How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]
After weeks of heavy job searching, youâre almost there!
Youâve perfected your resume.
Youâve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.
Youâve 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, youâre stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...
Donât panic! Weâve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think.Â
In this guide, weâre 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
Letâs 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 youâre 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 doesnât give you the space to cover.Â
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.Â
If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But donât worryâyou donât 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 youâre the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on âsellingâ your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
- Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.
Now, letâs 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 ânoâ pile immediately.
On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesnât 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, itâs time to learn how to write one!
Weâll 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, whatâs 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 youâll 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. Youâll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!
#2. Put Contact Information in the Header
As with a resume, itâs important toÂ
start your cover letter
 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letterâs 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 youâre applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role youâre 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 itâs time to add the recipientâs 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 thereâs no harm in writing âhiring manager,â if theyâre 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 youâve properly listed all the contact information, itâs 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 âDear Sir or Madamâ or the impersonal âTo Whom It May Concern.â 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 whoâs the hiring manager?
First, check the job ad. The hiring managerâs name might be listed somewhere in it.
If that doesnât work, check the companyâs LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department youâre applying to, and youâre all set.
For example, if youâre applying for the position of Communication Specialist at NovorĂ©sumĂ©. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.
Hereâs what you should look for on LinkedIn:
And there you go! You have your hiring manager.
But letâs say youâre applying for a position as a server . In that case, youâd be looking for the ârestaurant managerâ or âfood and beverage manager.â
If the results donât come up with anything, try checking out the âTeamâ page on the company website; thereâs a good chance youâll at least find the right person there.
Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If youâre 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 canât find the hiring managerâs 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 managerâs 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, theyâre not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, itâs essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.
The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that theyâre usually extremely generic. Hereâs an example:
- My name is Jonathan, and Iâd like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. Iâve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that Iâd be a good fit for the position.
See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesnât say anything except the fact that youâve worked the job before.
And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants youâre competing with.
Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the readerâs 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 youâre not just applying left and rightâyouâre actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.
Now, letâs make our previous example shine:
Dear Mr. Smith,
My nameâs Michael, and Iâd like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. Iâve 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 theyâre experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see theyâre not just a random applicant.
From this introduction, itâs safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidateâs 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 shouldnât make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company youâre applying to.
No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you donât tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, youâre 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 youâre good to go.
Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.
Hereâs what each paragraph should cover:
Explain Why Youâre the Perfect Candidate for the Role
Before you can show the hiring manager that youâre exactly what theyâve been looking for, you need to know what it is theyâre 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 youâre 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. Hereâs 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, Iâve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidateâs 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 Youâre a Good Fit for the Company
As skilled and experienced as you may be, thatâs not all the hiring manager is looking for.
They also want someone whoâs a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.
Employees who donât 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 employeeâs annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.
So, you have to convince the hiring manager that youâre passionate about working with them.
Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:
- Whatâs the companyâs business model?
- Whatâs the companyâs product or service? Have you used it?
- Whatâs the companyâs culture like?
Chances are, youâll 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 donât just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specificâthe hiring manager can see through any fluff.
For example, if youâre passionate about their product and you like the companyâs culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:
Iâve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that itâs the most innovative tech Iâve 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 Iâll 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, itâs 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 thereâs 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.
Hereâs 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 donât 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 youâre done with your cover letter, itâs time to check if it meets all industry requirements.Â
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?Â
- 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 youâre 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 youâre passionate about the company youâre 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 youâre all set to write your cover letter!Â
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 youâre the right person for the job.
- Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the companyâs needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldnât underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
- Avoid Fluff. Donât make any generic statements you canât back up. The hiring manager can tell when youâre just throwing words around, and it doesnât 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 youâre not taking the job seriously.
- Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letterâs look to the industry youâre applying for. For example, if youâre aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if youâre 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 youâre 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 doesnât give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at easeâlife happens, and employers understand.
- Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. Itâs hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is â[email protected].â 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 youâre 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 donât have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply wonât read it at all.
- Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isnât 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? Donât 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 donât worry; weâve 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 weâve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, letâs summarize everything weâve learned:
- A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document thatâs meant to convince the hiring manager that youâre the best candidate for the job.
- Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
- To grab the hiring managerâs attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why youâre applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
- Your cover letter should focus on why youâre the perfect candidate for the job and why youâre 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 NovorĂ©sumĂ©, weâre committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way!Â
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.
Hereâs everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter â 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, theyâre about half a page or around 150â300 words.
An effective cover letter doesnât just rehash your CV; itâs 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 youâre likable, talented, and will add to the companyâs 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 â but that doesnât mean you canât 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 shouldnât 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
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
(555) 999 - 2222
2. Include a personal greeting
Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager â preferably by name. You can use the personâs first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, âDear Mr. John Doe.â
Avoid generic openings like âTo whom it may concern,â âDear sir or madam,â or âDear hiring manager.â These introductions sound impersonal â like youâre copy-pasting cover letters â and can work against you in the hiring process.
Be careful, though. When using someoneâs name, you donât 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 youâre addressing the right person in your letter â ideally, the person whoâs making the final hiring decision. This isnât 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 youâre pursuing.
Thereâs no need for a personal introduction â youâve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job youâre applying for. A simple âThank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],â will suffice.
Then you can get into the âWhyâ of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps youâre a fan of their products, youâre passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.
Hereâs an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, youâre applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:
âDear Mr. John Doe,
Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits nâ Bikes.
My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. Iâll 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 â and I want to be part of that.â
4. Emphasize why youâre best for the job
Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role youâre applying to. Highlight your skill set and why youâre a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what youâll 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 whatâs important to the hiring manager.
Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if youâre 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:
âIâve 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 nâ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% â 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.â
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 youâre willing to relocate for the job.
When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include âSincerelyâ and âKind regards.â
Hereâs a strong closing statement for you to consider:
âI believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits nâ 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 youâre 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 . Youâre 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, donât tell . Anyone can say theyâre a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they donât 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 donât 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.
Itâs 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 youâre 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 youâre 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.
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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 managerâs attention
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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: 9 Tips (+ Examples)
A strong cover letter can get you noticed when applying for an internship. Find out how to craft a standout cover letter today.Â
Youâve found an internship, and itâs exactly the opportunity youâve been looking for to put you on the path to your dream job. But, the internship application requires you to send a cover letter .
Cover letters give you space to contextualize how your previous work experience and relevant skills make you a good fit for the position. They expand on your resume in a meaningful way that grabs a hiring managerâs attention and demonstrates why youâre undeniably the right person for the internship.Â
In this article, you will find out how to put your best foot forward with nine tips for your internship cover letter. You will also find examples alongside each tip and a cover letter template to help you compose your own. Whether youâre a high school student, recent college graduate, or career switcher looking to start on a new path, these tips are for you.Â
Internship cover letters: why you need one
Cover letters provide hiring managers with insight into an applicant's experience, skills, and aspirations. As a result, cover letters can be especially helpful to early-career seekers applying for internships because they provide a more detailed picture of their backgrounds than their resumes might.Â
Whether a job description asks for a cover letter or not, it is usually a wise decision to send a unique resume to each internship to which you apply. In some cases, adding a cover letter can be the difference between landing the internship or not.Â
Research conducted by ResumeGo between 2019 and 2020 found that cover letters can have a positive impact on how applications are interpreted by hiring managers. Among their many findings, the researchers found that [ 1 ]:Â
87 percent of hiring managers said they read cover letters.Â
65 percent of hiring managers said that cover letters influence their hiring decisions.Â
81 percent of hiring managers valued cover letters tailored to a specific position over generic ones.Â
78 percent of hiring managers said it was easy to tell when a cover letter was generic.Â
These statistics suggest both the impact that a cover letter can have when applying for an internship and the importance of crafting one that speaks directly to the position. One thing is clear: cover letters matter.Â
How to write a cover letter for an internshipÂ
A cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowded applicant pool. In this section, youâll learn nine high-impact tips to help you craft a cover letter that highlights your professionalism, aspirations, and qualifications.Â
1. Properly format your cover letter.
Proper formatting will help hiring managers easily scan your cover letter for key information, such as your contact information and skills, and also convey your professionalism. From top to bottom, your cover letter should have the following elements:Â
Keep to one page only : your cover letter should be only one page long. This will keep it focused, impactful, and easily scannable for hiring managers. Â
Header at the top: Include a header that contains your contact information, so that hiring managers can easily reach out to you.Â
Greetings: Your cover letter should open with a greeting to the hiring manager. This is a formality that makes your letter more personal.Â
Intro: Your cover letter should include a brief introduction that describes who you are, what you are applying for and your key qualifications.Â
Body: The body of your cover letter is where you go into detail about your experience, skills, and education.Â
Conclusion/Call to action: Your cover letter should conclude with a call to action that encourages your reader to reach out to you.Â
Salutations: Finally, you want to leave the reader with a good impression by including a formal salutation followed by your full name. This conveys a sense of professionalism and friendliness.Â
In the following tips, you will learn more about handling each of these parts of your resume to make them as impactful as possible.Â
2. Have a professional email address.
The header of your cover letter is where you include your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email address.Â
While it may seem insignificant, one of the most important things you can do in your header is to include a professional-sounding email address. In this instance, the simpler the email address the better. Create an email address that is a simple variant of your name with a common free email provider, such as Gmail.Â
3. Personalize your greeting.Â
While many cover letters are addressed simply âto whom it may concern,â a more impactful way to catch a hiring managerâs attention is by addressing them by name directly.Â
In addition to making your cover letter more personal, this tactic also highlights that youâve done your research and created a job-specific cover letter rather than sent a generic one. This can have a positive impact on how a hiring manager views your resume and cover letter.Â
You can find out who the hiring manager is by doing some straightforward research online. Some job descriptions will instruct you to email a specific person. In other cases, you might need to visit the organizationâs website and see if you can identify the person who heads their internship or hiring efforts.Â
If this fails, you can also reach out to the organization directly by either email or phone to see if they can provide the name of the hiring manager who will be looking at internship applications. Let them know that you are applying for the specific internship and would like to address the hiring manager directly in your application.Â
If youâre unable to learn the name of the hiring manager, then donât sweat it â your application likely wonât be penalized for a common, courteous greeting.
4. Include key information in the intro.
Your cover letter should include a short introduction that immediately identifies the specific internship position you are applying for and the key background information relevant to the position. Ideally, you should keep your introduction to only a few sentences, making sure not to exceed four.Â
Much like a thesis statement in a school paper, the introduction of your cover letter helps the reader understand your purpose for writing and the qualifications that make you ideal for the position.Â
Dear Ms. Angelou,Â
I am writing to apply for the editorial assistant internship position at Little House publishing. An avid reader since I first played cracked open Grimmâs (macabre) Fairytales as a five-year-old, I have made storytelling my personal and professional calling. As an English major at The Ohio State University, I have been an editor of our schoolâs literary magazine for three years, brought two theater productions to life as a dramaturg, and taught reading and writing to countless middle schoolers.Â
5. Show how you and the internship are a perfect match.Â
The key aim of your cover letter is to demonstrate to the hiring manager why you and the internship are a perfect match for one another.Â
As a result, you should craft your letter to emphasize how your skill set and experience have prepared you for the position and why it can help you achieve your professional aims. Remember, an internship is as much an educational opportunity as a work experience, so donât be afraid to note what the internship offers you as well as what you offer the internship.Â
To identify how you and the internship are a good match for one another, do the following:Â
1. Read through the job description and identify the skills and experience you possess.Â
2. Identify what experience, skills, or understanding you will gain by doing the internship.
3. Include these points in your cover letter.Â
âAfter studying python for the last two years, IBMâs data science internship will finally give me the opportunity to see programming at work in the real world. Throughout high school, Iâve spent hours combing through data, creating visualizations, and posing questions to data big and small all by myself. At IBM, I will finally be a part of a community that takes data seriously, contributing to projects but learning even more.âÂ
6. Emphasize your education and extracurriculars.
While most jobs require applicants to have some kind of relevant work experience, most internships typically expect applicants to have very little or even none. This is particularly true for internships geared toward high school and college students.Â
If youâre a student without much (or any) relevant work experience, then you should emphasize your education and extracurricular activities. Youâll be able to highlight your skills, interests, and concrete achievements for hiring managers as much as previous work experience would allow you to do.Â
âAs a computer science student, I have taken advanced courses on machine learning and programming data structures, achieving top grades in both. Later, I used these skills in the AI club when I taught a machine to visually recognize different hand gestures.âÂ
7. Use active language and note concrete outcomes.Â
One of the key ways to create impactful writing is to use active language that shows the reader how you achieved concrete outcomes. This method will help your reader fully comprehend what it is that you have done and what you have ultimately achieved.Â
Active language (also known as active voice) is when the subject of a sentence acts upon an object, rather than the object being acted upon by an object. For example, consider the chart below:Â
In the first sentence, the emphasis is on the woman (the subject) doing an action (âprogrammingâ) on the computer (the object). The second sentence, meanwhile, puts emphasis on the computer rather than the action performed by the subject (the woman). By focusing on the action, the first sentence highlights the work that the woman does â and keeps the sentence shorter too.Â
Using active language that clearly describes how you accomplished a specific result will keep the attention on you and what you can do. Â
âAs a writing tutor, I taught middle schoolers how to write in the active voice to help them articulate themselves with impact. To do it, I parsed sentences on the blackboard, edited essays live, and reinforced concepts week to week. Our results spoke for themselves: test scores improved by 78 percent in just two months.â
8. Consider using a bulleted list to highlight your technical skills.Â
To make it more scannable, you might consider including a bullet point list of your relevant skills in the body of your cover letter. This technique can help readers catch important skills that you possess that could help you stand out from the applicant pool.Â
âThroughout my education and extracurriculars, I have honed many skills relevant to the internship, including:Â
Collaboration
Problem solving"
Read: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: Whatâs the Difference?
9. Include a call-to-action and salutation at the end of the letter.Â
Your cover letter should leave the hiring manager with both a desire to reach out to you and a good picture of you. To leave them wanting to hear more from you, end the cover letter with a brief statement about your desire to speak more about the role soon and close with a professional salutation, such as âsincerely.â
âI look forward to talking soon about how I can contribute to the team this summer. Thank you for the opportunity, time, and consideration.
Sincerely,Â
Abraham Lincolnâ
Landing an internship can help you kick off your career. To make sure that youâre ready for that first day on the job, you might consider taking an online course or gaining a professional certificate in such fields as data science , project management , or social media marketing .Â
 Related articlesÂ
How to Make a Resume for Your First Job (+ Template)
How to Answer âWhat Are Your Career Aspirations?â
Transferable Skills: How to Use Them to Land Your Next Job
How to Get Your First Job: A Guide
Article sources
1. Resume Go. â Cover Letters: Just How Important Are They? , https://www.resumego.net/research/cover-letters/.â Accessed March 24, 2022.Â
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Apr 14, 2017 â Kate Lopaze
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Physician Cover Letters: Why Writing a Good One Is As Important As Ever
Career resources content posted on NEJM CareerCenter is produced by freelance health care writers as an advertising service of NEJM Group, a division of the Massachusetts Medical Society and should not be construed as coming from, or representing the views of, the New England Journal of Medicine , NEJM Group, or the Massachusetts Medical Society
Physicians seeking a practice opportunity might think of the cover letter as an old-fashioned, generally unimportant component of their application for or expression of interest in a position, but that is not the case. In this digital age of clipped, often rapid-fire communications, the cover letter has become more important than ever because it offers a way to differentiate the physician from other candidates. It provides a vehicle for sharing personal and professional information that might be important to prospective employers but doesnât quite fit in the CV. The cover letter should be brief, well written, professional and positive in tone, and absolutely error-free. It should also give the recipient the sense that the physician has researched the opportunity or organization before writing the letter.
By Bonnie Darves
When a physician encounters the seemingly perfect practice opportunity â with a mid-sized group in their hometown that is affiliated with a health system that has an excellent reputation â itâs tempting to quickly compose the requested cover letter to accompany her CV and send it off.
Yes, it is smart to express interest in a desirable position as soon as possible, but itâs not prudent to view the cover letter as a mere formality. Today, when so much communication between physicians and recruiters or prospective employers is electronic â in either brief email responses or via online forms â the cover letter has become increasingly important. Hereâs why: The carefully crafted letter offers an opportunity to differentiate the resident or fellow from other physicians who respond, and a chance to demonstrate highly personalized interest in the position.
âThe cover letterâs value is certainly not decreasing in the digital age. Because it is usually the second contact physicians have with an organization, it is very important,â said James Tysinger, PhD, vice chair for professional development in the University of Texas Health Science Center department of family and community medicine in San Antonio. âIt is your opportunity to include something about who you are, and to provide information that wonât be in your CV about why the position and the geographic location interest you.â For the resident seeking a fellowship, the letter is the ideal vehicle to convey to the program director that the physician has researched the programâs focus and reputation, he added.
Longtime recruiter Regina Levison, president of the national firm Levison Search Associates, agrees that the geographic preference statement is a vital piece of information that should appear early in the letter. âThe geographic âconnectionâ to the opportunityâs location is the most important message you can include â whether itâs because you grew up there, have relatives in the region, or simply have always dreamed of living or working there,â Ms. Levison said. âHealth care organizations today are not just recruiting to fill a specific opportunity; they are recruiting for retention.â As the health care delivery system changes to incorporate accountable care organizations and quality focused reimbursement, organizations are seeking physicians who will âstay aroundâ to help meet long-term organizational objectives.
Craig Fowler, president of the National Association of Physician Recruiters (NAPR), and vice president of recruiting and training for Pinnacle Health Group in Atlanta, urges residents to include at least an introductory cover letter or note with their CV, even when itâs not requested. In his experience, 8 out of 10 physicians who express initial interest in a position donât take the effort to write a letter unless asked.
âThe cover letter really is a differentiator, and even though a recruiter will always look at your CV first, the letter is nice to have. I often feel that it gives me a sense of the physician â a good letter can make the physician come to life,â Mr. Fowler said. He enjoys, for example, learning about the physicianâs personal interests and family, in addition to what he seeks in a practice opportunity.
Peter Cebulka, director of recruiting development for the national firm Merritt Hawkins, agrees that the cover letter can provide information that isnât appropriate in a CV but could be important to a hiring organization. âThe letter gives you a chance to talk about your professional goals, or why youâre committed to a particular area or practice setting,â Mr. Cebulka said. It can also highlight something compelling about the physicianâs residency program that the recipient might not know.
If there are gaps in the CV that are not sensitive in nature, and therefore donât require a phone conversation, that information should be included in the letter. âItâs important to briefly explain gaps because your application might be passed over if you donât,â Mr. Fowler said.
Jim Stone, co-founder and president of The Medicus Firm, a national physician search company, offers helpful guidance on incorporating a career objective in the cover letter. âYou may want to include a career objective or job search goals, but be careful not to be too specific or you may rule yourself out of consideration,â he advised. âTherefore, if there is one goal that really sums up your search, or some objective that is a must-have for you under any circumstances, it would be okay to include that.â
On another note, Mr. Stone urges physicians to include brief examples of any soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, technological aptitude, leadership, or problem solving.
Format and structure: short and targeted works While there are no rules per se about a cover letterâs length or content, there are general guidelines for what works best and is likely to be well received. (See âCover letters: What to do, what to avoidâ section at the end of this article.) Dr. Tysinger, who counsels residents and practicing physicians on preparing CVs and cover letters, and frequently presents on the topic, recommends a single-page, three-paragraph format delivered in a professional, business letter layout, in simple language. Following is his basic guidance on the letterâs structure:
- First paragraph: Introduce yourself and state why you are writing â whether that is to be considered for a specific position, to express general interest in joining the organization, or the recommendation of a colleague.
- Second paragraph: Provide brief details about yourself and why you are interested in the opportunity and the location. Note any professional connections to the opportunity or organization, and any special skills or interests, such as management or teaching.
- Third paragraph: Thank the recipient for the opportunity to apply and for reviewing your CV, and end the letter with a statement indicating that you look forward to hearing from the recipient soon.
Other sources agreed that cover letters should not exceed one page, unless special circumstances dictate an extra paragraph or two. In that case, a two-page letter is acceptable. Ms. Levison advised briefly summarizing education and training in the second paragraph, and if itâs the physicianâs first opportunity search, stating briefly why he became a physician.
Itâs best to avoid going into extensive detail about personal interests or extracurricular pursuits. That could give the recipient the impression that the physician is more concerned about lifestyle than medical practice.
Professional tone, error-free content are musts It should go without saying that the cover letter must be professionally written and free of spelling or grammatical errors, but unfortunately, thatâs not always the case. All of the recruiters interviewed for this article have received cover letters that are poorly written or, in some cases, replete with misspellings; all agreed that an error-riddled letter could prevent its writer from being considered for an opportunity regardless of her or his qualifications.
Of course, word processing programs include spell-checkers and, usually, some grammar-checking functionality. Thatâs helpful, but it isnât sufficient vetting to ensure the letter is in excellent shape. Because of the letterâs potential importance, physicians should have several trusted individuals â on the professional and personal side â review the document, including a professional editor, if warranted. âIf writing isnât your strong suit, or English isnât your first language, do get professional advice before you finalize the letter,â Mr. Cebulka recommends.
Ms. Levinson offers pointed advice regarding double-checking for errors. âAre there any typos or mistakes that would make the new organization question your ability to keep accurate records?â she said. Itâs worth noting that some recruiting firms offer assistance with cover letter writing, but itâs best not to count on that service.
Striking the right tone in the cover letter can be somewhat challenging when the resident doesnât have a good sense of the organization offering the opportunity. Some hospitals or groups are very formal, and therefore expect to receive formal communication. Others might be somewhat casual, from the standpoint of their culture, and therefore less inclined to bring in a physician who comes across as stiff, even if she isnât. For these reasons, itâs smart to research the hiring entity to the extent possible before finishing the letter. The groupâs website or the health systemâs physician portal are good starting places to gauge the culture, but a discussion with a physician who practices there, happily, also can be helpful.
Ideally, the letterâs tone should be professional but friendly, and should sound like its writer, and not like a cookie-cutter form letter. âThe letter should be professional and warm, and the tone should also reflect how you would communicate with patients and staff,â Ms. Levison said.
âA little colloquialism is OK, if it shows your personality,â Mr. Fowler maintains, provided the overall tone remains professional.
The sources concurred that the cover letter is not the forum for including a laundry list of the physicianâs position parameters, or for negotiating compensation or other potential contract terms. Physicians in a highly recruited specialty might mention required equipment or infrastructure, if the lack of those items would preclude further discussion. But for the most part, those specifics should be left for an on-site interview.
âIf the parameter is a potential deal-breaker, you can mention it, but avoid sounding inflexible,â Mr. Cebulka advised. That means not setting limits on the amount of call, or number of night shifts or weekends, for example. Those details can be discussed and possibly negotiated later.
Very important parameters should, however, be provided to the recruiter outside the context of the cover letter if such detail is requested. Thatâs especially important if the recruiter will introduce the physician to multiple opportunities.
âIf youâre in a highly recruited specialty, there will be plenty of opportunities. But itâs helpful for recruiters to know what youâre absolutely looking for, so that you donât waste your time or theirs,â Mr. Cebulka said.
Cover letters: What to do, what to avoid The sources who contributed to this article offered these additional tips on what physicians should do, or not do, when they craft their cover letters.
- Address the cover letter to an individual physician, practice administrator, recruiter, or other individual as the situation warrants, and not âto whom it may concern.â
- Be upbeat and positive. Ensure that the letterâs tone reflects your excitement about medicine, and that it reflects the way you would speak in an in-person interview.
- Include letters of reference with the cover letter if youâre looking for a fellowship or are formally applying for a specific position.
- Close the letter with a call to action if itâs an ideal opportunity (and likely a popular one). Let the recipient know that you will call in a few days to follow up, and indicate when you would be available to meet in person. It doesnât hurt to state the best ways to reach you.
- Donât sound desperate or beg for the job, even if itâs the perfect opportunity or you are worried about securing a position.
- Steer clear of âsellingâ yourself or making claims about why you would be the absolute best candidate. Instead, let your credentials and references make the case for you.
- Avoid sarcasm in any context, and generally steer clear of humor, unless you know the person to whom the letter is addressed very well.
- Donât disparage individuals, programs, or institutions if you have had a negative experience somewhere â regardless of the reason.
COMMENTS
Write this down in a table. You may not fit all the requirements - that's OK - just make sure you can maximise your suitability for the role. b) Write the letter, introducing yourself, what the purpose of the letter is, and your experience and background in a single paragraph. The second paragraph is how you meet their requirements.
2/ Identifying what to include in your cover letter. Create a table with two columns. In the left column jot down the highlighted skills you identified in the above section. And now in the right column, start writing down how you can match up to the advertised qualifications. Here's an example for my latest role.
ADMIN MOD. Here's the best cover letter I've ever seen. Resumes/CVs. Hey everyone. I've been using this cover letter for years and it has worked really well. Most recently in my job search, I've had at least 3 separate contacts make a comment about how good the format is. Hope it helps you. Let me know if you have any questions.
If your resume is short, a cover letter can help supplement it. A good cover letter also tells me you have basic competence at communication and writing skills. u/thirtyandtrying has a great explanation of what should be in the cover letter. Always better to include one, as long as it isnt generic.
This is a really good cover letter, but not a great one because it is not really all that skimmable and you are not adding anything that is not in your resume. Use strong, direct topic sentences for each of your paragraphs that describe why you will be a good employee(i.e. how you add value to the organization).
Here's a few tricks I've learnt to writing good cover letters: #1 Start with a Strong Opening đ. Use the opening to provide a preface into yourself and career objectives. Take this short cover letter sample: As an experienced marketing manager with a passion for the environment and for tech, I was thrilled to find an opening for a Marketing ...
Edit: Resumego found that a generic cover letter increased chance of interview by 20%, and a custom cover letter by 53% when compared to no cover letter. There are other studies included in this post that make it seem like cover letters are still worth it for how little effort they require.
It is formatted as fill in the blank cover letter. So, I can pull it at any time fill in the important areas of the letter, save it and load it to a job search. I have 3 easy fill in cover letters for the opportunities I am targeting. Suggestion: Create a cover letter that is an easy to fill-in cover letter.
Yes. I would say always include a cover letter even if it's not mentioned. The amount of times I've been rejected because I've not included a cover letter is a lot. I'd have a couple of set ones prepared and then you can alter them to suit the specific company and requirements. 3.
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.
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.
Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order you might include it in) is: Your name. Your pronouns (optional)
Respectfully, Kind regards, Best regards, Yours truly, Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name. For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign. 8. Check your cover letter's content and formatting.
The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. A well-crafted cover letter goes over information on your resume and expands this information for the reader, taking them on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements.. Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume while infusing ...
A great cover letter consists of the following components: 1. Your name and contact information in a header. The hiring manager needs to have your contact information. Without these details, they have no way of inviting you for an interview. The most eye-catching way of adding your contact information to your cover letter is by creating a large ...
Cover letter example. Examples statements in the first paragraph of your cover letter that will showcase the value you bring to a company, and express your excitement. Here is an example cover letter following the above template. Please keep in mind that your cover letter will vary depending on the employers and jobs you're applying for.
2. Have a professional email address. The header of your cover letter is where you include your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email address. While it may seem insignificant, one of the most important things you can do in your header is to include a professional-sounding email address.
Let's look at some of the greatest hits: 1. How can I make my resume pop? Three words: simplify, simplify, simplify. Making your resume easy to read (set headers, brief explanations, clear bullet points) can help get you in the "to interview" pile and out of the "tl;dr" pile. 2.
Summarize your technical credentials and accomplishments in the first two paragraphs and follow up with a technical skills list. Include relevant technical terms throughout the letter. 7. Avoid repeating your resume content. Hiring managers won't appreciate having to read the same information twice.
Here are some benefits of including a cover letter in your job application: 1. They showcase your personality. Cover letters typically reveal insights into a candidate's values, character traits and outlook on work. Many hiring managers prefer candidates who align with the organization's culture, so highlighting your unique personality in your ...
A cover letter is an introductory document many employers ask you to submit along with your resume when applying for a job. Depending on the company, you might need to email your cover letter and resume or there may be an online application process where you can upload it. Many job listings specify if they require a cover letter, but some don't ...
Address the cover letter to an individual physician, practice administrator, recruiter, or other individual as the situation warrants, and not "to whom it may concern." Be upbeat and positive. Ensure that the letter's tone reflects your excitement about medicine, and that it reflects the way you would speak in an in-person interview ...
Step 1: Write a crisp and crunch introduction. Seize the attention of the recruiter with your opening paragraph. Tell him/her who you are, and why he/she should hire you, and express your ...