What Is a Cover Letter? How to Write + Examples
A cover letter is a one-page document that adds context to your resume. This article uses examples and tips to cover how to focus on up to two achievements and help hiring managers estimate your potential.
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What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal business and supplemental document introducing you to a potential employer. These one-page documents typically focus on relevant skills, experiences or notable accomplishments to demonstrate your ideal fit for a job opening.
What is the point of a cover letter?
A cover letter narrows in on one or two examples to help elaborate and expand your resume. Some job applications don’t require a cover letter, but we always recommend including one: Take advantage of this opportunity to explain your key strengths, interest in the job opening or passion for the employer’s goals.
Your cover letter can also explain why you want to work for this employer. Genuine interest can help sway a hiring manager’s decision to interview you.
Different types of cover letters
Although cover letters are the most common type of business letter, you’ll probably have opportunities to write other formal messages during your career. Here’s a list of different types of cover letters:
- Letter of application: A cover letter is a type of application letter. In this article, though, we’re answering the question, “What is a cover letter for a resume?” Other letters of application relate to college, grant or fellowship applications.
- Letter of intent: Unlike a cover letter, submitted along with your resume for a job opening, a letter of intent is a formal letter to introduce yourself to an employer not actively hiring.
- Letter of interest: Use a letter of interest to request a job shadowing opportunity or an informational interview.
- Reference letter: Unlike a cover letter highlighting your qualifications, a reference letter vouches for another person’s qualifications and professional character.
- Resignation letter: A resignation letter informs your current employer of your decision to leave a job and your last working date. A well-written letter can help you maintain positive working relationships with previous employers.
Cover Letter for a Job Example
Sophia Anne Furst
555-555-5555
s.anne.furst@email.com
New Orleans, LA
Oct. 1, 2023
Fiona Bunrady
Garou Construction
789 Jones St, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA
333-333-3333
fiona@garouconstruction.com
Dear Ms. Bunrady,
I am excited to apply for the Administrative Assistant position at Garou Construction. With over three years of experience supporting office operations, managing schedules and ensuring smooth daily processes, I can contribute effectively to your team.
In my previous role at Legba Brewery, I managed production and release date calendars, handled communication, and coordinated meetings between team members and our supplies. My attention to detail and organizational abilities have consistently ensured the efficiency and accuracy of our office operations. I have strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling software, and supply management.
My previous supervisor relied on my task management, organization skills and written communication. My notable accomplishments include:
- Renegotiated vendor contracts and implemented a new inventory tracking system that reduced monthly supply costs by 20% and saved $10,000 annually.
- Introduced a digital scheduling tool and staff training that reduced double-bookings and rescheduling needs by 30% and saved us an average of 15 hours per month.
- Decreased response times to suppliers by 40%, contributing to faster ingredient delivery and improved production times.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience and skills align with your needs. Contact me at your earliest convenience at 555-555-5555 or s.anne.furst@email.com. I’m usually available before 11 am and after 4 pm every day.
Warm regards,
Sophia Anne Furst
The four parts of a cover letter
All cover letters include these four sections:
- Contact information
- Greeting and introduction
- Body paragraphs
- Conclusion and sign-off
How Do You Format a Cover Letter?
Let’s walk through the main parts of your cover letter and how to format each section.
1. Contact information
At the top of the page, add your contact information, date of writing and employer’s professional contact information. This information should include your first and last name, phone number, professional email address, and city and state location for you and the employer.
Example:
Sarah Goodman
New York, NY
555-555-5555
sarah.goodman@email.com
Oct. 1, 2024
Matt James
Head of Communications
NBC
1422 86th Ave.
New York, NY 33992
333-333-3333
matt.james@nbc.com
2. Greeting and introduction
Open your cover letter with a personalized greeting. Avoid impersonal greetings like “To whom it may concern.” This overused opening gives your cover letter a disinterested and generic vibe that can off-put hiring managers.
Follow this greeting with an introduction that references the open job title, your relevant work experience, and up to three relevant skills, along with short examples.
Example:
Dear Matt James,
As a seasoned social media marketer with three years of experience, I am eager to join your team as your new social media manager. I created a digital campaign to build brand awareness, increasing my company’s social engagement and interactions by 30% in two months. With my consumer analysis, marketing skills and attention to detail, I believe I can bring similar value to your workplace with my consumer analysis, marketing skills, and attention to detail.
3. Body paragraphs
Describe your most marketable skills and achievements in one to two paragraphs and explain how you meet the company’s demands. When describing your past accomplishments, use numbers and data to demonstrate quantifiable results!
Visit our entire library to see additional cover letter examples.
Example:
I am a resourceful TV producer with an impeccable reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget. With meticulous planning and incredible results, I have successfully created projects that have surpassed the goal by 20%.
4. Conclusion & sign-off
Close your cover letter with gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and share your interview availability. This information acts like a call to action, making it easier for hiring managers to schedule a follow-up interview.
Example:
Thank you for your time and consideration. To demonstrate the scope of my career history and professional competencies, please take a moment to review my attached resume for this role. I am thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to discussing my qualifications.
Kind regards,
Sarah Goodman
What other information should you add to your cover letter?
There’s more than one answer to the question, “What is the purpose of a cover letter?” Although most cover letters go into specific descriptions to emphasize your resume, a cover letter can also address your personal or professional motivations for applying for a job.
Here’s additional information you should include in your cover letter:
- Explain your interest: Since you’re potentially joining an existing team of workers, employers want a cultural fit and a qualified employee.
- Match the job description: Carefully read the job advertisement and find matching experience from your professional history. Sharing this information can reassure hiring managers to spare your application more than a cursory glance because they can see your transferable skill set.
- Be focused: Hiring managers may need to sort through hundreds of applications, so write a carefully tailored and brief cover letter to maximize their limited attention. Keep your cover letter to one page and under 400 words. Use targeted work history examples and avoid a generic template.
- Add references if possible: Hiring managers are more likely to trust a referral from an existing employee, so add a personal reference when possible. Remember to clear it with your colleague before mentioning it in your cover letter.
Key Takeaways
As you embark on your job search, keep the following cover letter tips in mind:
- Your cover letter is a supplemental cover letter that supports your resume. Never repeat what’s on your resume, but expand and explain one or two key points.
- A standard cover letter includes four sections: contact information, a greeting and introduction, body paragraphs detailing key skills or achievements, and a conclusion with a call to action for an interview.
- Express genuine interest in the company and address the job description needs.
- If possible, add a trusted reference to increase credibility with hiring managers.
Cover Letter FAQ
What is a cover letter for a job?
A cover letter is a one-page document that builds on and complements your resume while introducing you to a potential employer. Our cover letter writing guide will show you how to add context to your resume and present relevant accomplishments.
What is supposed to be in a cover letter?
Hiring managers need to see evidence of your skills. Your cover letter should feature specific examples of previous achievements and their positive impact.
Is a cover letter the same as a resume?
No, a cover letter is not the same as a resume. Your resume is a mandatory document summarizing up to 10 years of relevant skills and experience per page. These documents follow one of three specific resume formats.
Your cover letter is a detailed introduction focusing on one or two skills and expanding your interest in the job.
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Cover Letter Formats A Complete Guide
Last edited by: Ami Icanberry, CPRW, Manager, Content Editing, - October 30, 2024
