A good cover letter is short and specific: it greets the right person, says which job you are applying for, shows in 1 or 2 paragraphs why you are the right fit, and closes politely. This article explains each part of that structure.
Many job seekers put all their effort into writing the perfect resume. Of course, it is important to have a resume that shows the best of you. After all, it doesn't matter how perfect you are for the job if the hiring manager isn't impressed enough to invite you to an interview. What people often overlook, though, is the cover letter. A good cover letter gets the hiring manager to take the next step and read your resume.
Your resume should open the door to an interview, but in many cases it is your cover letter that first has to get your resume read. In some ways, the cover letter is a summary of your resume: your 30-second "elevator pitch". You have just a few moments to impress the hiring manager, and when you know how to write a cover letter, that is just what you will do.
How to write a cover letter
A good cover letter follows a clear structure. Here are its critical parts.
Salutation
The salutation is the opening line of your cover letter. The key is to be as specific as possible. If you know the name of the hiring manager, use it: "Dear Ms. Smith," or "Dear Mr. Smith,". Be sure to use the right title ("Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Ms.").
If you don't know their name, use their job title, for example "Dear Hiring Manager,". If you have no idea who will read your cover letter, you can use "To Whom It May Concern". This should be a last resort, though, because it suggests that you are sending a general letter to whoever happens to read it.
First paragraph
In the first paragraph, tell the reader why you are writing and which job you are applying for.
The body
The body is what makes a cover letter great. This is where you convince the hiring manager to look at your resume.
Keep this section to 1 or 2 paragraphs, and be very specific. In it, tell them:
- why you are qualified;
- how your experience and history fit the requirements of the job;
- why you want to work for them.
Everything you mention about your skills and history should be tailored to the job opening. If this section is generic, your letter will look just like everyone else's. Make sure it clearly says what makes you different, and make sure your resume backs up what you say.
Final paragraph
The last paragraph wraps up the letter. Include a single sentence that reminds them why they should hire you. Then give your contact information and thank them for their time.
Closing
The final part of your letter is the closing. It should be simple and respectful. The most common option is "Sincerely," followed by your name. "Kind regards," is also widely used.
Proofread and spell check
When your cover letter is written, you aren't done yet. The critical last step is to proofread it and check it with the Spell Checker, so that it has no careless mistakes. The goal of your cover letter is to impress the hiring manager, and spelling mistakes certainly won't do that.
For the rest of your application, see how to write a resume and how to create the perfect job application.