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A Career Expert's Top 6 Tips For An Incredibly Effective Cover Letter

By Zahra Thompson

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Writing an amazing cover letter can feel impossible, but putting in that effort is so worth it. "Cover letters are an opportunity to make a case for why you’d excel at the job, totally aside from what’s on your résumé," Alison Green, a former hiring manager who runs the Ask a Manager blog, tells SELF. "Employers aren’t just hiring experience," she explains. Instead, they're looking for someone who more or less has the whole package, which is hard to tell if all they know is your job history! Here, Green offers her expert insight on how to make your cover letter rise to the top of the pile.

1. Use a more casual opening than "To whom it may concern."

Since the most successful cover letters are usually more conversational than formal, it can be good to leave this one behind. "If you know the name of the hiring manager, use that. But if you don’t, you really don’t need to go to great lengths to try to track it down," says Green. In instances where you have no idea who's in charge of the process, she recommends starting off with "Dear hiring manager" instead.

2. Inject some personality that plays to your strengths.

A cover letter that repeats what's on your résumé is a wasted opportunity to shine. "When you’re facing hundreds of generic form cover letters that summarize résumés, one written using a conversational tone, like it's by a real person, is incredibly refreshing," says Green. To catch the hiring manager's attention, add interesting tidbits that give a glimpse of who you are while also emphasizing why you'd be excellent in the position. Think of it as showing instead of telling—you're not just saying you're qualified, you're backing it up with examples.

Green remembers one woman who pulled this off pretty flawlessly. "Once when I was hiring for an assistant job, a candidate mentioned that her friends teased her about her obsessive organization because she color-coded her closet and kept her music catalogued on a spreadsheet," says Green. "That’s not the sort of thing that you’d put on a résumé, but it quickly gave me a sense of who she was and why she might be a great fit for a job that required organizational skills." Thanks to those kinds of compelling details (in addition to other awesome qualities, of course), the candidate ended up scoring the job .

That's not to say you can't touch on various details of your past roles! You can and should, but instead of standing alone, each one should be fleshed out to give the hiring manager a better picture of who you are. Maybe you talk about how thanks to your meticulous research, a recent presentation you made clinched a major deal for your office. Or perhaps this is your chance to mention how your career trajectory points to a long-held interest in what the company does. Whatever it is, that extra information can help you stand out in a good way.

3. Resist the urge to say you'll follow up to schedule an interview.

There's a difference between taking initiative and jumping the gun. "This is overly pushy and will turn off most hiring managers," says Green. "You've already expressed interest by applying for the job, so now it's in the employer's court to review your application along with the others they've received and decide if they’d like to talk further." She adds that most people who write this don't actually follow up, so then they seem unreliable in addition to being too forward.

4. Stay away from cover letter clichés.

You don't need a gimmick to pique the interest of whoever's reviewing your application. "Hiring managers don’t want to feel like you’re selling them," says Green. "They want to feel like you’re talking to them like a colleague." To that end, she suggests cutting anything "aggressively sales-y" from your cover letter. Think openings like, "If you are looking for a dynamic professional who can X, Y, and Z, look no further!” Beyond seeming forced, they've seen it before. "It's so generic at this point that the hiring manager’s eyes are likely to glaze over," says Green.

5. Avoid phrases like, "I'm uniquely qualified for this job."

Along with "I'm the best candidate for this position" and other variations on the theme, these declarations can come across as either clueless or arrogant. "You just have no way of knowing those things, since you don’t know what the rest of the candidate pool looks like," says Green. Something self-assured but not hinting that you're omniscient is probably a better bet, like "I'm confident my X and Y could make me a great asset to your team."

6. Hit the length sweet spot.

If you can fill about a page with quality content, you're golden. "The perfect length is the amount of space it takes to explain why you’re an exceptionally strong candidate for the job. Half a page usually won’t be enough to do that," says Green. "On the other hand, you also shouldn’t be writing to hit a word minimum, since that often doesn't lead you anywhere good."

She suggests asking yourself if your cover letter explains why you'd thrive in the position without straight-up rattling off your work history at any point. If so, it's probably offering up just the right dose of "I'm amazing, you should bring me in for an interview ASAP" vibes that can get you one step closer to landing a new job .

A Career Expert's Top 6 Tips For An Incredibly Effective Cover Letter

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Photo Credit: Viktor Hanacek / Unsplash

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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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Writing an Effective Cover Letter: The Ultimate Guide

Picture this. You’ve just found an excellent job opening that meets all of your requirements— competitive salary, great benefits, and the ability to work on exciting projects. This has been your dream, and you know you have the qualifications. But, after reading further, you are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter. 

Many people skip over the idea of writing a cover letter because they can be difficult to write, especially if you’re applying for your first job. This is a mistake! In fact, your cover letter is one of the most important parts of the hiring process and should be written to the best of your ability.

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In this guide, we’re going to explore how you can write an effective cover letter which you can use to apply for any position in tech.

Why Are Cover Letters Important?

Your cover letter is one of the first impressions you will make on a company. Even if you already have a recommendation from a current employee, there will be people in the company who will read your resume and cover letter before you proceed to the next stage of the hiring process. And to those people, these documents will be their first impression. You know what people say, “first impressions stick.”

When you reach out to a company, you want to tell them a story about yourself and how you’re going to help them meet their goals. Your resume will outline your skills and past experience, sure, but your cover letter will back up what you’ve said in your resume and give you the opportunity to explore your interest in a certain position with more depth. 

Most importantly, your cover letter, which can take many formats, can be highly personalized for each company. This is a chance for you to tell them your story. 

What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

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The cover letter is still an expected attachment to a resume and serves as the first impression a candidate will make on a potential employer. Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to talk about why you’re interested in the position and how you would uniquely contribute to the organization. Everyone may use the same format for their resume—listing their skills, qualifications, and more—but in the cover letter, you can get more creative. You can talk about why you’re excited about the company and craft a convincing pitch that will make them want to talk with you again.

Over the last few years, there has been a perception that cover letters are no longer relevant. If you have a Twitter profile and a presence on LinkedIn or AngelList, why should you have a cover letter? Well, the truth is that employers still value a cover letter. If you don’t include a cover letter, a potential employer may pass on you before they get the chance to read about your skills in greater depth.

Your cover letter tells employers that you’re applying for a certain position. You may be able to get away with using the same resume for multiple jobs, but the cover letter should be unique to each position and company. You want to convince the company why you are the best person for their team. And you want to tell them why you want to work with their company more than any other. The more detailed you are, the better the impression you can leave on hiring managers and recruiters.

How to Format a Cover Letter

Before we get started on the contents of a cover letter, it’s important to understand how you should format the document. Here are a few tips on how to format your cover letter:

  • Use single line spacing for all text
  • Use double-space between each section
  • Include a one-inch margin on all sides
  • Align everything to the left side
  • Choose an easy-to-read font

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Your cover letter—like a resume—should only be a single page long. The best cover letters are short, concise, and ideally under 300 words . You’ll only have the attention of a recruiter for a minute or two at best, and you want to impress them as soon as possible.

What to Say in a Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be all about the position you’re applying to and the company itself . Before you get started writing a cover letter, you should make sure you are aware of the needs of the company and their expectations for a candidate in the position. 

By doing some research in advance, you’ll find it easier to adapt your cover letter to the specific position you’re applying to. Recruiters will always value a personalized cover letter over one which includes generic text about why a candidate is “good.”

When doing research for your cover letter, consider the following questions:

  • Why is the company hiring someone new?

Does the company have an always-open application so they can hire the best talent? Do they need more people to help them scale? When it comes time to writing your cover letter, make sure you keep these things in mind. If the company is scaling quickly, you may want to talk about how you have experience in fast-paced work environments, for example.

  • What skills do they expect a new candidate to have?

What are they looking for in a new candidate? Do they need someone with skills in a particular technology? Do they need someone ambitious who can help them bring their ideas into reality? Answers to these questions are difficult to ascertain before actually talking with someone in the company, but you can’t write a cover letter without knowing what they expect.

Spend some time reading through the job description and take notes on what skills they expect applicants to have. Also, read over any materials on the company’s website such as their “about” page and their vision statement so you can learn more about their expectations and long-term goals. Doing this research will show companies you know what they’re all about, thereby indicating you’re passionate about a particular position.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters can be difficult to write because you need to write a new one for each position you’re applying to. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind which will help optimize your cover letter writing process.

Expand on Your Resume

In your cover letter, you should go beyond your resume. It can be tempting to simply reiterate what you have said in your resume in more depth. But you shouldn’t repeat yourself in your cover letter. Instead, you should use your cover letter as an opportunity to discuss your experience in more depth . Write a sentence or two about how a past position helped you refine a specific skill that the employer is looking for. Customize the letter to show you have the requisite skills for the position. If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to ask yourself these questions:

  • How did you tackle one of the responsibilities you had in a past position?
  • How did you accomplish a specific milestone you mentioned on your resume?

Main Components of a Successful Cover Letter

Now, let’s get to the cover letter itself. There are three main parts in a cover letter:

  • The Introduction

Let’s break these down and explore each component in more depth.

  • Cover Letter Introduction

The first few sentences in your cover letter are key. If you include some generic and bold assertions about your skills, the recruiter may get bored and move on to the next candidate. But if you make your introduction impressive, they will want to read on further.

Your introduction should start with “Dear, [hiring manager name].” Make sure you include the name of the hiring manager or recruiter who is hiring for the position. If the company has a relaxed office culture, you only need to use their first name; if the employer is more traditional, use their first and last name.

The first paragraph should tell the company why you want to work with them . There are two things you could say in this paragraph—you believe in the company’s mission, and you want to work on the problems they are solving or, you want to work with their team. You should mention one of these facts and give a specific reason why. You’re interested in helping the company solve problems? Now you need to tell them why. 

Giving a specific reason shows the company you’ve tailored your cover letter to them and done some research about their company. Saying that you have applied because a friend told you about the company or because you saw a job opening sounds like you haven’t thought about the company in any depth—you just applied. When a company feels you are passionate about their vision or their team, they are more likely to reach out to you. They are always going to hire the person who wants to work for the company more than the person who would accept any job. Even subtle personal touches will go a long way in a cover letter.

  • Cover Letter Body

You’ve written a great introduction, and you now have the attention of the recruiter. What’s next? You have to tell them your story. The main body will be what a recruiter uses to help them decide whether to schedule an interview or file your application away.

The main body should be around three sentences —even if you are applying for junior or senior positions in tech. The goal of telling this story is to convince the company you meet all of their specifications. Tell the company about your knowledge of the technologies they are using or your past experience with a certain process they mentioned in the job listing. Whatever it is, make sure you tell them how you can help solve their problems better than everyone else . And always provide specific examples .

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"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

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Let’s say the company is looking for a front end web developer who can help them speed up their app. You could say, “In my one-year tenure as an intern at Google, I used React.js to improve the speed of an internal landing page by 50ms.” 

Specific, concise, and easy to understand.

In this section, you should be sure to make links between your qualifications and the specific requirements for a position . Mention how your skills meet the requirements of a company. You should also be sure to keep your paragraphs short. If you are writing three sentences, you may split those up into two paragraphs. This will make it easier for the recruiter to read your cover letter and understand the most important information. The more personalized your cover letter is, the more an employer will feel that you’re passionate about the company and its vision.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to talk about your past experience, there are a few questions you should keep in mind. These questions will ensure you know how to articulate your past experience and present it as effectively as possible to a future employer. Ask yourself:

  • What projects did I work on?
  • How many users did my project have?
  • What big milestones did I achieve?
  • What use cases did I have to take into account?
  • What tools (i.e. GitHub, Confluence, CircleCI) and methodologies (i.e. Agile) did I use to work on this project?

You should end up with something like, “I was a core team member building X and leveraged tools such as CircleCI to create a new continuous integration process, which helped cut down our deployment time by 30%.” 

  • Cover Letter Close

The hiring manager is reading your cover letter. They are getting more interested in reaching out to you for an interview. Now, you need to close your cover letter effectively.

The first thing you should mention in your closing lines is a call to action: a specific statement that tells employers how they can reach out to you . You may decide to say, “If you are interested in talking with me further about how I can help Microsoft boost the efficiency of their Azure platform, reach out to me at [email address].” Again, this is specific, concise, and actionable.

Then you want to close with “sincerely” or “kind regards” and sign the letter with your full name . Optionally, you can include a phone number or another contact information below your name. After you’ve done that, your cover letter will be complete. You do not need to make your close complicated—it should be simple and tell hiring managers how to reach out to you in only a few words.

Example of a Cover Letter

Here is an example of a cover letter that uses the above format. The letter states why a candidate wants to work for the company and gives them a specific example of how this candidate can help them achieve their goals. The letter is simple, concise, and actionable.

30 October 2019

Stephanie M. Anager

Hiring Manager

Career Karma

San Francisco, CA 94107

Dear James,

I used Career Karma to help choose a coding bootcamp when I was learning to code, and I recently learned about your new bootcamp directory. It got me thinking that I want to help others find the right educational opportunities for them, just like you did for me. I would like to apply for the position of junior full stack engineer at your company.

At my previous job, I started off as a junior web developer and I learned how to build efficient web applications using JavaScript and the React.js framework. I spent time working with the development team analyzing inefficiencies in our application, and made numerous changes to make our pages render quicker. If I were to join your team, I would be able to help you make your website more efficient, and help you scale the site as you gain more traffic.

If you would like to talk with me further about how I can help you improve your web application, reach out to me at [email protected].

Kind regards,

Candidate N. Ame

What Not to Include in a Cover Letter

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The purpose of a cover letter is to tell your story to a prospective employer. You can tell them about yourself, your history, your knowledge, and more. Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to show an employer why you are a good candidate for a position and why they should hire you.

But many people feel compelled to include more information than they need to. Your cover letter should be short, to-the-point, and focused on how you can help a company achieve its goals. You don’t need to include every detail about your employment history. Keeping your cover letters short will make it easy if you apply for multiple positions and need to write many different letters.

Your cover letter should be formatted correctly and should be free of any spelling or grammar errors , as it will also implicitly showcase your writing and communication skills. If your cover letter includes obvious grammatical errors, an employer may question how much attention you pay to detail—a critical component of most jobs in tech.

Here are a few things you should avoid doing in a cover letter:

  • Making assertions which are not true. Employers will check the facts of a cover letter if they proceed with the interview process. Make sure your cover letter is truthful and accurately represents your skills. There are many people who have exaggerated their skills in a cover letter but were unable to meet the requirements when it came time for the interview.
  • Information not related to the job. Don’t include anything which is not directly related to the position for which you are applying. You only have a few hundred words to use when writing your cover letter—use them all effectively.
  • What you want. Don’t mention what you want to get out of the company. You should be pitching how you can help the company, not how they can help you.
  • Expressing too much interest in the job. Companies want to know you are interested in them. But talking too much about how you like the company may cause you to lose leverage when it comes time to negotiate a salary. You are pitching yourself and your abilities, not how much you like a company. Tell the company why you’re applying, but don’t go into too much depth about how you like X, Y, and Z about them.
  • Discussing the skills you don’t have. If a company posts a position looking for writing experience, don’t say something like, “Although I have a short track record of writing experience… [insert other unrelated claims]…” Keep your cover letter focused on what you can do. You are not expected to meet every requirement listed in a job description.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

Here are a few tips on how you can write a wonderful cover letter:

1. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize.

The main thing you should remember about this guide is that your cover letter should be personalized. It should be tailored to one specific company and one position . It’s easy to tell if a cover letter has been reused multiple times—they include generic statements, and the author doesn’t talk about why they want to work for a specific company. 

If you want to save time, you should consider making a template cover letter. You can then make a few changes for each company before you send the cover letter out. For example, you can keep your close and some of your main body the same; the main thing you would change is why you want to work for each company. This saves time while still allowing you to maintain a professional tone.

2. Include Some Statistics

Hiring managers like to see stats. Numbers show that you’ve had a quantifiable impact on an organization you’ve worked for in the past. For example, if you’re a front end developer, you could talk about how you improved the render speed of pages. Similarly, if you’re a DevOps developer, you could talk about how many servers you maintained in a cluster. Statistics are not necessary, but they do help illustrate how much of an impact you have made in the past.

3. Show Personality

Your cover letter should be yours . The resume you wrote will include lists of facts about you and your history. But your cover letter should be more free-flowing and showcase your human side to hiring managers.

Spend time researching the company’s culture, and try to adopt a similar tone in your cover letter. And, before you send it, read your cover letter aloud and remove anything which doesn’t sound like how you would speak.

4. Keep It Short and Simple

Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. But your cover letter should be as short as possible . In one survey, more than two-thirds of employers said they prefer a cover letter that is half a page or, “the shorter the better”. The more wordy your writing is, the more difficult it will be for the hiring manager to take away the key points.

5. Review and Edit

As we mentioned earlier, you should run a spell check of your cover letter before you submit it. But don’t mistake a spell check for editing . Spend some time after you’ve written your cover letter to read it over and evaluate whether any changes need to be made. After a few reviews, you’ll most likely notice a few things you want to change or improve.

You can also reach out to a friend or family member and ask them to review your cover letter and make any suggestions for how you can improve the letter. Consider asking them, “Does this letter accurately showcase my skills?” and “Does this letter get you excited about me?” to make sure you have covered all your bases.

If you need some additional assistance, you can use tools such as Hemingway to help improve the tone of your work. Hemingway will highlight sentences that are too wordy and difficult to read, use passive voice, or use complex vocabulary when a simpler term would suffice.

6. Highlight Your Technical Skills

If you’re applying for a software development position, you should make sure you highlight your technical skills explicitly. Prospective employers will look at a cover letter for only a few seconds, or they may even have it parsed through an Automated Tracking System. Thus, you should spend time talking about the specific technical skills you’ve acquired so a recruiter can easily find out whether you have the skills you need to be a good fit for the job.

Mention any specific technologies you know and one major goal you met using that technology. For example, you could say, “At my previous job, I used Ruby on Rails and GraphQL to move from a REST-based architecture to GraphQL, which we found to be more efficient based on our business needs.” 

In this example, the candidate has spoken about how they know Ruby on Rails (a programming language), GraphQL (a data architecture tool), and how they have a good knowledge of REST (an API structure). If an employer is hiring someone who has these skills, this statement will really make the candidate stand out ahead of everyone else. 

7. Use Action Words

When you’re writing a cover letter, you should avoid using “buzzwords” or talking about specific skills that are not fully relevant to the job. Instead, you should use action words that showcase your involvement with particular projects. If you are a software developer, you may feel tempted to use words like “coded” or “developed” a few times in your cover letter because you have created a lot of applications. But you should try to introduce some variety into your cover letter.

Here are a few examples of action words you can use in your cover letter:

  • “I was a key collaborator on a tight-knit team…”
  • “Helped our team meet the project goal…”
  • “Created a new system to…”
  • “I managed a team of…”
  • “I helped create a new process…”

You should also try to include results-oriented words in your cover letter. These words help show that you have experience in yielding good outputs from your work and will show the extent of your responsibilities in your past experience.

A few words you may want to consider using include: redesigned, updated, implemented, produced, increased, streamlined, reduced .

Hopefully you now understand that writing a good cover letter is not too difficult and that cover letters are a great way for you to showcase your skills to employers. If you follow these guidelines on how to write a cover letter, you’ll be more likely to land a technical interview for your dream job.

In brief, here are our main rules on how to write a good cover letter:

  • Research the company, their culture, and read the job description thoroughly
  • Introduce yourself by talking about why you want to work for the company
  • Show the company how your past experience will help you be an effective contributor
  • End with a call to action and a professional close
  • Review your cover letter to make sure you do not include anything unnecessary
  • Do a final review of your cover letter and send it to some friends to get feedback

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Parts of a Cover Letter: A Detailed Breakdown of 6 Must-Have Sections

Nathan Thompson

3 takeaways

  • Learn each part of a cover letter and proper cover letter structure
  • Discover how to correctly write each section of your cover letter 
  • The best method for generating personalized cover letters in seconds with the Teal AI Resume Builder

When you’re job searching, writing a cover letter can be one of the most discouraging tasks on the list. After all, you’ve already bookmarked the job you want, researched the company, and tailored the perfect resume to match the job description. 

And now, you need to find the time (and energy) to fit all that information into a single-page cover letter.

But by knowing all the parts of a cover letter, along with how to write them, you’ll have a massive head start in the application process. 

What are the parts of a cover letter?

Before you get started creating your cover letter sections, it's important to know the main parts of a professional cover letter. Here they are in order:

  • Salutation (or greeting)
  • Opening paragraph
  • Closing paragraph

Struggling to land interviews with your current resume and cover letter? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today.

Just like there are resume sections , cover letters have sections, too.  So, first things first: should a cover letter have a header? Absolutely. 

More than just a list of ways to reach you, the header of your cover letter is your first branding opportunity. It should mirror the header of your resume to frame your application as a polished and cohesive package. 

This symmetry isn't just visually appealing; it shows a deliberate and meticulous approach to your job application.

But what should be on a cover letter header?

The key elements of a cover letter header include your:

  • Email address
  • LinkedIn URL (Optional)
  • Phone number

Here’s an example: 

Parts of a cover letter showing the header

Consider adding a link to your professional online profile, like LinkedIn, especially if you’re applying for a remote job. 

Note: Even if you’re sending an email cover letter, you should attach your letter as a PDF. First, it’s just easier to format. Second, it helps the hiring manager print or share this document with other decision-makers. 

Following the date, you’ll want to add the:

  • Name of the hiring manager 
  • The company you’re applying to 

Here’s what this looks like: 

Parts of a cover letter showing hiring manger details in the header

2. Salutation

When you’re on the hunt for a new job, first impressions matter. This is what makes the cover letter salutation so important.

This is where writing a personalized cover letter begins and where you demonstrate your interest and effort in connecting with the company on a human level. Directly addressing the hiring manager is highly recommended when you know their name. It signals respect, shows that you've done your homework, and positions you as a candidate who values personal engagement.

Why not just start your cover letter as “To whom it may concern”? 

Because in today's job market, where a lot of applications flood an inbox, a personalized greeting helps you stand out. It sets a tone of attentiveness and immediately tells the hiring manager that you pay attention to detail. 

Even this little gesture can transform a generic cover letter from a one-size-fits-all document into a tailored conversation starter that resonates with the person responsible for filling the role.

How to find the hiring manager's name

Finding the hiring manager’s name may seem difficult, but it’s often simpler than you think. 

Here are some strategies to uncover this key piece of information:

  • LinkedIn : The professional network is your first port of call. Search for the company and sift through employee listings, focusing on those with titles like “Hiring Manager,” “Recruitment Officer,” or specific department heads if you’re applying for a specialized position.
  • Company website : Sometimes, the information is hidden in plain sight on the company’s ‘Team’ or ‘About Us’ page. Larger companies might list their staff, job titles, and contact information.
  • Calling in : A direct approach can be the most effective. Call the company’s front desk or HR department. Be polite, introduce yourself, and explain that you wish to address your cover letter appropriately. Most will be happy to help.
  • Networking outreach : Rely on your network. Ask colleagues or mentors if they know who the hiring manager might be for the position you're eyeing. A mutual connection can often provide you with the name you need.
  • Social media scan : Companies often post about their team and new hires on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. A quick search might yield the right name.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name despite your best efforts, opt for a polite and general salutation like “Dear hiring manager” or “Dear hiring team” over the impersonal “To whom it may concern.” 

This retains a level of personalization and respect for the team's collaborative hiring effort. It also sets you apart from the many others who simply wrote: “to whom it may concern.”

Write the elements of a cover letter with Teal's AI

Before you start writing the main parts of your cover letter, consider using Teal instead.

Teal’s cover letter generator pulls from the information you added to a specific resume (also extracting the main keywords and details from the job posting you’re applying to) to align your content. Then, in just a click, you’ll have a great cover letter written before your eyes.

All of the parts of a cover letter written with AI

3. Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to captivate the reader's interest and set the stage for your narrative. 

When it comes to your cover letter format , this section should include a succinct introduction of who you are, a brief mention of the position you’re applying for, and a compelling reason why the role aligns perfectly with your skills and career aspirations. 

How to grab your reader’s attention in the opening paragraph

To make your entrance memorable, the opening paragraph must do more than introduce – it must intrigue. Here’s how to ensure it does that:

  • Start with a bang : Lead with a strong statement or a striking fact about your career achievements. Alternatively, a concise, bold expression of your enthusiasm for the company can be just as effective.
  • Show, don't tell : Use a mini anecdote or a powerful example from your experience that reflects your capabilities and mirrors the values or needs of the company.
  • Tailor your tone : Match the tone of your writing to the culture of the company. A startup might appreciate a more casual and innovative opener, while a traditional firm might respect a formal and straightforward approach.
  • Add some flair : Add a touch of your personality without overshadowing your professionalism. Make sure it’s a blend that conveys your unique professional identity.
  • Research results : Mention something recent about the company that impressed you, showing you’re up-to-date and genuinely interested in what they do.
  • Give the why and the what : Clearly articulate why you’re excited about the role and what you bring to the table – this is your unique value proposition.

Example of cover letter content for an opening paragraph

“Imagine a marketing strategy so engaging that it doesn't just capture attention but creates a movement. That's been the hallmark of my approach as a Marketing Manager for the past decade, where I've increased brand engagement by an average of 65% year-over-year. Inspired by [Company Name]'s recent groundbreaking campaign on sustainability—a subject close to my heart since I was just a kid—I am eager to bring my expertise in crafting compelling narratives to the role of Head of Marketing.”

You can find more cover letter samples in these marketing manager cover letter examples .

What makes this a strong opening:

  • Engages with storytelling: The opening verb is “Imagine,” which is much more engaging than something more traditional, like “My name is…”
  • Quantifiable achievements: It includes a specific, measurable achievement (increasing brand engagement by 65% year-over-year), which adds credibility to the applicant’s claims and showcases a track record of success.
  • Personal connection: There’s a personal touch with the mention of a lifelong passion for sustainability, making the applicant’s interest in the company feel genuine and deeply rooted.
  • Alignment with company values: The reference to the company’s campaign on sustainability suggests that the applicant has done their research and shares the company’s values, implying a natural cultural fit.
  • Focus on contribution: By stating a desire to bring expertise in crafting compelling narratives, the applicant immediately addresses how they can contribute to the company’s success rather than just what they wish to gain from the position.

If you can get all of those qualities to shine through in your cover letter, you’ll be more likely to get the reader over to the body of your cover letter. 

Your cover letter body is the meat of your message. It's where you dive into your professional journey, aligning your skills and experiences with the needs of the job at hand. 

This part should be structured in a clear and compelling manner, usually composed of one to three paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose. 

The first paragraph should connect your past successes to the potential future contributions you'll make to the company. Subsequent paragraphs , like the second or third paragraph , can be used to go further into your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements while also reflecting your knowledge of the company’s goals and challenges.

How to showcase relevant skills and experiences

Here’s how to write a cover letter body that resonates with hiring managers:

  • Customize and contextualize : Tailor each example of your experience to mirror the job description. It’s about relevance—show the reader why and how your background prepares you for the specific role.
  • Quantify your impact : Use numbers and metrics to give weight to your achievements. Whether it’s increasing sales by a certain percentage or reducing costs through innovative solutions, numbers speak louder than words .
  • Problem, action, result (PAR) method : For each skill or experience you share, present the problem you encountered, the action you took, and the result of your efforts. This method illustrates your thought process and problem-solving skills.
  • Align with the company's vision : Show that you’ve done your homework by relating your experience to the company's current projects or goals. This demonstrates not just alignment but also initiative and forward-thinking.
  • Storytelling with substance : Craft your experiences into a narrative that’s engaging. Your goal is to lead the reader on a journey that showcases growth, impact, and relevance to the role.
  • Be concise, be clear : Avoid jargon and overly complex language. The body of your cover letter should be easy to read and understand, ensuring that your points are made without confusion.

Example of what should be in a cover letter body

During my tenure with XYZ Corp, a pioneer in eco-friendly packaging, I spearheaded a transition that faced significant initial resistance both internally and from our customer base. The challenge was formidable: to reframe the public's perception of sustainable packaging from a costly alternative to a savvy, consumer-driven choice. My strategy was to launch an educational campaign that highlighted not just the environmental impact but also the long-term economic benefits. This initiative not only garnered a 120% increase in consumer engagement but also positioned XYZ Corp as a thought leader in the market. In my most recent project, I led a cross-functional team to address a 15% slump in market share due to increased competition. By instituting a thorough competitor analysis and customer feedback loop, we identified key areas where our messaging fell flat. I orchestrated a brand revitalization campaign focused on our core strengths, infused with customer success stories. The result was a 25% market share rebound within the first quarter post-campaign. In each role, I've aligned my actions not only with the company's immediate goals but with a visionary outlook. For instance, anticipating the rise of AI in marketing, I initiated a successful pilot program at XYZ Corp that utilized machine learning to personalize customer interactions, leading to a 30% uptick in customer retention rates.

But remember, not every cover letter will focus on the same information. You’ll need to craft your cover letter according to the specific job you’re applying to. 

While this level of personalization may seem tedious, it’s absolutely necessary. 

5. Closing paragraph

One of the last main parts of a professional cover letter , the closing paragraph, isn’t just a summary but a strategic push to get you into the interview room. This part should reiterate your interest in the position, succinctly summarize why you’re the right fit, and express your enthusiasm about the potential to contribute to the company. 

It's also the place to include a call to action, such as expressing your desire to discuss your application in more detail in a personal interview.

How to end the cover letter on a strong note

  • Reaffirm your value : Concisely restate how your skills and experiences align with the job and can benefit the company.
  • Personal touch : Express genuine enthusiasm and confidence in your ability to perform the role. Let them feel your eagerness and readiness to take on the challenges it presents.
  • Call to action : Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step. You can say you look forward to the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to their team or that you're eager to provide further details on how you can help achieve their goals.

Closing paragraph example in a cover letter

I am excited to contribute to [Company Name]'s innovative marketing efforts. My skill set aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Head of Marketing position. I am eager to apply my expertise in strategic planning and digital engagement to drive impactful campaigns that resonate with your brand's vision, and I look forward to discussing how my experience and insights can support your company's success. Thank you for considering my application, and I am hopeful for the opportunity to discuss collaboration in person.

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out this comprehensive database of 1300+ cover letter examples .

6. Sign-off

A professional sign-off sets the tone for how your cover letter is received. It's the equivalent of the final handshake after a successful meeting—it should convey respect and formality. 

Here's how you can ensure your sign-off strengthens your application:

  • Choose the right closing : "Sincerely," "Best regards," and "Kind regards" are safe and professional options. If the company culture is more casual, "Best" or "Warm regards" may be suitable.
  • Include your full name : Your sign-off should always include your full name to ensure clarity and formality. If you've established a personal connection with the hiring manager, adding a handwritten signature above your typed name can add a personal touch.
  • Professional contact details : Beneath your name, include your professional contact details, such as your phone number and email address, and LinkedIn profile URL to facilitate easy follow-up.

The best way to write a cover letter 

Again, if writing a cover letter is your least favorite part of the job application, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to take all the bullet-point information from a resume and turn that into a single page of compelling and persuasive text. 

From getting the cover letter format just right to writing the actual information, it’s not an easy task. 

That’s why, with a tool like Teal’s cover letter generator , there’s simply no excuse for not having a personalized cover letter with each application. 

Simply build your resume, and with the click of a button, you can have a polished and personalized cover letter in seconds. 

Sign up for Teal today to give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should each section of a cover letter be to maintain the reader's interest, can i include bullet points in the body of my cover letter to highlight my achievements, is it necessary to address the cover letter to a specific person, and what if i can't find a name.

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  • Career Blog

When to Include a Cover Letter: Tips & Examples

effective cover letter quizlet

A cover letter is a crucial part of job applications that often plays a role in separating successful candidates from the rest. A cover letter serves as an introduction to a prospective employer and highlights why you are the perfect fit for the job. It is a complementary document that should accompany your resume.

In this article, we will discuss when to include a cover letter in your job applications, where it is necessary, and some tips and examples to help you make your cover letter stand out. Whether you are a recent graduate, changing careers, or just looking to enhance your job search chances, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to write an effective cover letter.

So, let’s explore different scenarios and give you insights into how a well-written cover letter can boost your chances of getting your dream job.

Circumstances When You Should Always Include a Cover Letter

If you want to increase your chances of getting the job, make sure to include a cover letter in these specific scenarios:

  • Applying for a job that explicitly requires a cover letter

Many job listings include instructions to submit a cover letter along with your resume. If a company explicitly asks for a cover letter, it’s essential to follow their instructions, or you risk being disqualified for not providing all the required application materials.

  • Applying for a job in a creative or communications industry

In industries such as advertising, marketing, or public relations, a cover letter is often used as a way to showcase your creativity, writing skills, and personality. For these jobs, the cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and sell yourself as a perfect candidate beyond your skillset.

  • Applying for a job in a competitive field

If you’re applying for a job in an industry that is known to be highly competitive, you must send a cover letter. In this context, a cover letter helps you stand out from the crowd, differentiate yourself from other job seekers, and demonstrate your interest and commitment to the job.

Remember, always tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for, make it personalized, and show the employer that you understand the company’s values, mission, and culture. A well-written cover letter can be what sets you apart from other job applicants and lands you the interview you’re hoping for.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding Whether to Include a Cover Letter

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider whether or not to include a cover letter. While some job postings may specifically request a cover letter, others may not mention it at all. Here are three key factors to consider before making your decision:

1. The Company Culture and Expectations

Before deciding whether to include a cover letter, consider the company culture and expectations. If you’re applying for a job at a startup, for example, the hiring manager may be looking for candidates who are passionate and driven, and a well-crafted cover letter may be the key to standing out. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a more formal, traditional company, a cover letter may be seen as unnecessary or even outdated.

2. The Job Posting and Job Description

Another important factor to consider is the job posting and job description. If the job listing specifically requests a cover letter, you should definitely include one. On the other hand, if the job description doesn’t mention a cover letter, you should still carefully consider whether one is appropriate. If the job is highly competitive, a cover letter may be an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants.

3. Your Previous Interaction With the Employer

Finally, consider your previous interaction with the employer. If you’ve already had contact with the hiring manager or others at the company, a cover letter may be a great way to build on that relationship and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. On the other hand, if you don’t have any prior interaction with the company, a cover letter may come across as presumptuous or even annoying.

The decision to include a cover letter should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. By taking the time to think through these three key factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and set yourself up for success in the job application process.

Benefits of Including a Cover Letter

There are many benefits to including a cover letter in your job application. Here are a few of the most important:

1. A chance to expand on your qualifications

Your resume is an important tool for showcasing your qualifications and experience to potential employers, but sometimes it can be difficult to convey everything you want to say in just a few bullet points. A cover letter provides an opportunity to expand on your qualifications and explain how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the job.

2. An opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills

In many jobs, strong communication skills are essential. By including a well-written cover letter with your application, you can demonstrate your ability to write clearly and persuasively. This can be especially important if the job you’re applying for requires you to communicate with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders.

3. A way to show your enthusiasm and interest in the job

Employers want to hire people who are genuinely excited about the job they’re applying for. A cover letter is a great way to show your enthusiasm and interest in the position. You can talk about why you’re drawn to the company and what you find exciting about the job, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

Including a cover letter in your job application can be a great way to showcase your qualifications, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the job. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful, well-written cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting the job.

Parts of a Strong Cover Letter

Writing a strong cover letter is crucial in making an outstanding first impression on potential employers. It is your chance to showcase your qualifications, enthusiasm, and personality. In this section, we will discuss the essential parts of an effective cover letter to help increase your chances of being called in for an interview.

The Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph is where you should grab the reader’s attention and give a brief introduction of yourself. Start by mentioning the job position you are applying for and how you came to know about it. You can also make a strong statement telling the reader why you are the best candidate for the job. However, avoid being too generic or using cliché statements such as “I am a hard-working, dedicated team player.” Instead, show examples of how you have excelled in previous positions or coursework and relate them to the job you are applying for.

The body of your cover letter is where you should provide more information about your qualifications and experience. Use this section to highlight specific examples of your skills that make you an excellent candidate for the job. You can also mention any relevant achievements or accomplishments that you have attained in your career. Be sure to use keywords from the job posting to showcase how your experience aligns with the position you are applying for.

It’s essential to structure your letter coherently and highlight the key points. Break your writing into paragraphs with each one detailing a particular point. Use bullet points to provide examples of your accomplishments and how you can benefit the company. However, don’t make the letter too long or too short, aim for around three paragraphs, and ensure it’s easy to skim through quickly.

The Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph of your cover letter is where you should reiterate your interest in the role and why you would be an asset to the company. Thank the reader for taking the time to read your application and provide information on how they can contact you. Be sure to include your email and phone number. End with a call-to-action asking for an opportunity to discuss your qualifications further or schedule an interview.

Writing a strong cover letter takes effort, but it is worth it if you want to stand out from the competition. By following the essential parts of an effective cover letter, you can increase your chances of obtaining an interview and landing your dream job. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the job you are applying for and showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Tips for Writing a Standout Cover Letter

When it comes to creating an outstanding cover letter, following these tips will help you stand out from the competition:

Highlighting accomplishments instead of duties

Don’t just list your job duties. Instead, focus on highlighting specific accomplishments and successes you’ve achieved in your previous roles. By showcasing your achievements, you demonstrate your value to potential employers and provide concrete examples of your skills and expertise.

Addressing the employer’s pain points

Take the time to research the company and understand their pain points. Then, show how your skills and experience can help them solve these problems. By addressing their concerns directly, you show that you’re invested in helping the company succeed.

Using keywords from the job posting

Carefully review the job description and use relevant keywords and phrases in your cover letter. This helps you to align your application with the employer’s needs and highlights your qualifications. However, make sure to use them naturally and not overdo it.

Avoiding generic language

Avoid using generic language and buzzwords in your cover letter. Instead, use specific, impactful language that shows your expertise and experience. Show, rather than tell, how you can bring value to the company.

Tailoring the cover letter to the specific job opening

Each cover letter should be specifically tailored to the job opening you’re applying for. This shows the employer that you’re serious about the position and are invested in the role. By demonstrating your knowledge of the company and the job, you increase your chances of getting noticed.

By applying these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and value to potential employers.

Sample Cover Letter for a Traditional Job Application

If you’re applying for a traditional job opening, it’s important to submit a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and experience. Here’s an example of a cover letter that follows a traditional format and style:

[Your Name]   [Street Address]   [City, State ZIP Code]   [Email Address]   [Phone Number]   [Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]   [Company Name]   [Street Address]   [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Source of Job Ad]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Industry], I am confident that my skills and expertise make me a strong candidate for this role.

As a [Previous Position] at [Current/Previous Company], I honed my skillset in [Key Qualifications/Experience Mentioned in Job Ad]. Specifically, I have experience in [Skill/Experience 1], [Skill/Experience 2], [Skill/Experience 3], and [Skill/Experience 4]. I am confident that my strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, combined with my experience in [Field/Industry], make me a valuable asset to the [Company Name] team.

In my previous positions, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to [Expand on Previous Achievements or Highlights]. These skills make me an ideal candidate for the [Job Title] position. I believe that my experience combined with my passion for [Relevant Industry/Field] make me a strong fit for [Company Name] and its mission.

I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and explore how my skills and experience can help [Company Name] drive success in [Specific Area/Department Mentioned in Job Ad]. Thank you for considering my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sample Cover Letter for a Creative Job Application

As a creative professional with a passion for design and storytelling, I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Related Field], I am confident that my skills, achievements, and creative vision align perfectly with the job requirements.

In my current role as [Current Position] at [Current Company], I have honed my skills in [Related Skills], delivering exceptional results to [Achievements]. I am particularly proud of [One of Your Best Achievements], where I [Description/Result of Achievement]. These experiences have helped me build a strong foundation in [Related Skills and Themes], which I believe will be valuable in the [Job Title] role.

What excites me most about [Company Name] is your dedication to [Related Vision/Values], as well as your focus on [Main Responsibilities of the Job Title Position]. These align closely with my own values and goals, and I am eager to bring my talents to [Company Name] to help achieve those goals. I am particularly drawn to [Related Projects or Initiatives], and I look forward to contributing my experience and creativity to these efforts.

My passion for design and storytelling extends beyond the workplace, as well. In my free time, I enjoy [Related Hobbies or Projects], which have further developed my eye for design and my ability to communicate compelling stories. I believe these experiences have given me a unique perspective and skillset that will benefit [Company Name] greatly.

Thank you for considering my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to share my passion, experience, and vision, and I look forward to the chance to contribute my talents to [Company Name].

Sample Cover Letter for a Job with Limited Experience

If you’re applying for a job with limited work experience, writing a cover letter can be daunting. However, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in catching a hiring manager’s attention and landing an interview. Here is an example cover letter you can customize for your own job search:

This cover letter follows a standard format while highlighting the applicant’s relevant skills and enthusiasm for the position. Use specific examples and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to show what value you can bring to the company.

Remember, even if you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can still demonstrate your potential and enthusiasm for the job through your cover letter. Good luck with your job search!

When Not to Include a Cover Letter

While cover letters are commonly included with job applications, there are some instances where they may not be necessary or useful. Here are some examples of when you may want to skip the cover letter:

You Are Applying Through an Online Application System

Many companies utilize online job application systems that require applicants to fill out a standard form, upload their resume, and answer basic questions about their qualifications. In these cases, there may not be an option to submit a separate cover letter. Additionally, the hiring manager may not even see the cover letter if it is not specifically requested.

The Job Posting Does Not Request a Cover Letter

Some job postings may specifically request a cover letter, while others do not mention it at all. If the posting does not mention a cover letter, it is possible that including one may not be necessary or may even be viewed as irrelevant. However, it is still a good idea to research the company and tailor your application materials to fit their culture and values.

You Are Applying for a Position That Does Not Require Writing Skills

Cover letters are important because they provide an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their writing skills and convey their enthusiasm for the position. However, if the position does not require strong writing skills, such as a manual labor job, including a cover letter may not add much value to your application.

Your Resume Speaks for Itself

In some cases, your resume may be strong enough to stand alone and effectively communicate your qualifications and experience. If your resume already contains all the information relevant to the job posting and showcasing your skills, a cover letter may not be necessary.

You Have a Previous Relationship with the Hiring Manager

If you already have an established relationship with the hiring manager, such as through a professional network or previous job, a cover letter may not be necessary. The hiring manager may already know your experience and qualifications, making a cover letter redundant.

It is important to carefully consider the circumstances of each job application to determine whether or not to include a cover letter. By assessing the requirements and expectations of the employer, you can make an informed decision that will showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of landing the job.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a cover letter, avoiding mistakes is just as important as including the right information. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to Customize the Letter

One of the biggest cover letter mistakes is failing to personalize the letter to the job you’re applying for. Don’t just recycle the same generic letter for every job you apply to. Instead, take the time to tailor your letter to the specific position and company. This may involve doing some research to learn more about the company’s culture, values, and goals, and incorporating that information into your letter.

2. Repeating Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume, not simply repeat it. Don’t just rehash the information from your resume. Instead, use your letter to expand on your experiences and skills, and to explain why you’re a good fit for the position. This is your chance to showcase your personality and communication skills, so make the most of it.

3. Using a Generic Greeting

Addressing your letter to “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” is a red flag to hiring managers that you haven’t done your research. Take the time to find out who the hiring manager is, and address your letter to them instead. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, consider using a more generic yet professional greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”

4. Being Too Informal

While you want to showcase your personality in your letter, it’s important to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, and make sure to use proper grammar and spelling. It’s also a good idea to avoid sharing personal information or details that aren’t relevant to the position.

5. Making it Too Long

Your cover letter should be short and to the point, typically no more than one page. Hiring managers are busy people, and they don’t want to read a lengthy document. Instead, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills, and explain why you’re a good fit for the position.

6. Not Proofreading

Finally, one of the biggest cover letter mistakes is failing to proofread before submitting. Even a small typo or error can make a bad impression on the hiring manager. Before sending your letter, take the time to read it through carefully and make any necessary edits.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. Remember, your letter is your chance to make a good first impression, so make it count.

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Best Practices For Writing The Most Effective Cover Letter

Best Practices for Writing the Most Effective Cover Letter

An estimated two percent of all job applications result in an interview – meaning that 98 percent of all candidates are eliminated without ever speaking to a hiring manager or recruiter.

While most candidates consider the resume to be the most valuable tool for the job-seeker, an effective cover letter can have an equal impact in connecting to a person with a position. In fact, a recent survey found that 40 percent of hiring managers will pay more attention to an application if a cover letter is included.

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Resumes provide a hiring manager with important facts about the job seeker’s skills and experience. However, a cover letter can be used to provide the context for those facts and highlight the ways in which an applicant is a good fit for the available position.

In order to use the cover letter to its best advantage, an applicant should consider these five best practices.

Cover Letter Best Practices

1. customize it.

A standardized cover letter that doesn’t address a specific position or organization can have a substantial negative effect. An uninspired, standardized cover letter can give the impression that you are less interested in the position than other applicants that have made more of an effort.

Customizing your cover letter to speak directly to the available position, as well as the organization, gives the opposite impression – of an enthusiastic applicant that is capable, and willing to conduct research and apply it in a practical manner.

2. Start Strong

A hiring manager or recruiter receives an average of 250 applications for each open position. A weak opening to your cover letter might result in your application being sidelined. The opening line of your cover letter should do one or more of the following:

Convey enthusiasm for the company by demonstrating your unique value proposition to the company, or your unique connection to the company, its products, and/or its mission.

Highlight an impressive accomplishment.

Express passion for the industry, occupation, or work that is available, or express a unique belief that aligns the candidate with the company values.

3. Don’t Recap The Resume

In line with not starting the cover with your name and the position title, the cover letter is not the place to restate the information that is already contained on your resume. Instead, focus on the opportunity to provide context surrounding the resume’s facts.

Also, be sure to accentuate the positive in your cover letter. Don’t address or apologize for any skill or experience that is currently lacking. However, this may be an appropriate time to provide additional information about a gap in employment, adding focus on the way that the break between jobs improved job fit in some way by adding context, independence, or some other skill that can be translated to the job at hand.

Learn More: 5 Tips On How To Write A Resume: Show Don’t Tell

4. Use Keywords, Not Clichés

Avoid the overused phrases that a hiring manager sees too often like “team player” and “people person” come to mind. Instead, review both the job description and other branded materials from the hiring organization for power words that connect candidate and company.

5. Highlight A Cultural Fit (Showcase Your Personality)

A well-written resume can go a long way toward demonstrating whether a candidate is fit for a job. But a well-written cover letter can demonstrate whether a candidate is a good fit for the culture of the department and the organization at large.

The job application process includes a variety of task from resume and cover letter writing to nailing the job interview. By working with a recruiting firm like Sparks Group, job seekers gain a dedicated recruiter to learn best practices and become a stand-out candidate .

For more information about available full-time, contract-to-hire and temporary positions check out our job board and take the next step towards achieving your career goals.

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1. https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/only-2-of-applicants-actually-get-interviews-heres-how-to-be-one-of-them/

2. https://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=9 percent2F22 percent2F2016&id=pr967&ed=12 percent2F31 percent2F2016

3. https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/50-hr-recruiting-stats-make-think/

Written by Sparks Group

Sparks Group

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Write My Essay Service - Working to Help You

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Write My Essay Service - Working to Help You

Do you want to have more free time for personal development and fun? Or are you confused with your professor's directions? Whatever your reason for coming to us is, you are welcome! We are a legitimate professional writing service with student-friendly prices and with an aim to help you achieve academic excellence. To get an A on your next assignment simply place an order or contact our 24/7 support team.

COMMENTS

  1. EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS Flashcards

    a recommendation. The most important purpose of a cover letter is to _____. demonstrate to an employer that you are the best person for the position you seek. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like mission statement, A resume gives a potential employer important information about your qualifications and accomplishments ...

  2. 7 Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter

    A great cover letter uses a logical progression of ideas to advertise your skills. There are seven sections that every cover letter should include to fit employer expectations and highlight your best qualities: 1. Header. All cover letters start with a header that includes your contact information. People often use the same header for their ...

  3. A Career Expert's Top 6 Tips For An Incredibly Effective Cover Letter

    Here, Green offers her expert insight on how to make your cover letter rise to the top of the pile. 1. Use a more casual opening than "To whom it may concern." Since the most successful cover ...

  4. Writing an Effective Cover Letter: The Ultimate Guide

    But you should try to introduce some variety into your cover letter. Here are a few examples of action words you can use in your cover letter: "I was a key collaborator on a tight-knit team…". "Helped our team meet the project goal…". "Created a new system to…". "I managed a team of…". "I helped create a new process…".

  5. What is an Effective Cover Letter Format?

    The Body. The body of the cover letter format is an open door to what can be expected in the interview. Just like your profile picture, this will shape the potential employer's first impression. Let's put the light in your eyes to paper. Engage with your professional potential by telling a success story from your current or a previous job.

  6. How To Write a Cover Letter Outline (With Template)

    3. Include the employer's contact information. If you know the hiring manager's name and the company's name, address and phone number, leave space to include it. Otherwise, this is one part of your outline that you may leave out. 4. Date your cover letter. Your cover letter outline should include room for the date.

  7. 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.

  8. Effective Cover Letters Flashcards

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Introduction Paragraph, Body of the cover letter, Closing Paragraph and more.

  9. Parts of a Cover Letter: A Detailed Breakdown of 6 Must-Have Sections

    2. Salutation. When you're on the hunt for a new job, first impressions matter. This is what makes the cover letter salutation so important. This is where writing a personalized cover letter begins and where you demonstrate your interest and effort in connecting with the company on a human level.

  10. When to Include a Cover Letter: Tips & Examples

    A cover letter is a crucial part of job applications that often plays a role in separating successful candidates from the rest. A cover letter serves as an introduction to a prospective employer and highlights why you are the perfect fit for the job. It is a complementary document that should accompany your resume.

  11. Best Practices For Writing The Most Effective Cover Letter

    Cover Letter Best Practices. 1. Customize It. A standardized cover letter that doesn't address a specific position or organization can have a substantial negative effect. An uninspired, standardized cover letter can give the impression that you are less interested in the position than other applicants that have made more of an effort.

  12. Effective Cover Letter Quizlet

    Effective Cover Letter Quizlet - Nursing Management Business and Economics Economics +69. PenMyPaper: a student-friendly essay writing website. We, at PenMyPaper, are resolute in delivering you professional assistance to write any kind of academic work. Be it marketing, business, or healthcare sector, we can prepare every kind of draft ...

  13. When Writing An Effective Cover Letter You Should Quizlet

    Rating: Interested writers will start bidding on your order. View their profiles, check clients' feedback and choose one professional whom you deem perfect for handling your task. 4.8/5. When Writing An Effective Cover Letter You Should Quizlet -.

  14. Q&A: What's the Ideal Cover Letter Length?

    Break up your text by adding a blank line between paragraphs, setting 1-inch margins on each side. With lots of white space, your cover letter will look like an enjoyable read rather than a wall of text. 4. Limit your cover letter to four paragraphs. Generally, your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length.

  15. Effective Cover Letter Quizlet

    This is what makes our service the best essay writing service to write with. Level: College, University, High School, Master's, PHD, Undergraduate. GOT IT. 100% Success rate. Jam Operasional (09.00-17.00) +62 813-1717-0136 (Corporate) +62 812-4458-4482 (Recruitment) This phone number format is not recognized.

  16. Effective Cover Letter Quizlet

    1298 Orders prepared. Choose a writer for your task among hundreds of professionals. 1 (888)814-4206 1 (888)499-5521. Min Area (sq ft) Show Less. Level: College, University, High School, Master's, PHD, Undergraduate. You are going to request writer Estevan Chikelu to work on your order. We will notify the writer and ask them to check your order ...

  17. What Is a Cover Letter? (And What To Include in One)

    A cover letter is a short introduction to you that concisely communicates your interest in a job opportunity along with your top skills and relevant experience. It's important to customize your cover letter for each role to demonstrate that you've researched the organization's mission and values. — Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD.

  18. An Effective Cover Letter Quizlet

    An Effective Cover Letter Quizlet, Cover Letter For Industry Scientist, Project Thesis In Mechanical Engineering, Java Case Study Topics, What Not Inculde In Ur Collage Essay, Best Thesis Writing Books, Job Application Cover Letter New Zealand Jam Operasional (09.00-17.00)

  19. An Effective Cover Letter Quizlet

    Only professional 'my essay writer', who are highly qualified and a master in their academic field, will write for you. Quality control is rigorously maintained by us and is thoroughly aligned with the given question brief and instructions. We will also provide you with a thorough Plagiarism report by the Turnitin software which will ensure ...