what should cover letter do

How to Write a Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide for Job Seekers

Getting your dream job isn’t easy, but a well-crafted cover letter can be exactly what gets you hired. If you know how to write a cover letter, you can demonstrate your aptitude and personality and forge a connection with the hiring manager—things a résumé or CV can’t do on their own.

Below we explain in detail how to write a cover letter. We share the key parts of a well-written cover letter and discuss how to write each section to “wow” hiring managers and leave a lasting impression.

Table of contents

What is a cover letter?

Preparing to write a cover letter, how to write a cover letter.

• Cover letter example
• Cover letter template

How to write a cover letter FAQ

A cover letter is a document sent to hiring managers that describes your work history, professional skills, education, and other data pertinent to your career while highlighting why you’re a strong fit for the specific role and company. It is usually sent together with a résumé or CV as a way of demonstrating your personality and explaining the reasons why you are the right candidate for the position. You can read more information in our guide What Is a Cover Letter?

Why do employers ask for cover letters?

While cover letters repeat some of the information on your résumé, they also add context and additional details that give hiring managers a fuller idea of who you are. A well-written cover letter reveals both your personality and your communication skills, important factors for getting a new job.

Hiring managers like cover letters because they can see more than just your fact sheet. Cover letters also give job applicants the opportunity to mention details that don’t fit in a résumé, such as motivations for applying, a connection to the company, or whether your values and work style align with the company culture.

Make your cover letter shine Grammarly helps you polish your writing Write with Grammarly

Before you begin to write your cover letter, prepare what you’re going to say. That way you can be sure to include everything you want without having to worry about it while you write.

For starters, make sure your résumé/CV is up-to-date. You’ll be repeating some of this information, so it’s good to have it handy as a reference. You also don’t want any contradiction between your cover letter and résumé.

From there, consider what aspects of yourself and your professional experience make you a valuable candidate for the job. Is it your education? Your work experience? Do you have a personal connection with this line of work? You can use cover letters to stand out from the other applicants, especially if your résumé alone isn’t enough.

You should find a way to mention your best qualities in a cover letter if they’re relevant to the job. While you can figure out exactly when to mention them later, having a list of these qualities can save you time during the writing process.

Moreover, we recommend researching the company and its culture before writing a cover letter. Take a look at its website, social media, and any mentions in the news to understand what it’s looking for. This will help you choose the appropriate tone and give you ideas about what to mention.

Once you know what you want to say, it’s time to get started on the actual writing. If the thought of writing from scratch is overwhelming, consider using an AI cover letter generator for the first draft and then editing it to fit your writing style. While AI cover letters may sound … well, like AI … using an AI tool for a first draft can give you something to build from, which is very useful when you’re just getting started. It doesn’t have to be complicated; you can use our free AI cover letter generator to generate something in just a few clicks.

Ideally, cover letters should be about three full-sized paragraphs, although it’s acceptable to add smaller paragraphs as an introduction or conclusion. Still, three paragraphs is all you need, and cover letters benefit from being brief.

However, cover letters also have special conventions for headers, greetings, and sign-offs, some of which are not always self-evident. Below, we explain the best practices for writing each, along with what to put in those three paragraphs.

Header and contact information

If you’re writing a formal cover letter, the header is a big deal. Traditionally, the header of a cover letter has your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information in the upper-left corner of the page.

To be specific, write your name, address, phone number, and email first. Leave an empty line, and then write the date, spelling out the full month. Leave another empty line, and then write your employer’s name, title, company, and/or address. Add one more empty line, and then begin your letter with the greeting. We explain more details in our guide on cover letter format .

This formal practice is only for printed cover letters or file attachments, however. If you’re writing a cover letter as an email, you can forget the header and begin directly with the greeting.

Greeting or salutation

Use the name of the hiring manager if you know it, along with any honorifics like “Mrs.” or “Dr.” A simple “Dear … ” at the beginning is fine. Use a comma at the end, and then leave an empty line before continuing your cover letter.

Dear Dr. Alfonso Pepper,

Dear Mr. Deere,

If, however, you don’t know the recipient’s name, you have a few options. The formal option is to open with To Whom It May Concern , but more casual alternatives include Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Sir or Madam, and Dear [Company] Recruiter.

Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph of your cover letter has to hook the reader. Most likely, the hiring manager is reading dozens of cover letters, sometimes one after another, so your cover letter opener only has a limited window to stand out from the crowd.

You can demonstrate both your enthusiasm and your capabilities by simply mentioning the reason you want this position. Employers prefer candidates who want to work with them, so take some time to explain why you’re passionate about this particular role.

Include your best highlights to make a good first impression: mention an accomplishment, personal statistic, or how hiring you could solve an existing problem for the company. If you can’t think of anything, talk about your vision for a future working there, or why you’d be the perfect fit for this particular company.

Also, state the position you’re applying for and where you heard about the job. The opening paragraph should end with a lead-in or transition to the next paragraph, where you discuss your work history and job expertise.

Body paragraph

Your second paragraph is the substance of a cover letter, the filling of a sandwich. Here is where you present your work history, achievements, skills, and any other benefits of hiring you that didn’t fit in the first paragraph. For this, data and statistics work well; state how you benefited other companies with quantifiable results , such as “increased sales by 15%” or “maintained an error rate of 0.1%.”

For the most part, body paragraphs repeat the information of your résumé/CV, but they also add context. You can explain, in your own words, what you learned at a previous job or why you don’t work there anymore.

You should tailor your writing to the company and the position. Try to match the style and voice of the initial job posting, or if that’s unavailable the website text. Also, consider using keywords and the language from the company’s job post; if it mentions being “punctual” and “diligent” in the post, use those words in the cover letter to describe yourself. Some companies use automatic keyword scans to search through applicants, so this strategy can help you get noticed as well.

Closing paragraph

The rules for how to end cover letters follow traditional story structure. The closing should reiterate the main points and end in a memorable way, like other conclusions.

Most closing paragraphs include a call to action , a statement that urges the reader to do something, like “click here” or “buy now.” The call to action for cover letters usually revolves around some kind of follow-up, such as requesting an interview.

Thanking the company for the opportunity to apply is an old-fashioned convention, but it works with formal or traditional applications. If you can, restate your enthusiasm in the closing paragraph, just to remind them.

Cover letters use professional sign-offs , often a single word followed by the sender’s signature. Standard sign-offs include:

How to write a cover letter: example

Dear AcmeCo,

As a skilled sales representative in the tech and electronics industry, I am excited to apply for the sales associate role listed on LinkedIn. AcmeCo’s commitment to groundbreaking AI innovation has always impressed me, and I am eager to bring my expertise in strategic sales and customer-centric service to a company I’ve followed and admired for years. With a proven track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships, I am confident I can contribute to your team’s continued success.

In my previous role at Boltvern, I built a loyal customer base and increased client retention by 25% by prioritizing tailored solutions and consistent follow-up. I was their youngest employee to be promoted to Senior Sales Representative in just under two years. Not only do I understand the client-side aspect of sales, but also I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Cornell, which allowed me to understand the intricacies of the product and communicate its benefits effectively. While it’s unfortunate that my time in Weyland was cut short due to company-wide layoffs, I am eager to bring my skills to AcmeCo’s sales team.

My background in sales, combined with my passion for technology and commitment to client success, makes me an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with AcmeCo’s goals, and I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application.

Best, Jonathan Conner

Here’s a tip: Capturing the right tone and knowing what to say can be tricky, especially if you’re new to cover letters. If you’re struggling, use Grammarly’s free AI cover letter generator to create a first draft and then customize it with your own personal information. That way you don’t have to start from scratch, plus you can focus more on style and voice.

How to write a cover letter: template

Here’s a cover letter template you can use to write your own cover letter. Simply plug in your information to the corresponding part. For more details, check out our guide on cover letter format .

[Your name] [Address] [Phone number] [Email]

[Today’s date]

[Recipient’s name] [Recipient’s professional title] [Company name] [Address]

[Salutation/greeting],

[Introduce yourself. Explain your profession, the position title you’re applying for, and how you heard about it. Briefly mention why this role and company interest you and why you’d be a good match. Show enthusiasm. End with a sentence that transitions or leads into the next paragraph.]

[Summarize your job history, focusing on relevant experience. Add extra context, such as what you learned from these jobs or why certain experiences prepared you for this role. Feel free to address problems with your résumé, like gaps or short tenures. Mention related skills and achievements and any quantifiable results or metrics.]

[Reiterate the main benefits of hiring you, including any soft skills or attributes that align with the company culture. Restate your enthusiasm, thank them for considering your application, and add a call to action to suggest a follow-up, such as scheduling an interview.]

[Simple sign-off], [Signature]

Key takeaways for how to write a cover letter

• A cover letter complements your résumé by showcasing your personality and enthusiasm.
• Keep the letter concise—ideally three paragraphs on a single page.
• Tailor the content to the company and show a connection to its work culture.
• Repeat keywords and specific qualities mentioned in the job description.
• End with a polite call to action, such as requesting an interview.

How do I write a cover letter?

Cover letters fit well into a three-paragraph structure: an opening paragraph that introduces yourself in a way that stands out, a middle paragraph that presents your job history and professional skill, and a closing paragraph that recaps the information and requests a follow-up. Pay attention to specific details on formatting, too, such as what to include in the header and which salutation or sign-off to use.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Employers and hiring managers use cover letters to gauge an applicant’s personality, communication style, and fit for the role and company. The way you write your cover letter, as well as what you choose to discuss, helps employers decide how well you’d fit in the position. Repeating keywords and phrases from the job description also signals that you understand the role and are a good match.

What should I include in a cover letter?

Your cover letter should include any work history, professional skills, and qualities that make you a good fit for the role. Use this opportunity to highlight your personality, address résumé gaps, or explain short tenures.

What Should You Include in Your Cover Letter? [w/ Tips for 2024]

You’ve spent weeks job hunting, and you’ve found the perfect job.

Your resume is all set, and you’re almost ready to send your application.

There’s just one thing left—you’re writing a cover letter to create a flawless job application.

The only issue? You're not sure what exactly to include in your cover letter.

There’s no need to worry! We’re here to help

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is a Cover Letter
• What Elements Should Your Cover Letter Include
• What You Shouldn’t Include in Your Cover Letter

Let’s get started.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send as part of your job application, along with your resume or CV .

The cover letter’s purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize why your professional background makes you the right person for the job.

On average, a cover letter should be between 250 and 400 words long and fit neatly on one page.

A cover letter is one of your first forms of communication with a hiring manager. It’s your opportunity to present yourself in your own words, stand out from other candidates, and get the hiring manager interested in learning more about you.

Let’s take a look at an example of what a cover letter looks like:

Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

After you’ve spent so long making the perfect resume , you might be wondering why you should even write a cover letter.

The truth is that while not all employers request a cover letter, you should always include one with your job application.

Adding a cover letter to your job application shows the hiring manager you’re willing to go the extra mile for the job, and you’re not just randomly applying and hoping your application sticks.

A cover letter is your opportunity to give the hiring manager more information about you as a candidate. This is your chance to personalize your application and provide additional information on your skills and experiences that align with what the employer is looking for and that you didn’t have space on your resume for.

But your cover letter is also your chance to go beyond your most important skills and experience. You can use it to talk about your passion for the industry or your enthusiasm to join this specific company’s team and show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the role.

If your cover letter is good, it can complement your resume and get you that much closer to an interview.

A badly written cover letter, on the other hand, could undermine even the best resume and lead to your application getting tossed in the ‘no’ pile, so it’s crucial to get this document right.

Need help preparing for an interview? Check out our guide to the most common interview questions and how to answer them!

What Elements Should You Include in a Cover Letter?

There are a few key elements you need to include to write a successful cover letter .

Let’s take a look at them one by one:

#1. A Professional Template

Your cover letter should be easy on the eyes and even easier to navigate.

This means you have to set the right page margins, adjust the line spacing, choose an appropriate font , and set it to the correct size, all while making sure your text never spills onto page two.

But what if there’s an easier way? 

Just use one of our cover letter templates instead.

Our free resume builder comes with built-in resume templates that you can match with a cover letter template for a stylish application.

You can automatically set your font style, size, and even the dimensions of the paper you intend to print it on - standard A4 or US letter format.

#2. Neatly-Split Paragraphs

A cover letter should be easy to navigate at a glance.

If your cover letter is a huge chunk of text that fully covers the entire page, without paragraphs or ample white space, it’s going to look cramped and leave a bad impression on the hiring manager.

This is where your cover letter’s formatting comes in. You should divide the contents of your cover letter into a header with contact information, and then split the actual text into an opening paragraph, a main body, a conclusion, and a formal closing line.

Be sure to also use line breaks and bullet points to break up your paragraphs to increase your cover letter’s readability.

This can make it seem less of an overwhelming read to the hiring manager and easier for them to skim through it all to find what they’re looking for.

#3. The Date of Writing

The exact date you write your cover letter may seem like a small detail, but it can actually add an extra touch of professionalism to your job application.

This can help the hiring manager keep track of when you’ve applied for the role, and it reflects your attention to detail .

Just keep in mind that the format of the date should align with the standard in the country where you're applying. For example, in the US , the mm-dd-yyyy format (e.g., May 22, 2024 ) is the go-to, whereas most other countries prefer the dd-mm-yyyy format (e.g., 22 January 2024 ).

#4. Your Interest in the Company

It’s important to tailor your cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for to show the hiring manager that you’re a serious candidate who’s done their homework about the position.

This is why the body of your letter should always include a paragraph where you clearly explain why you’re interested in the specific company.

Start by doing some research on the employer . You have to show the hiring manager that you understand what makes the company unique and how you align with their values and needs.

Think about what you genuinely like about the company you’re applying for. Whether it’s their remote working conditions, their focus on diversity or sustainability, or something else entirely, be sure to mention it in your cover letter.

If you’ve used a product or service that the company provides, say so in your cover letter. On top of that, highlight what specific aspects of the company resonate with your career goals , such as their innovative methods or cutting-edge market strategy, that you want to be a part of.

You can also take the time to explain why you’re excited about the job itself. Talk about how your unique experience and skills make you a suitable candidate and how you’re confident you can contribute to the company’s goals.

Looking to write a cover letter for an internship ? Check out our detailed guide!

#5. A Call to Action

Every cover letter should end with a strategic call to action.

Your call to action can be a polite statement prompting the hiring manager to get in touch with you to go over your application or to discuss how you could contribute to their team.

Adding a call to action at the end of your cover letter shows that you’re proactive and eager to move forward with the hiring process. This highlights your enthusiasm for the role and makes it more likely for the hiring manager to get in touch with you after putting down your cover letter.

Here’s an example of a call to action at the end of a cover letter :

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my artwork can contribute to Happy Hippo Book Publisher’s track record as the best children’s storybook provider on the market. Please feel free to contact me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application further.

Want to give your cover letter an extra kick? Use these tried and tested cover letter tips !

What Sections Should You Include in a Cover Letter?

When writing your cover letter, you can easily split the process into several key sections.

Let’s break them down:

• Header with contact details. The top of your cover letter should include a designated header where you can input your contact information, such as your full name, email address, phone number, address, and links to any relevant social media. Make sure these details match your resume and double-check for any typos.
• Company details. Do your research so you know exactly who to address your cover letter to. Add the hiring manager’s name, department, the company’s name, and the company’s address.
• Personalized greeting. Skip the cliche and impersonal “To Whom It May Concern” and use a more memorable greeting instead. We recommend using “Ms.” or “Mr.” followed by the hiring manager’s last name.
• Opening paragraph. Your cover letter should start with a brief and attention-grabbing paragraph . This should include a couple of your top skills, an impressive achievement, or a relevant qualification.
• Main body. Take the time to explain some of your top achievements or skills in more detail, and cover anything you didn’t have the space to address in your resume.
• Conclusion. Recap the main points in your cover letter so far, then wrap it up with a polite call to action.
• Closing line. Choose an appropriate closing line to finish your cover letter with and sign your name underneath.

What Should You Never Include in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter allows you to personalize your application and provide more details about you to the hiring manager.

But that doesn’t mean everything should make the cut.

Let’s look at what you should never include in your cover letter:

#1. Irrelevant information

Your cover letter should be concise and focus on the most relevant details that make you the right candidate for the job.

Hiring managers don’t have all day to spend on your application, and when they’re reading your cover letter, they want to get to the point quickly. If your cover letter includes too many personal anecdotes or irrelevant experiences, like how you worked as a dog walker at 15, they might get bored and stop reading it altogether.

A cover letter is, first and foremost, a professional document, not a personal essay. This means that focusing too much on yourself, as well as your wants, needs, and opinions, is not a good idea.

Your cover letter should focus on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you. If you miss the mark here, you’ll come off as an inattentive candidate and won’t be getting an interview.

#2. Overly Long Paragraphs

A dense, difficult-to-read text can discourage a hiring manager from going through your cover letter.

For example, if the body of your cover letter is contained in a single, thick paragraph, the hiring manager might skim over it and miss your main points.

Long paragraphs can also make your cover letter look poorly organized and make you come across as someone with bad written communication skills . Your essential qualifications and skills can get lost in that sea of words and hide the most important information you want to convey.

Overly long paragraphs also imply a lack of consideration for the hiring manager’s time. Keeping your text concise and easy to follow is just as important as the content itself. Otherwise, your cover letter might not catch the hiring manager’s attention at all.

#3. Salary Expectations

Unless the employer specifically asks you to, it’s considered taboo to include salary expectations in your cover letter, and it can even leave a bad impression on the hiring manager.

Talking about money in your cover letter can make it seem like your primary interest in the job is the paycheck. And, while there’s nothing wrong with wanting a specific salary, this can seriously undermine what you want to convey to the hiring manager about your enthusiasm for joining the company and your professionalism.

You should also keep in mind that talking about salary expectations so early on can even put you at a disadvantage in potential salary negotiations . If you mention a high number too early on, the hiring manager might reject your application before you even make it past the initial screening. But if you go too low, you could undervalue yourself.

This is why it’s recommended that you discuss salary expectations during an interview once you already understand the full scope of the role and have more context.

Are you just getting started on the job market? Check out our guide to writing an entry-level cover letter !

#4. Excessive Flattery

Writing a cover letter doesn’t mean writing a love letter to the company you’re applying for.

You don’t need to shower the employer with compliments to get the hiring manager to like you. In fact, if you use too many compliments or describe the company in the exact words they use on its website, you’re going to be severely disappointed.

For example, most companies you apply to may describe themselves as “innovative” or “ team-focused .” If that’s all you can say about them in your cover letter, it tells the hiring manager that you never researched the employer or paid much attention to what they do.

If you genuinely hold the company’s values, mission, or culture close to your heart, there’s no harm in mentioning how they inspire you. Just remember to keep it professional and related to how you can enthusiastically contribute to their work.

#5. False Information

This should go without saying but lying on your cover letter is just as bad as lying on your resume – very bad.

We get it; you want to impress the hiring manager. But exaggerating or falsifying information to make yourself look like the coolest candidate ever can easily backfire.

On one hand, the hiring manager is probably going to catch onto you while reading your cover letter. They’re going to notice the inconsistencies you didn’t pay attention to, and they simply won’t call you.

But it could be even worse. You could land an interview, only to have the hiring manager discover the truth face to face. Your professional reputation could suffer some serious damage, beyond just an awkward interaction during the interview.

Trust us – lying isn’t worth it. You’re capable of writing a standout cover letter without exaggerating anything you can’t back up.

#6. Grammatical Mistakes

You should always proofread your cover letter before submitting it with your job application.

Even when you’re absolutely sure there are no mistakes, sometimes you might miss something that the hiring manager will notice immediately.

This is why we always recommend you do several rounds of proofreading and editing before finalizing your job application.

Start by carefully reading your cover letter out loud. It might sound a little weird, but it helps you notice any awkward phrases or words that are out of place.

Then, run it through a spell-checking tool like QuillBot or Grammarly . They can help you spot any errors you might have missed.

Finally, ask a friend or family member for help. A fresh pair of eyes can read your cover letter and notice mistakes that both you and your robot sidekick might have skipped over.

#7. Complaints About Employers

As a general rule, you should never badmouth your previous place of employment.

If you were unjustly fired or passed over for a promotion for personal reasons, these are best explained during an interview.

It’s important to always maintain professionalism when your past employer or coworkers are brought up, especially in your cover letter.

For example, instead of saying you had enough of a chaotic work environment, you could say you’re “looking forward to joining a team that values structure and accountability.”

Check out these more common cover letter mistakes and keep an eye out while writing your cover letter!

29 Cover Letter Examples

Looking for inspiration? Check out these perfect cover letter examples for different professions.

#1. Customer Service Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service cover letter here.

#2. Marketing Executive Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a marketing executive cover letter here.

#3. Medical Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a medical assistant cover letter here.

#4. Consultant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#5. College Student Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#6. Retail Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a retail cover letter here.

#7. Team Leader Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#8. Actor Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an actor cover letter here.

#9. Digital Marketing Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing cover letter here.

#10. Executive Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an executive assistant cover letter here.

#11. Finance Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a finance cover letter here.

#12. Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a graphic designer cover letter here.

#13. IT Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#14. Project Manager Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#15. Sales Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#16. Accounting Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an accounting cover letter here.

#17. Business Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#18. Dental Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a dental assistant cover letter here.

#19. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#20. Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse practitioner cover letter here.

#21. Receptionist Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

#22. Architect Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an architect cover letter here.

#23. Management Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#24. Physician Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a physician cover letter here.

#25. Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a substitute teacher cover letter here.

#26. Software Engineer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer cover letter here.

#27. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#28. Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a mechanical engineering cover letter here.

#29. Attorney Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an attorney cover letter here.

FAQs About What to Include in a Cover Letter

Do you still have some questions about what to include in a cover letter? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic!

#1. What is a good example of a cover letter?

There are plenty of great cover letter examples for different professions that you can look at.

Overall, a cover letter that’s well done starts with your contact information in a designated header at the top. Next, you have to add the hiring manager’s contact details and include a personalized greeting.

Write a strong opening paragraph that references the job you're applying for and includes a standout achievement or relevant experience that makes you a strong candidate.

Use the body of your cover letter to expand on your key skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. Give specific examples to illustrate your greatest accomplishments and how you gained your most impressive skills.

Wrap up your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and including a call to action that invites the hiring manager to reach out to you. Lastly, add a professional closing line and sign your name underneath.

#2. How do you start a cover letter?

The opening to your cover letter should be brief and attention-grabbing.

Your first few sentences should be something that makes the hiring manager want to learn more about you. You don’t want to give them too many details—just enough to pique their interest.

Explain why you’re writing and why you’re interested in the specific role. We recommend including keywords from the job ad , especially ones that match your most relevant skills, experiences, or impressive achievements.

#3. How do you write a unique cover letter?

Your cover letter is your chance to give the hiring manager a unique insight into you as a candidate. It’s your opportunity to stand out from the crowd using your own words.

The best way to write a unique cover letter is to start by researching the company and referencing anything you find attention-grabbing about it. You should be able to easily identify what you like about the specific employer, such as their contributions to the industry, their values, and reputation, and mention it in your cover letter.

Use a polite but conversational tone to convey both your professionalism and personality. Instead of using passive language to explain that you “managed” this or were “responsible for” that, take advantage of action verbs and power words to make your experiences stand out.

Avoid using generic phrases like how you’re a “team player” or have “ leadership skills ” alone, and instead provide concrete examples that back up the skills and experience that make you the right candidate for the job.

#4. Should a cover letter be fancy?

Since a cover letter is a formal document, you might be tempted to make it fancy.

There’s no need to go over the top with your cover letter. Adding too much decoration or creative flair can detract from the information you want to convey to the hiring manager.

Your focus should always be on writing a clear, concise, and well-organized text that gets your point across.

More traditional industries, like law or finance, should stick to minimalistic cover letter templates with a clean and simple layout.

For professionals aiming for creative industries like illustration or graphic design, a bit of color can make your application pop. Even then, it’s important to strike a balance between creativity and professionalism, so your cover letter’s text remains the hiring manager’s primary focus.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to what you should include in your cover letter!

Hopefully, after reaching the end of our article, you feel confident that your cover letter covers all the necessary bases. Good luck on your job hunt!

But before we say goodbye, let’s briefly recap what we've covered so far:

• Your cover letter should be concise and avoid any irrelevant information. The hiring manager is interested in what you can do for the company, not in any personal information that doesn’t relate to the job.
• Overly long paragraphs and a messy layout can leave a bad impression. Instead of trying to format everything yourself, use an online cover letter builder.
• Our online resume builder offers resume templates and matching cover letter templates that you can use to create a stylish and professional job application in minutes.
• Dedicate a portion of your cover letter’s main body to express your genuine interest in the company and the specific role. Do some research beforehand so you can identify several things you genuinely like about the company and position you’re applying for.
• End your cover letter with a strategic call to action. This shows the hiring manager you’re eager to make it to the next step of the hiring process, and it makes it more likely for them to reach out to you.

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