Submitting a resume without a cover letter is like giving a gift without wrapping paper. It gets the job done but lacks the personal touch.
So if you’re applying for a job, you will need to write a cover letter. A cover letter is usually presented as an attachment with your resume, introducing you to employers or recruiters. It’s a quick way to present a very brief highlight reel about your skills and experiences and why you’re the best candidate for the job in a few short paragraphs. It’s not always as easy as it might sound.
So, what makes a good cover letter?
Firstly, it should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Avoid generic cover letters that don’t address the specific company and job you’re applying to. Reference some of the key skills required for the job and how you meet them. It tells the employer you’ve actually read their job posting.
A good cover letter should be well-written and error-free. Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and typos will make you look unprofessional and careless before your resume is even opened. It should be concise and to the point. You don’t want to bore the employer with a long-winded message that doesn’t get to the point.
The easiest way to do this is to follow a process. We’ll help you understand what to do – and what not to do – when writing your own cover letter with examples.
In the following sections, we’ll cover:
1. Why to Include in Your Cover Letter
2. Structuring Your Cover Letter
3. Examples of Good Cover Letters
4. Examples of Bad Cover Letters
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
As we mentioned earlier, your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. It should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Here are the basic elements to include in your cover letter:
Header: Your name, address, phone number, and email address. You can align it with your resume header
Greeting: Address the hiring manager, by name if possible. If you can’t find their name, use a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” Don’t use Sir/Madame or similar greetings.
Introduction: Explain why you’re writing and how you found out about the job. Name the company you’re applying for by its full name. Mention the job board or resource where you found the job.
Body: Highlight your relevant skills and experience. Use specific examples to show how you’ve used these skills in the past. You can copy, paste and slightly update from your resume.
Closing: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your interest in the position. Name the company again, if possible, to further personalize the letter. Include your contact information again and sign off.
Remember to keep your cover letter brief and to the point. It should be no more than one page long, but shouldn’t fill the entire page (white space is good!). It should focus on the most important information. Use a professional tone and avoid using overly casual language or slang: Even companies that are young and dynamic will want someone who can express themselves in a professional manner.
Structuring Your Cover Letter
When it comes to writing a cover letter, it’s important to structure it properly. A well-structured cover letter can make a good first impression and increase your chances of getting an interview. Here are the different sections you should include in your cover letter:
Header
The header of your cover letter should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. You should also include the date and the name and address of the person you’re sending the cover letter to. Make sure to use a professional email address and phone number.
Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention and explain why you’re interested in the job. You can start by mentioning the position you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. You should also briefly mention your qualifications and why you’re a good fit for the job. You could also mention where you have heard of the company, and why you’re interested in them.
Body Paragraph(s)
The body paragraphs of your cover letter should provide more detail about your qualifications and experience. You should highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments and explain how they make you a good fit for the job. Make sure to use specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. An example of specificity can be: ”Decreased machining turnaround time by 5% in the first 6 months. Decreased turnaround by 2% on average year over year.”
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph of your cover letter should summarize your interest in the job and your qualifications. You can also mention that you’re looking forward to hearing back from the employer and that you’re available for an interview. Make sure to thank the employer for considering your application.
Signature
Your signature should include your full name and your contact information. You can also include a professional-looking email signature with your name, job title, and contact information.
Examples of Good Cover Letters
Cover Letters for Job Applications
Your cover letter should be well-written, concise, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Here are a few examples of good cover letters:
Example 1:
This cover letter is short and to the point. It highlights the applicant’s relevant experience and skills and shows enthusiasm for the job.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. With over five years of experience in marketing and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.
During my time at ABC Company, I was responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that increased sales by 20%. I also have experience in social media marketing, email marketing, and content creation.
I am excited about the opportunity to join XYZ Company and bring my skills and experience to the team. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 2:
This cover letter is more detailed and provides specific examples of the applicant’s achievements. It also shows a clear understanding of the company and its values.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Sales Manager position at ABC Company. With over seven years of experience in sales and a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, I am confident in my ability to drive revenue growth at your company.
During my time at XYZ Company, I developed and implemented a sales strategy that increased revenue by 30% in the first year. I also have experience in managing a team of sales representatives and providing coaching and training to help them achieve their targets.
I am impressed by ABC Company’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and its focus on innovation. I believe that my skills and experience align with your company’s values and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Cover Letter for an Internship
When applying for an internship, your cover letter should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your willingness to learn. Here are a few examples of good cover letters:
Example:
This cover letter is short and to the point. It highlights the applicant’s relevant coursework and shows a clear interest in the company and its mission.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Internship position at XYZ Company. As a Marketing major at ABC University, I have developed a strong foundation in marketing principles and a passion for the field.
I am impressed by XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating innovative solutions. I believe that my skills and experience align with your company’s values and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Examples of Bad Cover Letters
Generic Cover Letter
One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make is sending out a generic cover letter. This type of cover letter is not tailored to the specific job or company and lacks personalization. It is a one-size-fits-all approach that does not demonstrate your interest in the position or your qualifications.
For example, a generic cover letter might start with a sentence like:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the open position at your company.”
This type of opening does not show that you have done any research on the company or position. It also does not highlight your relevant skills or experience. Instead, try to personalize your cover letter by mentioning specific details about the job or company that caught your attention.
Cover Letter with Typos
Another common mistake that job seekers make is sending out a cover letter with typos or grammatical errors. This can make a bad first impression and suggest that you lack attention to detail.
For example, a cover letter with typos might include sentences like:
“I am very excited about this oppurtunity.”
“I have a lot of experiance in this field.”
These types of errors can be easily avoided by proofreading your cover letter before sending it out. You can also ask a friend or family member to review it for you.
Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression and stand out from other applicants. Take the time to personalize it and proofread it carefully to avoid making these common mistakes.
Now get out there and write great (and brief) cover letters!
