• Dispatching any urgent deliveries that need to be made immediately.
• Communicating with clients when necessary and updating them on current project details or upcoming events.

I am very excited about the prospect of working in this position and feel also that my skills and qualifications make me a perfect fit. My goals for this—and I mean to achieve them over time—are:

• Setting up procedures and protocols that will ensure proper management of all projects or events.
• Over time, build a team of drivers and dispatchers that will work together to form a more efficient company.
• Ideally, I would like to move into the position of Manager after gaining some experience in this job. My qualifications include:
• 3 years as a receptionist for a small construction company.

It is my belief that my skills match the needs of your company. Please find attached my resume for your review. So If you would like to set up an appointment, please call 612-555-1234. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards Name:_______, Email:___________, Address:__________Contact#____________

That’s it! Also we hope these tips help you write an amazing cover letter for your next part-time job. Remember, be specific and personalize each letter to the company and position you are applying for. So If you have any questions or want feedback on your letter, let us know in the comments below. We would love to help out! Do you have any other tips to share? So, what do you think? Do any of these part-time job cover letter ideas stand out to you as something you could use in your own job search? Let us know in the comment section below – we’d love to hear from you! And if you need more help putting together a great application package, be sure to check out our other resources on how to write the perfect resume and cover letter. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your job hunt.

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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Cover Letter

Table of contents.

When submitting a job application, your resume can only go so far. Resumes tell prospective employers about your experience and education, but they’re essentially fact sheets. A cover letter gives applicants the opportunity to share more detailed information on why they’d be a good fit for a particular role at a specific company.

We’ll outline some common cover letter mistakes to avoid and share tips and best practices for cover letters that show you in the best possible light. 

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

A cover letter can show a hiring manager why you’re the best fit for a position, so getting it right is worth your time and effort. However, crafting an effective cover letter can be challenging. You must showcase your skills without appearing self-important or succumbing to cliches.

Here are six cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs. 

1. Highlighting where you lack specific skills

It’s easy to feel vulnerable when applying for a job, especially if you have limited work experience or few required skills. However, starting a cover letter by underselling yourself or drawing attention to the skills or knowledge you lack is never advisable.

Author and career development professional Lavie Margolin says cover letters aren’t the place to list your weaknesses. “I have seen one too many cover letters with the following phrase: ‘Although I do not yet have,'” Margolin noted. “If you do not have something, why are you emphasizing it?”

Instead, Margolin says job seekers should focus on existing in-demand career skills , experiences and talents that will interest the potential employer.

“If you are looking for a job, then you are in the sales business. What you write in your cover letter should most effectively sell the skills, experience and abilities that you do have, as opposed to emphasizing those things that are lacking,” Margolin advised. “Emphasizing a weakness on your cover letter may be costing you the job.”

2. Not proofreading for typos and cliches

Sometimes, job seekers get so caught up in finding the best way to express their ideas that they forget to pay close attention to their cover letter’s details. Typos, using the wrong company information and cliches are common mistakes to look for in your proofreading efforts. 

• Look for cover letter typos. According to Joe Weinlick, COO of Catalyst Experiential, cover letter typos are an egregious yet common mistake. Rigorously proofreading your cover letter will allow your content to shine. “Spell-check is your friend. Use it, but don’t rely on it,” Weinlick advised. “Print out your cover letter, read it from start to finish and make sure there aren’t any typos before sending it out. Your cover letter is the first impression you make on a hiring manager – make sure it’s a good one.”
• Ensure you use the correct company information. You may be tempted to reuse parts of your cover letter when applying for similar positions with different companies. However, failing to update the company information for each letter is an unforgivable offense. Double-check that you have the correct details for the company, including the specific position for which you are applying and the name of the hiring manager, if possible.
• Watch for cliches and buzzwords. When proofreading your cover letter, look for and eliminate cliches and overused buzzwords . Instead of using vague words to describe your work ethic or experience (“I’m a motivated self-starter”), provide specific examples that demonstrate the qualities you’d like to highlight. “Don’t use buzzwords,” warned Bob Kovalsky, vice president of Volt Workforce Solutions. “Including descriptors such as ‘detail-oriented,’ ‘hardworking,’ ‘team player’ and ‘proactive’ doesn’t tell HR managers anything about your experience.”

Watch for cliches and worthless words in your LinkedIn profile . Overused buzzwords won’t convey your unique qualifications and personality.

3. Remaining stuck in the past

Maybe you were let go from your last job, or maybe you’re looking for new opportunities. Regardless of the reason for your job search , don’t spend your cover letter’s limited space focusing on your past.

“The worst thing a potential employee can do [in a cover letter] is to explain why they left their current or former position,” shared Kim Kaupe, co-founder of Bright Ideas Only. “It’s like starting out a first date by talking about your ex! I don’t want to hear about your past; I want to hear about your now and future and how you are going to become an asset to my company.”

Steering clear of the past is especially important if you had a contentious relationship with an employer. “Saying that you’re looking for a new opportunity because your previous employer was unfair or you had an incompetent boss will only make you look bad,” warned Tracy Russell, a talent acquisition coordinator at Intuit. “Oftentimes, if this type of negative information is in the cover letter, recruiters won’t even look at the resume.”

4. Talking about money too soon

There’s a time and place to discuss salary during the hiring process , but your cover letter isn’t it. Lisa Benson, president and CEO of Mary Kraft HR, advises against providing any unsolicited salary information in the cover letter “unless [you] are specifically asked to do so, particularly if there is a disparity between what is advertised or indicated in the ad [you] are responding to. No prospective employer wants to hire someone who is only about the money.”

5. Making it all about you

Another common mistake applicants make is using their cover letter to boast about their talents without acknowledging how they will use them to benefit a prospective employer.

“The worst thing a candidate can do in their cover letter is make it all about themselves and what they’re looking for,” said Ian Yates, senior director of corporate accounts at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The best thing to do is focus on why they’ll be a great fit, how they’ll make a contribution, and what they’ve done, or will do, to support [the organization].”

“It is a fine line between confident and arrogant,” added Sue Hardek, managing director at ZRG Partners. Hardek noted that candidates should avoid overselling themselves and being boastful about accomplishments and strengths. 

Job candidates should also steer clear of oversharing personal history or exaggerating or lying on their resume or cover letter.

6. Letting AI do the heavy lifting

Many generative AI companies boast that their AI tools can save time by drafting perfect cover letters. While AI is transforming business , including the job search process, you must be especially careful when using it for your cover letter. 

Opinions about using AI in the workplace are mixed. You don’t want to risk coming across a hiring manager who suspects an AI-generated cover letter and immediately tosses your application. Worse, AI might utilize copied text or provide other job seekers with the same phrasing, leading hiring managers to suspect you of plagiarism. 

AI can be a good place to start, but you should never rely on it for a final product. AI can help you generate ideas, synthesize your experience with the history and needs of the company, or assist with general editing. But when it comes to the final product, you want your voice to shine through, so ensure the writing is your own – even if you’ve had some help. 

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a company’s first introduction to who you are as a person. Your resume will explain your previous work experience and skills, but your cover letter is an opportunity to show recruiters your personal side. It’s also a chance to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. Employers get many applications, many of which display similar backgrounds and experience. A cover letter helps narrow down their talent pool.

Cover letters are typically written in a three-paragraph format and should be no more than 300 words.

The benefits of a cover letter

Some job listings require the candidate to submit a cover letter, while others make it optional. However, applicants should always take the time to write a cover letter to express their interest in the company and flesh out their professional experience. 

A cover letter brings the following advantages: 

1. Cover letters personalize your application.

Even great resumes don’t allow applicants to show off their writing skills. A cover letter can help candidates sell themselves by letting their personalities shine. Recruiters get a sense of who the candidate is beyond their work experience and education. Cover letters also allow candidates to discuss parts of their background that may not be explicitly stated on a resume but are relevant to the job they’re applying for.

2. Cover letters showcase your interest in the position and company.

Many candidates blindly shoot off job applications, believing in quantity over quality. To be as efficient as possible, they’ll either send a generic cover letter or fail to send one. However, this is a missed opportunity. 

A cover letter with specific details about why you’d be a great fit for the company shows you’ve done your research and are interested in working for that organization. Employers will notice candidates who researched the business and its company culture . These candidates show they want to be there specifically – they don’t just want a job.  

3. Cover letters demonstrate your hard work.

Taking the time to draft a well-researched cover letter shows employers you’re self-motivated and passionate about the position. The skills of researching, writing and submitting clean copy before the deadline demonstrate your ability to work and follow directions.

In addition to crafting an excellent cover letter, job candidates should prepare for the interview process and send a thank-you letter to follow up.

How to write a good cover letter

Hiring managers may receive hundreds of cover letters and resumes for a single job post. Potential employees have only a few seconds to make a good first impression, and a boring cover letter could land them straight in the “no” pile.

Follow these eight tips from hiring experts to write a cover letter that will land you an interview:

1. Be yourself in your cover letter.

You don’t want to sound like everyone else. Give hiring managers a sense of your personality traits and how you might fit into the company.

“One key thing we look for is whether they’ve incorporated aspects of their personality into examples of how they would succeed in this position,” shared Margaret Freel, digital marketing specialist at No Dirty Earth and a former corporate recruiter.

Mentioning experiences that qualify you for a particular position is one way to personalize your letter. “Candidates should be concise and self-aware enough to know how their track record of results makes them unique and [be] able to relate that back to the position,” Freel advised.

2. Do your research and customize your cover letter.

Like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to each position and company. Instead of a template-style cover letter, use industry-specific language referencing points from the job description and company website.

In your research, determine the hiring manager’s name, if possible. Addressing the hiring manager sets you apart. If you’re unsure who the hiring manager is, use a generic salutation – but only as a last resort.

“Address the cover letter to a specific person within the company, not the general – and much-hated – ‘dear sir or madam,'” advised Alina Cincan, managing director and co-founder of Inbox Translation. “This shows the candidate has done some research and is truly interested in working with that company, not just any company.”

Christa Shapiro, a director at the staffing firm Yoh, said one thing that always draws attention to a cover letter is mentioning why you want to be a part of a particular organization. Show a passion for the organization and industry. Employers don’t want to hire someone who won’t care about their work.

Getting a feel for the company will also prepare you for the types of interview questions the hiring manager will likely ask.

3. Be creative in your cover letter.

Hiring managers won’t finish reading your cover letter if they’re bored after the first line. A strong intro should find a unique way to highlight experiences or something specific from the job posting.

Grabbing their attention is key; hiring managers review tons of cover letters for each position. Find a creative way to stand out so the hiring manager notices you and moves on to your resume. 

A creative cover letter moves beyond stiff cover letter templates and stock phrases. A great way to make your cover letter pop is to include a brief story that connects you to the company through its mission or product. “This exercise will undoubtedly separate you from the majority of other candidates,” advised Kenneth Johnson, founder and president of East Coast Executives.

4. Mention referrals in your cover letter.

If you were introduced or connected to a hiring manager via an employee referral or mutual industry contact, include that person’s name in your cover letter (with their permission).

“Candidates can include referrals in a cover letter to make them stand out,” said Bill Peppler, COO of staffing firm Kavaliro. “They should always gain permission for this before they name-drop, but the cover letter gives a great opportunity to include the name of someone that can vouch for your skills.”

5. Address potential resume concerns in your cover letter.

A well-crafted cover letter does more than explain why you’re the right person for the job. It also gives you a chance to explain items on your resume that might otherwise be considered red flags.

“Address any issues that may give a hiring manager pause, such as gaps in employment,” advised Diane Domeyer Kock, senior vice president and managing director at Robert Half.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that an unemployment bias exists, as some companies are reluctant to hire out-of-work people. However, the cover letter allows you to reclaim the narrative and demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate despite your employment history.

6. Don’t just repeat your resume in your cover letter.

While your cover letter should reference material from your resume, it shouldn’t simply be a word-for-word repeat. According to Jane Trnka, a career coach with Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, job candidates can use their cover letter to expand where necessary and discuss their listed experiences from a different angle.

“Craft the letter to acknowledge the requirements of the role and culture of the organization while highlighting the skills and experiences that align with the job description,” Trnka advised.

A cover letter is a great place to discuss any volunteer work or side projects that may not be on your resume but are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

7. Proofread and fact-check your resume.

As mentioned earlier, it’s imperative to check and double-check your cover letter for any grammatical or factual errors. Even the smallest mistake can make a bad impression on the person reading your letter.

“If there are errors of any kind, it’s a huge red flag,” warned Guryan Tighe, leadership coach and founder of Fourage. “This is your one opportunity to impress [the hiring manager] and show who you are. If there are typos, misspellings or formatting issues, it’s generally an automatic out.”

8. Keep your cover letter brief.

Hiring managers are busy and usually have many applications to review. Keeping your cover letter concise and to the point will improve the chances of it being read. It also makes the hiring manager’s job easier – which is always a good thing.

“The best cover letters can [be] concise, friendly and transparent,” explained Chris Wood, managing partner of Paige Technologies. “The best cover letters get right to the heart of why we are a great fit for them and why they are the best fit for us.”

Get your foot in the door

Perfecting your cover letter is an essential step in the job search process. You must spend time researching the company and crafting a creative, personalized letter that shows hiring managers you’ll be a valuable addition. Your cover letter should be unique to you and unique to each company you apply for. 

But a great cover letter only gets your foot in the door. If you want to secure the job, you must carefully prepare for each part of the job search process. Whether it’s the cover letter or the interview, each step is a chance to show why you and the company you want to work for are a perfect fit. 

Tom Anziano and Sean Peek contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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