How to Write a Cover Letter: Step by Step with Examples
You have heard your friends talk about cover letters, but you have never written one before. Or perhaps you wrote one before, but it was not up to the required standards. Writing one can be hectic for someone who has never written a professional cover letter. College or university students who graduated recently and are looking for a job may need to learn the basics of writing a good cover letter. You need to know about the crucial word elements that must be included, some of which include the job description and how you address the hiring manager. Without a proper understanding of what a good cover letter should look like, it is unlikely that new applicants can compose a good cover letter that result in securing a job.
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About This Article
Perhaps before we continue with our focus on the best way to write cover letters, it is imperative to explain what this article seeks to achieve. First, we will want you to know what a cover letter is so you can have the right knowledge on how to proceed. Providing the definition of a cover letter is imperative to all job seekers, some of whom often confuse a cover letter with a resume. There is a big difference between a cover letter and a curriculum vitae or resume, yet most job seekers do not understand this distinction. Due to limited knowledge of what a cover letter entails, many job seekers fail to include the crucial element required. Consequently, they lose out on a job opportunity. So, as you read this article, you will become more informed on the best way to write effective cover letters that will capture the hiring manager’s attention and ensure you grab a lucrative job opportunity.
Second, we will tell you the purpose of a cover letter. You see, every job application process involves submitting several documents, one of which is a cover letter indicating the particular job that you seek. Due to the lack of understanding of what a cover letter is all about, many job seekers miss out on their dream job. If you are a graduate student, you really need to read this article so you can understand how you will address your future employer. The specific job that you will be looking for will require you to know how to address the hiring manager, the choice of words, and the appropriate closing. How do you go about describing your relevant experience? How do you ensure that your words prove that you meet the job requirements for the position that you seek? Keep reading to understand the purpose of a cover letter.
Third, we intend to help you come up with a cover letter that will excite any hiring manager. Whether you are a student, graduate student, or a job seeker, you need to keep reading this article so you can see some of the best cover letter examples that we here. Reading our cover letter examples will empower you to come up with a unique cover letter that will propel your career. We will provide a sample cover letter, which will help you realize the areas you should focus on when writing a cover letter for any job out there. By the time you are through reading the article, you will have learned how to write a cover letter online. Most job applicants are quick to start writing a cover letter without considering the crucial details that every cover letter must have. We will reveal more in the article about letters.
Finally, we will tell you the best way to write a cover letter. You see, there is always the average way of doing things, and there is the excellent way. As you read our guide, which has been provided by certified cover letter writers, you will realize that a cover letter is more than a document to seek employment. Since the internet is replete with all kinds of false details, job seekers do not always get accurate information on how to create a cover letter. Luckily for you, here is an article that will make your job application stand out among others submitted by other job seekers who did not read this article. You will know when and where to use “kind regards” and other statements that effective cover letters must have. You will discover the wordings to use for the qualifications outlined in your cover letter and all the other elements that every unique cover letter should have.
What Is a Cover Letter for A Job?
Before we delve and break down the purpose of a cover letter, let’s start by defining it. The typical and basic definition of a cover letter is that it is a document enclosed with a resume or curriculum vitae that job seekers submit during a job application process. If you go by this definition, you are likely to overlook so many elements in your cover letter that you will end up losing out on that crucial job opportunity. A cover letter is not merely a document that you enclose or pair with a CV during a job application process. There is more. So, how do we define a cover letter? A cover letter is a vital document that job seekers attach to their CVs or resumes demonstrating their interests, experiences, traits, qualifications, and outstanding features for a role in a company. You can see the key differences between the two definitions. For example, our definition stresses the demonstration of an interest in a job.
You see, a cover letter lets you address a hiring manager and show that you really need the job. You will not have to put as a desperate job seeker, but you must demonstrate an interest. A cover letter’s first goal is to convey your passion or interest in a job. Something else about our definition of a cover letter is that it emphasizes work experience. It goes without saying that all employers want to know whether a job applicant has a proven track record for the job at hand. Now, imagine you just send a document saying that you want a job and fail to show where you worked before. It is unlikely that the human resource manager will even consider your application.
The other aspect of our definition of a cover letter is the mention of traits. While you do not have to say everything about your personality in your cover letter, it is important to mention the few attributes that align with the job. You could, for example, say that you love working with diverse groups and that you are amiable if you are applying for a manager’s or supervisor’s position. A hiring manager who looks at your cover letter would be glad to consider you because your personality traits align with the job requirements. Also, see that our definition mentions qualifications and outstanding features. Let the manager know that you are a university graduate if that is the case. It is unnecessary to mention the university where you graduated from since the information appears on your CV. As for the outstanding features, let the manager know why you, and not the other candidates, deserve the job. Therefore, you should understand a cover letter in light of our definition.
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Tell Me The Importance of a Cover Letter
We have already defined a cover letter as a document that demonstrates your interests, qualifications, traits, and outstanding features when applying for a job. From this definition, we can deduce the importance of a cover letter. Nonetheless, let’s expound on the topic so you can grasp it. We will mention six reasons why your cover letter is important.
- A Cover Letter Tells a Hiring Manager More About You- Whether you hire a certified professional resume writer to handle your cover letter or you just write it yourself using a cover letter builder, one thing about your cover letter is that it must provide more details about you. Your CV will not say everything about you as a person, but a cover letter lets a hiring manager learn more about you and make an informed decision. So, do not overlook the importance of attaching your cover letter when submitting a job application. At this point, you may not know how to write a cover letter, but you will learn more as you keep reading the article.
- A Cover Letter Reveals Your Diligence and Knowledge of the Company- While you think that writing a cover letter is just a tradition for job seekers, the hiring manager sees it as an indication of your diligence and knowledge of the company. The fact that you submitted a letter means that you must have learned about the company either from a website or other media. Also, when you mention a company’s background, you reveal to the hiring manager that you are truly informed of the firm’s activities. This excites the recruitment officers because no one wants to hire someone who has no clue about an organization. See? You need a cover letter every you submit a job application letter.
- A Cover Letter Increases Your Chances of Getting a Job- A resume is a good document, but it does not always suffice when it comes to recruitment. Your job search will continue as long as you do not accompany your application with a cover letter. Since a cover letter lets managers know you more, they help in ensuring that the recruiting department has all the information they need to make a decision. They will know your previous work experience, what interests you the most, the qualifications that could take their company to the next level, and everything else needed during a recruitment process. Managers will know if you are the right person to hire for a specific job at that time.
- A Cover Letter Says You Are Serious and Qualified for A Job- Submitting a resume alone will not get you the job opportunity you desire. In some companies, job seekers are required to submit a hand-written cover letter. The trick is to test if a job applicant is serious and committed to the role. Always stick to submission instructions, but remember that your potential employer will need a cover letter as proof that you need the job and are qualified for the same. Do not underestimate the purpose and significance of a cover letter when applying for a job. Ensure you have it with a matching resume so your potential employer can confirm that you want the job.
- A Cover Letter Tells What Your Resume Does Not– a typical resume spells out our personal details, educational backgrounds, and referees but does not bring out our other side. A resume may not state a time when you successfully solved a complex problem in a particular entity. As a result, your employer will not know that you are a reliable person when it comes to problem-solving. Also, a CV might not highlight the accolades and bonuses you received after meeting a target in a particular organization. In other words, a resume is limited in providing details of a proven track record. All these details missing in a CV are included in a cover letter so the hiring manager can learn about them and make a decision based on these facts. Therefore, never submit a job application without a cover letter because you will not get that job.
- A Cover Letter Appeals to Ethos, Pathos, And Logos- The other advantage of a cover letter is that it appeals to the three principles of persuasion. One thing you need to realize is that the human resource manager looking at your application is a human who makes subjective and objective decisions. Appeal to emotions and logic at the same by using words that capture the recruiter’s attention. You do not get this privilege in any other job-application process. In a resume, you are practical, professional, and factual. There is no room to express yourself since all the elements therein involve your personal details and place of education.
How to Write a Cover Letter Online?
Let’s now get into it; how do you write a cover letter online? It is not a complex task if you have read the preceding sections of this article. In this part, we will tackle each step so you can become a cover letter pro by the time you are done reading it. Get ready to know the proven way to write an effective cover letter that lands you the dream job you have always desired.
- Learn About the Company and Role First– Most students rush to write a cover letter without considering the basics. Once you choose to submit an application for a job after seeing a job ad somewhere, start by learning about the company. You may be lucky in some cases where a job ad reveals a lot about a firm. However, a job listing may not have all such details. If you do not find all the information you want in a job listing, you have the duty of learning about a company by searching for it online. Go to the company website and know the job description for the particular job that you want. If you ignore this step, you will end up submitting an application that looks average and one that is not unique at all. You can rest assured that you will lose the job opportunity if other applicants do their homework. So, start by researching the company.
- List Your Details and Address the Hiring Manager-Assuming you have all the pertinent details about the job, you can now start writing your cover letter. At the top of the document, write details, including name, address, and contacts. Do not forget the date. Below your details on the left side, write the name and address of the recruitment manager. Use the hiring manager’s name if you have it. You can use “dear hiring manager” if you do not have the information. Below the address, write “dear sir/madam” if you do not know the gender.
- Cite The Job Title and Write the Opening Paragraph- If you are with the main details, it is time to start writing your cover letter. Remember to indicate that you are applying for a specific job position. If the position you want is that of a sales associate, mention it as such. In the opening paragraph, mention that you are applying for the position after seeing the job ad in a particular place or media. In the same paragraph, let the hiring manager know you in terms of experience and qualifications. Keep the section concise but logical. Your opening paragraph should grab the hiring manager’s attention if you want to succeed in this job.
- Show You Are Passionate And Informed– your second paragraph should let the manager know that you are passionate about the job and are equally informed of the job description. This will show that you took the time to learn about the company’s background. Revealing your passion for the job also shows that you are ready to abide by the company culture; otherwise, you would not be passionate about a firm with a culture or practice you dislike.
- Relate Your Qualifications with The Job– In the closing paragraph, you need to show the connection between your qualifications and the job role. Why are you the right person for the specific job? How will your qualifications enable you to perform the duties that the hiring manager wants? The qualifications outlined in the opening paragraph should be synthesized with the job in this closing paragraph without necessarily repeating them. Remember that a generic cover letter has just one page, meaning you will not have all the space to repeat words.
- Remember to Sign Off- Depending on the length of your cover letter, you can sign off in the third paragraph or create a fourth one. You sign off by expressing your anticipation for positive feedback. Let the hiring manager know that you have convinced them about the position and qualifications and that you are now ready for the job. A perfect cover letter should end on a positive note showing that you are ready to have further discussions. Do not mention anything about your current job in the cover letter unless you want to use it to affirm your qualification and experience. Do not say that you can leave your current job as soon as the hiring manager calls you.
- Use Salutations as You End Your Cover Letter– After saying “thank you”, ensure you write “kind regards” followed by your name. These professional salutations seem irrelevant, yet they go a long way to influence the recruitment department’s decision to hire or ignore you. Do not forget to include them in your cover letter.
- Format and Send Your Cover Letter- Once you are done writing the cover letter, go throughout. Proofread thoroughly and eliminate all grammatical and spelling mistakes. You could have the best cover letter, but you will miss out on your dream job if the person managing human resources in a company sees too many errors. Spelling mistakes portray you as an individual who lacks diligence and does not spend time to correct what is wrong. This misconception could lead to job loss. Once you confirm everything is okay, then you have a perfect cover letter that is ready to be sent out. If the submission instructions require you to send via email, do as instructed. Attach your letter and write a short email informing the intended recipient of the enclosed resume.
Tell Me The Best Way to Write a Cover Letter. Key Takeaways
In light of the broad explanation in the preceding section, you can deduce that the best way to write a cover letter is to:
- Gather Vital Information About a Company: Learn about the company culture. This can be accessed through a company website.
- Address The Hiring Manager- Use “dear sir” if the hiring manager is a man.
- Keep Your Cover Letter Brief and Logical: The recruiting manager has cover letters from other applicants. Keep yours short but relevant.
- Sign Off Professionally- express optimism for the job and remain open for further discussion.
5+ Cover Letter Examples
Sample Cover Letter 1
Morris O’Brien
34 Bellevue Drive |Los Angeles, Denver Street 906G] | +1896253459] | morriso8@yahoo.com
23rd August 2022
Dr. Harris Lewis,
Human Resources Manager
DTG Real Estate
62736-00913
Los Angeles, Y67
Dear Lewis.
I was excited to see your ad, which indicated you are looking for a supervisor. As an experienced team leader who has worked with Google Inc., Tesla Inc, and Microsoft, I hereby express my interest in this position.
I graduated from Harvard University in 2014, after which I secured employment as a supervisor at Microsoft, where I worked for two years before moving to Tesla Inc. I am currently working with Google Inc. I am amiable, a problem-solver, and innovation-oriented.
My experience in the three leading organizations, coupled with my academic qualification, aligns with the role you intend to fill. I believe these attributes set me apart.
I look forward to positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Morris O’Brien.
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Sample Cover Letter 2
George Mason
43004 Blacklick, OH| +186095359] | geomason45@yahoo.com
10th August 2022
To the Hiring Manager,
Bex Q Security LTD
8736-43004
Blacklick, OH
Dear Sir,
Having seen your job listing on New York Times indicating you are looking for a security advisor, I wish to present my application for the role. I worked in the same capacity at G4S and Wells Fargo between 2015 and 2020.
I am a Harvard University graduate, where I attained my master’s degree in Homeland Security. Immediately after graduation, I joined Wells Fargo for three years, during which we foiled three burglary attempts in Ohio, where I was stationed. I showed exceptional performance at G4S as from 2018, as I led a team that prevented hacking activities.
The mentioned experience and qualifications make me the ideal candidate for this job. I am available for more discussions. I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
George Mason.
Sample Cover Letter 3
Kyle Singer
64 Drive |Los Angeles, Denver Street 78 | +15678345899] | singerk88@yahoo.com
23rd August 2022
Antony Almeida
Human Resources Manager
Fox News LTD
636-00913
Los Angeles, Y67
Dear, Almeida
I wish to express my interest in joining your organization as a journalist after seeing your ad on your company website. As an experienced journalist who previously worked for CNN, I believe we will have a mutually beneficial relationship.
I got my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Oxford University in 2015, after which I joined CNN, where I worked until 2020. While working here, I was awarded the best journalist of the year (2018) and got promoted to the editor’s position.
My personality fits every working setting as I can easily interact with people from all backgrounds. You will love my way of doing things, and at no point will I be a liability.
In light of these skills and experiences, I am convinced that you could benefit a lot from having me in your team. I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Kyle Singer.
Sample Cover Letter 4
Nina Myers
43004 Blacklick, OH| +1816 4555359] | meersnina4@yahoo.com
19th August 2022
To the Hiring Manager,
Eldercare LTD
8096-43004
Blacklick, OH
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am delighted to submit my application for the position of a nurse after seeing your job posting on your Facebook page. As a registered nurse (RN), I will help you meet all the objectives you seek when hiring for this position.
I graduated from Illinois Nursing College in 2017 and got registered as a nurse shortly after. Later, I got employment at Care N Careful Hospital, where I assisted doctors in their tasks. Through my initiative, which I implemented with the help of fellow nurses, we reduced medical errors by 17% in just two months.
The mentioned experience and qualifications make me the ideal candidate for this job. I am available for more discussions. I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Nina Myers.
Sample Cover Letter 5
James Heller
43003 Blacklick, OH| +1816 2655359] | jameshellern45@yahoo.com
19th August 2022
Gerard Butler,
Director,
Blaxform Fashion
696-43003
Blacklick, OH
Dear Bulter.
After seeing your job ad in one of the local dailies, I find pleasure in applying for the position of Operations Manager. I am passionate about managing people and have the requisite experience and qualifications.
For example, I have worked in a similar position at Boohoo. During my tenure, the company increased its sales by 34% in the last quarter of 2017. The performance revealed my ability to remain humble and focused despite economic pressures. The exceptional performance is attributable to my personality traits and academic qualifications; I have a master’s degree in business administration for Oxford University.
My set of attributes, working prowess, and academic qualifications underscore my suitability for this position. You will derive exceptional expertise from having me on your team.
I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
James Heller.
Sample Cover Letter 6
Patrick Flynn
43300 Blacklick, OH| +1816 2655359] | patrickflyn45@yahoo.com
19th August 2022
Marcos Avenatti
Director,
PQ2 Technologies
96-43300
LA, CA.
Dear, Marcos
Please accept this application for the position of software engineer in your firm. I am a qualified software engineer from MIT and would love to use my experience to benefit your firm.
I have been in similar roles at Apple Inc and Microsoft. I am emotionally intelligent and innovative. These skills make me the best candidate for this position.
I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Patrick Flynn
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Sample Cover Letter 7
Maryanne Steph
43300 Blacklick, OH| +1816 5655359] | maryanest5@yahoo.com
19th August 2022
Jeremey Osbourne
Director,
Wells Fargo,
9136-43300
LA.
Dear Jeremey,
I am happy to apply for the position of manager in your firm following your job posting on your social media pages.
My experience at Papa John’s strengthens me to manage people better and achieve organizational goals. Likewise, my university degree in human resource management from Harvard University makes me a favorite candidate.
I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Maryanne Steph.
Sample Cover Letter 8
Edgar Stiles
673300- Missouri, | +1891 5655359] | maryanest5@yahoo.com
14th August 2022
Justin Geert
Director,
Cambridge Analytica,
9136-43300
Washington DC
Dear, Geert
I excitedly wish to apply for the position of IT specialist, which you advertised on Washington Post last week.
I possess unique expertise and experience, having worked at Google from 2013 to 2019 after graduating from Oxford University in 2011 with a degree in software engineering.
All my current and previous workmates describe me as amiable, kind, and results-oriented. I will combine these traits and skills to deliver in your organization.
I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Edgar Stiles
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Sample Cover Letter 9
Marcus Rashford
8733- London, | +441 5655359] | marcusrashy15@yahoo.com
14th August 2022
Hiring Manager,
BBC
136-8900
London.
Dear Sir.
I hereby submit my application for the role of sound technician. My passion for sound work motivates me to take this step.
I have a degree in Electrical Engineering from the London College of Technology. I have gained immense experience from working in the same position at Sky Sports, where everyone loved my friendly and creative character.
It is my hope that you will see the wealth of experience that I bring on board. I look forward to a positive feedback. Reach me via any contact details. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Marcus Rashford.
As you can see from each cover letter example, the cover letter header is always the first to appear. A well-written cover letter should always start with a professional title. As we have said, cover letters are meant to talk about you, hence the need to enter your details. The other unique trait is that every example cover letter talks about the job posting. Hiring managers want to know if you understand the position you are seeking. Also, the cover letter directly reveals professional skills. Each cover letter step, as indicated, is crucial in attracting the hiring manager’s attention.
Whether you want to work as a career coach, or professional writer in an entity, ensure the qualifications outline are real. A great cover letter should not just show you to be in a job search but also reveal you know the job title you want. You will see also in the final paragraph that each cover letter example ends with a professional sign-off. That is how a successful cover letter looks like.
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Who Will Write My Professional Cover Letter for A Job?
If, despite these samples, you still need assistance writing a professional cover letter, you can request for certified professional cover letter writers. It does not matter if your friends are applying to the same company; your unique cover letter will have each letter aloud for the position you apply for. If you have written one already, you could hire a professional writer to help you catch mistakes that often go unnoticed.
