What is a Cover Letter? [Examples Writing Tips]
A cover letter is a one-page document you should send with your resume to help win a desired job. Here, you’ll learn what a cover letter is and why it matters, plus see examples and writing tips for what to say in yours.
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What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document you send with your resume that features additional information about skills and experiences related to the job you’re seeking.
It is typically three to four short paragraphs. In these paragraphs, you should meet these goals:
- Mention the role you want by name.
- Cite your top skills or reasons why you’d be a good fit.
- Tell a story of your career growth or a notable success.
- Thank the reader for their time in reading.
- Express enthusiasm for the role and desire to meet.
Here’s a cover letter example:
Want to see a sample cover letter for the exact role you’re applying for? We have a library with hundreds more cover letter examples.
Why do cover letters matter?
Cover letters are important because it’s the first chance for hiring managers to hear your story and understand why you’re a good fit for the role. If your cover letter is poor, they may not continue with your resume, and you’ll get skipped for the job!
Cover letters provide extra space beyond your resume to sell yourself as the best job candidate and demonstrate your communication skills. It’s standard to submit a cover letter, even if left unsaid in the job post or ad.
There are only two scenarios when you should skip including a cover letter:
- If the job post or ad says specifically not to do so.
- There’s no place to submit one in an online application portal, like LinkedIn or the company website. This is a fair sign the employer doesn’t require one.
Next, we’ll give some tips on how to write a cover letter.
However, if you want to save time and get walked through the process of writing your document, use our fastest tool, the Cover Letter Builder.
It’s an automated digital program that turns the cover letter process into a few easy-to-follow prompts. It also features a database of expert-written cover letter text that you can select and customize.
Writing a cover letter is easier and only takes 15 minutes!
Types of cover letters
If you need to create a cover letter, the best place to start is by understanding what type of cover letter you need!
Most cover letters serve the same purpose: to help you win a job. However, there are four main types of cover letters, each taking a slightly different approach. We’ll cover these different types so you can best choose your cover letter angle!
There are four types of cover letters
1
General job application cover letter
This is the most common type of cover letter people use. This traditional style mentions the job you want, makes a case for why you’d excel in that role and shares your career story. It can also explain details missing in a resume, such as the reason for an employment gap, a career change and why specifically you’re excited to work for the company.
2
Referral cover letter
A referral cover letter is very similar to a general application letter, but it mentions the name of a current or past employee who has suggested you apply in the first paragraph. Showing employers that you already have connections and approval from people in the company is a solid sign you’re qualified for the role. Just be sure to give this person a heads up that you will use their name in your cover letter so they can be ready to answer questions about you.
3
Prospecting/letter of interest cover letter
A letter of interest is also known as a “cold call cover letter” because it inquires about employment opportunities at a company without a job or ad. This type of cover letter shows great enthusiasm and passion for the role. With a prospecting letter, it’s crucial that you share your connection to the company and why you’re so eager to join its mission.
4
Networking cover letter
Networking cover letters are sent to colleagues, connections and mentors to share your interest in a specific role. The goal is to provide them with your formal documents so that they may forward them to anyone they know who’s hiring. It’s like a combination of a referral and a prospecting cover letter. Still, instead of sending it directly to a company, you’re addressing it to the person you want to recommend you.
What to include in a cover letter
All cover letters should follow this same basic format and include the following:
- Your contact information
- The employer’s name and address
- A greeting
- Three to four body paragraphs (the text)
- A sign-off phrase and your signature
If you’re sending any extra documents beyond your resume, like a writing sample or portfolio of your work, you should mention “Enclosures:” at the very end of your letter. Then, you specify what you’ve added, such as “Enclosure: In addition to my resume, I also included my graphic design portfolio.”
Feeling at a loss for how to write your letter? We also offer expert professional cover letter writing help for your cover letter!
One of our career experts will consult with you and write a compelling letter that features your most flattering achievements and language that speaks to a hiring manager’s needs!
What to say in a cover letter: writing tips
A great cover letter should feature the most helpful experiences and skills you have for the open position. Here are tips for what to say in your cover letter:
1
Target the job’s needs from the ad.
Pay close attention to the job post or description and pick out specific keywords the employer uses. Then, give details about your work experience that help prove you can execute the job duties and have the right skills. Targeting an employer’s core needs will help you dazzle and impress them!
Example targeting the job post needs in your cover letter:
Key responsibilities (from job post)
- Manage and maintain executive calendars, scheduling appointments and meetings.
- Draft and edit documents, reports and correspondence.
- Basic computer skills, including word processing software and spreadsheets.
- Handle phone calls, emails and inquiries, directing them as needed.
Targeted cover letter response:
2
Include numbers or percentages to grab attention.
Numbers speak louder than words when it comes to proving your abilities. So, it’s helpful to try and feature flattering career statistics you’ve achieved and weave them into a story where the numbers result from a problem you solved.
Example of including numbers or percentages on your cover letter:
3
Explain why you want to work at the company.
Employers want people who are passionate about their work. So, you’re more likely to get hired if your cover letter expresses sincere interest in the job’s duties or the company’s overall mission. If you have a personal connection to the business, share it!
Example of showing personal connection in a cover letter:
4
Include a polite call to action at the end of your letter.
In the closing paragraph, show grace and follow through by thanking the reader for their time. Then, make a “call to action” by suggesting a future talk. The goal here is to reaffirm your interest in the role and end the letter politely and pleasantly.
Example of a cover letter’s call to action:
Cover letter templates
Templates are preformatted documents that you can use to ensure your cover letter includes all the necessary information; it’s like a fill-in-the-blanks. Plus, they’re designed by graphic designers so that your cover letter has that professional look!
You can select a professional design from our library of cover letter templates.
Here’s a basic (text-only) cover letter template:
[Name]
[City/state location]
[Phone number]
[Professional email address]
[Company name]
[Company address]
Dear [Hiring manager’s name],
[Show excitement for the position and mention the job title you want]. [Explain why you’re applying for the role, what top skills you bring to the table and how you plan to contribute to the success of their mission].
[Cite your relevant experience and qualifications]. [Highlight one-to-two relevant achievements and try to tell a story about them]. [Confirm you’d be a good fit for the company by responding to their needs in the job post or ad]. [Optional: Address reason for employment gap or career transition].
[Thank your reader]. [Restate your interest in the role]. [Express desire to meet or talk about the opportunity].
[Closing sign off],
[Your name]
[Optional: Add an “Enclosures:” list here if you include any documents beyond your resume, like a portfolio or writing sample.]
Key takeaways
To recap, here are the main points for what is a cover letter to help make yours:
- All cover letters should follow the same business letter format. Stick with the basics and avoid distracting colors, fonts or formatting. Ideally, you should match your cover letter’s style to your resume.
- Keep your cover letter limited to a single page, the standard length. While you may want to share more, going longer may hint that you don’t value your reader’s time!
- A cover letter should honor the job description. Before writing, read the job description closely to pick out the main keywords an employer needs to sell on your most valuable skills and experience.
- Cover letters should address the hiring manager by name. Do research and even contact the company if you must. Avoid generic greetings, especially outdated ones like “Dear Sir or Madam.” If your digging cannot uncover a name, “Dear Hiring Manger” is acceptable, though not ideal.
- Try to use action verbs to engage your reader. You should also capture their attention by telling a story in your cover letter. Remember that your cover letter should not just repeat the information on your resume; it should bring the details of your career to life!
- A cover letter is the perfect place to explain gaps between jobs or why you’re making a career change. So, if either of these situations apply to you, try to address it in your letter. It will help employers see you in a positive light.
- End a cover letter by expressing gratitude to the reader and interest in further discussion. Failing to do so could come off as rude or unprofessional!
- Make sure to keep your cover letter free of errors! Any spelling or grammar mistakes show a lack of care and could cost you the job. So, be sure to run your letter through a proper grammar check!
A surefire way to prevent errors in your document is by using our Cover Letter Generator! It comes preloaded with a high-quality grammar and spelling check to ensure the document you send to employers is error-free.
Similarly, your resume must also be error-free. You can upload it to our Resume Review tool to check it. It will scan your resume for 30+ different issues.
That way, you can rest assured that your documents are strong and stand a better chance of landing the interview!
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