Cover Letter Template:
Start applying for jobs with our Word formatted cover letter today.
Download NowCover Letter Example:
[Full Name]
[Physical Address]
[Telephone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Application for the position of [insert position name]
Dear [recipient’s title and last name]
I would like to apply for the position of [insert position name] as advertised [mention where you saw the advertisement.] My experience and ability to [#1 skill] and [#2 skill] perfectly fit the advertised position's requirements. I am confident that my skills combined with my industry knowledge will be invaluable to [insert company name.]
I received my [qualification] from [institution and location,] and have [insert number] of years' experience in [mention relevant field.] In my attached resume you will notice that I have [mention certifications, skills, and competencies] that answer directly to the requirements of your job posting.
In my [current or previous role] at [insert company name,] I [was/am] responsible for [discuss your core responsibilities.] Most recently, I was [talk about your major accomplishments.]
As an experienced [your job title,] I am impressed with [mention notable characteristics or milestones you appreciate about the company] and feel that my talent for [mention your strengths] would be of great benefit to your company.
Please find my resume attached. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions you would like to discuss.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
How to Write a Cover Letter:
Our complete, step-by-step guide on how to write an effective cover letter.
Start your cover letter.
Add your contact details.
Start your cover letter by adding your contact information. Include your full name, contact number, physical address, and email address. If you have a professional website or LinkedIn account, add the links to this section. If you are applying for a job out of state, either leave out your physical address or mention that you will be willing to relocate.
Address the recipient by title and name.
Before your opening paragraph, add a greeting that directly addresses the recipient by their formal title and last name, such as, "Dear Ms. Humbolt." If you do not know their name, start with "Dear Hiring Manager." Avoid using generic greetings, such as, "To whom it may concern."
Add a brief introduction.
Your opening paragraph should grab the reader's attention and let them know why you are writing. State which position you are applying for to avoid any confusion. Also mention where you saw the advertisement and why you would be suitable for the role.
Using descriptive words and action verbs mention that your skills and experience match those listed in the job description. Remember to keep your intro paragraph to three sentences or less.
Focus on your skills, qualifications, and experience.
The second paragraph of your cover letter should detail your qualifications and experience. Mention your highest qualification with the institution name and any other certifications that are relevant to the field. Then briefly describe your work experience, mentioning only your most recent and relevant positions.
Discuss your most recent role and responsibilities.
In the next paragraph, describe your responsibilities in your current or former job, focusing on those that pertain to the job description posting. Add any major achievements that set you apart from other candidates. Try to add statistics or numerical data to bolster your achievements. The more precise the information, the better.
Celebrate the organization.
In the final paragraph of your cover letter, take the opportunity to point out a few things you admire about the company you are applying to. This could include major industry achievements, favorable employee feedback, community involvement, corporate culture, etc.
Close the letter.
State that you've attached your resume for their consideration and invite the reader to contact you if they have any further questions. Close your cover letter by thanking the reader for their time. Add "Sincerely" and sign off with your full name.
💡 A cover letter should complement a well-written resume or CV, and a new one should be written for each job application.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
A cover letter gives the hiring manager a better idea of who you are as a job applicant. It provides a platform where you can elaborate on the experience and accomplishments you've mentioned in your Resume, and it also gives you a chance to explain how your skillset would benefit the company.
Even if the hiring manager merely glances over your cover letter, it will still demonstrate your communication skills, attention to detail, work ethic, meticulousness, and your overall interest in the job and the company or institution.
Researching and planning your Cover Letter.
Your Cover Letter may be a page or less, but it still requires extensive research and planning. Before you tell the employer why you're the best person for the job, there are a few aspects of the job and the company or institution you need to understand.
A job posting will give you some idea of the type of work you'll be doing, but it's up to you to conduct further research in order to write a winning cover letter.
Questions to consider when doing company research:
- What is the purpose of this company or institution?
- What can I contribute to this company or institution?
- Will I be able to fit in with the company or institution's culture?
- What are the company or institution's core values and do they align with mine?
- What are the company or institution's goals and can I help them achieve these goals?
- What kind of opportunities can this company or institution offer me?
- Do I like this company or institution?
- Will I fit in with the current employees at this company or institution?
- Why is the advertised position appealing to me? Why do I want it?
- Will I be happy and fulfilled at this company or institution?
You'll find the answers to these questions once you start researching the company or institution. Use our questionnaire below to stay on track.
Cover Letter Research Questionnaire in PDF Format:
Use our cover letter research questionnaire to craft a winning cover letter.
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