What is a Cover Letter & How do I Write It? Complete Guide & Examples

Following quite a while of weighty occupation-looking, you’re nearly there!

You’ve completed your resume. (Cover Letter)

You’ve short-recorded the coolest positions you need to apply for.

You’ve even had a companion train you for every inquiry question out there.

However at that point, before you can send in your application and tap out, you recall that you want to compose an introductory letter as well.

So presently, you’re stuck gazing at a clear page, pondering where to begin…

Try not to overreact! We take care of you. Composing an introductory letter is much less complex than you could naturally suspect.

In this aide, we will show you how to compose an introductory letter that lands you enough position.

We will cover:

Let’s get started.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter serves as a formal introduction, meanwhile, providing context that complements your resume’s skill highlights, thereby enhancing your application.

A cover letter briefly introduces your background (250-400 words), thereby highlighting key strengths.

Ultimately, a well-crafted cover letter aims to impress the hiring manager, thereby convincing them of your potential. Consequently, it should effectively showcase your skills and expertise, whereas a mediocre letter may fall short. Moreover, a compelling cover letter can significantly increase your chances, furthermore, setting you apart from other candidates. Additionally, it demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the position.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

Firstly, your cover letter should complement, rather than duplicate, your resume. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to elaborate on key achievements and skills, whereas your resume only scratches the surface. Moreover, this allows you to highlight crucial details that otherwise would be omitted. Consequently, your cover letter becomes a valuable supplement to your application.

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person.

• Header. Add all the crucial contact information at the most elevated mark of your early on letter.
• Formal welcome. Pick a reasonable strategy for hi your vested party.
• Show. Introduce yourself in the underlying entry and figure out your benefit in the gig.
• Body. Develop why you’re truly an incredible competitor for the gig and a good partner for the association. Focus in on “selling” your capacities, achievements, and pertinent master experiences.
• End. Summarize your focal issues and wrap them up masterfully.

As of now, we ought to examine a representation of an early letter that follows our development faultlessly:

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

Moreover, failing to submit a cover letter when requested can be a deal-breaker. It’s likely to land your application in the rejection pile instantly. Therefore, it’s crucial to include a well-crafted cover letter to avoid raising red flags and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Meanwhile, a well-written cover letter can be a game-changer. Notably, it distinguishes you from equally qualified candidates. Furthermore, it can persuade the hiring manager to invite you for an interview, giving you a competitive edge.

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

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

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

2. Put Contact Information in the Header

Initially, your cover letter should commence with your contact details, situated at the top. Accordingly, these should be neatly separated from the main text, whereas the header provides a clear and concise format. Moreover, this ensures a professional presentation, thereby making a positive first impression. Furthermore, a well-structured header sets the tone for the rest of the letter.

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

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile, Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager’s Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager’s Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you’re applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

Firstly, it is essential to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager, thereby establishing a personal connection. Consequently, this shows you have taken the initiative to research the company, whereas a generic greeting may indicate lack of effort. Moreover, a direct address sets the tone for a tailored application, furthermore, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role. Additionally, it highlights your attention to detail, thus making a positive impression.

You want to address the hiring manager personally.

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that fails, try LinkedIn. Simply look up the department head, and you’re good to go.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

Example Addressing Hiring Manager:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

Alternatively, you can address your cover letter to the company, department, or team, thereby casting a wider net. Similarly, omitting the hiring manager’s name is also acceptable, meanwhile, ensuring your application remains inclusive. Nonetheless, a generic greeting should still be professional and polished, consequently, making a good impression.

Example Addressing Company:

• Precious [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Precious [Company Name]

4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

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

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

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

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

Wrong Example:

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

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

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

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Correct Example

Dear Mr. Smith, My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company, for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance, and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

Remember, the key is to focus on the fit. Rather than making it all about you, show the hiring manager how you align with the job and company.

However, despite your impressive credentials, unless you tailor your cover letter to align with the hiring manager’s requirements, consequently, you won’t land an interview. Moreover, it’s crucial to match your skills with their needs, thereby increasing your chances.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
Excellent copywriting skills
So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

Example Tailored to the Job Ad:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on. Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including: Google Search Twitter Reddit Quora

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary, so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What is the company’s business model?
• The company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

Example Tailored to the Company:

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 admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you’re applying to that specific company.

6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

At long last, now is the right time to close your introductory letter.

In the last passage, you need to:

• Wrap up any focuses you were unable to make in the past passages. Do you have whatever passed on to say? On the off chance that there’s whatever other data that could end up being useful to the recruiting supervisor go with their choice, notice it here. If not, simply recap your key selling focuses up to this point, like key abilities and skills.
• Offer thanks. Obligingly expressing gratitude toward the recruiting director for their time is consistently smart.
• Finish the introductory letter with a source of inspiration. The absolute last sentence in your introductory letter ought to be a source of inspiration. This implies you ought to request that the recruiting director follow through with something, like call you and talk about your application or orchestrate a meeting.
• Make sure to sign your introductory letter. Simply add a conventional shutting line and sign your name at the base.

This is an illustration of the way to end your introductory letter:

Introductory Letter End Model:

I desire to assist Company X take full advantage of their Facebook promoting drives. I’d very much want to additionally talk about how my past progress at XYZ Inc. can assist you with accomplishing your Facebook advertising objectives. Kindly feel free to out to me at the given email address or telephone number with the goal that we might organize a meeting. Much obliged to you for your thoughts, Alice Richards

Go ahead and utilize one of these other well-known shutting lines for your introductory letter:

Best Respects,
Kind Respects,
Genuinely,
Much obliged to you,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements.

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information? Full Name Job Title Professional Email Phone Number Location Relevant Links Do you address the right person? The hiring manager in the company Your future direct supervisor The company/department in general Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader’s attention? Did you mention some of your top achievements? Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience? Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role? Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job? Did you identify the core requirements for the role? Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly? Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to? Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company? Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company? Did you conclude your cover letter properly? Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion? Did you end your cover letter with a call to action? Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter!

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job

When applying for a job, tailor your cover letter to the position to show you’re the right person for the job.

Showcase Your Skills

In a cover letter, highlight your skills, both hard and soft, and how they meet the needs of the company.

Avoid Fluff

Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.

Use Specific Examples

Support your claims with specific examples and data. Quantify achievements using numbers and percentages to demonstrate credibility.

Research the Company

Learn about the company you are applying to and mention it in your cover letter to show interest. This will help you stand out.

Follow the Application Instructions

Follow the job posting’s instructions precisely. Omitting requested details or formats may convey a lack of interest, thereby jeopardizing your application.

Use the Right Template and Format

When choosing a cover letter format, consider the industry you’re applying to. For example, law or finance might call for a clean, professional format, while IT or design might allow for more creativity.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Express your genuine interest in the position, showing you’re not just applying randomly.

Address Any Gaps

If you have gaps in your employment history, your resume doesn’t give you enough space to explain them. Your cover letter is a great place to do so. Employers understand that life happens.

Avoid Quirky Emails

Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@email.com, thereby making a good impression on hiring managers.

Check Your Contact Information

Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.

Mention if You Want to Relocate

If you’re looking for a job that lets you relocate, specify this in your cover letter; otherwise, you may miss out on opportunities. Additionally, being upfront about your location preferences will help you stand out to potential employers.

Keep It Brief

Keep your cover letter concise, as hiring managers won’t read beyond one page; consequently, excess content is wasted.

Use a Professional Tone

When writing a cover letter, avoid slang, jargon, and emojis; consequently, you will ensure a professional tone. Moreover, remembering that it’s a formal document will help you maintain the appropriate language.

Proofread Carefully

Ensure error-free writing by using a tool or friend to check spelling and grammar, thereby making a positive impact on your job search.

Cover Letter Examples

1. College Student Cover Letter Example

2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

5. Management Cover Letter Example

Key Focal points

Now that we’ve strolled you through every one of the means of composing an introductory letter, we should sum up all that we’ve learned:

• An introductory letter is a 250 – 400 word report that is intended to persuade the employing chief that you’re really amazing contender for the gig.
• Your employment form ought to continuously incorporate an introductory letter close by your resume.
• To snatch the recruiting chief’s consideration, compose areas of strength for a passage. Notice what your identity is, the reason you’re applying, and a champion accomplishment to provoke their curiosity.
• Your introductory letter ought to zero in on what reason you’re the ideal contender to make it happen and for what reason you’re enthusiastic about working in this particular organization.
• Utilize the body of your introductory letter to give subtleties on your abilities, accomplishments, and capabilities, as well as try to convey your excitement throughout your entire introductory letter.
• Recap your key selling focuses towards the finish of your introductory letter, and end it with a proper shutting line and your complete name endorsed.

How to Become a Web Developer? [Complete Guide]