What Hiring Managers Look For
Like resumes, cover letters have a specific format and style. Hiring managers expect cover letters to contain certain details and be well-organized.
Tips for Using a Cover Letter Template
A cover letter template helps you format your message. It shows you the elements that should be included in your letter, such as the introduction and body paragraphs.
What to Include in Each Section
Contact Information: The first section or header of your cover letter should include information on how to contact you. If you have the employer’s contact information, include it. Otherwise, list your personal information.
Date: The second section should include the date the cover letter is written.
Employer Contact Information: The third section should include the employer’s name, title, company, address, city, and ZIP code.
Salutation: The fourth section should include a greeting such as “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name.”
Cover Letter Body: The body of the cover letter informs the employer about the position you are applying for, why they should choose you for an interview, and how you will follow up.
First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. Cite a mutual connection if you have one. Be clear, concise, and enthusiastic about your interest in the job. Your goal is to build a relationship and persuade the reader that you should be granted the interview or appointment you will request in the final paragraph.
Middle Paragraphs: The next section of the cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Create strong connections between your capabilities and the employer’s needs. Specifically mention how your skills and experience align with the position you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support every statement you make with a specific piece of evidence, and quantify your unique achievements with percentages or figures or dollar amounts where possible.
Final Paragraph: Conclude the cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and requesting a personal interview. Include information on how you will follow up. Mention that you will do so and indicate when (usually within a week).
Complimentary Close: Write “Sincerely” at the end of the cover letter.
Signature: Sign the cover letter with a handwritten signature (for hard copies) or a typed signature.
Cover Letter Template
Download a free cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Microsoft Word) or read the example below. You will also find an email cover letter template below.
Email Cover Letter Template
The formats of email cover letters differ slightly from printed or attached cover letters. For example, in an email cover letter, your contact information is placed at the bottom of the message instead of at the top. You also do not include the employer’s contact information or the date at the top.
Sending an Email
When sending a cover letter via email, include the reason you are writing in the subject line:
Subject: Thalia Washington – Social Media Marketing Manager Position
Include your contact information in your signature instead of in the body of the message:
Sincerely,
Thalia Washington
9 Beacon Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 07987
twashington@email.com
555-555-5555
Creating a Personalized Cover Letter Template
Microsoft Word cover letter templates are available for a variety of situations. Add your personal information to the template to create cover letters you can use for various types of job applications.
Like Microsoft Word, Google Docs offers a variety of professional business letter templates that you can use when writing your cover letter. Just fill in the template with your personal information and save the document in your account.
Reviewing Cover Letter Samples and More Tips
In addition
To use a cover letter template, you may also want to review cover letter samples and read tips on how to format a cover letter for ideas on writing your own cover letter. Additionally, discover the top 10 tips for writing a cover letter so you can ensure that your message is effective.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/cover-letter-template-2060213
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