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What is a cover letter?

Read time

1 minutes

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume, introducing the applicant and highlighting their qualifications, experiences, and interest in the job. It provides an opportunity to elaborate on key points from the resume and demonstrate how the applicant's skills align with the job requirements.

Types of cover letters

Cover letters come in different forms, and understanding different formats can be the key to writing a letter that aligns with your career goals and the specific job you are applying for.

Entry level or first job cover letter

An entry-level or first job cover letter is for those who are applying for their first professional role. Since job applicants may not have relevant professional experience, they might write about their educational achievements, internships, volunteer experiences, relevant skills, or even career advice they’ve received from their professors or mentors.

Internal candidate cover letter

An internal candidate cover letter is used when applying for a job within the same organization. This type of cover letter should highlight the candidate’s accomplishments in their current position, their understanding of the company’s culture and goals, and how their experience and skills make them a strong fit for the new role. Their cover letter should show their commitment to the organization and their desire to grow within the company.

Career change cover letter

A career change cover letter is for those looking to transition into a new field or industry. This type of cover letter should highlight the applicant’s transferable skills, relevant experiences, and the reasons for their career shift. It’s also important for them to demonstrate how their prior experiences have prepared them for the new role—and how their unique perspective can benefit their prospective new employer.

Management cover letter

A management cover letter is for individuals applying for managerial positions, and should help showcase leadership skills, management experience, and specific achievements that demonstrate a candidate’s ability to lead a team effectively. Highlighting strategic thinking, project management abilities, and successful outcomes from previous roles can help them stand out as a strong candidate for a management position.

What does a cover letter include?

A well-structured cover letter is a key part of a successful job search. A good cover letter format helps present all the candidate’s information clearly and professionally. Here are some important components that should be included in a cover letter.

Header with date and contact information

The header of a cover letter includes the job seeker’s contact details and the date. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and relevant social media profiles (like your LinkedIn).

The header can also include the company name and the hiring manager's contact information, if available.

Greeting or salutation

Begin your cover letter with a proper greeting or salutation. Address the hiring manager by name if possible—this shows that you have done your research and adds a personal touch.

Opening paragraph

The first paragraph of your cover letter should capture the potential employer's attention—use an anecdote or personal experience to draw them in and stand out from other applicants. You might also mention how you found the job listing and why you’re excited about the opportunity.

Make sure to also state the specific job title you are applying for (this is increasingly important in the age of AI screenings that may reject your application if specific keywords aren’t present). Provide a brief introduction of who you are and why you are interested in the position. 

Main body

The main body of your cover letter is where you detail your relevant experience that makes you a strong candidate for the job. Highlight key achievements from your previous roles that demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the position. Use this section to connect your background with the job requirements and show how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs.

Closing paragraph

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 

A well-written cover letter should end with a strong call to action, such as stating when you’re available for an interview to discuss your application further. Mention any attachments, such as your resume, and state that you are looking forward to the next steps.

Sign-off

End your cover letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your signature (if submitting a hard copy) and your typed name. This final touch makes your cover letter formal and complete.

Cover letter tips for making a great first impression

Found a job posting you want to pursue? A well-crafted cover letter can make or break your application process. To be sure your cover letter stands out and makes a great first impression, follow these essential tips.

Customize every cover letter you write

Recruiters can easily spot a generic cover letter, so the first tip is to tailor each letter to the specific application. 

A great cover letter will directly reference the job description and focus on the qualifications and skills you have that are the closest fit for the role. Most importantly, write a new cover letter for every role you apply for—don’t send the same generic letter with multiple applications.

Do your research

Addressing your cover letter to the correct person can make a strong impact. Instead of using generic greetings like "Dear Sir," “Dear Hiring Manager, or "To Whom It May Concern," do some research to actually find the hiring manager's name. Look through the company’s website, LinkedIn, or call the human resources department to ask. Starting your cover letter with a personalized greeting shows attention to detail and can set a positive tone for the rest of your application.

Specifically tie your skills to the job you’re seeking

To make your cover letter even more effective, explicitly connect your work experience and skills to the job you’re applying for. If you have years of experience in a field relevant to the job, highlight that prominently. 

For example, if the job posting is for a digital marketing role, mention a specific example of a successful campaign or project you’ve managed and how it’s relevant to the role you’re seeking. Clearly connect how your background matches the job requirements and how you can add value to the company.

Keep it short and to the point

An effective cover letter should be concise and focused. Aim to keep your cover letter to one page—avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details, focus on the most relevant aspects of your background, and show you’re a perfect fit for the job. A succinct cover letter is more likely to hold the reader’s attention and convey your message effectively.

Proofread before sending

Before you send your cover letter, take the time to proofread it thoroughly—or, better yet, get a neutral proofreader with fresh eyes to look it over. Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression on recruiters and hiring managers.

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

Still have questions about cover letters? Learn more in our FAQ below.

Why write a cover letter?

Writing a cover letter can help you showcase your communication skills and make a personal connection with the hiring manager. A well-crafted cover letter provides you with an opportunity to highlight your qualifications, explain any gaps in your resume, and express your enthusiasm for the position. It can set you apart from other candidates by giving a deeper insight into your personality and fit for the company.

Should you use a cover letter template?

Using a cover letter template can be a helpful starting point, especially if you are unsure about the structure and format. Templates can guide you on how to organize your information effectively and ensure that you include all the necessary elements. However, it's important to customize the template to fit the specific job you are applying for. Personalizing your cover letter will make it more relevant and show that you have put in the effort to tailor your application to the job.

When should you follow up after sending a cover letter?

Following up after sending a cover letter is an important step in the job application process. It's usually a good idea to wait about one or two weeks before reaching back out. This gives the hiring manager time to review your application without feeling rushed. When you do follow up, be polite and professional. Express your continued interest in the position and ask about the status of your application.

Where can you find cover letter examples?

There are many resources available online where you can find cover letter examples: Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are good places to start.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.

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