
Anyone who has ever looked for a job may roll their eyes at one part of the process – writing a cover letter. It may be treated as a tedious task, with job hunters just summarizing their resumes and failing to catch the attention of hiring managers.
However, your cover letter is one of the first impressions you’ll make on a potential employer. It’s your chance to come across as exciting, inspired, and the perfect candidate for the role.
Let’s dive into some of the best tips to help you write a winning cover letter. But first, we’ll cover what you should never include in your cover letter.
What not to include in your cover letter
Before you actually begin writing your cover letter, make sure you understand why you need a cover letter in the first place. When a job posting asks for your resume, CV, and cover letter, they’re seeking deeper information about who you are and what sets you apart from other applicants. Your cover letter is your chance to highlight your work ethic, team skills, and other characteristics that would bring value to the role and the company.
That being said, here’s what to avoid in your cover letter:
- Don’t just summarize your CV: This is probably one of the biggest mistakes applicants make with their cover letters. They shouldn’t just be a summary of your resume or CV. Focus on specific, relevant, and impressive experiences that align with the position you’re applying for.
- Don’t just ramble on about yourself: Avoid making the letter solely about yourself. Instead, emphasize how your skills and experiences can benefit the employer. Hiring managers want to know what you can do for them, not just learn your career history or life story. Of course, if you have a personal experience that translates into useful skills that would apply to the position, mention that.
- Don’t highlight negative past experiences: Avoid discussing reasons for leaving previous jobs, especially if those reasons are negative. This can create a poor impression and distract from your current qualifications and potential contributions. Focus on the future and your gusto for this new role.
- Don’t make your cover letter long: Imagine the stack of cover letters hiring managers have to sort through. Aim for half a page to one full page, as hiring managers prefer concise communication and it shows that you’re able to articulate yourself clearly.
- Don’t add clichés and generic phrases: Don’t use tired phrases like “team player,” “hard worker,” or “detail-oriented.” These can come off as insincere. Instead, use specific examples to illustrate your qualifications and fit for the role. For example, instead of “I am a team player,” write “I led a cross-functional team of five and increased sales by 20% in our first year.”
- Don’t include salary information prematurely: Unless specifically requested in the job posting, a cover letter is not the place to discuss salary. This can give the impression that you are primarily motivated by compensation rather than the role itself.
- Don’t include typos and spelling errors: Proofread your letter multiple times and consider having someone else review it before you send it out.
Anatomy of a strong cover letter
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid in a cover letter, let’s take a look at what a well-structured, attention-grabbing cover letter looks like. The best cover letters follow a clear format and guide the hiring manager through important information about you.
1. Header
This section includes your contact information at the top, typically formatted as follows:
- Your Name
- Your Address
- City, State, Zip Code
- Your Phone Number
- Your Email Address
If you’re sending a hard copy, you also need to include the date and the employer’s contact information
2. Salutation
When possible, address your letter to a specific person – “Dear Mr. Smith” is much more personal than “To Whom It May Concern.”
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” but try and do a little research to land on a specific person whenever possible.
3. Introduction Paragraph
Your first paragraph is an opportunity to entice the hiring manager to read your letter all the way through. Start by introducing yourself and stating the position you’re applying for. Mention where you found the job posting and express your enthusiasm for the role. Keep it concise – ideally, no more than four sentences.
For example:
“I’m Jane Smith and I’m interested in the Marketing Director position at ABC Company, which I found on your website’s careers page. I’ve long-admired ABC Company’s creative approach to brand storytelling and believe I can strengthen that approach with my award-winning experience as a marketer.”
4. Body Paragraphs
This is the core of your cover letter, where you’ll elaborate on your relevant skills and experiences and provide specific examples that relate to the job description. Use one to two paragraphs max and consider bullet points to emphasize key achievements or qualifications, making it easier for the hiring manager to digest important information.
For example:
“In my current role at XYZ Agency, I led a 360-marketing campaign for our client, a global skincare brand, resulting in 30% increase in online engagement and 20% growth in sales over a one year period. In addition:
- I oversaw five team members in planning and executing campaign components
- I managed an annual advertising budget of $250,000, optimizing to achieve a 20% reduction in cost-per-click
- Our advertising and social media campaigns went viral and won 2 Gold ADDY awards”
5. Conclusion Paragraph
In the closing section, reiterate your interest in the position and summarize how your skills can contribute to the organization. Express appreciation for the employer’s consideration of your application and suggest a follow-up, indicating your desire for an interview. Provide your contact information again if necessary.
For example:
“I am confident that my passion for storytelling combined with my marketing experience would make me an asset to ABC Company, and I’m eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your organization. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.”
6. Sign-off
End the letter with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name. If sending a hard copy, leave space for your signature above your typed name (or for an electronic signature if sending a digital copy).
Cover letter examples
To help you get started, let’s take a look at cover letter examples for a variety of specific job positions.
Standard cover letter example
John Doe
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
john.doe@email.com
[Date]Lee Hardy
ABC Corporation
456 Market Street
City, State, ZIP
Dear Ms. Hardy,
I am writing to express my interest in the Project Manager position at ABC Corporation, which I found listed on your company’s careers page. With over five years of experience managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your team.
In my current role at XYZ Solutions, I have successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering impactful results. My key achievements include implementing a new project management software that increased team productivity, reduced project completion time by 15%, and improved our capacity planning. In addition, I have worked with stakeholders to ensure that project goals are aligned with and have met business objectives.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in project management to ABC Corporation and contribute to your continued success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences will benefit your organization.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Data-driven cover letter example
Jane Smith
123 Technology Way
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
jane.smith@email.com
[Date]Bob Johnson
Tech Innovators Inc.
789 Innovation Drive
City, State, ZIP
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am applying for the Data Analyst position at Tech Innovators Inc. As a data enthusiast with a proven track record of using analytics to drive business decisions, I believe I can bring significant value to your team. I was excited to find this opportunity on your LinkedIn and would love to contribute my skills to your organization.
In my current position at Data Solutions Corp, I implemented a new data visualization system that helped reduce the time spent on reporting by 30%. I also led a project where we optimized data collection processes, which increased the accuracy of data by 20%. My experience working with SQL, Python, and Tableau has enabled me to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can use my data-driven approach to help Tech Innovators Inc. achieve its goals.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
Cover letter for an entry level job
Emily Carr
456 Oak Street
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
emily.carr@email.com
[Date]Hiring Manager
Bright Start LLC
123 Career Avenue
City, State, ZIP
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Administrative Assistant position at Bright Start LLC, which I found on your job board. I’ve recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration, and I am eager to begin my career with such an admirable and respectable company.
I held various internships as a college student, where I developed strong organizational and communication skills that I believe will make me a valuable addition to your team. At XYZ Internship, I coordinated schedules, prepared reports, and maintained communication with clients. I also served as a member of the Innovative College Executives organization at my university for three years, where I learned leadership skills and gained professional-level experience.
I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, keen attention to detail, and administrative skills to Bright Start LLC. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emily Carr
Short cover letter example
Michael Thompson
123 Elm Street
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
michael.thompson@email.com
[Date]Jack Park
Global Enterprises
456 Business Plaza
City, State, ZIP
Dear Mr. Park,
I am writing to apply for the Sales Associate position at Global Enterprises. With over two years of sales experience, I have developed excellent customer service and sales skills that I believe align with the needs of your team.
At my previous job with XYZ Retail, I consistently exceeded my sales targets by 15% each quarter and was named top salesperson for three consecutive quarteres. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments and helping customers find the products that best suit their needs.
I would love the opportunity to bring my expertise to Global Enterprises and contribute to your sales team’s success.
Best regards,
Michael Thompson
Cover letter for an internship
Anna Dobbs
789 University Drive
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
anna.dobbs@email.com
[Date]Internship Coordinator
Creative Media Solutions
456 Innovation Lane
City, State, ZIP
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship position at Creative Media Solutions, as advertised on your website. As a junior majoring in Marketing at State University, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in the field and contribute to your creative campaigns.
During my academic career, I have developed a strong foundation in digital marketing strategies, including social media management, content creation, and email marketing. I am passionate about creating personal social media content, and have amassed 100,000 followers on TikTok. I recently completed a group project where we increased a local business’s Instagram engagement by 25% through a targeted campaign.
I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and learn from the talented team at Creative Media Solutions. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Anna Dobbs
Cover letter for a non-profit organization
Mo Williams
123 Community Street
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
mo.williams@email.com
[Date]Sara Wells
Hope for All
789 Charity Lane
City, State, ZIP
Dear Ms. Wells,
I am writing to express my interest in the Program Coordinator position at Hope for All, which I found listed on your website. Community service has played an important role in my life since childhood. My passion combined with over three years of experience in program management for non-profit organizations would make me a valuable asset to your team.
At XYZ Foundation, I coordinated outreach programs that served over 500 individuals annually, increasing program participation by 20% within the first year. My experience in grant writing, volunteer coordination, and event planning would allow me to contribute effectively to Hope for All’s mission.
I believe in your mission and want to play a role in making a difference. Thank you for your time and I look forward to discussing how I can help further your organization’s goals.
Sincerely,
Mo Williams
Cover letter example for a marketing position
David Greene
456 Creative Drive
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
david.greene@email.com
[Date]Jay Carson
MarketSmart Inc.
123 Branding Avenue
City, State, ZIP
Dear Mr. Carson,
I am excited to apply for the Digital Marketing Manager position at MarketSmart Inc. With over six years of experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of driving online growth, I am confident that I can help your team reach new heights.
At XYZ Marketing Agency, I led a team that increased web traffic by 40% and boosted conversion rates by 25% in one year. I also managed a $200,000 annual budget and optimized our ad spend to reduce cost-per-click by 15%. My expertise in SEO, PPC, and content marketing makes me well-suited for this role.
I know my digital marketing skills would make a positive impact at MarketSmart Inc. and I’d love to contribute to your continued success. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Greene
Professor cover letter example
Dr. Laura Bradshaw
789 University Blvd
City, State, ZIP
(555) 555-5555
laura.bradshaw@email.com
**[Date]**
Dr. John Roberts
Dean of Faculty
University of Excellence
123 Academic Lane
City, State, ZIP
Dear Dr. Roberts,
I am writing to express my interest in the Associate Professor of English position at the University of Excellence. With a Ph.D. in English Literature and over eight years of experience teaching at the collegiate level, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed department.
In my current role at ABC University, I have taught a wide range of courses, from introductory literature classes to advanced seminars in literary theory. My research focuses on modernist literature (a personal favorite), and I have published several peer-reviewed articles on the subject. I am passionate about fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity in my students, and I have consistently received high ratings in my end-of-year evaluations.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my teaching and research can contribute to the University of Excellence.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura Bradshaw
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- What not to include in your cover letter
- Anatomy of a strong cover letter
- Cover letter examples
- Standard cover letter example
- Data-driven cover letter example
- Cover letter for an entry level job
- Short cover letter example
- Cover letter for an internship
- Cover letter for a non-profit organization
- Cover letter example for a marketing position
- Professor cover letter example
- Making it official with SignNow