cover letter date

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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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

Learn how to write an impactful cover letter that will improve the chances of landing your dream job.

FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 PROFESSIONAL COVER LETTER TEMPLATES

Save time writing your next cover letter.

Updated: 02/25/22

Published: 02/25/22

Nowadays, companies have a computerized system that puts resumes through an online scanner which will automatically reject some applicants and push other applicants through depending on their qualifications.

So, What does this mean for you as a job seeker? Well, the cover letter attached to your application is more important than ever.

We've crafted this ultimate guide to cover letters. You'll find out how to write one that gets read, what to include, and browse tons of templates to gain inspiration.

You can dive straight in, or jump to the section you'd like to read.

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

How to Format a Cover Letter

Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Tips for Writing Great Cover Letters

Cover Letter Examples

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document designed to persuade a hiring manager to interview you. It serves as a supplement to your resume and helps further explain why you’re a great fit for the job.

How long should a cover letter be?

OK, so you're all fired up and ready to craft the cover letter of the hiring manager's dream. But how do you manage the fine balance between in-depth and overwhelming?

A good cover letter is long enough to communicate why the recruiter should pick you but not long enough to bore them.

One page is usually enough to cover everything you'll need to include, without losing the recruiter's attention. Let's go into those items in more detail:

Your Name and Address

Kick-off your cover letter by adding your name and address to the document.

This step is pretty self-explanatory, but it allows the recruiter to easily connect your cover letter to your resume (especially if they're being printed).

Your name and address also make it easier for the recruiter to get in touch with a job offer. And that's the aim of our letter, right?

Their Name and Address

Similarly, you should add the name and address of the company or person you're writing to.

This shows you've done your research and allows the hiring manager to receive your letter if it's sent to a generic company email address.

The Date of Writing

Make it easier for the hiring manager to file your application by including the date on your cover letter.

Even if you're not successful this time around, the company might store your letter and refer back to it when they're hiring for another position.

Why You're Writing the Letter

We know that the aim of a cover letter is to persuade the hiring manager you're the best fit for their job.

Before you get to the good stuff, be sure to highlight the role you're applying for, as that can get lost.

Something like this will usually do the trick:

"I'm writing to discuss the content strategist role at HubSpot."

Why You're a Perfect Fit for the Job

The next section of a cover letter structure is the fun part. It's where you'll convince the hiring manager they should hire you.

In this section, answer these questions:

• Why should this company hire you?
• What skills do you have that will help complete the job better than anyone else?
• What makes you a good employee?
• What qualifications do you have that are relevant to the role?

Once you've answered these, the recruiter will have a solid understanding of who you are, and (hopefully) be convinced to bring you on for an interview.

What You Can Offer the Company

Have you ever heard the advice to "always sell yourself in a job application"? That concept can be applied to cover letters as well.

Businesses measure success in terms of results. The company looking for a new employee will want to know what they bring to the table and how you fit into their business goals. New candidates are rarely brought on board solely for the soft skills listed in their resume .

That's why this part of your cover letter structure is arguably the most important.

In two paragraphs or less, show the business what you can do — and provide examples of how you've done it before.

Not only does this give you the opportunity to show off your skills, but the company can picture the success you'll bring to their business by hiring you.

Your Availability

In the marketing world, we're always told the importance a call-to-action can make.

Great cover letters end with a brief section on the candidate's earliest start date.

How to Address a Cover Letter

Earlier, we mentioned the importance of addressing the hiring manager by their name and address. This proves you've done your research and ensures the cover letter lands in the right place.

Personalized letters will always outperform generic ones, so including the first name of the recruiter can go a long way.

But in a world where privacy is held close to our chest, you might need to do a bit of digging before finding the hiring manager's name.

Luckily, you can use the power of the internet to do this.

How to Find a Hiring Manager's Name

Head over to LinkedIn and find the company's profile page.

You can do this by entering their name into the search bar or searching for a link to their LinkedIn page on their company website.

Then, click the number of employees to see all employees who are on LinkedIn:

How to Open a Cover Letter

After you've addressed the cover letter to the most relevant person, you'll want to:

• Introduce yourself.
• List the role you're interested in.
• Explain your interest.

Here's an example:

" Dear Hiring Manager,

As an avid reader of the HubSpot Blog for the past five years, I am thrilled to submit my application for the content strategist role. I believe that my five years of experience working for B2B SaaS companies have equipped me with the skills needed to thrive in this role."

In the next two paragraphs, highlight your relevant experience and include key details from each role.

How to Close a Cover Letter

Once you've covered

Here are some great options:

• Looking forward to hearing from you
• Best Regards

Then, sign the cover letter with your full name.

Should you include salary requirements?

The cover letter should focus on why you are a good fit for the role. Discussing salary requirements doesn’t fit at this stage of your application.

Instead, it’s best to wait until you speak to a recruiter or someone from HR to discuss your expectations.

Are cover letters necessary?

Today, in many industries, cover letters are listed as optional. The question is, should you include one if it's optional?

The answer isn’t exactly clear-cut.

Some research would suggest that cover letters may not hold the same weight as they once did. However, a cover letter can help you stand out among the competition.

2. Tailor it for the company and position you're applying for.

The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't fit well with cover letters.

You're applying for different roles at various companies, but don't let a change in name and address be the only updates you make.

Remember that a cover letter should explain why you should be hired for a specific role instead of anyone else. It's highly unlikely that multiple companies will hire for exactly the same position, so take some time to personalize your cover letter for every position you're applying for.

3. Don't repeat what's on your resume.

Although cover letters are submitted along with resumes, be wary of making them carbon copies of one another.

Instead, use the documents to compliment each other by:

• Including new skills.
• Elaborating on how your qualifications would help you in the role.
• Sharing how specific experience gives you an advantage over other candidates.

If you need to include the same thing in both documents, add "as listed in my resume …" rather than copy and pasting the same content.

4. Include data-backed examples.

When referencing experience from your resume, use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain in detail — with examples.

Examples allow the company to picture the success you could bring if they hired you, rather than the person next in their resume pile. But, data-backed examples give an extra edge.

Let's use an example. Which of these options is more impressive?

• I increased leads for the company.
• I increased leads by 35% in one month through a single blog post, which became the company's highest lead driver.

It's option B, right? That's because it's descriptive and shows results.

5. Tell a story.

Following on from the previous step, you could elaborate on your data-backed examples by telling a story.

Storytelling helps with relatability and gives a hint of your personality in a cover letter. It also makes the recruiter remember your cover letter amongst a sea of other one-page documents in their review pile.

However, this cover letter tip comes with a warning: Don't overdo it and make sure it's relevant.

6. Get a second pair of eyes on it.

Even the best writers make mistakes, but they can leave a negative first impression.

That's why our sixth cover letter tip is to get a second pair of eyes on it.

Email it to a friend or ask a family member to glance over it before you hit "send." Ask them to highlight any spelling mistakes or suggestions to improve how you're communicating with the person reading it.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Seeing as though a cover letter is one of the first documents a recruiter sees, try to make it perfect.

7. Be unique.

Finally, make your cover letter unique.

If you're applying for a creative role, experiment with colors, subheadings, and layouts.

If you're applying for more of a traditional role, be wary. Not everyone is a fan of bright, bold cover letters, but you can scope your limits by getting a feel of their company culture.

Are they strict and professional, or does the company like to have fun? (You can usually get a feel of this from their website or social media profiles.)

Testing the level of uniqueness can be a case of trial and error. If you're not getting great reactions from your cover letter, revise and try again.

We understand that inspiration can go a long way. That's why we've created a one-stop-shop for cover letter examples , which are available to view here.

You're also free to browse our collection of cover letter samples for extra inspiration on formatting your cover letter and learning from those who've helped to land dream jobs.

Now you're fully equipped to write a cover letter that will help you get your foot in the door.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Do you need to put a date on a cover letter in 2024?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume and introduces the job seeker to a potential employer. It is typically one page in length and highlights the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and interest in the job.

Importance of Cover Letter in Job Application Process

While a resume provides a summary of a person’s work experience, education, and skills, a cover letter allows job seekers to communicate their motivations and reasons for wanting to work for a particular company. It also gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their writing style and demonstrate their attention to detail.

A well-written cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview or not. In fact, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 90% of employers consider cover letters to be important in the hiring process.

The Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

As a job applicant, you may have heard about the importance of submitting a well-written cover letter, but you might be unsure about what exactly a cover letter is and why it matters. In this section, we will explore the definition of a cover letter, its role in job applications, and the importance of crafting a successful one.

A. Definition of Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It is usually a one-page letter that introduces you to your potential employer and highlights your qualifications and skills. Unlike your resume, which is a summary of your job history, a cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are the perfect fit for the position you are applying for.

B. Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

The role of a cover letter in job applications is to provide additional context and information about your qualifications and experience to the employer. While the resume is a structured document that presents your work history and achievements, the cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and passion for the job.

In addition to introducing yourself, a well-written cover letter will demonstrate your knowledge about the company and position you are applying for. It should also address any specific requirements in the job posting and explain how you are uniquely qualified to meet those requirements.

C. Importance of a Well-Written Cover Letter

Submitting a well-written cover letter is crucial to making a positive first impression with potential employers. It is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities.

A successful cover letter will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting a job interview. On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can harm your chances of being considered for the role you are interested in.

A cover letter plays a critical role in job applications, especially when submitting an application online. As a job seeker, it is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. So, to answer the question, yes, you need to include the date in your cover letter, and ensure that it is well-written and tailored to the job you are applying for.

The Purpose of Including Dates in a Cover Letter

A. Explanation of why dates are included

Dates are important in a cover letter as they provide a clear timeline of when the letter was written and sent. It helps both the employer and the applicant keep track of correspondence and deadlines. The inclusion of dates can also help demonstrate the timeliness and relevance of the information presented in the letter.

In addition, including dates can also show the employer that the applicant has put thought and effort into the application process, as it highlights a level of organization and attention to detail.

B. Importance of dates in a cover letter

The importance of including dates in a cover letter cannot be overstated. It helps to establish a sense of professionalism and organization from the outset of the application process.

From the employer’s perspective, having clear dates on the cover letter can help them to quickly and easily sort through applications and prioritize responses. This is particularly important when there is a tight timeline for the hiring process.

For the applicant, including dates can demonstrate a level of commitment and engagement with the hiring process. It shows that they are invested in the position and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their application is in order.

Including dates in a cover letter is a best practice that should be followed by all applicants. Not only does it provide a clear timeline of communication, but it also demonstrates organization and attention to detail. As such, it can positively impact the applicant’s chances of receiving a call back and advancing in the hiring process.

When to Include Dates in a Cover Letter

When preparing a cover letter, many job seekers often wonder whether or not to include dates in their application. The truth is that including dates in a cover letter can make a significant difference, as it helps to convey a sense of urgency and provides a reference point for the employer. However, there are times when adding dates is mandatory and others when it may not be that important.

A. The Scenarios When Adding Dates is Mandatory

There are a few specific scenarios where adding dates to your cover letter is absolutely mandatory. If the job listing states an application deadline, including the date in your cover letter serves as a crucial reminder to the employer. This will demonstrate that you are aware of the deadline and have taken the time to get your application in on time.

If the job posting indicates that the position is available for a limited time, it may also be important to include dates. Showing your awareness of this timeline demonstrates your attention to detail as well as your ability to work under pressure.

Additionally, adding dates can be important in situations where your employment history requires some explanation. For instance, if you have gaps in your work history, explaining those gaps shows that you have given careful thought and consideration to your job search. It also helps counter any assumptions the employer may make on their own about why you had a gap in your employment.

B. When May it Not Be Important to Include Dates?

While adding dates to a cover letter can be beneficial, there are times when it may not be necessary or even advantageous. If you are applying for a position where you have a personal connection or the job posting doesn’t specify any deadline or timeline, you may want to reconsider including dates. In such a case, adding dates may make it seem like you are only concerned about meeting the deadline, rather than focusing on why you are the best fit for the position.

Moreover, if the job is a remote job, gig work, or part-time work, you may not need to include dates in your cover letter. Remote jobs or gig work may not be tied to a specific timeframe or deadline, and since part-time jobs may not be considered as a primary career, you can get away with not adding dates in these cases.

There are situations where including dates in a cover letter is mandatory, such as when there is a specific deadline or limited timeframe. However, there are other situations where it may not be important or even necessary to mention dates. It is important to exercise your discretion and assess the job you are applying for properly before deciding whether or not to include dates in your cover letter.

Advantages of Adding Dates in a Cover Letter

A. benefits of adding dates.

Including the date in a cover letter can provide a number of benefits. First and foremost, it shows that the job seeker is on top of their communication and organizational skills. It gives the impression that the applicant is proactive and takes their job search seriously.

Another advantage of adding dates is that it provides context for the reader. The hiring manager can see exactly when the cover letter was written and can assume that the applicant is following up within a reasonable timeframe.

B. How adding dates may impact your application

Although adding dates may seem like a small detail, it can actually have a big impact on your application. For one, it can make the applicant stand out from the crowd if other applicants have neglected to include a date.

Furthermore, if a job posting has a specific deadline or start date, including the date on the cover letter can show that the applicant is aware of these details and is ready to start working at the appropriate time.

However, if the applicant misses the deadline or if the date is already passed when they submit their application, it could have a negative impact on their candidacy. This shows that they are not paying attention to details or are not managing their time effectively.

C. Best practices for including dates on a cover letter

When including a date on a cover letter, it is important to do so in a professional and consistent manner. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Use the same format for the date every time you submit a cover letter. For example, if you choose to include the day of the week, make sure to do so consistently.

Choose a clear and easy-to-read format. Common formats include “August 5, 2021” or “5th August 2021.”

Always include the date at the top of the cover letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

If the job posting specifies a deadline or start date, make sure to include this information along with the date on your cover letter.

By following these best practices, applicants can ensure that they are presenting themselves in the best possible light and making a good first impression with the hiring manager.

Potential disadvantages of including dates in a Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, you may question whether or not to include dates. There are situations where dates may harm your application and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to include them.

A. Situations where dates may harm your application

Employment gaps: If you have an extended period between jobs, including dates may draw attention to employment gaps and potentially raise red flags for the hiring manager.

Age discrimination: Including dates on your cover letter may reveal your age and potentially lead to age discrimination during the hiring process.

Unrelated experience: If you have work experience that is unrelated to the job you’re applying for, including dates may highlight this and create doubt about your ability to perform in the role.

Short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions or job hopping, including dates may give the impression that you’re not reliable or committed.

B. Pros vs Cons of including dates in a cover letter

Shows career progression: Including dates on your cover letter can demonstrate your career progression and highlight your relevant experience in the industry.

Helps with organization: Dates can help the hiring manager keep track of your work history and accomplishments.

Demonstrates work ethic: Including dates on a cover letter can showcase your work ethic and dedication to your professional pursuits.

May cause bias: As mentioned, including dates can lead to age discrimination and other biases.

Draws attention to short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions, including dates can draw attention to this and potentially harm your application.

May reveal gaps: Including dates may reveal gaps in your work history, which could potentially harm your application.

The decision to include dates on a cover letter should be made based on the individual’s specific situation. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the job. Ultimately, the focus should be on the qualifications and experiences that make you the best fit for the role, regardless of whether or not you choose to include dates on your cover letter.

Alternatives to Including a Date on a Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a cover letter, including a date may seem like a given. However, there are some situations where you may want to take a different approach. Here are some alternatives to using a date in your cover letter:

A. Other Approaches to Using Dates in a Cover Letter

• Using a Season or Month Instead of a Date

If you are concerned about appearing too specific with a date, consider using a season or month instead. For example, instead of saying “I graduated in May 2015,” you could say “I graduated in the spring of 2015” or “I graduated in May.” This can still give the employer an idea of your timeline without providing an exact date.

• Using Years Only

Another option is to use only the year in your cover letter. This can be helpful if you have a longer history of experience and do not want to list every date on your resume. For example, instead of saying “I worked at XYZ company from January 2016 to October 2018,” you could say “I worked at XYZ company from 2016-2018.”

B. How to Handle Gaps in Employment When the Date is Ambiguous?

If you choose not to include dates on your cover letter or resume, you may encounter a situation where there is a gap in your employment history that is not immediately apparent. Here are some tips for handling this situation:

If there is a gap in your employment, be upfront about it. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency, and it is better to address the gap in your cover letter than to wait for the employer to ask about it later.

• Focus on Transferable Skills

If you have been out of work for some time or have gaps in your employment history, focus on the transferable skills you gained during that time. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you may have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Highlight Professional Development

If you have been out of work, use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight any professional development you have undergone during that time. This could include taking classes, attending workshops, or volunteering in your field.

Including a date on your cover letter is not always necessary. By using alternative approaches to dates and being honest about any gaps in your employment history, you can still present yourself as a qualified and professional candidate for the job.

Examples of Cover Letters with and without Dates

A. sample cover letters with dates.

Here is an example of a cover letter that includes a date:

As you can see, the date is included at the top of the letter, just under the contact information. This is a common way to format a cover letter that includes a date.

B. Sample Cover Letters without Dates

Here is an example of a cover letter that does not include a date:

While this cover letter does not include a specific date, it is still clear and professional in its tone and content.

C. Analysis of Cover Letters with and without Dates

The question of whether to include a date on a cover letter is one that many job seekers face. While it can be helpful to include a date to provide context and show that your application is timely, it is not always necessary or expected.

Cover letters with dates, like the sample above, can be useful in situations where you are responding to a specific job listing or have a connection to the company or position that you are applying for. In these cases, the date can help demonstrate that you have taken the time to research and tailor your application to the specific opportunity.

However, there are also times when it may be more appropriate to leave the date off of your cover letter, as shown in the second sample. For example, if you are submitting an application through a general job board or website, or if you are applying to a company without a specific job opening in mind, including a date may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to include a date on your cover letter should be based on the specific circumstances of your application. Consider the context of the job listing, the expectations of the company or hiring manager, and the nature of the position you are applying for. By being mindful of these factors, you can craft a cover letter that is professional, targeted, and effective at making a strong first impression.

Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

A. how to make your cover letter stand out.

Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. Here are some tips to make sure it stands out:

• Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name and include details about the company and position you’re applying for.
• Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page and use bullet points or short paragraphs to break up blocks of text.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Use specific examples of how you’ve contributed to previous companies or organizations to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Use keywords: Tailor your cover letter to the job posting by including important keywords and phrases.

B. Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can make your cover letter less effective. Here’s what to avoid:

• Being generic: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your cover letter to each job posting.
• Focusing too much on yourself: Your cover letter should focus on how you can help the company, not just on your own career goals.
• Using cliches: Avoid overused phrases like “team player” or “detail-oriented”. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
• Making errors: Proofread your cover letter carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes.

C. Suggestions for Improving Your Cover Letter

To improve your cover letter, try these tips:

• Keep it focused: Stick to the most important details and avoid unrelated information.
• Show your personality: Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
• Proofread: Read your cover letter out loud to catch errors or awkward phrasing.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to review your cover letter for feedback.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression. Use these tips to make sure it catches the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrates why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions about Including Dates in a Cover Letter

When it comes to creating a cover letter, many job seekers wonder whether or not they should include the date. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about date handling in a cover letter to help clear up any confusion.

A. Answers to Some Common Questions About Date Handling in a Cover Letter

Do I need to include a date on my cover letter?  There is no hard and fast rule about whether or not you need to include the date on your cover letter. However, many job seekers choose to do so as a way of showing that their application is up-to-date.

If I do include a date, where should it go?  If you choose to include a date on your cover letter, it should be positioned at the very top of the letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

What format should I use for the date?  The date should be written in full (e.g., May 26, 2021) and be free of any abbreviations or shorthand.

If I’m sending my cover letter via email, do I still need to include the date?  If you’re sending your cover letter via email, it’s not strictly necessary to include the date in the body of the message, since your email program will usually timestamp the message automatically. However, it’s still a good idea to include the date on your cover letter as a way of showing that your application is current.

B. Misunderstandings That Job Seekers Regularly Have About Putting a Date on a Cover Letter

Misunderstanding:  If I don’t include the date, my application will look more recent than it actually is.  Correction:  While it’s not strictly necessary to include the date on your cover letter, omitting it won’t make your application appear more recent. In fact, it may have the opposite effect, since employers may perceive your application as incomplete or out-of-date without a timestamp.

Misunderstanding:  The date format doesn’t matter as long as it includes the month, day, and year.  Correction:  While it’s true that you should include the month, day, and year in the date, it’s also important to make sure that you follow the standard format for dates in your region. For example, in the United States, dates are typically written as Month/Day/Year (e.g., 05/26/2021), while in Europe, they are often written as Day/Month/Year (e.g., 26/05/2021).

Misunderstanding:  I should use the same date format that I use on my resume.

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How to Address a Cover Letter: From Heading to Date to Salutation + More

We’ll discuss how to address a cover letter with examples, and then we’ll look at specific parts of each cover letter address area in detail..

Writing a cover letter might be one of those things that make you want to bang your head on your keyboard.

Fortunately, though, addressing a cover letter is a piece of cake (we’ll help you with the other bits in a different article).

In this short article, we’ll walk you through how to address a cover letter effectively and easily, with examples, and then we’ll guide you through the specific parts of each cover letter address area in more detail.

Let’s get to it!

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How to Address a Cover Letter

Here’s an example of how to address a cover letter:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2 January 1, 2021 Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2 Dear Jessica:

And there you have it! 

As you can see from the cover letter address sample above, it’s really quite simple. Feel free to copy and paste that into your cover letter opening and tweak to your needs!

Next, we’ll go into detail about each of the various subsections of the cover letter address area.

Related Read : 10+ Cover Letter Tips & Tricks Sure to Score Interviews

Structure of a Cover Letter Address Section

1. cover letter heading (sender’s information).

At the very top of your cover letter, in what’s called the cover letter header, you’ll place your contact details. 

As we showed you above, it’s quite simple:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2

If you want, you can include your phone number or email address, as well.

Cover letters follow a business letter or formal letter format, but, you don’t have to necessarily stick to the styling of the example above. If you have a stylized heading with your name and contact details from your resume contact information section, feel free to use the same heading here!

However, for the remainder of the cover letter, stick as close to the business letter format as possible.

2. The Date

The entirety of addressing a cover letter is quite simple, and that’s true for the date as well.

Here’s how to add a date on a cover letter:

January 31, 2022

Just remember to leave a line break space both above and below the date to keep things looking neat and organized.

Related Read : Career Glossary: 45+ Job Terms, HR Vocab & Employment Words to Know

3. Inside Address (Recipient’s Information)

After the date, it’s time to add the recipient’s information, also known in formal letter writing as the “inside address.”

As we showed you above, here’s how to write the company’s info:

Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2

We start with the name of the person you are addressing the cover letter to, usually the HR manager or hiring supervisor, followed by their official title at the company. Do your best to find someone’s name so it is tailored by researching the company and its LinkedIn profile.

If you still can’t find someone’s name, simply put “Hiring Manager” or “ATTN: Hiring Manager” above the company name and address.

4. Salutation

The last part of the cover letter address section before reaching the body is the salutation. 

And here’s how simple that is:

Dear Jessica:

Easy as that! 

You can tweak that a bit, if you prefer not to use “dear,” for example. You could also choose to use their last name (“Dear Ms. Schwartz”) or their full name. However, in most cases, I think the first name is most powerful (and we’re in the 2020s now, as well).

Finally, use a colon after the name and you’re through!

Related Read : Resume Sections: 10+ Things to Include on a Resume to Land Interviews

Well, that’s it for our guide on how to address a cover letter, and we hope it helps answer all your questions about addressing cover letters right. Got any further questions or feedback about how to format the address on a cover letter? Let us know below in the comments, and thanks for reading!

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thank you for this article, Goodwall! It’s easy, simple, and so useful for me, because I search for a job right now and have to send out many cover letters. Wish me luck 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Anastasia, and for stopping by! I’m so happy if it helped, and I wish you the best of luck on your job search!

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What Is the Appropriate Date Format for a Cover Letter?

by Leyla Norman

Published on 26 Sep 2017

Cover letters are formal documents that require much attention to detail. An employer looks at your cover letter as an introduction of yourself and your capabilities. It highlights your experiences and career goals. One small aspect of your cover letter that requires as much attention as its wording and format is the date.

Long Format

When you write your cover letter, it is important to use the long date format. This includes the entire written month of the year, the date and the year, written with four digits. Depending on where you live, the exact formatting of the date will be different.

United States

In the United States, you generally will begin your date with the name of the month. Then, you will write the numbered date next to the month. Follow the date with a comma and a space. Then write the entire year. For example, instead of using the date’s short format, such as 04/24/2010, 4/24/’10 or another similar shortened format, you would write April 24, 2010.

Outside the United States

If you live outside the United States or are applying for a job out of the United States, you would use a slightly different date format for your cover letter. In this case, the date is written before the name of the month. The full year with four digits follows the month. No comma is used. For example, April 24, 2010, would be written 24 April 2010. Another option is to write “th,” “nd,” or “rd” after the numbered date to indicate that the date of the letter is, in this example, the 24th day of the month. It would look like 24th April 2010. If you wanted to write a date for November 3, 2010, you would write 3rd November 2010. This would be read “the third of November 2010.”

The long format of the date generally is the first thing you write on a cover letter. Whether you choose to put it at the top of the left-hand side of the page, in the middle at the top or at the top of the right-hand side of the page will depend on what type of cover letter format you use.

How to Set Up Correct Spacing for a Cover Letter

There are several components that go into writing a good cover letter. Using the appropriate spacing can help your cover letter get noticed by hiring managers as well as make sure you present yourself in a professional manner right from the start. This article will discuss how to set up spacing for your cover letter and tips for formatting your cover letter as well as provide a cover letter template and examples you can use when writing your own.

Why is spacing for a letter important?

Spacing for a letter is important primarily because it makes a letter easily readable. Spacing your letter correctly can also ensure a clear and organized appearance rather than a letter that is jumbled together and difficult to read. Additionally, practicing proper spacing in your letters can also help establish yourself as professional as possible to the recipients of your letter(s).

How to set up spacing for a cover letter

Here are steps you can take when setting up spacing for your cover letter:

• First, begin by adding your name.
• Then, insert a single space. Add your address.
• Next, insert a single space. Add your phone number.
• Fourthly, insert a single space. Add your email address.
• Next, insert a single space. Add the date you are writing the letter.
• Then, insert a single space. Add the company name of the recipient.
• Next, insert a single space. Add the address of the company.
• Follow this by inserting a single space. Begin the letter with ‘Dear [hiring manager/interviewer].’
• Then, insert a single space. Include the first paragraph of your cover letter.
• After that, insert a single space. Include the second paragraph of your cover letter.
• Next, insert a single space. Include the third paragraph of your cover letter.
• Then, insert a single space. Write your cover letter conclusion.
• Next, insert a single space. Write ‘Sincerely,’
• Follow the last step by inserting three spaces. Add your name and title.
• Finish the cover letter by signing your name in the area with three spaces between ‘Sincerely’ and your typed name and title.

These steps are meant to be used as a guide when formatting and writing a business letter. You can also review examples to see the specific components you should include in a cover letter, such as the date your letter is being sent and the closing paragraph.

Tips for cover letter spacing

Here are some tips you can implement when formatting your cover letter to ensure proper spacing:

• Use standard one-inch margins when formatting a cover letter
• Align all paragraphs in your cover letter along the left side of the page
• Keep your cover letter to three or four paragraphs, if possible
• Use single spaces when formatting your cover letter
• Leave a space between addresses, dates, heading, greeting and each new paragraph
• Input a minimum of three spaces after the closing statement (such as ‘Sincerely’) and your name and signature
• Include a handwritten signature when sending a physical/hardcopy letter
• Use a font that is 10 or 12 points and is easily readable such as Calibri or Times New Roman

 When using templates, examples or other samples of cover letters it is also important to customize each letter with your personal information and experience as it relates to the job you are applying for.

Cover letter spacing template

The following is a template you can use as a guide when formatting the spacing of your cover letter:

[Your name] [Space] [Your address] [Space] [Your city, state and zip code] [Space] [Your phone number] [Space] [Your email address] [Space] [Date you are writing the letter] [Space] [Dear hiring manager or interviewer name]: [Space] [First paragraph: Use the first paragraph of your cover letter to introduce yourself and why you are writing. You should include the title of the position you are sending in a resume for as well as how you found the job opening if applicable.] [Space] [Body paragraphs: Include two or three body paragraphs in your cover letter that go into detail about why you would be a good candidate for the position you are applying for. You can use specific examples and include mentions of skills or experience that were asked for in the job listing. Try to keep paragraphs short or consider using a bulleted list if appropriate. Include a space between each new paragraph.] [Space] [Concluding paragraph: Wrap up your cover letter by iterating your thanks to the interviewer/hiring manager for their time and consideration. You can also let them know that you are available at certain times if they have any questions or need more information to consider you as a candidate.] [Space] [Sincerely,] [Space] [Space] [Space] [Your signature] [Your name]

Cover letter spacing example

Here is an example of a cover letter using proper spacing throughout:

Carlos Thomas 786 Read Street Tampa, Florida 37691 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

February 12, 2020

Dear Mr. Marcos:

I am writing to apply for the event coordinator position you currently have open at Anita’s Events in Tampa. With over 10 years of experience in event management and coordination, I believe that my skills and qualifications closely match that of the ideal candidate you are looking to fill this position.

I am currently working as the event coordinator at Edison’s Events and have headed multiple events of all varieties during my time in this position. I work directly with clients to ensure the events we plan and coordinate for them not only meet their expectations but exceed them.

The types of events that I have managed include corporate meetings, tradeshows, holiday parties, product launches, various types of gatherings and festivals. My dedication to providing unmatched customer service and staying abreast of the event management industry has allowed me to:

• Increase my company’s overall revenue by 37% over the last two years
• Achieve and maintain a customer service rating of five stars
• Attract crowds that have exceeded 7,500
• Improve the company’s overall brand recognition and customer database

I have attached my resume to this letter to provide more details as to why I would be a great candidate for this position. In my resume, you will find further examples of my work-related successes as well as the skills and experience that qualify me for this job opportunity. My resume also provides additional details as to the events I have coordinated in various industries including nonprofits, supermarket chains and car dealerships.

If you would like more information related to my experience and qualifications or to set up a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 555-5555. Thank you for time and consideration.

Sincerely, Carlos Thomas

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The English application: Cover letter

Cover letter: date, subject and greeting, contact details.

Your contact details are placed at the top of the cover letter, on either the right or the left side. If you have trouble adhering to the space limit, omit your name from the contact details section; you will anyway be signing your name in the ending salutation.

Many mistakes occur here as the British and American notations differ. While the month is placed first and is followed by the date in the US version, the British notation gives the date first and the month afterwards. You should insert a comma between day and year in the American notation, but the British version requires no comma.

American and Canadian notations:

Month/Day/Year (March 15, 2014)

British notation:

Day/Month/Year (15 March 2014)

It is common nowadays to indicate the date using only numbers—e.g. 05/10/2013—but it gives rise to misunderstandings. In the British notation, this would be 5 October 2013, but in the US, it would represent 10 May 2013. To avoid such misunderstandings, it is recommended to combine numbers and words in your notation.

Short and sweet

• Date in the US: March 15, 2014
• Date in the UK: 15 March 2014

The address of the recipient follows next. The recipient’s details must be stated in full, including the full name of the contact person. All the accessories of the company name and the designation of the contact person must be provided.

The greeting depends on the information available. If you know the name of the contact person, his/her name and surname must be included in the greeting. The salutation ‘Mr(.)’ is used for a man, while ‘Ms(.)’ is used for a woman. Use ‘Mrs(.)’ only if you know for a fact that the woman contact person is married. Otherwise, stick with the formal ‘Ms(.)’. Note that an academic title also belongs in the formal salutation and must be provided in the greeting accordingly.

Dear Mr(.) XY, Dear Ms(.) XY, Dear Prof. XY,

The dot after ‘Mr’/‘Ms’ depends on the style of English being used. In a UK application, there is no dot after the salutation and it just says ‘Mr XY’. If you are applying in the US, however, a point follows the salutation and you write ‘Mr. XY’.

In case no contact person is mentioned, look for a suitable contact or HR manager—e.g. via online research. The best option is to inquire directly at the company for the name, title and designation of the required contact person.

Note also that a personal greeting is preferred to an impersonal salutation. Use the impersonal salutation only if you absolutely cannot find a suitable contact person.

In the latter case, the following alternative greetings are possible:

Dear Hiring Manager(,) Dear Recruiting Team(,) Dear Sir or Madam(,)

The salutation, ‘To whom it may concern’, is not recommended. It sounds impersonal and gives the impression that you sent a standard letter to multiple companies at one go. The reader should feel that he/she has been addressed personally. Your letter must give the impression that you are applying to only this company because the position here is exactly what you seek.

Once again, comma use depends on the style of English being followed. A comma or punctuation mark after the salutation is usually absent in the British cover letter, but present in the American one.

• Ascertain the name of the contact person if this is unavailable. It is best to call the company and inquire.
• In British English, the title is written without a dot (‘Ms XY‘); in American English, it is written with a dot (‘Mr. XY’).
• In the UK application, no comma follows the salutation; in the American application, a comma is placed after the greeting.

The subject differs in the American and British cover letters. If you apply in the US, the subject is left out. In the UK, however, it is common to write a subject in bold letters.

In the British English application, the subject provides a reference to, for example, a phone call, a personal conversation or a newspaper advertisement.

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