What to Include in the Letter
When you apply for a job, you may be asked to submit a cover letter along with your resume. Even if it’s not required, it’s usually a good idea to write a cover letter when applying for jobs. A well-crafted cover letter helps you stand out in a sea of candidates, increasing your chances of being selected for an interview.
Your cover letter should highlight the points in your resume that make you a superior candidate for the position you seek. It should not be just a summary of your resume, but rather shine a light on the details and elaborate on key assets that are essential for success in the job.
What to Include in the Letter
Think of your cover letter not just as an introduction or a statement of intent to apply for a job, but as a golden opportunity to market yourself, your skills, qualifications, and training to the employer.
As a strong marketing document, its primary purpose is to convince the hiring manager to take a closer look at your resume rather than the usual quick scan. You are in control here, so highlight the achievements and experiences that will make you a compelling candidate. Be selective!
The Body of the Letter
Start the body of your letter with important information about how you were referred to the opportunity and your interest in the position.
However, most of the letter should focus on your qualifications for the job, relevant training, and the reasons that make you an excellent candidate. You can cover these points in several paragraphs or utilize bullet points.
Ideally, your letter should be easy to read – use action-oriented language and avoid overly long paragraphs that can be tiring on the eyes. Remember, you don’t want to repeat your resume here. Instead, you want to connect the dots between the job posting and your experience for the employer.
Your goal is to “show, not tell” – instead of saying “I am detail-oriented,” you might say “At Company X, I ran the marketing newsletter, which was sent to 50,000 customers, from start to finish, ensuring it went out on time, included all relevant promotions from 15 departments, and was error-free.”
Closing the Letter
In closing, you can include your plans to follow up with the hiring manager: “I will call next week to follow up on my application status.” You should also politely thank them for their time. Use a business-like closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “With thanks,” followed by your name and signature (in the printed version).
If you are sending the cover letter via email, you can include your email signature.
How to Address the Cover Letter
Sometimes, the hiring manager’s name is mentioned in the job posting, and in this case, you should address your letter to them. In instances where a name isn’t mentioned, you should make an effort to find out the appropriate person to address your letter to.
It’s always best to direct your application materials to the right hiring manager. If you can’t find their name by reviewing the company’s official website or calling the reception desk, you can use the company address and an alternative greeting, like “Dear Hiring Manager.” Here are some tips on how to address the cover letter, along with helpful examples.
General Template for a Cover Letter
You can use this template as a guide for writing your cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below. Use this template as inspiration – do not copy it directly.
Adam Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
adam.applicant@email.com
July 14, 2020
Beauford Lee
Head of Academic Affairs
Business City College
123 Business Rd.
Business
City, NY 54321
Dear Mr. Lee:
I am writing in reply to the classified ad you posted seeking to fill the position of Graduate Student Advisor for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program at ABC College.
Having earned my Master of Arts degree in Academic Advising from XYZ University, I understand the importance for informed academic counseling and program planning in a higher education environment.
I have also experienced first-hand the comforting effect of being able to contact an advisor who genuinely cares for the professional growth and success of students.
During my career as an electrician prior to my graduate studies, I was elected Chairman of the Executive Board where I sat as the union’s representative to the apprenticeship advisory board. In this capacity, I was able to be an effective advisor to apprentices who were experiencing scholastic problems that threatened their future in the industry. I particularly enjoyed working with older apprentices who were seeking a career change and had problems adjusting to the obligations of work, school, and family life.
I believe that both my educational background in Academic Advising and my work-related duties of counseling and advising students enrolled in learning programs qualify me for consideration for the position of Graduate Student Advisor. I look forward to discussing how my skills can be of value to ABC College as it prepares to move into the new millennium. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.
Sincerely,
Adam Applicant (hard copy letter)
Adam Applicant
Before Sending Your Letter
Always make sure to thoroughly proofread your letter. The last thing you want to do is make a spelling mistake in the company’s name! Also, ensure the email address or physical address is accurate.
It may also be helpful to take a final look at the job posting. Review the job requirements, then make sure your letter shows that you fit the criteria. You can also reach out to a friend and ask for feedback on the letter.
Sending a Cover Letter via Email
When sending a cover letter via email, there is no need to include the employer’s contact information or your personal information at the top of the letter. Instead, provide your contact information in your email signature beneath your name.
Review More Examples
Are you looking for more examples on how to write a cover letter? Review more cover letter examples for a variety of professional fields and job levels, including a cover letter template for internships, as well as cover letters for entry-level, targeted, and email submissions.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/general-all-purpose-cover-letter-sample-2060253
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