how much does a cover letter help

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 (Tips & Examples)

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Writing a cover letter can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance on how to write a cover letter that impresses hiring managers and increases your chances of landing an interview.

We spoke with David Grimes, director of people and talent operations at Taulia LLC, about the importance of creating a cover letter for your job application.

Grimes told us, “I sincerely appreciate cover letters, as they signal to me an amplification of interest and offer an additional opportunity to convey that [job candidates] have taken the time to truly review the position or organization and see an alignment.”

“When done well, a cover letter can provide a window into the candidate as they picture themselves at our organization.” – David Grimes, Director of People and Talent Operations at Taulia LLC

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter for a job application. Plus we’ll provide cover letter examples and expert tips on how to write a resume cover letter that lands interviews.

Are you searching for remote jobs? Our sister company, FlexJobs, updates listings daily with verified remote jobs. Find full-time and part-time remote jobs with FlexJobs.

Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume

Our Cover letter builder can help you write the perfect cover letter. Start Now!

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume or CV when you apply for a job. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the position. It serves as an opportunity for you to showcase your communication and writing skills, as well as your attention to detail and professionalism.

We’ll teach you how to write a good cover letter so that you can craft this job-winning document with ease. Your cover letter should accomplish the following:

Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
Provide details about your qualifications.
Tell employers why you want to work for them.
Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.

Did you know? 41% of job seekers replicate their resumes in their cover letters. This is a huge mistake. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.

What to include in a cover letter

All cover letters follow a basic business letter structure and should include the sections detailed below.

How to write the perfect cover letter

Do your research.

Wondering how to write a great cover letter? Preparation is key. Researching the essential information before you start writing will save you time and ensure you put your best foot forward.

First, review the job description to compare it with your professional skills and qualifications. Make a checklist of areas where your skills match the requirements of the job. Make note of the following areas:

Notable accomplishments from previous jobs.
Any volunteer work where you gained skills listed in the job description.
Skills that match the required skills in the job listing. Include a mix of hard skills and soft skills .
Educational qualifications, including certificates and licenses.
Relevant awards and honors.

Next, research the company to get a sense of its culture and values. This will help you create a personalized cover letter that indicates your genuine interest in the company. Take notes on the following areas:

Get an idea of the company’s culture, mission and values so that you can tell the hiring manager why you’re a great fit.
Research the company’s news and press releases so you can congratulate key players on recent milestones or explain how you will contribute to future goals.
Learn the hiring manager’s name so that you can address your cover letter to them.

Choose a cover letter template

Want to know how to write a perfect cover letter? Use a cover letter template . Using a professionally designed template ensures that your cover letter format is ATS-friendly and vetted by career advice experts.

We have hundreds of templates to help you get started on the right track. Pick from modern, creative, or simple styles to match your CV or resume template and build a professional cover letter in minutes. Not sure if a template’s right for you? Try one for free!

Did you know? 45% of hiring managers read an applicant’s cover letter before their resume.

Add a professional header

Cover letter headers follow the standard business letter format. A cover letter header typically includes your name, address, phone number and email address. It should be placed at the top of the page and aligned to the left or center.

Include your contact information

Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like “[email protected],” and not personal like “[email protected].” Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.

Include the recipient’s contact information

First, write the current date followed by a space. Then include the hiring manager’s name and title, company address and the hiring manager’s email address. It should look like this:

Always follow the instructions in the job listing. If a job description directs you to address your cover letter to a human resources team member or the HR department, use the information the prospective employer provides for the recipient’s address.

Greet the hiring manager

Greet the hiring manager by name whenever possible to establish a personal connection. If you are unsure of their gender, you can use their first and last name.

For example: “Dear [hiring manager’s full name],”

If you are certain of the hiring manager’s gender, you can address them using “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your cover letter. Avoid using “Mrs.” or “Miss” as these titles imply that you are assuming the hiring manager’s marital status.

Don’t use informal language like “Hello,” or “Hi,” or outdated salutations like“Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern” to greet the person reading your letter.

If your research doesn’t turn up a name, then use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team.” Take a look at some acceptable and unacceptable salutations below.

Dear Lucy Garcia,
Dear Ms. Lowe,
Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear Vice President of Marketing,
Hey Mr. Jones,

Write a compelling introduction

The opening sentences of a cover letter act as your elevator pitch . You should clearly and concisely tell hiring managers why you are the best fit for the job.

But how do you start a cover letter in a way that intrigues hiring managers and makes them want to read more?

The following examples can help you write a cover letter introduction that grabs the attention of hiring managers.

Exude confidence, passion and enthusiasm

Want to know how to write a cover letter that stands out? It all starts with a compelling introduction that confidently asserts your interest in the position.

“I was excited to see that Tech Solutions — a company I respect for its innovation — has an opening for an experienced lead producer.”

Emphasize your skills and experience

Start your cover letter off strong with a brief explanation of your top skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.

“With seven years of experience in production for leading start-up companies in Silicon Valley, I have in-depth knowledge of cyber security and cloud computing and know my way around artificial intelligence.”

Show you’ve done some research

Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.

“When I saw that WILCO Services was touted in Business Magazine for being one of the most inclusive companies in the world, I knew I had to apply for the marketing associate position.”

Highlight measurable accomplishments

Showcase your qualifications by mentioning an impressive award, honor or measurable accomplishment from a past role.

“As director of Visit Mass, I created tourism programs that resulted in a 30% increase in international tourists to Massachusetts in 2019.”

Be creative

Tell a story about why you are applying.

“When I was a child, I spent my days in the city parks around my neighborhood, listening to birds sing and watching squirrels jump through trees. Those days instilled a passion in me for wildlife that has intensified over the years and, combined with admiration for the animal rehabilitation programs at Prospect Park Nature Conservancy, led me to apply for the Wildlife Technician position at the conservancy.”

Mention a shared contact

If applicable, mention a shared contact that you have with the hiring manager. This can help explain who you heard about the role from and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager.

“Jayne Peck told me you had an opening on your graphics team, and I’m thrilled to apply for the role. You and I know Jayne from Volunteers for the Bay, where I volunteered on the cleanup crew in 2017.”

Write the body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your cover letter should explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Follow the expert tips below to learn how to write a professional cover letter with engaging body paragraphs.

If you have work experience in your target role or industry, detail your work accomplishments and use numbers to quantify the results of your actions.
If you’re applying for your first job , connect the new opportunity with a personal or school project, extracurricular activity or internship.
Highlight relevant skills from your work experience and explain clearly how you can apply them to the job.
If you think you’re a shoo-in for the company’s culture, show it! For example, if you enjoy volunteering for social justice causes and you are applying to a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, explain why the company’s mission is meaningful to you.
If you’re changing careers, emphasize your transferable skills. Career change cover letters that emphasize transferable skills are more effective because they show prospects that you can perform the work with little or no experience.

Did you know? 83% of hiring managers surveyed said they would hire a candidate who sent a strong cover letter, even if their resume wasn’t up to par.

Write a closing paragraph

When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job.

Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration.

You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “ I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you. ”)

Here are a few examples of how to write a strong cover letter closing paragraph.

I have attached my resume and creative portfolio to my application for further review of my credentials. I am eager to speak with you about this role and greatly appreciate your consideration. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss my background in more detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m excited about the prospect of working for the Museum of Ancient History. I look forward to discussing what I learned in my year abroad as an English teacher and how I can apply those lessons to the docent role. Feel free to contact me any time during the week.

I’m confident that a review of my resume and portfolio will convince you that I have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the lead designer role at Creative Ads, LLC. I’m excited about the opportunity and would be thrilled to meet with you and your team next week to discuss my ideas for your next campaign. Please contact me this week to schedule a convenient date and time.

A “call to action” in your cover letter closing paragraph shows hiring managers that you’re serious about the job and confident in your qualifications.

What goes in a cover letter ending isn’t complicated, but you have to get it right if you want a chance at the job.

That means you must be respectful, polite, professional and formal.

Best regards,
Kind regards,

Proofread your cover letter

Knowing how to write a cover letter for a job isn’t all there is to making a cover letter. You have to proofread it at least once before sending your job application letter to a potential employer. Typos and cover letter formatting mistakes can reduce your chances of getting hired.

When you’ve finished proofreading, have someone else read it for you too, just to be sure it’s job application ready. You can ask a trusted friend or family member, a former colleague or a professional mentor to read your cover letter.

Be specific about the feedback you are seeking. For example, you might ask for constructive criticism in the following areas:

Relevance: Does your cover letter demonstrate how your skills and experience match the job requirements?
Clarity: Is your writing clear, concise and easy to understand?
Tone: Is your tone professional and appropriate for the company and position you are applying for?
Grammar and spelling: Are there any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes that need to be corrected?
Formatting: Is your cover letter formatted properly with a clear and organized structure?
Overall impression: Does your cover letter make a strong impression and effectively communicate your enthusiasm and interest for the position?

Alternatively, you can seek the advice of a career counselor or professional resume writer who can review your cover letter and provide constructive criticism to help you improve your application.

Cover letter writing checklist

Now that you know how to write a compelling cover letter, we recommend running through this cover letter writing checklist to ensure that your document isn’t missing anything.

Did you choose a cover letter design that matches your resume?
Are your name, location, phone number and email address up to date and displayed at the top of your cover letter?
Did you add a link to your professional portfolio or website and your current LinkedIn profile (if you have them)?
Did you add the current date at the top of your cover letter?
Did you address your letter to the hiring manager by name and include their title, email address and the correct company address?
Did you greet the hiring manager, recruiter or HR associate by name or title?
Did you use a polite but formal greeting?
Are the first few sentences of your cover letter clear and compelling?
Do you convey enthusiasm for the job?
Did you effectively express how you can apply your skills, experience and achievements to the target job to help the company achieve its goals?
Did you highlight one or two things you like about the company, such as its values or culture and why?
Did you thank the reader for their time?
Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
Did you use a proper, formal closure to end your letter?

How to make a cover letter that stands out

A professional cover letter template is the best way to craft a cover letter that stands out. Use one of our professionally designed templates with our Cover Letter Builder to make a cover letter in minutes.

Our cover letter templates frame your qualifications with the correct formatting, and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements. Our builder makes writing a cover letter a snap with the following features:

Job-specific phrases and skills: No matter the job you’re applying for, we give you the right words and relevant skills you can incorporate with just one click
Step-by-step guidance: Get expert advice on how to write a good cover letter at every step to help you showcase your top skills and qualifications.
Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
Multiple download formats: Save and export your cover letter as a PDF, DOCX or plain text.

Always match your cover letter template to your resume template for a polished job application. Use our Resume Builder or CV Maker to complete your job application with a matching template.

Cover letter tips from career advice experts

In this guide on how to write a cover letter for a job, we’ve detailed the key elements of writing a good cover letter, from making a cover letter header to crafting a compelling closing paragraph.

While you write, keep the following pointers in mind to craft a standout document. Here are our top five tips for how to make a cover letter that hiring managers will love:

Follow instructions. This is probably the most important tip on how to write a cover letter for a job. If the job posting says to send your letter as a PDF, don’t send a Word document. If it tells you to send your cover letter as an email attachment, then do so. If the job posting says to write your cover letter in the body of an email, then do that. If you fail to follow all instructions in a job ad, you will likely not be considered for the position.
Tailor your cover letter to the job . Hiring managers know a generic cover letter when they see one — and they’ll usually ignore it. That’s why it’s critical to customize your cover letter to show your enthusiasm for the specific job and company you’re applying to. Use resume keywords from the job description to showcase that your skills match the requirements of the role.
Don’t apologize. Never point out the skills and experience you lack. If you are qualified for the job but don’t have much experience in the field, don’t apologize. Instead, focus on experiences like volunteering, school projects and community service you’ve done that make you a good fit and play up your transferable skills.

Don’t overshare. While writing a cover letter to explain a career change or job gap is a good idea, sharing every detail about your life or career is not. Do not share personal information such as political views, salary expectations or irrelevant hobbies.

It’s possible to be too enthusiastic. We stress the importance of conveying enthusiasm when you write a cover letter because it demonstrates your interest in the position. However, use caution when displaying your zeal. Keep your tone professional, genuine and confident without going overboard.

Professional cover letters

Get inspired by our professionally crafted cover letters for top jobs and industries. You can use them with our builder to make a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications.

Cover letters for top jobs

Administrative Assistant

Mechanical Engineer

Personal Trainer

Registered Nurse

Security Officer

Cover letters by situation

Here’s how to write a cover letter with no experience.

Use this professional cover letter as a guide for your career change cover letter.

Here’s what to include in a cover letter if you have employment gaps.

Use this “cold call” cover letter to proactively contact the company you want to work for.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a job that isn’t advertised.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a temporary to a permanent position.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for an internal position at the same company.

Cover letter for when you’re seeking a promotion.

Key takeaways

A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume without repeating it.
Address the cover letter to the hiring manager. If you can’t find their name, then address them as “Hiring Manager,” by their title or address the department.
Write a cover letter introduction that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and compels them to keep reading.
It’s a good idea to use a professionally designed cover letter template to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
Knowing how to write a good cover letter involves customizing your cover letter to the position. Tailor yours to your target job and use keywords from the job description if they fit your abilities.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should typically be one page long and no more than three to four paragraphs. Aim to concisely express your points in about 250-500 words.

Read up on how to write a short cover letter to browse professionally made examples and to learn how to write a simple cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

Hiring managers and recruiters often receive many applications, so a short and focused cover letter that quickly communicates your qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants.

However, it is also important to ensure that your cover letter provides enough detail to showcase your skills and experience and convince the employer to invite you for an interview.

How to address a cover letter without a name?

It’s always best practice to try to find the hiring manager’s name when writing a cover letter because it personalizes your letter and emphasizes your interest in the position by showing you’ve done your homework.

It also creates a connection with the hiring manager and conveys that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which is a quality most hiring managers want to see in prospective employees.

If you don’t have a name, it’s acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Title],” or “Dear [Department Name]” to address your cover letter.

Can I send an email cover letter for a resume?

Yes, you can send an email cover letter for a resume. In fact, many employers prefer to receive job applications via email.

When sending an email cover letter, you should include a brief introduction in the body of the email and attach your resume and cover letter as separate documents.

Make sure to use a professional email address and include a clear subject line that indicates the position you’re applying for.

It’s also a good idea to personalize your email by addressing the hiring manager by name and mentioning where you found the job posting.

Is a cover letter necessary?

While writing a cover letter for a job application is not always required, it is highly recommended to include one either way. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest in the position.

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills, highlight your qualifications and experience and explain why you are a good fit for the job.

Even if the job application does not specifically request a cover letter, submitting one can show that you are willing to go above and beyond to make a good impression and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

So while it’s not always necessary, a well-crafted cover letter can definitely improve your chances of getting hired. We recommend trying out an AI cover letter generator to to make a cover letter in minutes.

What do I write in a cover letter?

Wondering what to write in a cover letter? Generally, cover letters should tell employers why you’re the best fit for your target job. Write about your background and how it fits the job, show your personality and explain precisely what you can do for the employer and how.

It’s also a good idea to explain unique situations like job gaps or frequent career changes in your cover letter. Remember to include the following information in your cover letter:

A header with your contact information and the employer’s information if you have it.
A professional salutation that includes the employer’s name if you have it.
A brief introduction explaining why you’re interested in the job.
One or two body paragraphs that summarize your qualifications.
A conclusion that reiterates your interest in the position.
A professional signoff such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Overall, your cover letter should be concise, well-written and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to make a valuable contribution to the company. Learn more about what to include in a cover letter to craft a cover letter that lands interviews.

What does a cover letter look like?

A good cover letter follows the standard business letter format. Your cover letter should be well-formatted, easy to read and professional in appearance. Remember to include the following when using standard business format to structure your cover letter:

Your contact details: Include your full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address in the letterhead.
Date: The date should be written below your address.
Recipient’s contact details: The recipient’s full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address should be included below the date.
Salutation: The salutation should be formal, such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name].”
Body: The body of the letter should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph discussing a specific point or topic. The tone of the letter should be professional and courteous.
Closing: The closing should be formal, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” and followed by your signature.

Download a sample cover letter from this page to jump right into writing your cover letter rather than worrying about formatting. Some cover letter templates have splashes of color and stylized headers, but they all follow the same standard cover letter format.

How do you write a cover letter for an internship?

Wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship? Take a look at the following tips to get started:

Introduce yourself: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in the internship. State the position you are applying for and where you heard about the internship.
Highlight your qualifications: Discuss your relevant coursework, skills and experience that make you a good fit for the internship.
Show your enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for the company, and explain why the internship aligns with your career goals.
Write a strong closing: Summarize your interest in the internship and thank the employer for considering your application.
Use a professional tone: Use a professional tone throughout the letter, and proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors.

Understanding how to write a good cover letter for an internship boils down to knowing how to effectively showcase your qualifications and your enthusiasm. For some inspiration, take a look at this marketing intern cover letter example .

How do you write a cover letter for a teaching job?

A cover letter for a teaching position should effectively communicate your qualifications, teaching experience and enthusiasm for the position. Take a look at these teaching cover letter examples to get inspired.

Here are a few tips on how to write a cover letter for a teaching job:

Customize your letter: Tailor your cover letter to the specific teaching job you are applying for. Research the school and the position to ensure you are addressing the employer’s needs.
Highlight your experience: Discuss your relevant teaching experience, including any specializations or certifications.
Discuss your teaching philosophy: Include a section that discusses your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the school’s mission and values. Discuss your approach to teaching and how you engage students in the learning process.

Overall, your cover letter should be well-written, tailored to the specific teaching job and demonstrate your understanding of the school’s mission and values.

How do you write a nursing cover letter?

A great cover letter for a nursing position will highlight your medical knowledge and your compassion for patients. Here are some tips on how to write a nursing cover letter:

Address the employer’s requirements: Carefully read the job description and address the skills and qualifications required for the position. For example, injection administration, patient care techniques and attention to detail.
Discuss your nursing philosophy: Discuss your approach to nursing care and how you prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.
Show your enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for the healthcare facility, and explain why you are excited about the nursing position.

For an example of how to write a cover letter for a nursing job, take a look at this professionally made director of nursing cover letter example .

What are the goals of a cover letter?

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job and worth considering for further evaluation.

A cover letter allows you to formally introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest in the job and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Some of the specific goals of a cover letter include:

Providing context for your application.
Demonstrating your qualifications and fit for the position.
Showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
Differentiating yourself from other applicants.

A well-written cover letter should grab the employer’s attention and persuade them to take a closer look at your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for a well-written cover letter that demonstrates relevance, enthusiasm, attention to detail, personalization and professionalism. Here are a few key areas to keep in mind while you write your cover letter:

Relevance: Demonstrate that you have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role.
Enthusiasm: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and explain why you are excited about the job.
Attention to detail: Your letter should be free of errors and show your ability to communicate effectively to demonstrate that you have taken the time to write a thoughtful cover letter.
Personalization: Employers want to see that you have tailored your cover letter specifically to the job and the company. Demonstrate that you have done your research and understand the company’s mission, values and culture.
Professionalism: Your cover letter should demonstrate that you are professional and have a strong work ethic. Use a professional tone and demonstrate your ability to work well with others.

Ultimately, your cover letter should indicate your relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role. Remember to include new information in your cover letter rather than restating the same details from your resume.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

Harvard Business Review. Article. Gallo, Amy. How to Write a Cover Letter
University of Wisconsin – Madison. The Writing Center. Article. Writing Cover Letters
Columbia University Center for Career Education. Article. How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

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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.

1. 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 …

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Find even more career advice from Alison Green on her website, Ask a Manager . Got a question for her? Email [email protected] .

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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.

Because of that …

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

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.

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

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.

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

Don’t use a form letter.

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

Keep it under one page.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

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How much does a cover letter matter?

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Rule #1 In Business

How important is a cover letter?

By Sam Shelton

You graduated with the appropriate degree. You perfected your resume. You checked the proper boxes and completed the necessary fields.

Now, as you reach the finish line of a 10-25 minute application process, they’re asking for more?

Do they really think you have any time or energy left to write a 250-word cover letter, essentially selling them on why you’re a fit for the position?

Does anyone even read cover letters?

Hi, I’m Sam Shelton, I’m a recruiter and yes, I read your cover letters.

But more importantly, I take note when you simply write “N/A” in the box.

I feel there’s a shift happening within IT recruitment at the moment. I feel as if more and more candidates feel they don’t have to do as much to apply for a position – I mean, you have the degree and work experience – isn’t that enough?

Well, sure – but enough for what? What are you trying to accomplish?

Are you just dotting your “i’s” and crossing your “t’s – basically, doing the bare minimum within in the application process? Is that really how you want to represent yourself to a company who could potentially pair you with the perfect position?

Are you a bare minimum candidate?

Beyond how a recruiter might view a “Not Applicable” in place of an actual cover letter, always assume that you are not the only person applying to a position.

Beyond the competition and the potential of being buried in a sea of resumes, how are you going to stand out?

Cover letters are a great opportunity to set yourself apart and let your personality shine. Let’s face it, resumes today are no more than a formal LinkedIn profile crammed on a PDF or Word document.

But a cover letter… that’s the chance to highlight your most applicable skills matching the position you’re seeking. Cover letters are also a great way to set yourself apart, not only with your personality shining through, but going a step above the other applicants who avoided this critical opportunity.

If you were to view an application as a job interview, would you ever say to a hiring manager, “N/A?”

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How Much Does A Cover Letter Help? (Career Advice)

If you’re applying for a job, it’s likely that the hiring manager will want to see a cover letter with your application. Some employers require candidates to send in a cover letter before they can move on to other parts of the recruitment process, such as submitting an application or completing an interview.

Cover letters are an important part of your job search because they allow you to explain why you’re interested in the position and highlight any relevant experience that would help sway hiring decisions in your favor.

However, not all people have great handwriting or have even written many letters before so how do you know what kind of tone to use or what information should go into yours? Here are some tips on how much a cover letter help!

Table of Contents

Do Some Employers Require Cover Letters?

If you’re applying for a job, you may be wondering if the employer will require a cover letter. The short answer is that it depends on the company and the position. Some companies do ask for them while others don’t.

If they do, it’s important to know what they look for in your cover letter so you can make sure yours stands out from others who may be applying for the same job as you are.

A cover letter is an introduction of yourself and provides an overview of your skills and how those align with their needs. It also allows you to show why their company is special or different from others so that if they choose one person over another, they know exactly why it was worth making that decision!

When writing this document, keep these tips in mind:

Writing a great cover letter can be the difference between getting noticed or getting overlooked by hiring managers. Our guide on All You Need to Know About Cover Letter Career Advice can help you craft a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart from other applicants.

Why Is Writing A Good Cover Letter Important?

When you’re applying for jobs, you’ll be required to submit your resume along with a cover letter. This document serves as an introduction and gives the employer background information about who you are as well as why they should hire you.

A good cover letter can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview by up to 50%, so it’s worth taking the time to write one that’s compelling enough to capture the attention of employers.

Writing an effective cover letter takes skill, but everyone can improve if they know what not to do. Here are some common mistakes people make when trying to write their letters:

How Long Are Cover Letters?

Whatever you do, make sure you don’t go over two pages. That’s all the hiring manager has time for, and if your letter is longer than that, they’ll probably just skip to the second page anyway.

On the flip side, however, make sure that your cover letter isn’t too short! It should at least be one full page long the shorter version of “too short” is writing two paragraphs instead of four or five.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule; a very short cover letter could work if it’s an example of creative writing (like in an advertising job) or if it’s just so good that no one can stop reading it once they start but those situations are rarer than most people realize.

The general rule applies: one to two pages is best for most jobs where a cover letter isn’t required by law but still helps with getting hired

A well-crafted cover letter is a powerful tool to help you land your dream job. In our guide on How Do a Resume and Cover Letter Help You to Get the Job? , we explain how a cover letter can complement your resume and showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.

What Do You Include In A Cover Letter?

A cover letter is an important part of a job application. It gives you a chance to explain why you’re applying for the job, and it gives hiring managers insight into what kind of person you are and how you work. When writing your cover letter, remember to focus on the following:

Why do you want this job ? How does this position align with your goals? What can your employer expect from working with you?

Why do they need someone like you ? Show that you understand their needs and could fill them better than anyone else.

What makes them different from other companies or employers that might have openings at any given time? Why would they choose them over their competition even if they don’t have many competitors around these days?

What Kind Of Personality Should You Use In A Cover Letter?

You want to be friendly, but not too much so. You want to be professional, but not too formal. The way you communicate in your cover letter should reflect who you are as a person but it’s important that you don’t use a template for personality and tone.

Here’s why: When we use templates for our writing and communication, it shows that we aren’t putting in the time or energy necessary for our work.

It also makes us sound like robots (and if I have to read another email from someone who takes themselves too seriously in the workplace, I will die).

If you’re going to write something original instead of using a template, make sure it’s professional and friendly by keeping these points in mind:

How Formal Do You Need To Be In A Cover Letter?

It depends on what kind of job you’re applying for, and the company’s culture. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires excellent writing skills and attention to detail (e.g., in marketing or journalism), then it’s probably better not to use slang or abbreviations.

On the other hand, if you’re applying for an entry-level office job where these things are less important than being friendly and personable (e.g., administrative assistant or receptionist), then feel free!

A good rule of thumb is: to use language that is appropriate for the content of your cover letter and the company itself.

So if there’s some jargon used by your potential employer in their job posting like “customer service” or “team player” then try using those terms as well when discussing why they’d like to work at their place of business; it shows how well researched you were with reading through their requirements before sending off your application.

Starting a cover letter can be intimidating, but a strong opening can grab the attention of hiring managers and make your application stand out. Our guide on How to Start Writing a Cover Letter Career Advice provides tips and examples to help you write an engaging and effective opening for your cover letter.

What Tones To Avoid In A Cover Letter?

Your cover letter should be written in a tone that is professional, yet friendly. Do not overuse exclamation points, use words like “holla” or “you” and don’t get overly familiar with the hiring manager by using his/her first name. Remember that you are applying for the position of office assistant, not looking for a good friend!

When it comes to photocopying your resume onto colored paper or printing it in an unusual font size or style (such as italics), avoid these options at all costs. They may make your resume visually interesting but they will also distract reviewers from what’s important-namely your qualifications and experience!

Can You Use Bullet Points In A Cover Letter?

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s a good idea to use bullet points in your cover letter, the short answer is yes. Bullet points can help you highlight key accomplishments and skills, communicate enthusiasm for the job, and make your application stand out from the crowd.

The key to using bullet points effectively is knowing how to use them properly so that they don’t come off as too stiff or formal. For example, if an employer were looking for someone who has experience with data analysis and presentation tools like Tableau and Power BI, they might be impressed by this candidate:

Data analyst with three years of experience working on analytics projects for Fortune 500 companies (IBM)

Familiarity with SQL syntax and relational databases (PostgresSQL)

Strong understanding of statistical methods including linear regression models, clustering algorithms (K-means), logistic regression models, etc.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s important not to underestimate the value of a well-written cover letter. In our guide on How Important Is a Cover Letter When Applying for a Job? , we explain why a cover letter is essential to your job search and offer tips to help you write a compelling one

What’s The Best Way To End Your Cover Letter?

A good way to end your cover letter is by making a strong impression. You want the hiring manager to walk away from reading it feeling excited about getting to know you better and confident that they want to hire you.

You can do this by ending with a strong call to action or reason for applying. For example, if you’re applying for an internship, say something like: “I look forward to hearing back from you soon!” Or if there were several different positions available at the company that interested you, say something like: “I hope I have the opportunity to interview for one of these positions.”

Whatever it is that makes sense at the time (and don’t worry if your reasons aren’t exactly what we mentioned above), make sure whatever closing sentence or phrase makes sense with everything else in your cover letter and doesn’t come off too strong.

This can be tricky because sometimes even small changes can seem big when comparing them side-by-side in written form but ultimately have very little impact when read out loud by someone who knows what they’re doing (i.e., HR reps!).

It’s best just not to worry about it too much until after those first couple of interviews have gone well enough that nothing seems exceptionally odd anymore; then go ahead and ask some friends/family members their thoughts on any finalist options before deciding which one sounds best

What Do You Need To Write The Perfect Cover Letter?

This is your first impression of an employer, so your cover letter must be well-written and easy to read. It should be concise, organized, neat, and professional. Here are some tips for writing a cover letter:

Use simple language that everyone can understand. Keep it short and sweet you don’t want the hiring manager having trouble understanding what you’re saying! A good rule of thumb is to stick with one paragraph per paragraph; two paragraphs max if necessary.

Be yourself! Don’t try too hard to impress because this will backfire on you. Your personality shines through when people know who they’re talking with before even meeting face-to-face (in other words: don’t lie about yourself).

If there’s anything negative about yourself that comes up during an interview process then maybe consider leaving it out of your resume & cover letter altogether… unless they specifically ask questions related directly to those topics!

A strong cover letter can make a big difference in your job search. In our guide on How Effective Is a Cover Letter Career Advice , we explore how a well-written cover letter can showcase your qualifications, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job, and increase your chances of getting hired.

The Importance Of A Good Cover Letter Can’t Be Underestimated

The importance of a good cover letter can’t be underestimated. It’s your chance to sell yourself to a potential employer, and show that you’re a good fit for the job.

Here are some tips on how to make it work:

Don’t just repeat what’s in your resume – use this as an opportunity to highlight any unique skills or experience that makes you stand out from other applicants.

Show that you’ve done research into the company and the product/service it provides so that they know you’re interested in working there because of their mission more than anything else. This can help give an insight into why they should hire you!

Show off your communication skills be clear about what kind of role suits your strengths, and why those strengths would be useful at this particular company.

Hopefully, this post has helped you get started on writing the perfect cover letter. The most important thing is to keep in mind that it’s not just a summary of your resume, but rather an opportunity for you to tell a story about yourself as an employee and what makes you different from everyone else applying for the job.

What should I include in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, you should introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the job. You should also highlight your relevant qualifications and experience, and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be no more than one page long. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experience.

Should I customize my cover letter for each job I apply for?

Yes, it’s a good idea to customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. This shows the employer that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to their specific needs and requirements.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

To make your cover letter stand out, try to personalize it as much as possible. Use the company’s name and address the hiring manager by name if possible. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience, and explain why you’re excited about the job.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter?

Some common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter include being too generic or vague, using a template without customizing it, and making spelling or grammar errors. It’s also important to avoid exaggerating your qualifications or experience.

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.

Trump campaign pleads for one million donations as cash crunch looms

Former U.S. President Trump holds a watch party event to mark the Super Tuesday primary elections at his Mar-a-Lago property

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U.S. President Bill Clinton attends the APEC Summit in Manila

Indian activist's hunger strike for Ladakh autonomy draws thousands of supporters

Famed Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, on a hunger strike to bring autonomy to the Himalayan region of Ladakh, said on Saturday he was weak as his fast stretches into its 18th day but he would continue for three more days as planned despite pleas from supporters to stop.

Members of the Russian Emergencies Ministry clear rubble at the Crocus City Hall concert venue after a deadly attack, outside Moscow

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/15/how-to-claim-15-hours-free-childcare-code/

How to claim 15 hours free childcare including how to get your code

We’re making the  biggest investment  by a UK government into childcare in history, doubling the amount we expect to spend over the next few years from around £4 billion to around £8 billion each year.

Currently, eligible working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds can access 30 hours of childcare support.
From  April 2024 , eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.
From  September 2024 , 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old.
From  September 2025 , support will reach 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age.

When can I apply?

Applications are open until 31 March for eligible working parents of 2-year-olds to receive 15 hours free childcare starting from April 2024.

From 1 April, eligible working parents whose children will be 2 or older by the 31 August, can apply to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024.

And from 12 May, eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9- and 23-months old on 31st August, can apply to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024.

It’s important to remember that codes need to be renewed every three months, so parents applying close to 12 May will need to renew their code prior to the offer starting in September.

How do I apply? 

You apply online here on   Gov.uk once you have checked our  eligibility criteria .

You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:

your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
the date you started or are due to start work
details of any government support or benefits you receive
the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.

You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll get a code to give to your childcare provider.

Eligible parents are also able to access Tax-Free Childcare through the same application system. You can apply for Tax-Free Childcare at any time. However, you don't need to apply for Tax-Free Childcare to be eligible to apply for the 15 hours childcare scheme.

What happens once I receive my code?

Once you receive your code, you’ll need to take it to your childcare provider, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.

Your childcare provider will process the code to provide your place.

Places will be available for September in every area of the country, but a significant minority of settings hold waiting lists of over six months. If you have a preferred nursery for September, you should reach out now to secure a place for your child ahead of receiving your code.

Your local authority can provide support for finding a government-funded place in your area.

What if I’m already registered for Tax Free Childcare?

Parents must reconfirm that they are still eligible for Tax-Free Childcare every 3 months.

Parents who are already claiming Tax-Free Childcare and need to reconfirm their eligibility between 1 April and 12 May will be automatically issued a code in the post from HMRC soon after the 12 May.

This is to ensure every parent can give their code to their provider in good time. This code will be valid to apply for 15 hours of government-funded childcare from September.

If I receive a code in a letter from HMRC, does this make my code on my Childcare Account invalid?

No. Both codes will be valid.

Do I need to wait for my reconfirmation window to add another child to my account?

A parent who is already using the childcare service for another child can add a new child to their account at any time.

Your reconfirmation cycle for your current Tax-Free Childcare will not affect this.

How are you making sure there will be enough childcare places for eligible parents?

Parents that have a preferred place for September should reach out now to their local provider to secure a physical place for their child ahead of time.

To make sure there are enough places available, we’re investing over £400 million in 2024-25 to increase the hourly rates paid to local authorities.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has independently reported that the average funding rates for two-year-olds and under 2s paid by government from April 2024 are projected to be substantially higher than the market rate paid by parents last year, and we have committed to further increases to provider rates for the next two years.

We have also committed to increasing hourly funding rates over the next two years by an estimated £500 million, to make sure providers can increase places at each phase of the rollout.

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about the education hub.

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies, and more.

Please note that for media enquiries, journalists should call our central Newsdesk on 020 7783 8300. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer.

Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288.

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What We Know About Trump’s Failure to Arrange a Half-Billion-Dollar Bond

Donald J. Trump’s lawyers told a judge that their client could not come up with the collateral needed to stave off efforts to collect a $454 million judgment. He has three days left.

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Donald J. Trump, in a navy suit and red tie, speaks behind a barricade in a courtroom hall.

By Kate Christobek and Ben Protess

It’s crunchtime for Donald J. Trump.

By Monday, March 25, the former president must secure an appeal bond for roughly half a billion dollars in his civil fraud case in New York, and his ability to do so was called into question this week.

In a court filing, Mr. Trump’s lawyers revealed that he had been unable to secure an appeal bond despite “diligent efforts” that included approaching about 30 bond companies.

While Mr. Trump this month managed to post a $91.6 million bond in his defamation case against the writer E. Jean Carroll, securing the deal at the 11th hour from a large insurance company , he lacks the assets needed to secure the far bigger guarantee for the fraud case.

If he cannot produce the bond in time, Mr. Trump faces the possibility of financial disaster and humiliation. New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, who brought the fraud case, would be entitled to collect the $454 million and could move to freeze some of Mr. Trump’s bank accounts.

She could also seek to seize some of his New York properties, and public records show that Ms. James has formally posted the judgment in Westchester County, a preliminary step needed to stake a claim to Mr. Trump’s private estate and golf club there. Yet any effort to seize property would most likely trigger a lengthy court fight with an uncertain result.

Mr. Trump’s money problems spread well beyond New York. As the presumptive Republican nominee for president, he is facing increased pressure to raise money to fund his campaign, lagging behind his opponent, President Biden, in fund-raising.

In recent days, The New York Times has received many questions about Mr. Trump’s financial woes. Here are answers to several:

What was Trump accused of?

Ms. James took Mr. Trump, his company and his adult sons to trial last fall, accusing them of fraudulently inflating the value of his golf clubs, office buildings and other properties to the tune of about $2 billion.

Mr. Trump exaggerated the property values, and in turn his own net worth, to obtain favorable loan terms from banks and insurers, according to Ms. James.

At the trial, which lasted months, Ms. James’s lawyers showed that Mr. Trump’s company had ignored appraisals and manipulated numbers to sometimes absurd heights.

For example, the former president had valued his triplex apartment in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue as if it were 30,000 square feet for years. It was actually 10,996 square feet.

Mr. Trump lost the trial. The judge overseeing the case — there was no jury — ruled in favor of Ms. James.

How was he punished?

The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, came down hard on Mr. Trump, imposing a judgment of $355 million plus interest, amounting to $454 million.

The judge also imposed a range of penalties that could curb Mr. Trump’s influence over his family business, barring him from serving as a top executive at a New York company for three years.

What comes next?

Mr. Trump has appealed the judgment.

Although he does not have to pay Ms. James’s office the $454 million while he appeals, he is on the hook to either cut a check to the New York State Court system for the full amount himself, or, more likely, obtain an appeal bond.

What is an appeal bond?

In this case, it would be a document in which a bond company promises to pay the $454 million judgment, plus interest, if Mr. Trump were to lose his appeal and fails to pay.

To obtain a bond of such size, Mr. Trump would need to pledge a significant amount of collateral to the bond company — about $557 million, his lawyers said — including as much cash as possible, as well as any stocks and bonds he could sell quickly.

He would also owe the bond company a fee that could amount to nearly $20 million.

Does he have enough cash to obtain one?

Short answer: No.

A recent New York Times analysis found that Mr. Trump had more than $350 million in cash as well as stocks and bonds, far short of the $557 million he would need to post in collateral.

In a court filing on Monday, Mr. Trump’s lawyers said they had contacted more than 30 bond companies, and none had agreed to do a deal.

But I thought he was a billionaire?

While Mr. Trump has long bragged about his wealth, his true financial position remains something of a mystery. And most of his wealth is tied up in his real estate holdings, which bond companies don’t typically accept as collateral.

He also has less liquid collateral available today than he did even a few weeks ago. Earlier this month, Mr. Trump had to post a $91.6 million bond in the defamation case he lost to E. Jean Carroll. For that, he most likely had to pledge more than $100 million in collateral to Chubb, the insurance company that provided the bond. That money cannot be used as collateral for a second bond.

What is the deadline for the bond?

Mr. Trump asked an appeals court either to pause the fraud judgment while he appeals it, or to accept a lesser bond of $100 million. It is unclear whether the court will rule before Mr. Trump’s deadline to post the bond.

Although Ms. James could have moved to collect the $454 million immediately, she offered a 30-day grace period, which ends on March 25.

Ms. James could still grant additional time for Mr. Trump to pay or show mercy to the former president by offering a counterproposal.

What other options does Trump have?

If the appeals court denies his bid for a pause, and he still can’t find a bond by March 25, he might appeal to the state’s highest court.

Assuming that fails, he could quickly sell one of his properties or other assets, or seek help from a wealthy supporter. He might also try to obtain a loan from a bank, hedge fund or private equity firm, which he could then post as collateral for a bond. And the attorney general has suggested that Mr. Trump could pledge his properties to the court.

And his net worth could soon leap when shares of his social media company start trading on the stock market as early as Monday. His shares are currently valued at roughly $3 billion. Although he is prohibited from selling the shares for six months, Mr. Trump could find ways around that restriction that enable him to use his stake to raise cash for the appeal bond.

If all else fails, he could have the corporate entities implicated in the fraud case file for bankruptcy, which would automatically halt the judgment against those entities. But Mr. Trump is likely to balk at bankruptcy, and even if he were to pursue that path, it is not a panacea.

Ms. James’s judgment would not be halted against Mr. Trump himself, and she would most likely seek to hold him accountable for his company’s debts.

How could the state collect?

If Mr. Trump misses the March 25 deadline, Ms. James could move swiftly to begin collecting the money owed to the state.

It could get ugly for Mr. Trump. She could send so-called restraining notices to Mr. Trump’s banks and brokerage firms, effectively freezing his accounts. She could do the same to anyone who owes Mr. Trump money, essentially collecting rent from tenants in his building.

And if she wanted to take a more aggressive posture, she could even try to seize some of the properties involved in the case, including the golf club and Seven Springs estate in Westchester. She has threatened to take aim at his office tower on Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, but it unclear whether she can, because Mr. Trump does not actually own the building. Instead, he effectively controls the property and pays rent to the owner.

Actually seizing any property through the courts could take significant time without a guarantee of a huge payoff. Mr. Trump could seek delays, and even if Ms. James can force a sale, Mr. Trump’s lenders would be first in line to collect.

Ms. James probably would not be entitled to seize assets unrelated to the case, though that and similar questions might require litigation to resolve.

Although Ms. James can’t put Mr. Trump in jail — because it is a civil case, not a criminal one — Justice Engoron could issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Trump if he repeatedly flouts court orders in the collection process. That, however, is unlikely to happen.

Could Trump use campaign money to pay?

Probably not.

A super PAC supporting Mr. Trump’s candidacy can raise unlimited amounts of money, but it is legally banned from coordinating with him and cannot pay the judgment.

And although the former president has used a political action committee under his control to pay for lawyers and witnesses in his legal cases, that group lacks the kind of money needed to address the $454 million penalty.

He is now scrambling to raise campaign cash as he faces a significant financial deficit. Mr. Biden’s campaign recently announced that it had entered March with $155 million cash on hand. Mr. Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee had about $40 million total on hand at the end of January, though the Trump campaign has not released a more recent total.

What else is happening on March 25?

Mr. Trump also has a crucial hearing in his Manhattan criminal case, which could be the first prosecution of a former American president.

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, filed charges against Mr. Trump that accuse him of covering up a sex scandal involving a porn star to bolster his 2016 presidential campaign. The case is now proceeding to trial.

Jury selection was originally scheduled to start on March 25, but the trial was delayed late last week after the disclosure of more than 100,000 pages of records that had been in the possession of the federal prosecutors.

While the documents have now been turned over, Mr. Trump’s lawyers were given until mid-April to review the papers.

Justice Juan M. Merchan set the March 25 hearing to determine if the trial should be delayed further and to rule on Mr. Trump’s motion for an outright dismissal.

The Manhattan case is among four criminal prosecutions Mr. Trump faces.

Ben Protess is an investigative reporter at The Times, writing about public corruption. He has been covering the various criminal investigations into former President Trump and his allies. More about Ben Protess

What the National Association of Realtors' settlement means for consumers and real estate brokers

A groundbreaking $418 million settlement announced Friday by the powerful National Association of Realtors is set to usher in the most sweeping reforms the American real estate market has seen in a century. It could dramatically drive down homebuyers’ costs — and push some real estate brokers out of business.

Here’s a look at how we got here and what to expect in the months ahead.

NAR already lost a big case

For decades, the NAR has required home sale listing brokers to provide an offer of compensation to a buyer’s agent up front. That usually comes out to about 6%, split between a seller’s broker and a buyer’s agent.

But that model has come under intensifying scrutiny from critics who have likened it to a cartel . Late last year, a jury in a Kansas City federal court found the longstanding practice to be a form of collusion that artificially inflated real estate fees, awarding a massive $1. 7 8 billion judgment against NAR .

What changes now for homebuyers and sellers

If the settlement announced Friday is approved by a federal court, the standard 6% commission goes away. Sellers would no longer have to make a compensation proposal to prospective buyers and their agents. Critics have said the encouraged brokers to push their clients toward more expensive properties.

Another new rule would see homebuyers having to sign an explicit deal with a broker before they start working with one — something experts say would lead many homebuyers to forgo using brokers entirely.

The new rules would kick in within months of approval, currently expected around mid-July.

What about the next few months?

Everyone involved in the market should expect “a certain amount of uncertainty for the coming months,” said Marty Green, principal at mortgage law firm Polunsky Beitel Green.

“The industry will be in transition as everyone digests the settlements and market forces begin working,” he predicted. “We will begin to see some creative buyer’s agent arrangements that may have been harder to get traction on before.”

Home buyers and their agents will need to decide on a commission and put it in writing. Sellers, likewise, will need to work carefully with their listing agents as the new rules come into effect.

U.S. consumers might save in the long run ...

The changes could mean buyers will save on commissions, eventually bringing U.S. fees more in line with the much lower transaction costs seen in other residential property markets around the world.

Some commissions could even be cut in half, Jaret Seiberg, housing policy analyst for TD Cowen Washington Research Group, told clients in a note Friday.

The new rules “should lead to commissions falling 25% to 50%, which we view as benefiting online real estate brokers,” Seiberg wrote, but he warned it’s too early to declare “the end of local real estate agents given their local expertise and reputation in neighborhoods. It is why we do not see this following the travel agency model in which online eclipsed local offices.”

... but buyers could face more confusion

Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet, warned of a “potential negative trade-off”: “Buyer-seller negotiations will become more complex, and buyers with plenty of cash might navigate the process more easily than buyers who don’t have a lot of savings,” he said. Seiberg flagged a similar concern in his note, saying it could particularly affect first-time buyers with limited means to pay for an agent.

Brokers and agents have come out against the settlement, saying it will make the home-buying process more byzantine for consumers and discounts the important role agents play in helping them navigate it.

“I’m a full-service real estate agent, so when I go to list my client’s house, I align their goals with my goal, and that goal is selling for the highest amount possible,” said Roy Remick, a realtor based in Northern Virginia, who said he often pays thousands of dollars of his own for services like staging homes to aid the sale process.

“This is ultimately someone saying, ‘You guys make too much money,’ which I don’t think is right for someone to dictate,” he said.

Buyers’ agents will be left “flying blind” since they won’t know how much they’ll end up making from a given home, Remick warned. “We’ll have to make a bunch of phone calls, because now we don’t know what [the commission] is because we can’t see it in the MLS. But we’ve already got an agreement with buyer how much they’ll be able to compensate us.”

Christine Romans is the senior business correspondent at NBC News.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

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How to Write a Cover Letter: 10+ Examples, Tips & Templates to Use

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How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.
How to Write a Standout Cover Letter in 2022
Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name. The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person's first and last name, including "Mr." or "Ms." (for example, "Dear Ms. Jane Smith" or just "Dear Ms. Smith").
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples
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.
Cover Letter 101: Everything You Need To Know
A cover letter is a professional document that candidates provide to employers in combination with their resume and other details for a job application. Cover letters act as an extension of your resume and provide employers or hiring managers with more in-depth information about how your qualifications align with the job in question.
Glassdoor Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter
The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. A well-crafted cover letter goes over information on your resume and expands this information for the reader, taking them on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements.. Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume while infusing ...
16 Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letters
A cover letter typically includes four main areas. First, add your contact information so the employer can reach out to you. Then, include an introduction explaining who you are and how you heard about the job. Next, write body paragraphs that explain why you would be a perfect fit for their company.
How to Write a Cover Letter For Any Job + Expert Tips
Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like "[email protected]," and not personal like "[email protected]." Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you're headed in the right direction: Step 1. Do your research. Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job. Melanie Denny, award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024
Kind regards, Best regards, Yours truly, Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name. For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign. 8. Check your cover letter's content and formatting.
How to Write a Cover Letter
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. 1. 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.
Make Your Case: Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That's ...
Rethink the format of a cover letter Don't assume that your cover letter needs to be in the form of a bland Word document. The goal is to stand out, so think about it that way in terms of ...
Do cover letters still matter? Here's what data shows
Some studies say that only 18% of recruiters consider cover letters important. Others state that 56% of employers want applicants to send cover letters. Jointly, with the CV Compiler team, we ...
The Best Cover Letter Examples for Any Job Seeker
We've got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter, an impact cover letter, a writing sample cover letter, and a career change cover letter. So let's take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own. 0 seconds of 1 minute, 33 secondsVolume 90%. 00:00.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job
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 ...
What to Include in a Cover Letter (& What to Leave Out)
A great cover letter consists of the following components: 1. Your name and contact information in a header. The hiring manager needs to have your contact information. Without these details, they have no way of inviting you for an interview. The most eye-catching way of adding your contact information to your cover letter is by creating a large ...
Do We Really Need To Write Cover Letters In 2023?
Should we write cover letters for jobs, even if they're not mandated in the application process? Talent acquisition, HR and recruitment experts, and CEOs weigh in. ... 3 Tips To Help You Navigate ...
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2022?
You don't need pages and pages to do that. In a survey of 205 HR professionals, ResumeLab found that 42% of respondents preferred cover letters between half and one page and 40% preferred cover letters that were less than half a page. Only 18% said they preferred cover letters longer than one page. Muse coach Steven Davis, a technical ...
The 11 Best Cover Letter Examples of 2024
1. The professional cover letter. In this great cover letter example, the applicant landed an IT project management job by proving they had the required project management skills and experience while providing highlights from their career: Include hard numbers in your cover letter to impress the employer.
How much does a cover letter matter?
How important is a cover letter? You graduated with the appropriate degree. You perfected your resume. You checked the proper boxes and completed the necessary fields. Now, as you reach the finish line of a 10-25 minute application process, they're asking for more? Do they really think you have any time or energy left to write a 250-word ...
How Much Does A Cover Letter Help? (Career Advice)
A good cover letter can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview by up to 50%, so it's worth taking the time to write one that's compelling enough to capture the attention of employers. Writing an effective cover letter takes skill, but everyone can improve if they know what not to do.
FAQ: Is a Cover Letter Necessary? (Plus What Optional Means)
What optional really means. If a job posting says submitting a cover letter is optional, take this to mean that a cover letter would be a welcomed addition to your application and also, take it as an opportunity to show the employer not only your initiative but your writing skills. An optional cover letter ultimately leaves the decision up to ...
Does a cover letter actually matter? Will anyone read it?
If you can create a tailored cover letter though, that's where the magic is and the 50% interview yield rate shows up. ResumeGo also found that: 87% of recruiters and hiring managers read cover letters (a much higher number than I anticipated) 65% found cover letters to be influential in the hiring process
How necessary are cover letters? : r/GetEmployed
Often they help me get a better sense of a person - you can tell me a story of who you are that's then backed up by your resume. If your resume is short, a cover letter can help supplement it. A good cover letter also tells me you have basic competence at communication and writing skills.
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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

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

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

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

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

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

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

5+ Cover Letter Examples

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Key Takeaways

How to Write a Cover Letter (Tips & Examples)

Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume

What is a cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter

How to write the perfect cover letter

Choose a cover letter template

Add a professional header

Include your contact information

Include the recipient’s contact information

Greet the hiring manager

Write a compelling introduction

Exude confidence, passion and enthusiasm

Emphasize your skills and experience

Show you’ve done some research

Highlight measurable accomplishments

Be creative

Mention a shared contact

Write the body paragraphs

Write a closing paragraph

Proofread your cover letter

Cover letter writing checklist

How to make a cover letter that stands out

Cover letter tips from career advice experts

Professional cover letters

Cover letters for top jobs

Cover letters by situation

Key takeaways

How long should a cover letter be?

How to address a cover letter without a name?

Can I send an email cover letter for a resume?

Is a cover letter necessary?

What do I write in a cover letter?

What does a cover letter look like?

How do you write a cover letter for an internship?

How do you write a cover letter for a teaching job?

How do you write a nursing cover letter?

What are the goals of a cover letter?

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

How we reviewed this article

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Related Content

8 Ways To Incorporate Volunteer Work Into Your Cover Letter

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

1. First, understand the point of a cover letter.

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

3. You don’t need a creative opening line.

4. Show, don’t tell.

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

6. Keep the tone warm and conversational.

7. Don’t use a form letter.

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

9. Keep it under one page.

10. Don’t agonize over the small details.

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

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

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

How do I apply? 