What is the Cover Letter on a Resume? A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers

After an extensive job search, you’re nearing the finish line! You’ve polished your resume, curated a list of appealing job opportunities, and even practiced common interview questions with a friend. But before submitting your application, you recall the need to craft a cover letter. You might find yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of where to begin. Don’t worry! This guide will explain What Is The Cover Letter On A Resume and how to write a compelling cover letter.

A cover letter is simpler to write than you think. Let’s dive in!

We will explore:

What Is a Cover Letter?
Steps to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Examples of Effective Cover Letters

Let’s begin.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document accompanying your resume or CV when applying for a job.

Its purpose is to introduce you and provide a brief overview of your professional background, typically ranging from 250 to 400 words. A well-written cover letter aims to impress the hiring manager and persuade them that you are a candidate worth interviewing.

To achieve this, your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use it to expand on key accomplishments, skills, or other information that your resume doesn’t fully cover.

For instance, if your resume has an employment gap, your cover letter is a good place to explain the reason behind it and highlight any personal growth that resulted from it.

If you’re new to cover letter writing, don’t be intimidated by the prospect of writing about yourself. You don’t need to be a creative genius or an exceptional writer. All you need to do is follow the tried-and-true cover letter structure:

Header: Include your contact information at the top of the cover letter.
Formal greeting: Use an appropriate greeting for your intended audience.
Introduction: Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph, highlighting your interest in the role.
Body: Detail why you’re the ideal candidate for the job and a good fit for the company. Emphasize your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with a professional tone.

Here’s a great example of a well-structured cover letter:

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if it’s not explicitly required. Submitting a cover letter shows you are a serious candidate.

If an employer requests a cover letter, not including one is a major red flag that could lead to your application being rejected.

Even if the job posting does not require a cover letter, submitting one demonstrates that you have gone the extra mile.

The effort you put into writing a cover letter can distinguish you from other applicants with similar skills and experience, potentially influencing the hiring manager to invite you for an interview.

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you understand what is the cover letter on a resume, let’s discuss how to write one! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A well-designed cover letter makes a positive first impression.

A stylish, well-formatted template is an excellent way to achieve this.

Select one of our cover letter templates, and you’ll be ready in no time.

Our intuitive AI also provides suggestions to improve your cover letter while you write. You’ll have a perfect cover letter in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

Similar to a resume, it’s important to begin your cover letter with your contact details at the top, in the header.

Include:

Full Name: Your first and last name should stand out.
Job Title: Match the professional title to the job title of the position you’re applying for.
Email Address: Use a professional and easy-to-spell email address.
Phone Number: Include a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
Location: Add your city and state/country.
Relevant Links (optional): Links to your LinkedIn profile, GitHub, or online portfolio.

Then, include the recipient’s contact details:

Hiring Manager’s Name: If possible, include their name.
Hiring Manager’s Title: Use their accurate title.
Company Name: Ensure you spell the company name correctly.
Location: The city and state/country is usually sufficient.
Date of Writing (Optional): Add the date for a professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

After listing contact information, begin writing the cover letter’s content.

Address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager personally.

Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Show the hiring manager that you’ve done your research.

How do you find the hiring manager’s name?

Check the job ad or the company’s LinkedIn page. Look for the head of the relevant department.

If that doesn’t work, check the “Team” page on the company website.

Address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re unsure of their gender or marital status, use their full name.

What if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name?

Direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or skip the hiring manager’s name.

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions are crucial, particularly in your job search.

Hiring managers receive hundreds, even thousands, of applications. They likely won’t read every cover letter in its entirety.

So, capturing their attention from the start is essential.

The main issue with most opening paragraphs is their generic nature. Here’s an example:

“My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.”

This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Instead, start with your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention, making them as relevant to the position as possible.

Also, show the hiring manager why you want this specific job, mentioning how it relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This shows you’re enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Here’s how to improve the previous example:

“Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company, for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance, and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.”

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

Use this section to detail what makes you a qualified candidate.

Remember, don’t make it all about yourself. Your cover letter should show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company.

If you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you won’t get an interview.

Use the job ad as a reference, highlighting skills and achievements that match the job requirements.

Split this section into at least two paragraphs:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Understand what the hiring manager is looking for.

Research the most important skills and responsibilities of the role according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser, the top requirements on the job ad are:

Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
Skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
Excellent copywriting skills

In the body of your cover letter, show how you meet these requirements.

“In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

Google Search
Twitter
Reddit
Quora”

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

The hiring manager also wants someone who’s a good fit for their company and who wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later, costing the company up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary.

Convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Research the company:

What’s the company’s business model?
What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
What’s the company’s culture like?

You’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter. Be specific, avoiding generic flattery.

“I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.”

Research the company and provide specific reasons why you’re applying to that specific company.

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

In the final paragraph:

Wrap up any remaining points. Mention any information that could help the hiring manager make their decision. If not, recap your key selling points, such as key skills and expertise.
Express gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time.
Finish with a call to action. Ask the hiring manager to call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
Sign your cover letter with a formal closing line and your name.

“I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I’d love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards”

Other popular closing lines include:

Best Regards,
Kind Regards,
Sincerely,
Thank you,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your cover letter meets industry requirements:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

Full Name
Job Title
Professional Email
Phone Number
Location
Relevant Links

Do you address the right person?

The hiring manager in the company
Your future direct supervisor
The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader’s attention?

Did you mention some of your top achievements?
Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Here are some tips to enhance your cover letter:

Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
Showcase Your Skills. Discuss how your skills meet the company’s needs.
Avoid Fluff. Don’t make generic statements you can’t back up.
Use Specific Examples. Back up claims with examples and quantify your achievements with data.
Research the Company. Mention something specific about the company to show your interest.
Follow the Application Instructions. Adhere to any specific requirements in the job posting.
Use the Right Template and Format. Adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry.
Express Your Enthusiasm. Show your passion for the role or the field.
Address Any Gaps. Explain any employment gaps in your resume.
Avoid Quirky Emails. Use a professional email address.
Check Your Contact Information. Ensure your contact information is accurate.
Mention if You Want to Relocate. Specify if you’re looking to relocate.
Keep It Brief. Keep your cover letter concise.
Use a Professional Tone. Avoid slang, jargon, and emojis.
Proofread Carefully. Check for typos and grammar mistakes.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Here are some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. College Student Cover Letter Example

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. IT Cover Letter Example

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Copy and paste our free cover letter template and replace the blanks with your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient’s Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient’s Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I’ve achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I’ve taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I’ve collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client’s/customer’s] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I’ve attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I’m particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I’d be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,