What to Cover in a Cover Letter
Short answer
A cover letter should introduce who you are, explain why you want the job, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences with examples, and show how you will add value to the employer. It works as a personal introduction that complements your resume by providing context and demonstrating enthusiasm tailored to the specific job and company.
What is a cover letter in plain words?
A cover letter is a one-page letter that you send with your resume when applying for a job. Simply put, it’s a personalized introduction that explains why you are interested in the position and why you’re a good fit. Unlike a resume, which is a list of your work history, education, and skills, a cover letter tells a story about your qualifications and shows your personality. It allows you to speak directly to the hiring manager or employer, giving them a reason to pay closer attention to your resume. This document typically includes your contact information, a greeting, an introduction, body paragraphs explaining your qualifications, and a closing statement.
For example, if your resume lists “customer service experience,” the cover letter can describe a situation where you resolved a difficult customer issue, showing how you apply your skills in real life. This personal touch can make your application more memorable.
How does a cover letter work?
A cover letter works by connecting your skills and experience to the job requirements while showing your enthusiasm for the role and company. Think of it as your chance to answer the employer’s question: “Why should we hire you?” The letter explains what makes you a strong candidate beyond the bullet points of your resume.
Step-by-step example
Suppose you’re applying for an administrative assistant job requiring organization, communication, and computer skills. Your cover letter might include a paragraph like this: “At my previous role at ABC Corp, I managed scheduling for a team of 15, coordinated meetings, and maintained databases with high accuracy. My strong communication skills helped improve internal coordination, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%. I’m excited to bring this experience to your office and support your team’s productivity.”
This example shows the employer you have concrete experience and skills relevant to the position, backed by a clear outcome. It also shows you took time to learn about the company and imagine how you would fit in.
Why does a cover letter matter for your job search?
A cover letter matters because it gives you a chance to stand out from other applicants who only send resumes. Many hiring managers use cover letters to assess candidates’ communication skills, professionalism, and motivation. A well-written cover letter can open the door to an interview by showing you understand the job and have taken the time to explain your fit. For job seekers, this can be a key advantage, especially when competing for popular roles.
Also, a cover letter lets you address potential concerns an employer might have. For example, if you’re changing careers or have a gap in your work history, your cover letter is the place to give context and explain why you are ready for the job now.
What are common terms confused with cover letters?
People often mix up cover letters with resumes, CVs, or letters of recommendation. Understanding the differences helps clarify when and how to use each:
- Resume: A summary of your work experience, education, and skills, typically in bullet points. It’s factual and concise.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Similar to a resume but more detailed, often used in academic or research fields.
- Cover Letter: A personal letter introducing yourself, explaining why you fit the job, and showing enthusiasm.
- Letter of Recommendation: Written by someone else to recommend you, usually a former employer or teacher.
Knowing these distinctions will help you create the right document for your application and avoid confusion.
What should you include in a cover letter?
A cover letter should include several key parts, each serving a clear purpose:
| Section | What to Include | Tips and Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Information | Your name, phone number, email address | Use a professional email address |
| Date | The date you’re writing the letter | Use the current date |
| Employer’s Contact | Name, title, company name, and address (if known) | If unknown, use a general greeting (see below) |
| Greeting | e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson,” or “Dear Hiring Manager” | Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” |
| Introduction | State the job you’re applying for and a brief reason why | “I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position…” |
| Body Paragraphs | Highlight relevant skills, experience, and achievements | Use specific examples and outcomes |
| Why You Want the Job | Show knowledge of the company and enthusiasm | “I admire your company’s commitment to innovation…” |
| Closing Paragraph | Express interest in an interview and thank the reader | “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute…” |
| Formal Closing | “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” followed by your name | Leave space for your signature if sending by mail |
Each part should be tailored to the job and company. Keeping the letter concise and focused helps maintain the reader’s attention.
How to write a compelling cover letter?
To write a cover letter that makes an impact, follow these concrete steps:
- Research the Company and Role Find out what the company values, its mission, and the specific skills the job needs. For example, if the company emphasizes teamwork, mention your experience collaborating on projects.
- Match Your Skills to the Job Requirements Use keywords from the job description and provide examples of how you meet those requirements. Instead of saying “I have good communication skills,” say “In my last job, I led weekly team meetings that improved project timelines by 15%.”
- Tell a Story Share a brief example that illustrates your skills, such as a challenge you solved, an award you received, or a goal you exceeded.
- Use Clear and Professional Language Avoid slang or overly casual phrasing. Keep sentences straightforward and active, like “I improved customer satisfaction scores through attentive service,” instead of “I am good with customers.”
- Customize Each Letter Avoid generic letters. Address the letter to the hiring manager’s name if possible. Mention the company’s name and specific role to show genuine interest.
- Proofread Carefully Check spelling, grammar, and formatting. Read the letter aloud or ask someone else to review it to catch mistakes.
Here’s an example of a compelling opening sentence: “I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at XYZ Creative, where I can apply my five years of experience creating engaging digital content to support your innovative marketing campaigns.”
What to do next after writing your cover letter?
After writing your cover letter, follow these next steps to maximize your chances:
- Review and Edit: Reread your letter several times for clarity, grammar, and tone. Make sure every sentence adds value.
- Get Feedback: Ask a friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your letter and suggest improvements.
- Save and Format Properly: Convert your letter to PDF before submitting to preserve formatting. Use clear fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10-12.
- Match File Name: Name your file clearly, such as “JaneDoe_CoverLetter_ABCCompany.pdf” so employers can easily identify it.
- Submit According to Instructions: Follow the employer’s guidelines for submitting your application. Some want the cover letter attached, others want the letter included in the email body.
- Prepare for Follow-up: Keep a copy of your letter and resume handy. If you don’t hear back in 1-2 weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express continued interest.
These steps show professionalism and persistence, qualities employers appreciate.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include a cover letter if the job posting doesn’t ask for one?
Yes, unless the posting specifically says not to, including a cover letter can help you stand out and show your interest. It gives you a chance to explain why you’re a great fit.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
Use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Recruitment Team,” or “Dear [Department] Team.” Avoid “To Whom It May Concern,” which can feel outdated.
Can I use a cover letter template?
Templates can help with formatting and structure, but make sure to customize the content for each job. Personalized letters are more effective.
What if I have little work experience?
Focus on transferable skills from school, volunteering, internships, or projects. Highlight your eagerness to learn and any accomplishments.
Should I include salary expectations in my cover letter?
Only mention salary if the job posting requests it. Otherwise, wait to discuss salary during the interview or after an offer.
How long should a cover letter be?
Aim for one page, typically 3-4 paragraphs, long enough to introduce yourself and highlight key points without overwhelming the reader.