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How to Write a Cover Letter

The Importance of a Cover Letter in a Competitive Job Market

The COVID-19 pandemic caused one of the most severe job crises in nearly a century. Businesses downsized or shut down entirely, leading to an oversaturated job market where countless individuals were left searching for employment. At the same time, many companies became hesitant to take on new hires due to financial uncertainty.

If you’ve been struggling to land your ideal job, know that it’s not entirely your fault. However, if you’re determined to turn things around, you need every possible advantage—and that’s where a well-crafted cover letter comes in.

Despite some conflicting opinions, many hiring companies still require a cover letter. Not including one could mean missing out on valuable opportunities.

You may be wondering:

  • What exactly is a cover letter?
  • What purpose does it serve?
  • How do you write a compelling one that gets you noticed?

This guide will answer these questions and more. Plus, we’ll provide you with customizable templates that you can personalize in just minutes.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume, introducing you to potential employers. Sometimes referred to as a covering letter or a motivational letter, it highlights your work experience, skills, and accomplishments.

A well-structured cover letter typically includes:

  • A header with your contact details
  • A greeting directed at the hiring manager
  • A strong opening statement that grabs attention
  • A body section showcasing your qualifications
  • A call to action encouraging the recruiter to move forward
  • A closing statement to leave a lasting impression

Why is a Cover Letter Important?

Your cover letter allows you to expand on key points from your resume and offer a deeper insight into your qualifications. It’s an opportunity to address potential concerns, express enthusiasm for the role, and align yourself with the company’s goals.

An effective cover letter does more than list achievements—it showcases your potential and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

1. Format It Professionally

  • Use a readable font like Arial or Times New Roman.
  • Maintain 1-inch margins for a clean look.
  • Keep it concise (250–400 words).
  • Save it as a PDF with your name in the filename (e.g., John-Smith-Cover-Letter.pdf).

2. Craft an Engaging Header

Your header should include:

  • Your full name (bolded or capitalized for emphasis).
  • Your job title, aligned with the role you’re applying for.
  • A professional email address (e.g., first.last@gmail.com).
  • Your phone number for easy contact.
  • Optional: Your LinkedIn profile or portfolio website for additional insights.

3. Write a Personalized Greeting

Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name. If the name isn’t available, opt for:

  • “Dear Hiring Manager,”
  • “Dear [Department] Team,”
  • “Dear [Company] Recruitment Team,”

Avoid outdated greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”

4. Create a Powerful Opening

Your first sentence should immediately grab attention. Instead of generic lines like, “I’m applying for [job title] at [company],” try:

“As a senior sales executive at ABC Company, I managed over 120 accounts, leading my team to a 20% year-over-year increase in sales.”

Or:

“After collaborating with Jill Ellis, she encouraged me to apply for a role in your finance department.”

5. Highlight Your Skills & Achievements

The body of your cover letter should showcase your most relevant experiences. Instead of merely stating your skills, provide tangible evidence of how you’ve applied them.

For example, instead of saying:
“I have excellent problem-solving skills.”

Try:
“I developed a new financial reporting system that reduced annual spending by $100,000.”

Similarly, rather than claiming:
“I have strong customer service skills,”

You could say:
“I maintained an 88% customer retention rate over five years by implementing a client engagement program.”

6. Close with Impact

Conclude your cover letter by expressing gratitude and reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role. Also, include a call to action, such as:

“I’d love the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your company’s success. Please let me know a convenient time for a conversation.”

End professionally with:

  • Sincerely,
  • Best regards,
  • Thank you,

Avoid overly casual closings like “Take care” or “Have a nice day.”

Additional Tips for an Outstanding Cover Letter

  • Address Employment Gaps: If applicable, briefly explain periods of unemployment (e.g., health issues, education, family responsibilities).
  • Express Willingness to Relocate: If applying for a job in another city, reassure the employer about your relocation plans.
  • Use a Postscript (P.S.): A well-placed P.S. can reinforce a key achievement or offer an additional reason to consider you.

For example:
“P.S. I’d be happy to share how I increased sales by 32% at Rantex and discuss how I can achieve similar results for your team.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a Generic Cover Letter: Always tailor it to the job and company.
  • Focusing Only on the Past: Highlight how you can contribute in the future.
  • Repeating Your Resume: Use your cover letter to add depth and context.
  • Including Salary Expectations: Save this discussion for later stages.
  • Overloading with Details: Keep it concise and relevant.

Cover Letter Templates

Basic Cover Letter Template

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

I was excited to discover the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my background in [relevant experience], I’m eager to bring my [specific skills] to contribute to your team’s success.

I have [X years] of experience as a [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Employer], where I [mention key responsibilities and achievements]. Additionally, I [highlight an extra accomplishment relevant to the job].

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team’s goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Skill-Focused Cover Letter Template

Dear [Hiring Manager],

The opportunity to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company] immediately caught my attention. With a passion for [industry/skill], I have honed my abilities in [relevant skills] and look forward to bringing them to your team.

As a [Current or Previous Role] at [Previous Company], I successfully [mention a key accomplishment]. Additionally, my expertise in [another skill] enabled me to [quantifiable impact].

I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Let’s connect at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Entry-Level Cover Letter Template

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Internship/Entry-Level Position] at [Company]. With a background in [your major/field], I have gained valuable skills in [relevant skill] through [academic projects/volunteer experience].

During my time at [University/Organization], I [describe a relevant achievement]. I’m eager to apply these skills in a professional setting and contribute to your team.

Thank you for your consideration—I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support your team’s success.

Best,
[Your Name]

With these strategies and templates, you’ll be well-prepared to create a compelling cover letter that captures attention and lands you more interviews. Best of luck!