how to design cover letter for resume

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. 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.

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

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

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 in the future 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, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are 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
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

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

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

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• 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?

Chances are, 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.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

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.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

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

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• 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

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

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

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

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

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

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

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

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

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

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

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

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

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

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

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

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

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

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

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

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

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

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

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

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

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

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

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

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

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for 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.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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Crafting The Perfect Academic Cover Letter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Land your dream academic position! Craft a compelling academic cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.

This guide will help you create a winning academic cover letter! Here you’ll find everything you need, whether you’re an experienced academic or a fresh graduate seeking your dream job in academia. We’ll discuss how to write an academic cover letter that grabs attention while highlighting your skills and experiences.

Making a positive impression on hiring committees and search panels begins with a well-crafted academic cover letter. This document serves as your introduction, demonstrating your passion for your field, your qualifications, and your fit for the institution and position you are applying for.

A great cover letter can make all the difference in the competitive world of academia, where job openings are often limited and highly sought after. A cover letter provides context to your CV or resume, allowing you to highlight specific experiences, projects, or accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the position. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with tips, strategies, and examples to help you craft a compelling academic cover letter that sets you apart from the competition. So let’s dive in and start crafting your path to academic success!

The Purpose (Why Do You Need A Cover Letter?)

It is imperative to include a cover letter in your job application package when applying to academic jobs. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction, adding depth and context to your CV or resume. In order to better understand its specific purpose, let’s look at:

1. Explaining How you fit the position and Interest: In your cover letter, you can explain why you are interested in the position and institution. It gives you the chance to explain why you are applying, whether it is the institution’s reputation, specific research opportunities, or alignment with your career objectives. You can also express your interest in the program and describe how it fits into your future goals. Additionally, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the program.

2. Highlighting Your Qualifications: In contrast to CVs and resumes, cover letters provide you with an opportunity to highlight and contextualize specialized experiences or qualifications relevant to the role. In order to demonstrate your suitability for the job, you can highlight specific projects, publications, teaching experiences, or other accomplishments.

3. Personalizing Your Application: Unlike a CV or resume, which tends to be more standardized, a cover letter offers you the chance to personalize your application for a specific job and institution. By addressing the hiring committee directly and tailoring your content to the institution’s values, mission, and goals, you can demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.

4. Adding Context: At times, you may need to explain or contextualize certain aspects of your application. It can be helpful to include a cover letter if you are transitioning from one field within academia to another, or if there are gaps in your employment history.

5. Showcase Your Communication Skills: In academia, effective communication is paramount. An important skill that hiring committees look for is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing. You can demonstrate your writing style, professionalism, and attention to detail with a well-crafted cover letter.

6. Stand Out From Other Candidates : Being able to stand out from other applicants is essential in a competitive job market. With a thoughtfully written cover letter, you can convey aspects of your personality, work ethic, and passion for your field not readily apparent from your CV.

Research About The Institution

The first step in writing an academic cover letter is to thoroughly research the institution as well as the role for which you’re applying. By taking this step, you not only demonstrate your genuine interest in the position, but you also tailor your cover letter to make it more compelling to hiring managers.

Importance Of Research Before The Interview

You demonstrate your genuine interest in joining the academic community by demonstrating your knowledge about the institution and the position. You can align your qualifications and experience with what they are seeking in a candidate if you understand the institution’s values, mission, and goals. By researching the department, faculty members, and ongoing projects, you can use your insights to enhance the relevance and impact of your cover letter.

Tips for researching about the Institution:

• Explore the Institution’s Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the institution’s official website. Learn about the faculty members, research areas, academic programs, and recent achievements of the department you’re applying to.
• Read Faculty Profiles and Publications: Take the time to read faculty profiles and publications related to your field of expertise. Furthermore, this will help you identify potential collaborators or mentors within the department.
• Review Recent News and Press Releases: Check for any recent news articles or press releases about the institution. It can provide valuable insights into the Lab’s accomplishments, partnerships, or current initiatives.
• Utilize Professional Networks: Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues, mentors, or alumni who may have insights or connections related to the institution or position. You might find valuable information or advice from them that you couldn’t find through traditional research methods.
• Attend Departmental Events or Webinars: If possible, attend departmental events, seminars, or webinars hosted by the institution. In addition to learning more about their academic community, you will also have an opportunity to network with faculty and students.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

As soon as you have gathered enough information about the institution and the position, you can tailor your cover letter accordingly. Here are some tips for writing a targeted and impactful cover letter:

• Start your cover letter with the name of the institution and the position you are applying for. It shows that you have done your homework and immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
• Provide examples from your background that are directly related to the institution’s research areas, teaching philosophy, or academic initiatives. By doing so, you demonstrate how your skills and experience are in line with their requirements.
• Refer to specific projects, programs, or initiatives in your cover letter if the institution has them. Explain how your expertise or interests make you a good candidate for participation or contribution.
• Describe how you align with the institution’s values, mission, and academic culture. In this way, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and innovation in education and research.

Academic Cover Letter Structure

Your introduction serves three purposes: grabbing the reader’s attention, expressing your interest in the position, and briefly describing your qualifications. The following is a list of what to include:

• A strong opening sentence or paragraph that captures the reader’s interest.
• The position you are applying for and where you learned about it.
• A brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the position and institution .

Here is a simple Example:

“Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at the Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department .”

Body Paragraphs

Describe your qualifications, relevant experiences, and how they are aligned with the job requirements in the body paragraphs. The following is a list of what to include:

• Detailed discussion of your academic background, research experience, teaching experience if any, and any other relevant skills or accomplishments.
• Specific examples and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
• Alignment of your qualifications with the institution’s mission, values, and goals.

“As a research assistant at [University/Institute], I conducted groundbreaking research in [specific area], resulting in [mention of any publications, grants, or awards]. In addition to my expertise in [relevant technique or methodology], I am particularly drawn to [Institution’s name or department] due to the institution’s commitment to [mention any specific initiatives or focus areas].”

In the conclusion, you express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, summarize your interest, and offer a call to action. The following is a list of what to include:

• A summary of your interest in the position and how you can contribute to the institution.
• Expression of gratitude for the opportunity to apply and the reader’s consideration.
• A call to action, such as expressing readiness for an interview or providing additional materials if needed.

“Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [Institution’s name or department]’s mission of [mention the institution’s mission or goals] with my expertise in [your field]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [Institution].”

Academic Cover Letter Template

Dear Hiring Committee, Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department . As a research assistant at [University/Institute ], I conducted groundbreaking research in [ specific area ], resulting in [ mention any publications, grants, or award s]. In addition to my expertise in [ relevant technique or methodology ], I am particularly drawn to [ Institution’s name or department ] due to the institution’s commitment to [ mention any specific initiatives or focus areas ]. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [ Institution’s name or department] ‘s mission of [ mention the institution’s mission or goals ] with my expertise in [ your field ]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [I nstitutio n]. Sincerely, Name

Using this structure, you can craft an effective cover letter for an academic position. Personalize each section based on your experiences and the specific requirements of the position and institution you are applying for.

Polishing And Final Touch

You should polish your academic cover letter after you draft it to ensure that it effectively conveys your qualifications and professionalism. During this final step, you will check your letter for errors, edit it, and ask for feedback to ensure that it is as good as possible.

Proofreading and Editing

You should proofread your cover letter to ensure it contains no grammatical, spelling, punctuation, or clarity errors. The following tips will help you proofread effectively:

• Take your time when reviewing your cover letter. Make sure you don’t rush through proofreading.
• The best way to catch awkward phrasing, repetitions, and grammatical errors in your cover letter is to read it aloud to yourself.
• Take advantage of spelling and grammar checkers available in word processing software like Microsoft Word or Grammarly. It is important to remember that these tools may not detect all errors, so don’t rely on them solely.
• Be clear and concise in your sentences. Use simple language rather than overly complex jargon that might confuse the reader.
• Your cover letter should be consistent in terms of formatting, punctuation, and writing style.

Professional Tone and Formatting

Making a positive impression on potential employers requires a professional tone and formatting. You can ensure professionalism in your cover letter by following these steps:

• Write in a formal tone appropriate for academic and professional settings. Don’t use slang, contractions, or language that is too casual.
• Follow a standard business letter format, including your contact information, the recipient’s information, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You should use a professional font and a standard font size (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).
• When possible, address the recipient by name and title. Use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Committee” or “Dear Search Committee” if you’re unsure of the recipient’s name.
• Double-check your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Seeking Feedback

Your cover letter can be improved by getting feedback from others. Feedback can be obtained from the following sources:

• Review your cover letter with trusted classmates or colleagues and ask for constructive criticism. It is possible for them to offer fresh perspectives and catch errors that might have slipped your mind.
• Find mentors with experience in your field of study or academia who can provide feedback. It is possible to get guidance from them on how to tailor your cover letter for a particular academic position.
• If your university has a career center or academic advising office, make use of those resources. Academic cover letters can be tailored to different positions by career advisors.

To ensure your academic cover letter presents you to potential employers in the best light, be sure to proofread, maintain a professional tone and format, and seek feedback from peers, mentors, and career advisors.

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About Aayushi Zaveri

Aayushi Zaveri majored in biotechnology engineering. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Bioentrepreneurship from Karolinska Institute. She is interested in health and diseases, global health, socioeconomic development, and women's health. As a science enthusiast, she is keen in learning more about the scientific world and wants to play a part in making a difference.

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How to use ChatGPT to build your resume

Graduation season is here, which means students will be in a frenzy of applying for jobs to secure their first role out of college. Whether you're seeking to launch your career or have been in the labor market for decades, there's one thing we can all agree on -- creating a resume that attracts the eye of recruiters is a challenge.

How to use ChatGPT to write:  Cover letters  |  Code | Excel formulas | Essays  

As if landing a job that aligns with your qualifications and expectations wasn't difficult enough, you also have to sum up all of your professional experiences and strengths in one application -- the heart of which is the CV or resume. 

A resume is meant to be a concise one-page document highlighting your academic, professional, and leadership achievements, which is just as difficult as it sounds. Finding the right words to summarize what you have done in a role for an extended period in three bullets is difficult, but Open AI's  ChatGPT can make the resume-building process a breeze.

How ChatGPT can help build your resume

You can use ChatGPT to generate ideas and bullet points for your role from scratch, or to refine and optimize your current points that are not hitting the mark. Beyond bullet points, the AI tool can help you answer questions about putting together your resume. Here is how to get started.

Side note:  We are using ChatGPT, but you can use any AI chatbot -- there are plenty of capable AI chatbots to choose from .

1. Choose a resume template

ChatGPT will help you with the text in your resume, but you'll need to pick a template before you get started. The program you're using to write the resume -- such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Canva -- will likely have a resume template already.

Also: What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here's what you need to know

A quick Google search for resume templates will also bring up hundreds of editable templates you can import into your program of choice.

2. Sign in to ChatGPT (optional)

On April 1, 2024, OpenAI stopped requiring you to log in to ChatGPT. You can now access ChatGPT simply by visiting ChatGPT's website . However, if you want to take advantage of certain perks, such as being able to revisit the chat later, I recommend signing up. If you want to tweak your bullets at a later date, you won't have to start from scratch and can pick up where you left off.

Also:  How to save a ChatGPT conversation to revisit later

Signing up is easy. All you have to do is go to OpenAI's ChatGPT homepage and create an account by creating an OpenAI login or using your existing Google or Microsoft account. ChatGPT is free, so the sign-up process is simple, requiring no credit cards or obscure information. 

3. Add text

If you want ChatGPT to generate text for your resume from scratch, all you have to do is ask. 

Whether you want it to generate your professional summary or an individual bullet, ask it directly. For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you write a short, professional resume summary about my role as a tech reporter?" Within seconds, it generated what you see in the screenshot above.

Also: 6 helpful ways to use ChatGPT's Custom Instructions

Although ChatGPT can create content ready to be copied and pasted into a resume, you should tweak the text so it is personalized to your experiences and doesn't look like a chatbot wrote it.

Employers want to learn about what makes you unique. Without your assistance, the chatbot will only have access to generic content about your role. You can also use the Custom Instructions feature to share some details about your role and interests that ChatGPT can reference to output the text. 

4. Use ChatGPT to revamp your text

Whether you fill out the template yourself before using ChatGPT's assistance or have an existing resume you want to enhance, ChatGPT is a great resource for polishing up text. 

All you have to do is copy and paste your text and ask ChatGPT to make it better. 

Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT and other interesting alternatives to try

For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you make this resume bullet sound better: I write stories about technology." Within seconds, it pushed out an elaborate bullet point that incorporated a professional tone and made that simple sentence more complex, as seen in the screenshot above.

Once you get your result, you can always tell ChatGPT to tweak it further with prompts like, "Make it shorter" or "Can you include [additional details]?" 

How much does it cost for ChatGPT to write my resume?

ChatGPT is currently free to use regardless of what you use it for, which includes resume-building assistance. 

How can ChatGPT help me with my resume?

ChatGPT can generate text for different parts of your resume, including your professional summary and individual bullet points for each experience.

Also:  How to nail the 'Do you have any questions for me?' part of the interview

The chatbot can also help enhance your current resume by optimizing your text. If you have any questions about how to format your resume and what to include, ChatGPT can give you some answers.

What should I put in my resume?

Ideally, you want a resume to highlight all your career accomplishments. This can include any educational, professional, and leadership experiences that are meaningful to you. You should also include as much detail about your unique experiences to make you stand out from other applicants.

How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter (and why you should)

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