how to write online cover letter

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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Career Tips , Getting a Job , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

How to Write a Cover Letter? The Perfect Cover-Letter Template For You!

Updated: January 8, 2024

Published: November 10, 2021

Ready to hit the job market and you don’t know how to write a cover-letter that lands you your dream job ? While not all job postings will list a cover letter as a requirement, submitting a cover letter can always help you to better position yourself against the competition. That’s why it’s useful to have a cover letter template ready to go that you can adjust based on the role you’re applying to.

Here, we will share everything you need to know about what to include and not to include in a cover letter. You’ll also learn how to create your very own cover letter template that is adjustable based on need.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a single-page, formally-written document that can be submitted as part of a job application along with a resume or CV. The main purpose of a cover letter is to provide your prospective future employer with more information about your professional background and reasons why you’d be a good fit for the job.

Why is a Cover Letter Important?

Although a cover letter typically follows a certain format and flow (which makes it possible to create a cover letter template), they are important because they provide the space in which you can share more information about yourself with the person (or people) reviewing your job application.

For most job applications, many other applicants are competing for the same spot, so your cover letter can make all the difference to get you the job. The best cover letters grab the reader’s attention and lead them to set up an interview. The worst cover letters get thrown in the “no” pile and are forgotten about.

What Should You Include in a Cover Letter?

Since a cover letter is submitted in addition to your resume, you don’t want to simply regurgitate everything already explained in your resume. Of course, there will be some overlap because your resume shares your work experience and education. Still, in a cover letter, you get to specify how your work experience is well-suited for the available position.

Additionally, you get to share the skills you possess that meet the job requirements (these skills are typically listed within the job posting).

A cover letter includes:

• How your work experience aligns with the job responsibilities
• How your skills match the job requirements
• Why you want to work for the organization and what you can contribute

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

The cover-letter format is important. A cover letter should be no longer than one page. You can divide your cover letter into three or four paragraphs.

It’s recommended to write your cover letter in whichever word processing tool you prefer, and then export it and send it as a PDF. When you send your cover letter as a PDF, it’s less likely to be edited or changed within the process of being opened by whoever may need to read it.

What Not to Include

Now that you know what should be included in your cover letter template and future cover letters, let’s review what you should not include.

Do not make any mention of:

• Salary requirements
• Personal information (birthday, address, ethnicity, etc.)
• Questions (leave questions for the interview )
• Information that is on your resume 

The Bottom Line

Having a proper cover letter template ready to use when you come across a job posting that you wish to apply for will save you time and stress. A cover letter can be submitted for any type of job as it is used to further explain why you would be a good fit for both the role and the hiring company.

Remember to be concise, polite, formal, and honest in your cover letter, as you will likely have to discuss the information when it’s time for an interview.  By creating a well-written cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing the job.

Related Articles

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 (Format and Useful Tool)

Based on proper cover letter formats and what to include in the letter, this post will walk you through how to write a cover letter in detail. You will also learn how to convert and submit it via SwifDoo PDF for increasing the likelihood of being hired.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that you write to highlight your experiences, skills, and other abilities fit for the specific position and company. It is also used to express your great interest in the job. Knowing the definition of it is important when we talk about how to write a cover letter.

A cover letter, also called application letter or motivation letter, is oftentimes sent as an additional attachment together with a resume. As the name suggests, it is a letter commonly composed of paragraphs. The purpose of it is to tell recruiters why you are qualified and great for them. It is quite important for making yourself stand out.

What Does a Cover Letter Need to Include?

A proper cover letter format counts for a lot in impressing employers. Whether you are a student who needs to submit an application letter for an internship application, a teacher looking for a teaching job, or a job seeker in any other field, you need to know how to format such a document. Your letter layout or structure should follow several essential guidelines. Learn how to write a cover letter for a job in the following standard format.   

1. Create an impressive header :

The key to your professional success lies in the first impression of your letter, so it's important to know how to start a cover letter. A header should be included on the upper left corner of your letter, which contains your contact details like: your full name; job title; address; phone number; email ID; city and date.  

2. Information of the company you apply for :

Speaking of how to write a cover letter, the details of your hiring manager and the company you are applying for should be mentioned. It includes: hiring manager's name and job title; company name and address.

3. Write a personalized salutation :

One of the major issues in cover letter writing is how to address a cover letter. Make sure to address your manager by their name to hook all the attention. For example, prefer writing Dear (name of the hiring manager) instead of generalizing the salutation of your letter by writing 'To whom It Might Concern' or 'Hey team,' etc.

4. Write a hook-worthy opening paragraph :

In terms of how to write a good cover letter, you should write a catchy enough opening paragraph to hook the recruiter's attention. Highlight and quantify your achievements in metrics. Design the section to showcase your enthusiasm and how you can fit the manager's needs.  

5. Sing the tune of your potential :

You must know how to sell yourself when you write a cover letter. To be sold, you need to have some potential and be aware of them. Convince your manager how your potential topped with your professional commitments, can serve them in the best way possible.

6. Express your eagerness to join :

Avoid any generic data. Express how that specific job makes an impression like no other on you. Entail your passion and enthusiasm towards the position. You can exemplify an ongoing or an upcoming company project and how your zeal and wisdom can contribute to making it successful.

7. Necessary call of action :

Regarding how to write a cover letter, the closing paragraph is essential. Provide additional value by taking the necessary call of action. Express to meet in person to explain to them what all you have to offer and how your offerings can make a considerable difference in achieving the company goals.

8. Choose the professional formal closing style :

After writing all the heading and body parts, it's time to question how to end a cover letter. Never forget to close your letter by signing off formally and thanking the hiring manager for their valuable time. 

9. Add a postscript :

To write a great cover letter, a postscript is a good idea to scream for your manager's attention until the end. An interesting 'P.S.' can further impress your recruiter to shortlist you for another meeting. It can contain an interesting fact about you that may or may not relate directly to the job.

Aside from the above major points, you should also take font size, style, spacing, page margin, and some other factors into consideration. Additionally, regarding how to write a cover letter, some pro tips and general rules are given in the later part of this post.

What File Format Should a Cover Letter Be in?

Following the above guidelines or steps, you might have figured out how to write a cover letter easier. Whether you write a cover letter in Microsoft Word, Excel or PDF software, when you're about to finishing, it will be time for you to think about sending the digital copy. 

Sometimes, a human resources specialist will specify which file format you should send your application document in, but if they don't? While you can attach the letter as a Word, Excel, or PDF document, it's best to understand the differences between them so that you can choose the most suitable file format. 

Advantages of Word/Excel Cover Letter:

A Word or Excel document is easy to edit.

Some applicant tracking systems may work better with Word files.

Advantages of PDF Cover Letter:

A PDF file will display completely the same on any device or in any software.

All the formatting and layouts will be retained when HR specialists receive your PDF.

PDF files cannot be edited without a PDF editor, which prevents your information from unexpected changes.   

A cover letter in PDF format can be read by and go through applicant tracking systems.

When talking about how to write an effective cover letter, you should attach importance to the file format. If the employer didn’t require which file format your letter should be in, PDF is always the ideal option with its broad compatibility and security. As you may know that unless the Word processor (such as Microsoft Word) versions you and the recruiters use are the same, formatting issues may arise, which will harm their impression of you.

To make your Word document a PDF without any hassle, you can rely on SwifDoo desktop PDF tool and SwifDoo online converter that will be introduced in the coming parts.

Convert a Cover Letter to a PDF File with SwifDoo PDF

One of the major issues when the topic is how to write a cover letter is converting a cover letter to PDF format. Since PDF has many benefits over Word or Excel format, how do you convert a letter to a PDF? SwifDoo PDF understands and values your needs well, and enables you to easily turn an Excel or Word file into a PDF without losing quality. Converting PDF to Word is also simple with the productive application. It supports XLSX, XLS, DOC, DOCX, PPTX, TXT, and many other formats.

Let’s dive into how to convert your cover letter to a PDF file.

Step 1: Launch the file converter after writing a cover letter according to the introduced format;

Step 2: Click Create in the start interface of the application, and choose From File in the pop-up window;

Step 4: Save the PDF cover letter or go to Share to share it via email, Google Drive or Dropbox to the recruiter.

If you have written several slightly different letters, SwifDoo PDF allows you to effortlessly batch add and convert them all in one go. In addition, you can utilize the program to directly write your cover letter in PDF format by creating a blank PDF without converting from another format. SwifDoo PDF makes it effortless to edit a PDF file on Windows . You can add text, images, hyperlinks, set page margins, and do more with the PDF file.  

Among heaps of desktop software, SwifDoo PDF outperforms many others with only a 10MB size, quick response, simple interface, and rich feature set. One of the keys about how to write a cover letter is to make the letter good looking. Use SwifDoo PDF to customize your PDF page size, background, headers, footers, and more.

Convert a Cover Letter to a PDF File with SwifDoo Online PDF Converter

For those who are reluctant to install an application on their devices, use the free SwifDoo PDF online converter to convert the cover letter. Let's see how to create a PDF cover letter online.

Step 1: Write your cover letter using the recommended format, go to the top of the SwifDoo website, and click Convert PDF ;

Step 2: Choose Word to PDF , or Excel to PDF  as needed, and tap Choose file  to upload your letter;

Step 3: When the conversion is completed, hit the Download button to save your PDF.    

Pro Tips to Make Your Letter Sound More Confident

Anyone can write a motivation letter, but only a few can make it impressive. If you wish to know how to write a cover letter that's more eye-catching, take a look at these pro tips while writing:

• Always address your manager by their name. 
• In the absence of your recruiter's name, you can greet it to the department you are applying to or can also write 'Dear Hiring Manager.'
• Cover your meaty content in three paragraphs: grab attention, your skills, and capabilities, and prove that you are the perfect match.
• Avoid using typical and cliched lines.
• Be creative to hook the attention of your hiring manager.
• Apart from focusing on the job, talk more about what you have to offer the company.
• Always follow up on the application.

Generic Rules to Write a Compelling Cover Letter

There are always some general no-fail rules that you cannot miss to write a cover letter. So in case you cannot recall them, we have listed these rules here for a quick reminder.

• Always keep your letter short.
• Don't write a letter more than a single page.
• Choose a perfect layout for your covering letter. 
• Prepare a blueprint of your letter before drafting the final one.
• Do rigorous research on your hiring manager, job title, and the company.
• Ensure to make a list of necessary job keywords to highlight your skills and qualifications around them.
• Be true to your words.
• Remember to proofread for spell check before submitting it.

Choose proper action verbs and powerful words to create a distinct impression for your motivation letter.

According to a survey conducted by a resume builder provider, ResumeLab, most recruitment specialists are more willing to interview and hire the candidates who sent cover letters. Therefore, whether those job ads require a cover letter or not, it’s always better to write one and send it along with your job application to let your strengths shine.

When it comes to how to write a cover letter, always remember to include the basic things mentioned in this article, which play an outline role. An outline will well organize the content and make your expression more logical and understandable. Also, be sure to keep your letter short but powerful. Last but not least, send in PDF format unless the hiring managers ask you to send it in another format.  

FAQ: Where Can I Find a Cover Letter Template?

To write a cover letter without designing it from scratch, you may want to download and use a template. Thankfully, many developers have been aware of that demand, and specially designed many templates for downloading. From sites such as Zety , Job seeker, Novo resume, Template.net and Resume Genius, you can get a lot of free cover letter samples and templates for opening in Google Docs, Word, and PDF software.

Google Docs and Word templates are easily edited, what if you have downloaded a sample PDF file? No worries, SwifDoo PDF is here to help you convert the PDF to an editable Word file for easy editing or making direct changes to it.

Charlotte has been in the software industry for 8+ years. She works for AWZWARE now as a passionate writer. She is good at providing simple guides to use various video, office and entertainment software. Charlotte also recommends many other useful tools to make your work and life easier. A food lover too.

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How to Write a Unique Cover Letter That Will Land You a Job Interview

A job hunt is one of the most daunting endeavors you can go through as a working professional. It’s not just about finding your dream career listing and making sure you’re the right fit for the role — it’s also about standing out in a sea of applicants.

While you may have all the credentials to do the job well, it’s all too easy to get overlooked by recruiters and hiring managers. Sometimes, you don’t even have the opportunity to land an interview to prove you’re the best candidate for the job.

So, how do you make sure you at least get to the first round? A polished resume is necessary, but it’s a well-done cover letter that can help you stick out in a crowd.

But how exactly do you craft a unique, job-landing cover letter? To understand what goes into writing the perfect introduction, USC Online spoke with Lori Shreve Blake from the USC Career Center .

What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

Every job posting will request a resume, but the other document most employers will also ask for is the cover letter. Its purpose is to convey your interest in the role, highlight your skills and qualifications, and give a sense of your personality so the hiring manager can better understand who they may be hiring.

While your resume will also convey these things, a cover letter is an opportunity to go more in-depth. A cover letter also acts as a writing sample, Shreve Blake noted.

“Communication is one of the key skills that employers seek.  Candidates showcase their communication skills verbally in an interview, but effective writing is also an essential communication component of most jobs, so the cover letter lets you show that. We want to make sure that the cover letter is well written, that it is a persuasive document,” she said.

Shreve Blake emphasized expressing your interest, enthusiasm, experience, skills and motivation in the cover letter, showing how your values align with the organization you’re applying to. Use the cover letter to secure that first-round interview and show how passionate you are about the employer and position.

What You Need to Include in a Cover Letter

While you have a lot of freedom with what you can write in a cover letter, there are multiple things you need to make sure you include.

The Heading and Introduction

The specific contact name. If you can, find the right contact’s name to address the letter. If the job description doesn’t have the exact contact’s name, try to find it on the employer’s website. Employers will be impressed you made that extra effort, Shreve Blake noted. If it’s not possible, address it to the “Hiring Manager.” Avoid using gender-specific titles.

Your contact information . Always be sure to include your contact information. While you have your name, email, phone number and possibly your LinkedIn URL in the header of your resume, you can also copy and paste that into your cover letter. “It looks like your personalized letterhead. The hiring team needs to know who the letter is from right away,” Shreve Blake said.

Your introduction . Write an opening paragraph that explains who you are and what you’re applying for. Get the basics covered and give an overview of what led you to apply for this specific position or who referred you to the opportunity. The date you wrote the letter should also be included. “It’s absolutely essential,” Shreve Blake said.

Your strengths and skill sets. The middle paragraph should highlight the skills and qualities that make you the right fit for the role. Go over the job listing in detail so you can demonstrate you have the attributes the position requires. Give an example of how you’re creative or a self-starter, if that’s what they’re looking for, or describe a job where you had social media experience, if they mention that as a must. This is your time to sell yourself and explain why you are an outstanding fit for the position.

The Conclusion

Your passion for the role. During the conclusion, reaffirm your interest in the job. The closing is an opportunity to again express why you’re passionate about the position and company, share your contact information and offer to provide references. If you can, add an electronic signature for a nice touch. It’s not a necessity, but including an electronic signature can only make your cover letter look more official.

What to Add to Your Cover Letter to Make it Stand Out

Of course, while you want to hit all the cover letter essentials, there are things you can do to make it stand out from a sea of similar documents. One way to do that is by making sure you include concrete information and highlight your accomplishments in your past jobs and education.

“One thing that people really don’t do is quantify. So, you could say, ‘I write articles for The L.A. Times, and my beat is sustainability, or you could quantify and say I write 15 sustainability articles monthly and source those articles with more than 50 expert sources. Numbers like that give you more credibility and make your accomplishments more real,” Shreve Blake said.

Another way to make your cover letter more unique actually comes down to formatting. Of course, you will always have your opening, middle and closing paragraphs, but you can play around with what you include in them.

“In the middle paragraph, you could use bullet points, to sum up, your key skills and qualifications to show how it matches what the employer is looking for. We know that employers take 30 to 60 seconds with a resume when they’re reviewing it, and they might take a little less time with a cover letter. So, bullets are a great way to format because then you can feel more confident, they’re seeing the most important points,” she explained.

How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be? Other Formatting Dos and Don’ts

Length is crucial with a cover letter: It definitely should not be more than one page. You want to keep it brief, concise, readable and double-spaced. You should have plenty of white space, too, Shreve Blake said. That means you’re not attempting to squeeze in more words on the page with formatting tricks or font sizing. You say what you need to in 300 to 400 words or less. Remember, this “preview” of your writing skills needs to show that your writing is concise, factual and persuasive.

“Applying white space is really important because it makes it digestible. We need to make this user-friendly. You can write the most beautiful cover letter — your writing could be in the stratosphere — but if people don’t digest what you’re trying to say, you won’t get the interview,” she explained.

What Should You Not Add to Your Cover Letter?

You should always strike a positive tone in your cover letter. That means you don’t speak unfavorably about a previous employer, supervisor or position you’ve held, even if it’s an organization you’re wanting to leave. You also don’t want to bemoan your current situation — if you’ve been unemployed and you really need the job, the cover letter is not the place to stress any personal hardships you’re experiencing.

“You want to be upbeat and focused,” Shreve Blake said. “Anything negative isn’t going to push your candidacy forward.

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

Sometimes, a job opens up that seems like the perfect next step in your career, but the problem is, you don’t have the exact experience the role requires. That’s OK — a cover letter is a right way to throw your name in the ring and emphasize your related skills that may not pop up on your resume.

“You want to keep it positive, so I wouldn’t directly name any deficits or skills you don’t have. It may be tempting to write, ‘Oh, I don’t know Python, but I know other coding languages and I’m a quick study.’ Instead, read a book, watch an educational video and do some self-studying so you can actually say you have knowledge of Python before moving on to the skills you do have and the coding language you do know,” Shreve Blake gave as an example.

Reading a book, taking a class or seminar and doing online research are all great ways to gain the knowledge you may need for a certain job — that way, you can honestly say you have the knowledge in the cover letter, even if you don’t have the experience.

Another possibility people forget is that you can highlight any volunteering experience in your cover letter. It’s a great way of showing you’re involved in that field, and the skills you learn while volunteering count.

Above all else, make sure your interest in the job and the industry is clearly stated. That level of interest will stand out to hiring managers, and enthusiasm means just as much as knowledge when it comes to being a valuable employee.

Always Make Sure to Proofread

A cover letter is a chance to signal both your excitement and your qualifications for a job. Just make sure to keep it short and sweet while you do so.

When you’re done, proofread it or even have a friend give it a once-over before you submit it. A cover letter acts as your writing sample: Grammar or spelling mistakes are a red mark against your written communication skills, and you may be disqualified as a candidate for typos in the cover letter.

With the right cover letter, you can stand out from the other applicants and prove just how much you deserve an interview.

Explore more  career advice  from USC Online today.

Awesome…such help, thank you

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You the Job

• May 6, 2020
• Life and Learning , Tips and Tricks

• Put your contact information in the top right corner of the document. Include your email address and phone number.
• Insert the name of the organization on the next line on the left side of the document. Also include the organization’s full mailing address.
• Make sure you know the full name and title of the person who will receive this correspondence. 
• The next line is “Regarding” [Re:] which is an indication of the position. Here, include the exact title of the position for which you are applying. 
• Center the date of your inquiry on the next line.

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How To Write An INCREDIBLE Cover Letter – Cover Letter Examples INCLUDED

by Heather Austin | Jan 28, 2020

In this video, you’ll learn how to write a cover letter that tells your career story and lands you your next job offer. Think of your cover letter as a mini sales presentation. You are the product and your cover letter demonstrates to your potential employer that you are the solution they are seeking.

For your cover letter to be effective, it needs to highlight some of your greatest accomplishments listed on your resume. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine.

Watch this video to learn:

• If you really need a cover letter • How to write a cover letter in 2020 • Cover letter tips and examples

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For even more career advancement strategies, visit me on YouTube to learn how to land your dream job and grow in a field you love. Then join my private Facebook community where you’ll network with other amazing professionals just like you!

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How to Write a Cover Letter Like Hemingway

Published: Apr 30, 2021

The first episode of the Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary Hemingway reveals where Ernest Hemingway’s famous writing style originated. Before the Nobel Prize-Winner wrote short stories and novels, he worked as a Kansas City Star reporter. The Star introduced Hemingway to the Star Copy Style, writing guidelines he used throughout his career.

Below are five of these guidelines and how they can help you write better cover letters.

1. “Use short sentences.”

There’s nothing wrong with short sentences. They’re usually clearer than long sentences and easier to read. You might think long sentences make you sound smart. They don’t. What they might make you sound like is confused.

Hemingway aimed for clarity and brevity when writing his fiction and nonfiction. Follow Hemingway’s lead and aim for the same when writing your cover letters. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people. They’ll be thrilled to come across clear and brief cover letters.

If writing short sentences doesn’t come naturally, try this: When editing your cover letter, search for sentences that can be split into two. If you find any, split them and reread your letter. Then ask yourself: Does the letter sound clearer that way? Stronger? Chances are the answers will be “yes.”

2. “Use vigorous English.”

Vigorous means “strong, healthy, and full of energy.” It’s important to use vigorous verbs in your cover letter. You want to show what you’ve accomplished, and you want to show confidence. Use strong and energetic verbs like managed, led, produced, completed, spearheaded, improved, increased, established, enacted, and exceeded.

You also want to write with vigor. You do this by having a solid grasp of what you want to write about. This allows you to write clearly and exactly about your subject matter. In the case of your cover letter, this means having a strong understanding of the requirements of the position you’re applying for and how your background, skills, and experience fit those requirements.

Once you’ve completed your research and understand how to position yourself for the role, only then can you begin to write your cover letter—not a second earlier.

3. “Be positive, not negative.”

This rule aims to get writers to describe what a thing is, not what it isn’t. For example, this is positive: “It was a small boat.” This is negative: “The boat wasn’t very big.”

Applying this to cover letter writing, write about what you are and have done, not about what you haven’t done and aren’t. For example, this sentence is positive: “I’ve written four New York Times Bestsellers.” And this sentence is negative: “I’ve never written a book that wasn’t on the New York Times Bestseller list.”

These two sentences might mean similar things, but there’s a difference. And that difference will be picked up by your reader, and you’ll come across as a weaker writer and weaker candidate.

4. “Eliminate every superfluous word.”

In almost every sentence you write, you’ll likely find a word or two that you can cut to make the sentence better, or find a way to express the same idea with fewer words. For example, the previous sentence could be shortened to: You can edit nearly every sentence you write to make it clearer or more concise.

The original sentence used 138 letters. The edited sentence used 66. That’s more than 50 percent shorter. That’s a big difference to a reader who reads hundreds of cover letters a day.

Read your cover letters like someone else wrote them. Read them like a detective. Challenge yourself. Ask yourself: Is there a way to make each sentence shorter, more concise, clearer? If you can find those ways, your cover letters will be better for it.

5. “Avoid the use of adjectives.”

Nouns and verbs ruled Hemingway’s writing. People, places, and things were king. He used adjectives and adverbs sparingly . Follow Hemingway’s lead and try to avoid them.

Adjectives like “very,” “extremely,” and “highly” weaken your writing. It might sound counterintuitive, but “I am goal-oriented” and “I am detail-oriented” are stronger sentences than “I am very goal-oriented” and “I am highly detail-oriented.” Plus, they’re shorter and easier to read.

Adverbs like “consistently,” “definitely,” and “currently” (a cover letter favorite) are also unnecessary. Cut them. Your writing will be stronger and more concise without them. For example, the phrases “I'm interested in” and “I work as” beat “I'm definitely interested in” and “I'm currently working as.”

Here’s an example of a common sentence found in cover letters: “With my strong management skills in accounting, marketing, and international business, combined with my highly diverse technical background in computers and software applications, I am extremely confident in my ability to make a strong positive contribution to your organization.”

With the Star Copy Style in mind, here’s an edited version: “I’m confident that my management skills and technical background will enable me to contribute to your team.” Editing further: “I’m confident that my skills and background will enable me to contribute to your team.”

Try several versions of sentences until they strike the right note (to your ear). In the end, maybe you decide your sentence needs an adjective or adverb. That’s okay. But first, cut them out. See how your sentence sounds without them. Then decide.

A final note

When Hemingway experienced writer’s block, he used this mantra: “Begin with one true sentence.” This wasn’t a rule from the Star Copy Style but had its origins in it. The Star encouraged writers to “write the truth.” And that’s something Hemingway aimed to do in his writing (even in his fiction).

So, if you find yourself stuck when writing your cover letters, use Hemingway’s mantra. Write one true sentence. Write one true sentence describing your experience, skills, or background. Once you do that, you’ll likely find that the rest of your letter will follow.

How to Write a Cover Letter (with examples)

• | Updated on June 13, 2022

In this article, we shall be diving deep into the ocean of job hunting and emerge victorious and learn how to write a cover letter.

As the famous Carl Gustav Jung saying goes, “I am not what happened to me; I am what I choose to become.”

It is you who shall dictate whether or not your past follows you around, and it is you who decides upon whether you want to be proactive, positive, and successful or do you choose to become a victim.

A Cover letter enhances your curriculum vitae or commonly known as cv, in not just the logistics for a company to find the suited hire but also the emotion, morality, and dedication they bring to the table.

Did you know?

The legend Leonardo Da Vinci, creator of the Last Supper, The giant Crossbow, Mona Lisa, and many more renaissance masterpieces, was the creator of CV!

Now let’s unveil the cover letter suited for your dream job!

Tactics of a good cover letter

• Hook the Reader

To make you seem like an asset to the organization, adding an emotional quotient as to why this job or organization matters to you will help you create an unseen cord of trust with the HR personnel.

Short cover letter sample- 

How to write a cover letter for a job application

Dear Mr. Sharma,

Trilegal is considered one of the top 10 law firms in the country. Still, after doing my research through attending various seminars and talking to several industry professionals, I have concluded that Trilegal is precisely what I would like to be a part of and serve with dedication as it best suits my growth as a professional in this.

Why does this work?

This reflects that you are well-aware research-driven personnel who keeps up with changing trends and is willing to work hard for the organization.

• Research! Research! Research!

There is no such thing as too much research unless you are on a time crunch. This will not just help you shape your cover letter but know and identify the ideology of the organization so you can create your cover letter accordingly, as different organizations operate on different standards.

SWOT Analysis

It is historically credited to Sir Albert Humphrey (1960s). SWOT analysis, sometimes also known as a situational assessment, is analyzing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats beforehand. It might help you not flinch out of anxiety and appear underconfident but take it in stride, exhibiting the demeanor of someone who has done thorough prior research on not just the organization but on themselves.

For this, these key areas might help you identify the corporate communication that your employing organization possesses

Corporate Philosophy – Company’s values and vision and the road map they entrust it with. This is usually mentioned on the ‘about us’ page of their website.

Corporate culture – (clan, market, adhocracy, hierarchy)- behavioral belief systems of the company., corporate citizenship – the responsibilities it holds towards stakeholders and how they follow through with them., corporate philanthropy – it consists of the social responsibility it executes through funds., corporate identity – logo, color scheme, graphics, etc., in all entirety, is how the organization presents itself..

All this will help you become an intelligent candidate and identify what things you would like yourself to associate with and what not.

• The KISS Formula

You don’t want to burden the HR personnel with the complexities of your write-up hence Keeping It Short and Simple (KISS).

A short, crisp, and concise cover letter shall save the trouble for the hiring team to break down the anatomy of it.

• White Space and Bullet points

Cluttering your cover letter with lengthy paragraphs placed with no sequence will make your cover letter weary hence give proper white space and use bullet points when needed to make the resume more organized and efficient.

How to write a cover letter for content writing

Dear Mr. Singh,

I wish to apply for the position of Content Writer as advertised. I have the qualifications and skills for this post, as well as the necessary on-the-job experience. I, hence, believe that what I have to present to Job Score will be of great benefit to the company.

I have a bachelor’s degree in English Hons. from Delhi University. I also have three years of experience working as A Content Writing Intern at Enterprise jab. I have always had a deep intimacy and understanding of Writing and literature since an early age, and I have followed it all my life, advancing my education in literature whenever I could, as well as preparing professionally for the post for which I am applying. I have considerable experience in SEO Articles and keeping meticulous records.

I wish to apply for the job position of Content Writer as advertised.

I have the qualifications and skills for this particular post, as well as the necessary experience.

I, therefore, believe that what I have to offer to Job Score will be of great benefit to the company.

• B.A Degree in English Hons. from Delhi University.
• 3 Years’ experience working as A Content Writing Intern at Enterprise jab.
• The skill set of Search Engine Optimized Articles.  

Now you decide which one of these seems more appealing?

With the goldfish attention span of a regular person in 2022, you need to make your cover letter not a task for HR to decipher but a relief to find that one precise resume between piles of those with lengthy paragraphs.

Things to stay away from

• Humoring the HR

Being able to make people laugh might be your virtue, but trying to make the cover letter funny often falls flat on the face and seems unprofessional hence you are applying for the job of a stand-up comedian. Keep your tone in check and act like the professional candidate the company aspires to hire.

• Sending a generic cover letter

Like every job is unique and requires a different skill set, so should be the application for it. Customizing your cover letter after prior research on the opening and the company hiring will help you highlight how you are best suited for it.

This customization leaves an imprint as it highlights your awareness regarding the importance of distinguishing one job from another.

In this part, we shall learn “how do you introduce yourself in a cover letter.”

Cover letter for an Art gallery Assistant

Dear Mr. Kapoor,

When I found out about The National Gallery of Modern Arts’ search for a new Art Gallery Assistant, I was eager to submit my resume for your consideration.

From promoting exhibitions to planning events to arranging venue spaces and managing a range of administrative tasks, my experience has prepared me to excel in this role. With an inherent passion for and growing expertise in gallery management and exhibit design, my dedication and focus have ensured outstanding gallery procedures and pleasant and welcoming environments for visitors.

Highlights of my background include

Coordinating comprehensive responsibilities—including collections/exhibits research, space preparation, exhibition installation and removal, brochure creation, fundraising, and database management—for the Gallery Artchill

• Cover letter for a law firm

Dear Ms. Shrivastava,

I’m a third-year student attending National Law School, writing to apply for your summer internship position. I learned about the job position through NLU’s public service database, but I’ve also heard good things from a few older students I met as Junior Vice President of NLU’s Union Club. Interning at Trilegal would allow me to strengthen my writing and research skills. I’m confident that my work ethic and trial preparation experience will help your partners and associates improve their client service and efficiency.

Your job posting on LinkedIn says you need an intern with litigation knowledge, research skills, and writing skills. As a member of the Moot Court Honors Board, I presented six legal arguments and was on the team that won State Finals. I also researched 23 cases during my first-year internship with Locklin & Dubord, with multiple commendations from the partners for efficiency and accuracy.

Add that Aesthetic! (Templates)

With Web 3.0 sky is the limit. You can use ample free online templates and

Now that it is your turn to create the cover letter for your dream job, here are some tools that you can utilize for templates and give some personality to your cover letter.

• Adobe Spark
• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs.

I hope this article answered “How to write a cover letter” for you, and now you can confidently present yourself, leaving an unforgettable impression on the reader.

Now I’d like to hear from you which  tactic from this post are you willing to try first?

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Online Teacher Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Online Teacher cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Online Teacher Example 1
• Online Teacher Example 2
• Online Teacher Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Online teachers work with students who are unable to attend traditional schools. They use a variety of methods, such as chat rooms, video conferencing, and email, to help students learn.

Since online teachers need to be able to work with students of all ages and backgrounds, they need to be patient, adaptable, and organized.

To show hiring managers that you’re the right person for the job, use these examples and tips to write an online teacher cover letter that stands out.

Online Teacher Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Online Teacher position at ABC School. I have been teaching online for the past six years and I firmly believe that it is the future of education. With the right tools, technology can provide students with a more personalized and engaging learning experience. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to help ABC School reach its goal of providing the best online education possible.

I have been a classroom teacher for the past 10 years in various capacities and grade levels. In each class that I have taught, 100% of my students passed their exams and improved their scores comparatively. On top of that, I received the Teacher of the Year award twice and was highly rated by parents and students alike.

I enjoy the challenge of teaching students academically but also helping them to thrive socially. As a team player, I have joined and participated in committees and school improvement projects to help build a better environment for students and staff alike.

Thank you for considering me for this position, and I hope that my accompanying resume will give you a better sense of the type of teacher I am. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing with you my teaching philosophy while learning more about this job opportunity. I am a committed lifelong learner and I will continue to grow as a teacher and in my knowledge of subject matter throughout my time at your school.

Online Teacher Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the open Online Teacher position that I saw on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

As an experienced online teacher, I have a proven track record of success in the field. I have successfully taught students of all ages and backgrounds, and I have a deep understanding of the necessary skills and techniques for teaching online. I am also well-versed in using various online teaching tools and platforms, which allows me to create a learning environment that is both engaging and effective.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have also completed coursework in instructional design and curriculum development. This coursework has helped me develop new strategies for designing lessons that are both engaging and effective. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a successful online teacher for your organization.

I would like to thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Online Teacher Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the online teaching position that you have available. I believe that I would be a great fit for this position because of my extensive experience as an educator and my ability to work well with students of all ages.

I have been working as an educator for the past 10 years, first as a teacher and then as a principal. I have worked in both public and private schools, and I have taught students ranging from kindergarten through high school. Throughout my career, I have always strived to make learning fun for my students while still ensuring that they are getting a quality education. I believe that it is important to teach children how to learn rather than just what to learn.

One of the things that makes me such a good teacher is my ability to connect with students on a personal level. I believe that it is important for teachers to be role models for their students, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I also believe that it is important for teachers to understand where their students are coming from so that they can better relate to them.

I am confident that I would be able to provide your students with the kind of education that they need in order to succeed in life. I am also confident that I would be able to work well with your other teachers and administrators. I am always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to my job, and I know that your school would appreciate that about me.

Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Online Teacher Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. highlight your teaching experience.

When writing a cover letter for an online teaching position, it’s important to highlight your teaching experience. This can be done by providing specific examples of how you have helped students learn in the past. You can also talk about your teaching philosophy and how you use different teaching methods to engage students.

2. Show your passion for teaching

Employers want to hire online teachers who are passionate about teaching and helping students learn. You can show your passion for teaching by using phrases like “I’m excited to” and “I’m looking forward to” in your cover letter. You can also describe how you’ve helped students in the past and how you plan to help students in the future.

3. Tailor your letter to the job description

The best way to make sure your cover letter is tailored for a specific job is by paying close attention to the details of the position. For example, if you see that an online teaching position requires two years of experience in one type of subject and five years’ experience in another type, then highlight any relevant experience you have in those areas.

If there are any additional requirements or skills mentioned for that job, also list them on your application; this will help make it clear how you can meet their needs.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter is the first step to landing an interview for an online teaching position. As with any position, it’s important to spell-check and double-check that there are no errors in your resume or cover letter. Otherwise, you risk being disqualified before the employer even sees your qualifications.

Medical Surgical Nurse Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Conservation agent cover letter examples & writing tips, you may also be interested in..., business intelligence analyst cover letter examples, scientific writer cover letter examples & writing tips, housekeeping manager cover letter examples, chief security officer cover letter examples & writing tips.

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Online Teacher Cover Letter Example

An Online Teacher is accountable for delivering remote teaching to students all around the world. Although some businesses set up dedicated work locations, where these online teachers are expected to serve, most online teachers choose the place from where they tutor.

Online Teachers are responsible for delivering knowledge digitally in the setting of digital learning. If you’re interested in this job, you must submit a cover letter emphasizing your teaching experience, aptitude for problem-solving promptly, classroom management abilities, and relevant work history. Learn how to compose a cover letter that will help you land this job by looking through the suggestions and the Online Teacher Cover Letter Sample below.

• Cover Letters

The core responsibilities of the online instructor include creating and presenting lessons that are to be delivered virtually. As a part of your job description, you will also be expected to provide homework, mark tests and assignments, and monitor the development of your students. You must provide a secure, caring environment that is considerate of your student’s learning preferences if you want to succeed as an Online Teacher. A top-notch Online Teacher will exhibit an understanding of the outside influences on students’ academic success.

What to Include in a Online Teacher Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Designing and delivering lessons that are in line with the educational requirements of the students.
• Promoting classroom engagement to support the unification of lesson content. Settling disputes amongst students.
• Forming connections with children to make sure that they open up about any psychological and behavioral issues that might hinder their academic success.
• Prompt and effective grading of assignments, projects, and tests.
• Tracking and describing the development of learners.
• Notifying the relevant representative of persistent technical issues and other important events.
• Taking part in faculty meetings as necessary.
• Recognizing and valuing both faculty and students’ cultural diversity.
• Assuring that all necessary tools continue to be in outstanding shape.

Education & Skills

Online teacher skills:.

• Ability to use a laptop with a webcam integrated or added separately.
• Having access to fast and reliable internet.
• Possess knowledge of computers.
• Ability to use microphone-equipped headphones.
• Potency to teach in peace and without distractions.
• Possess a presentable demeanor.
• Excellent written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and social skills.

Online Teacher Educational and Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s in Education or a related discipline.
• Established experience in teaching, ideally in a comparable environment.
• A Montessori, CTET, MCE, or similar certifications.

Online Teacher Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I was eager to apply as soon as I learned about the **** School’s opening for an Online Teacher after learning about it from a co-worker. Since I’ve been teaching digitally for the last four years, I’m convinced that it’s the way education will be delivered in the years ahead. Advanced technologies can give learners a more individualized and interesting learning journey with the appropriate tools. I am sure that I have the knowledge and expertise necessary to assist *****School in achieving its objective of offering the greatest virtual education feasible.

For over nine years, I’ve worked in a classroom setting with different grade levels and in a variety of roles. In every lesson I’ve taught, every single student cleared their examinations and saw an exponential rise in their scorecards. In addition, I thrice won the Best Educator of the Year trophy and had excellent evaluations from both children and their parents.

I relish the challenge of educating pupils academically while simultaneously fostering their social development. I’ve accepted and taken part in panels and educational development initiatives as a collaborative player to assist create a brighter atmosphere for both teachers and kids.

Here are some of my professional highlights:

• I possess a thorough awareness of the abilities and strategies required for online education.
• I have experience using a diverse range of digital classroom applications and portals, which enables me to design a productive and interesting learning atmosphere.
• I hold a specialization in curriculum initiatives and pedagogical development in contrast to my teaching expertise.
• Through my training, I’ve learned new techniques for creating captivating and productive lesson plans.
• I have participated in around 50 recognized webinars offered by Oxford University Press, CENTA, and CBSE. I put my newfound knowledge into practice in my teaching process, and it was a huge success for me, my pupils, and their parents.

I appreciate you considering me for this role, and I believe the résumé I’ve attached will help you understand the kind of educator I am. I’m eager to speak with you one-on-one, understand more about this career prospect, and share my teaching philosophies with you. During my stay at your school, I shall keep progressing as an educator and in my content knowledge because I’m a dedicated lifelong learner.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Expand your career chances while getting ideas for your upcoming cover letter writing.Make use of our cover letter samples and drafting guidance from specialists in the field.

• As an Online Teacher, you should tailor your cover letter to the position you’re applying for by using details from the job specification to make it complete and unique.
• Expand upon these points with personal anecdotes and information that isn’t allowed in a CV.
• Be sure to highlight your experience and the qualities that make you the best person for the job.
• Showcase your communication skills, and make sure to include specific examples of previous occasions when you’ve employed them.
• Display your enthusiasm for education.
• Read over your cover letter before sending it.

Make use of our Online Teacher Resume Samples as a guide while writing your resume.

Customize Online Teacher Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

Related Education Cover Letters

ATS Resume Templates

Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.

If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably already know more about applicant tracking systems (ATS) than the average job seeker. That gives you an advantage! Why?

Many companies use ATS to manage resumes and applications. In fact, Jobscan research shows that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

If an ATS can’t read or understand the information on your resume, then your application might not be seen when a recruiter searches for candidates with specific skills or experience – even if you have those skills or the experience!

Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly in order to give you the best chance of getting a job interview. That means that you need an ATS resume template.

We’ve designed 15 ATS resume templates that can be downloaded as Microsoft Word files and easily edited. Download one for free or use our free resume builder to get a customized ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Free ATS Resume Templates

Executive and Management ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

As a leader, you want your experience and accomplishments to shine. These resume templates give you opportunities to show the measurable results you’ve achieved, as well as your hard and soft skills .

Using correct formatting is critical here. The ATS needs to be able to parse all of that vital information and categorize it correctly. You also need your resume to be searchable by an ATS so that when a recruiter filters candidates by skills, your application stays on the list.

Entry-Level ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

You might not think you have a lot to show on your resume, but you do! These templates provide sections where you can highlight your education, internships, volunteer experience , personal accomplishments, and more.

An ATS-friendly resume will help you get found by recruiters and hiring managers. This is important because an entry-level position could have hundreds of applicants! Use these templates to make sure the ATS picks up your skills and experience.

Make your resume faster with our free resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

Jobscan users have been hired by:

ATS Resume Templates - What You Need to Know

How to make the perfect ats resume.

Remember, an ATS is just a computer filing system. It needs to be able to scan and understand the text on your resume in order to correctly parse the information and sort it properly.

An ATS will never auto-reject a resume, but an ATS optimized resume does make it easier for a recruiter to find you among the sea of applicants.

Even more importantly, an ATS-friendly resume naturally follows expert-recommended resume writing standards as well. That means that when the recruiter personally views your resume, it will include the relevant information they’re looking for and will be formatted in a way that makes it easier to read

Follow these tips for making the perfect ATS resume :

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

Focus on quality over quantity. Each job you apply for is unique, even if they all have the same title. Every company has different needs for that role. The job description will make it clear which hard skills, soft skills, experience, and education the company is looking for. So tailor your resume to show them that you are the perfect candidate.

Tailoring each and every resume can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort!

You can speed up this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Powered by AI-technology , this tool analyzes your resume against the job description and provides you with a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. It also tells you exactly what you need to do to increase your score.

2. Match your resume keywords to skills found in the job description

Recruiters might use an ATS’ search function to find applicants with specific skills. How do you know what skills they will search for? By examining the job listing. Use a resume scanner to automatically pick out the hard and soft skills the recruiter might search for, and then include those on your resume.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t search applications for those skills, they’ll definitely be looking for mentions of them on each resume they review.

3. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords

Some ATS will only return resumes with the exact keywords the recruiters would search for. For example, if you included “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume but the recruiter searched for “SEO,” your profile may not appear in the results. Try to include both the acronym and the unabbreviated form of the term.

Use a tool like Jobscan’s resume fixer to make sure your resume doesn’t contain mistakes that will eliminate you from consideration.

4. Use Chronological or Hybrid resume format to write your resume .

Recruiters do not like the functional resume format . Unless you’re making a career change, a functional resume is going to work against you. (And even then, we recommend you steer clear of the format for a career change resume .)

The best format for the ATS is traditional reverse chronological. You can also use chronological and hybrid resume formats as these are familiar to most recruiters.

5. Use an easy-to-read, traditional font

For readability, use a traditional serif or sans serif font. Untraditional or “fancy” fonts can cause parsing errors, which means the full text of your resume won’t be searchable.

6. Use standard resume section headings

Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” will confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly.

7. Save your file as a .docx if possible

A docx file is most compatible with ATS.

What is the best resume format for ATS?

There are three standard resume formats to choose from in your job search. They shape your first impression and determine the way recruiters and hiring managers view your fit as an applicant.

Your resume formatting can also determine how well your resume is parsed within an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how likely you are to be noticed as a result.

Regardless of the format you use, the most important thing is to use standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education. That will make it easier for the ATS to categorize the text.

How to tailor your ATS-friendly resume to a job

Tailoring your resume proves to recruiters that you’re an experienced professional. Most importantly, it shows them that you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Follow these three steps for tailoring your resume to a job description:

1. Examine the specific job description of the position

Go line by line through the job description and ask yourself these questions:

• “Does my resume experience section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
• “Am I using the same language found in the job description or job posting?”

You might find several different or missing skills and keywords in your generic resume.

2. Match skills and keywords from the job description

Mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job description is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.

The best way to show you’re the best fit for the position is to take words from the job posting and strategically put them in your job descriptions and other resume sections. A resume scanner will automatically pull out these keywords in seconds and speed up this process.

3. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters might search for people who have done the job they’re hiring, so list your job titles clearly and match the titles to the one in the job posting when possible. If you haven’t held the job before, list it under your name at the top or as part of your summary section.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to assist with human resources, recruitment, and hiring. While each system offers a different package of features, applicant tracking systems are primarily used to help hiring companies organize and navigate large numbers of applicants.

For example, an ATS stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other recruitment and hiring data that HR teams can easily access and organize. It will also track job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.

Ultimately, an ATS automates time-consuming administrative tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending notifications and emails to job candidates and employees.

Can you add graphics to your resume?

When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume , the rule is: The simpler, the better. ATS are improving at scanning different formatting features, but not all of them are good at this.

Adding graphics and images could cause ATS parsing errors , which means the text on your resume won’t be fully searchable or accurately categorized by an ATS. We recommend that job seekers err on the side of caution. Avoid graphics, images, and photos.

Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?

They can be. We talked about some formatting features to avoid on your resume – fancy graphics and non-traditional fonts. Those features can trip up an ATS, even if they’re on a Word document or Google Docs file.

However, as long as you follow the guidelines on this page, or use one of these ATS resume templates, you’ll be fine.

How to get your cover letter past the ATS?

To increase your cover letter’s chances of passing an ATS, focus on using a clean format without complex formatting, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, and ensure that your content is easy for the ATS to parse.

Consider using a tool like Jobscan’s cover letter generator to help you create an ATS-friendly cover letter. If you already have a cover letter, run it through our cover letter checker tool to get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.

More Resume Resources

Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Resume Builder

Resume Writing Guide

Score your resume and start optimizing it to get more job interviews

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Find out how to send mail. 1:53

Video Description: How to Send a Letter or Postcard (TXT 4 KB)

How to Send a Letter or Postcard: Domestic

Sending mail with USPS is easy! Our video will help you with most letters, cards, and postcards you send domestically (inside the U.S.), including U.S. territories and military bases in the U.S. and abroad.

For how to ship a package, see How to Send a Package: Domestic .

Send Mail: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Envelope or Postcard

Envelopes are for sending flat, flexible things, like letters, cards, checks, forms, and other paper goods. For just 1 $0.68 First-Class Mail ® Forever ® stamp , you can send 1 oz (about 4 sheets of regular, 8-1/2" x 11" paper in a rectangular envelope) to anywhere in the U.S.!

Envelopes must be rectangular and made of paper to qualify for letter prices. Your envelope can be a maximum of 11-1/2" long x 6-1/8" high. (A standard No. 10 envelope is 9-1/2" long x 4-1/8" high.) You can fold what you put in your envelope, but it needs to stay flat—no more than 1/4" thick.

If you want to send letter-sized papers without folding them, you can use a large envelope (called a "flat"); the postage for flats starts at $1.39 . If your large envelope is nonrectangular, rigid (can't bend), or lumpy (not uniformly thick), you'll have to pay the package price.

TIP: If your envelope can't fit through USPS mail processing machines, or is rigid, lumpy or has clasps, string, or buttons, it's "nonmachinable" and you'll have to pay $0.44 more to send it. ( See additional postage in Step 3 .) You'll also have to pay more if your envelopes are square or vertical (taller than they are wide).

Postcards are for short messages that you don't need to put in an envelope. Save money using a $0.53 postcard stamp to send a standard-sized postcard anywhere in the U.S. Standard postcards are usually made of paper, are between 5" to 6" long and 3-1/2" to 4-1/4" high, and are between 0.007" and 0.016" thick.

Step 2: Address Your Mail

Envelopes: Write your address (the "return" or "sender" address) in the top left corner. Write the delivery address (the "recipient" address) in the bottom center.

Postcards: Postcards come in different formats, so write the delivery address in the space it gives you (on the same side you write your message and put the stamp).

Print your return address and the delivery address clearly, in the correct spots, to make sure your mail is delivered on time.

Address Format Tips

• Use a pen or permanent marker.
• Do not use commas or periods.
• Include the ZIP+4 ® Code whenever possible.

Write Sender Address

Write your address (the "return address") in the top-left corner. Include the following on separate lines:

• Your full name or company name
• Apartment or suite number
• Full street address
• City, State, and ZIP+4 Code

Write Delivery Address

Write the delivery address (the "recipient" address) in the bottom center of the envelope. Include the following on separate lines:

• Recipient's full name or company name

If the apartment or suite number cannot fit on the delivery address line above the city, state, and ZIP+4 Code, place it on a separate line immediately above the delivery address line.

Write the sender's address in the top-left corner. Include the following on separate lines:

• Full street address and apartment or suite number, if applicable

Special U.S. Addresses

Puerto rico.

Some Puerto Rico addresses include an urbanization or community code for a specific area or development. Addresses with an urbanization code, abbreviated URB, should be written on 4 lines:

MS MARIA SUAREZ URB LAS GLADIOLAS 150 CALLE A SAN JUAN PR 00926-3232

More Puerto Rico Address Examples

U.S. Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands addresses have the same format as standard addresses. The right abbreviation for this territory is "VI," not "US VI" or "USA VI":

MS JOAN SMITH RR 1 BOX 6601 KINGSHILL VI 00850-9802

Military and Diplomatic Mail (APO/FPO/DPO)

Mail to military and diplomatic addresses is treated differently:

• Do not include the city or country name when you send something to an APO/FDO/DPO address in another country. This keeps your mail out of foreign mail networks.
• Do include unit and box numbers if they're assigned:

SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH UNIT 100100 BOX 4120 FPO AP 96691

More Details on Military Addresses

When you're done addressing your envelope, put what you're sending inside the envelope, then close and seal it (using the envelope's glue or tape).

Step 3: Calculate Postage (& Add Insurance or Extra Services)

A First-Class Mail ® Forever stamp costs $0.68 and goes in the upper right corner of the envelope. (You can also use any combination of stamps that adds up to $0.68.)

If your letter is heavier or bigger, or if you want to add insurance or extra services like Certified Mail ® service, you'll pay more.

A standard postcard stamp costs $0.53 . (Large or square postcards will cost more.) Put the postcard stamp in the space provided near the delivery address.

Postage for letters mostly depends on weight and size/shape. You can weigh your letter with a kitchen scale, postal scale , at a self-service kiosk, or at the Post Office ™ counter.

TIP: As a rule of thumb, you can send 1 oz (4 sheets of printer paper and a business-sized envelope) for 1 First-Class Mail ® Forever ® stamp (currently $0.68).

The postage for a large envelope (or flat) starts at $1.39 for 1 oz.

Where Can I Buy Postage?

• The Postal Store ® Shop online for all stamps and add-on postage for oversized or heavier envelopes.
• Post Office Locations Buy stamps at Post Office locations , self-service kiosks , or at National Retailers such as grocery and drug stores.

TIP: If you're sending larger envelopes (flats) using Priority Mail ® or Priority Mail Express ® service, you can use Click-N-Ship ® service to pay for and print your own postage online.

Additional Postage

If your envelope weighs over 1 oz, you can buy additional postage in the amount you need:

• Each additional 1 oz is $0.24, for letters up to 3.5 oz and large envelopes up to 13 oz.
• Nonmachinable items, including envelopes that are lumpy or rigid, or have clasps, string, or buttons will cost $0.44 more to send. You'll also have to pay more if your envelopes are square or vertical (taller than they are wide).
• You can also buy 1¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4¢, 5¢, and 10¢ stamps at The Postal Store .

TIP: Put the stamp on last; that way, if you make a mistake at any other point, you won't waste a stamp.

Calculate a Price

Add-On Services

If you want insurance, proof of delivery, signature services, or other optional services, you'll have to pay extra.

Our Insurance & Extra Services page has more details; some of the more common add-on services for letters include:

• Certified Mail ® : Get proof that you mailed your item and that the recipient signed for it.
• Registered Mail ® : USPS's most secure mail service–mail is processed manually, handled separately and securely, and signed for along every step of its journey. The recipient must sign for the mail to confirm delivery (or attempted delivery).
• Return Receipt: You'll get a printed or emailed delivery record showing the recipient's signature. You can combine Return Receipt with other services, including Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Priority Mail Express ® service, and more.
• Adult Signature Required: Only an adult (age 21+) can sign for the mail after showing a valid government ID .

Postage Options

There are several ways to get postage for your envelope.

• The Postal Store ® --> ® and Priority Mail Express ® envelopes.
• Post Office ™ Locations --> ® such as grocery and drug stores.

Step 4: Send Your Mail

Once your envelope or postcard has the correct addresses and postage, you can send it several ways, including putting it in your mailbox or dropping it in a blue collection box or at a Post Office ™ location.

• Put your letter inside your mailbox and raise the flag (if you have one).
• If you have a cluster mailbox, drop it in the outgoing mail slot.
• Drop it off in a blue collection box.
• Take it to a Post Office lobby drop.

Important Note: If your envelope has postage stamps and weighs more than 10 oz or is thicker than 1/2", you can't put it in a collection box; you have to give it to an employee at a Post Office location. See more details on What Can and Cannot be Deposited in a Collection Box?

Bonus: Sending Mail Pro Tips

The Postal Service uses high-speed sorting machines to help process and deliver 425.3 million mail pieces each day. Here are some extra tips to improve your mail sending experience:

• Stay flexible : Don't send rigid (hard) objects in paper envelopes.
• Sending embellished invitations (for weddings, graduations, etc.)? Get them hand-canceled or put them inside another envelope.
• Need tracking? Learn about your options.

Stay Flexible

Postcards, letter envelopes, and large envelopes (flats) all need to bend to fit through USPS ® high-speed sorting machines.

• OK: Flexible, flat things like stickers, photos, trading cards, etc. should be okay—as long as your envelope stays flat, not lumpy, and less than 1/4" thick.
• Not OK: Don't put rigid objects (like flash drives, coins, keys, hard plastic card cases, etc.) loose in unpadded paper envelopes: They could get torn out of the envelope, jam the sorting machines, cause a delay, or even get lost.

Instead, for rigid and odd-shaped objects (or things you don't want to get bent), we recommend using a padded envelope or small box and sending it as a package .

Sending Embellished Invitations (for Weddings, Graduations, etc.)

If you want to send a specially decorated envelope (like some wedding invitations):

• You can pay the extra fee for nonmachinable First-Class Mail ® items, bring your mail to the Post Office™ counter, and ask the retail associate to hand-cancel your embellished invitations.
• For externally decorated invitations: If you use wax seals, strings, ribbons, etc. on your envelopes, don't try to send them exposed. Instead, to make sure your envelopes arrive looking the way your designer intended, put them inside another envelope .

Need Tracking?

Tracking is not available for First-Class Mail items. If you'd like to get tracking information for your letter:

• You can pay extra to send your letter using Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service.
• You can get delivery confirmation by adding Certified Mail ® or Registered Mail ® service. (You can even combine it with Return Receipt if you want the recipient's signature.)