When to Write a Cover Letter
When applying for a job, you should always send a cover letter, even when the employer does not explicitly request one. The only time to avoid sending a cover letter is when the job advertisement explicitly states not to send one. In that case, it is important to follow the instructions mentioned in the job advertisement.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job
When writing a cover letter, address the top skills and abilities you possess that align with the job description. You should choose qualifications that you consider most relevant to the position you are applying for: review the job description and try to pinpoint the qualifications that add the most value to the position. Provide a specific example of a time when you demonstrated each of these qualifications.
Bullet Point Shortcuts
A great way to showcase your skills and accomplishments is to include a bullet-point list highlighting your top qualifications in the body of your cover letter. Use four or five bullet points to help this information “pop” on the page.
Clarifying What’s in Your Resume
You can use the cover letter to elaborate on something in your resume that needs clarification. For example, the cover letter can be a great place to talk about a change in your career path, a gap in employment, or to explain an extended professional hiatus.
Proofreading and Editing Your Cover Letter
A report from CareerBuilder states that spelling and grammatical errors can cost you an interview, as can failing to include a cover letter. Be sure to thoroughly proofread each cover letter before sending it, looking for errors in grammar and spelling. It may be helpful to ask a friend or family member, or even a career counselor, to read your cover letter. It might be useful to print a copy of your cover letter and edit it with a pen in hand. Reading it out loud is another good way to catch mistakes.
Reviewing Examples and Templates
To help with writing your cover letter, read examples like the ones below, as well as cover letter templates. Remember to tailor any example or template to fit your own experiences and the job you are applying for.
Cover Letter Template for a Resume
This is a cover letter template for a resume. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.
Joseph Q. Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
555-212-1234
josephq@email.com
August 17, 2020
Jane Smith
Director, Human Resources
Acme Company
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am interested in the author’s assistant position at Acme Company, as advertised on LinkedIn. I am currently employed as legislative director for Assemblywoman Nora Kiel, Chairperson of the NYS Assembly. I believe that the skills and experiences I have gained at this position make me an ideal candidate for the job of author’s assistant.
As legislative director, I have developed strong writing and editing skills. For example, one of my main duties is to prepare Assemblywoman Nora Kiel’s personal legislation, which deals with issues related to her position as Senior Member of the NYS Assembly Standing Committee.
This duty requires meticulous writing and editing skills, and an ability to convey complex legal ideas clearly. I have prepared dozens of pieces of legislation and received praise for the clarity of my writing.
I have also gained extensive experience in legal and policy research – fields that you state the author’s assistant must be familiar with. My experience in the NYS Assembly has afforded me the opportunity to become familiar with the consolidated and unconsolidated laws of the State of New York. In particular, through my work with Assemblywoman Nora Kiel, I have become heavily involved in the current welfare and Medicaid reform movement. I am always eager to learn more about state legislation, reading up on these topics on my own time to become more knowledgeable. I would love to bring this passion for policy and law to your company.
I
I am confident that my experience in the Legislature and my research and writing skills qualify me for consideration. If you would like, I can provide you with current samples of my work. I have also enclosed my resume. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing my qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
Joseph Q. Applicant (signature hard copy letter)
Joseph Q. Applicant
Sending a Cover Letter via Email
If you are sending the cover letter via email, include your name and the job title in the subject line of the email. Include your contact information in your email signature, but do not mention the employer’s contact information. Skip the date and begin your email with the salutation.
More Cover Letter Examples
Are you ready to get started? You can review over 100 free cover letter samples for more inspiration. Or follow this guide on how to write a cover letter in 5 easy steps.
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Sources:
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Robert Half. “How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out.” Accessed March 17, 2021.
Career One Stop. “How Do I Write a Cover Letter?” Accessed March 17, 2021.
Career Builder. “Employers Share the Most Cringeworthy Resume Mistakes and Instant Turnoffs.” Accessed March 17, 2021.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/cover-letter-sample-for-a-resume-2060250
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