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How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
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What is a Job Application Letter?
Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.
- Writing Guidelines
- What to Include in Each Section
Simple Formatting Using a Template
Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.
Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.
A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.
Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.
Melissa Ling / The Balance
Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include (keeping in mind that space is limited).
Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you can do better than just regurgitating your resume—instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.
Analyze the Job Posting
To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.
The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job ad . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs .
Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications
Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes, and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to get started writing.
Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters
Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) to font size and style to letter spacing :
Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs is typical.
Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.
Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
What To Include in Each Section of the Letter
There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections included in a job application letter:
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.
- Header Examples
Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name, or are unsure of a contact's gender.
Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.
In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.
The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered all that information about what employers were seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.
The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.
Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.
- Closing Examples
Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.
- Signature Examples
Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a job application letter template to create your own personalized job application letters for applying for a job. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.
Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.
- Always write one. Unless a job posting specifically says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment, or type it directly into their online application system).
- Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning, and your signature at the end.
- Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.
Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
- Use keywords. Reread the job listing, circling any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
- Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
- Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.
This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.
Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)
Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com
August 11, 2020
Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101
Dear Mr. Smith,
I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.
I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design, time sheet coding, and perfected my Excel skills.
I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)
Elizabeth Johnson
When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:
Subject Line Example
Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position
List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:
Email Signature Example
Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com
Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and types of jobs.
CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?" Accessed July 14, 2021.
University of Maryland Global Campus. " Frequently Asked Questions ." Accessed July 14, 2021.
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Home Cover Letter Help How to Write a Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job
Unsure what to write in your cover letter, or how to make a cover letter that pairs well with your resume? Our cover letter writing guide explains these details in-depth, and shows you how to write a good cover letter for a job application that lands you an interview.
Picture this : you’ve already made a resume that highlights your experience and you’re about to submit a job application. But before you can continue you see the phrase that every job seeker dreads: “ cover letter required .”
Nobody likes writing cover letters, but if you’re job hunting in 2023, you’ll need to write a cover letter .
We’re here to help. In this article, we break down what a cover letter is, provide some proven examples, and guide you through every step of making a cover letter for a job. Let’s get started.
What is a cover letter for a job?
Not quite clear on what a cover letter is exactly? Here’s a quick definition:
A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a particular job, and why you think you’re the right person for that job.
But seeing an example is always better than just reading a definition. So here’s an example of a cover letter to show you what a good cover letter looks like in 2023:
Download Cover Letter Example
Cover Letter Template (Text Version)
December 3, 2022
Mrs. Connie Finnegan
24 Federal Ave.
Atlanta, GA, 30308
(404) 987-6543
[email protected]
Dear Mrs. Finnegan,
I’m writing to apply for the Restaurant Manager opening at Cool Bistro. I have more than three years of experience managing successful restaurants and bars, delivering excellent customer service, and creating unique dining experiences. I’m confident my professional expertise would make me a great addition to the team at Cool Bistro.
In my role as Restaurant Manager for Bar Louie, I proved to be an efficient, enthusiastic, and strong leader. My value quickly became apparent to Bar Louie’s owners after I trained and prepared the entire waitstaff for opening night. Not only did our team meet sales goals each month for the first year, but we received glowing reviews in the local papers as well.
I’m confident Cool Bistro would benefit from my skills in the following areas:
- Eye for excellence and high level of standards
- Strong work ethic and leadership skills
- Positive attitude even under pressure
I believe Cool Bistro will be a great success for many years to come, and my extensive expertise will help ensure your establishment succeeds well into the future. My time spent in this industry has prepared me for such an opportunity, and I sincerely hope I can contribute soon as a member of your team.
I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss the Restaurant Manager position in more detail soon. I’m happy to come by whenever is most convenient for you. Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
[Your Name]
To maximize your chances of getting an interview, you need to write a cover letter that makes a strong positive first impression on employers. And if you don’t have time to write one, no worries — you can also make a cover letter quickly using online tools or a cover letter template .
Writing a cover letter for a job with no experience ? Watch the video below to get started. Or keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about how to write a good cover letter that gets you hired regardless of your background.
How to write a cover letter for a job application
Not sure what to write in a cover letter? Follow the seven simple steps below to make a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on employers:
1. List your contact details
Underneath your name in your cover letter header , list the following contact information:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address (optional)
- Linkedin profile link (optional)
- Portfolio or website (optional)
- Pronouns (optional)
2. Address the hiring manager by name
Here’s how the top half of your cover letter should look.
After your header, include the date and the company contact information in this format:
Cover Letter Address Format
Name or job title of the person or team you’re writing to Company name Company’s street address Company’s phone number Hiring manager’s email address
Next, address your cover letter to the hiring manager — by name if possible.
A standard cover letter salutation includes the hiring manager’s last name, and begins with “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or another relevant professional title.
If you don’t see the hiring manager’s name listed in the job ad, don’t worry. You can still easily find out who to address your cover letter to:
Ways to find the hiring manager’s name
- Search the company on LinkedIn and click on “People”
- Explore the company’s website (specifically their “About Us” or “Team” page)
- As a last resort, contact their human resources department and ask
However, if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, using their job title or something like Dear [Department Name] Director is okay.
Here are some example cover letter greetings:
Ways to open your cover letter
- Dear Jane Smith
- Dear Ms. Smith
- Dear Accounting Department
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter
3. Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph
Start your cover letter with an informative, direct introduction.
In the first one or two sentences, mention the position and organization you’re applying for, where you found the position, and why you’re excited about the opportunity. Check out this example of an effective cover letter introduction:
Example of a good cover letter introduction
Your opening paragraph should encourage the employer to read the rest of your cover letter.
Highlight your passion
You can make your introduction even more attention-grabbing by adding some personality, or by including a career highlight. Here’s a sample cover letter for a job application highlighting the jobseeker’s passion for the role.
Displaying your passion for a job
As a teenager, I would cut my friends’ hair because of my passion for haircare. Eventually, many of my friends and family would come exclusively to me when they needed their hair cut. Today, if anything, I’m even more passionate about hair care, which is why I’m applying for the open Stylist role at Grateful Dreads.
Showing personality in your cover letter helps employers understand what motivates you.
Just be sure to strike the right tone for your industry or field. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in law or finance, keep your writing formal.
Mention any referrals or contacts you have at the job
If you received a referral to the job by a current employee, your introduction is the place to mention it. Include a referral in your cover letter by quickly stating their name and your connection to them. This is a great way to quickly win over a hiring manager.
Adding a referral for a role
Your Personal Trainer, Augusta Maine, informed me about your open Executive Diary Secretary role and encouraged me to apply.
4. Explain why you’re qualified for the job
Your second and third paragraphs should convince employers that you’re the right person for the job. Use these paragraphs to best market yourself by discussing your relevant work experience, skills, and achievements.
Some things to include in your cover letter that highlight your value to employers include achievements , awards , and expertise . Here’s how you can add these elements:
If you’ve received compliments from management or colleagues for your work, you can add them to your cover letter:
Showcasing success on a cover letter
The managing partner of the law firm, Olympia Washington — one of my references — informed me that without my research skills, we wouldn’t have been able to guarantee such a good result for our clients in a class-action suit against an eldercare facility that had been overcharging its residents.
5. Relate your experience to the company’s needs
Begin to close your cover letter by restating your interest in the job and explaining how your experience fits into the needs of the company.
For example, if you’re applying to work at a company that’s seeking to break into a new market that you have experience in, you should highlight this experience in your writing.
Showing prior experience on a cover letter
I noticed in The San Antonio Express-News that you’re expanding Los Pollos Sobrinos into neighboring New Mexico. As a supervisor at Big Kahuna Burger, I’ve onboarded 20+ new employees, and I’m sure I could help you rapidly grow and train your team.
If you’re not sure what the goals or needs of the company are, find out by doing some research online. Take note of the products or services they offer, what their work culture is like, and if they have any future goals.
The job ad is also an excellent place to find out what the company is seeking.
6. Finish with a concise closing paragraph and sign-off
When writing a cover letter closing , be polite, confident, and continue to market yourself as the best candidate for the job.
First, restate your excitement about the job opportunity. Then, encourage the hiring manager to interview you (remember to mention when you’re available), and thank them for their time:
Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a professional closing salutation. The standard closing is “Sincerely” but here are some more options:
6 more sign offs for a cover letter
- Best wishes,
- Respectfully,
- Kind regards,
- Best regards,
- Yours truly,
Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name.
7. Check your cover letter’s content and formatting
After creating your cover letter, you need to review it before you send it off. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing your cover letter:
Double-check your cover letter formatting
A professional cover letter is normally:
- 200–350 words
- single-spaced
- US Letter (USA) or A4 (elsewhere) page size
- Left-aligned (except for your contact details, which can be centered)
Take a look at the checklist below before you submit your application to make sure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
Simplify your writing
The trick to writing a good cover letter that gives employers an easy overview of your qualifications is to use direct language.
Ideally, a cover letter for a resume should be easy to read, confident, and friendly.
To instantly improve your writing tone:
- Use contractions like “don’t” instead of “do not”
- Avoid overused buzzwords and phrases like “dynamic,” “think outside the box,” and “go-getter”
- Choose simple words like “helpful” instead of “advantageous”
Here’s a comparison between a friendly writing style and an overly formal one:
Excited and professional
I’m thrilled to apply for the customer service position at [Company Name]. Having been a customer service representative for 5+ years at Walmart, I’m confident I can quickly apply my experience using Zendesk and Salesforce to make a positive impact on [Company Name]’s bottom line.
It is with great interest that I apply for the open customer service position posted by your company on Indeed. I possess the requisite skill set to ably perform the customer service duties described in the job requirements.
Proofread carefully
Typos and grammatical errors in your cover letter will leave a negative impression on employers.
Here are two quick tricks professional editors use to catch mistakes:
- Read your writing out loud : Reading your letter aloud forces you to consider every word, sentence, paragraph, and punctuation mark. Plus, you’ll more easily notice hard-to-read sentences, and can then simplify them.
- Change the font : A new font forces your brain to process something that seems new. Switching your cover letter to a different font and font size can help you notice mistakes you’d otherwise miss.
After you’ve read your cover letter out loud, have someone else read it over. They can provide helpful feedback like whether your letter is clear and well-argued, or vague and filled with cliches. They’ll also (hopefully) notice any small grammar and spelling errors you missed.
How to make a cover letter using online software
If you’re short on time, try using a web application to quickly make a convincing cover letter.
There are several powerful cover letter builders online that you can try out. We’ll walk you through our own cover letter generator , so you can create your own letter in a few quick steps.
Step 1: Fill in your personal information
This information is what the software uses to generate your cover letter, and includes your:
Work experience
- Educational background
- Skills and personal qualities
Additionally, you’ll need to list the job title and company that you’re applying for so that the builder knows how to address your cover letter.
Depending on your educational status and how much relevant work experience you have, the software will highlight different information to help put the focus on your strengths as a candidate.
For example, if you already have several years of relevant work experience, the builder won’t mention your college education because your degree is no longer your most relevant qualification.
The last question asks you to explain how your coworkers might describe you (the answer ultimately being a soft skill you’ve developed over time). The builder then uses this detail in your cover letter to help further market you as the best candidate for the job.
Step 2: Select your template
But before you download your cover letter, make sure it looks appropriate for the job you’re applying for and matches the design of your resume.
Click on the left or right side of your cover letter to swap between the many HR-approved templates available in our builder. We offer a variety of templates designed for different industries and levels of formality, so you’ll soon find a design that works for you:
Step 3: Download your completed cover letter
With your cover letter written and neatly formatted, you’re ready to download your finished document.
Once you click “Proceed to Download”, you’ll be prompted to download your file in either PDF or .docx format.
In most situations, you should save your cover letter as a PDF because it’s easy for employers to open and ensures the reader doesn’t accidentally edit your cover letter when viewing it.
However, if a company specifically asks you to send your job application in .docx format, you should save your cover letter as a docx.
Frequently asked questions about how to write a cover letter
Still unsure about something? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing a cover letter:
What makes a good cover letter?
A good cover letter expands upon the information in your resume, providing context for your skills and accomplishments. It also gives employers insight into your personality so they can determine if you’d be a good cultural fit for the company.
What should you not say in a cover letter?
What you shouldn’t say in a cover letter is anything that makes you seem negative . For example, avoid talking about why you hate your job , or complaining about your current employer.
Instead, focus on what you learned in your current position that will help you succeed in your next role.
Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter?
No, you shouldn’t include salary requirements in your cover letter unless the company requests it.
If the salary you state is too high, the employer might reject your application before you get the opportunity to explain why your skill set and experience warrant a higher salary.
How do you write a general cover letter for a resume?
You write a general cover letter for a resume by highlighting the skills that make you a competitive candidate in your target industry without including any specific details about the job you’re applying for.
However, keep in mind that tailoring your cover letter to each position you apply for will increase your chances of landing a job. We recommend against using a general cover letter unless you really need to save time.
Additional cover letter FAQs:
Still have some questions that haven’t been answered? Here are some of our other cover letter FAQs:
- Does a resume need a cover letter?
- How do I include a referral in a cover letter?
- How do you write salary requirements in a cover letter?
- What is an enclosure in a cover letter?
- Should you use a template for a cover letter?
- Does a CV include a cover letter?
- Can a cover letter be two pages?
- Do cover letters need an address?
- Do I need to sign a cover letter submitted electronically?
- Should you put a photo on a cover letter?
- What does a cover letter look like?
We also have the answers to many more frequently asked questions about cover letters if you don’t see your question above.
Click to rate this article
Written by Ida Pettersson
Ida is a Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she assists job seekers as they plan their next career moves. She graduated from New College of Florida with a double major... more
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What is a Cover Letter and Why is it Important for Job Applications?
Career › Cover letter › What is a Cover Letter and Why is it Important for Job Applications?
When applying for a job, you might be familiar with submitting your resume or CV, but what about a cover letter? A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume and serves as an introduction to your qualifications and experience. It is typically sent to potential employers along with your resume and provides a brief overview of why you are the best candidate for the job.
A well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, highlight your relevant experience, and explain how you can add value to the company. Employers often use cover letters to determine whether a candidate is a good fit for the job and the company culture. Without a cover letter, your application may seem incomplete and can leave a negative impression on the hiring manager. Therefore, it is crucial to include a cover letter in your job application to give yourself the best chance of getting hired.
Purpose of a Cover Letter
The primary purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer and provide them with additional information about your qualifications and experience. It is your chance to make a good first impression and grab the attention of the hiring manager. A cover letter can also showcase your writing skills and demonstrate your interest in the job.
While your resume provides an overview of your education, work experience, and skills, a cover letter allows you to elaborate on these qualifications and provide more context. It allows you to explain why you are interested in the position, how your experience aligns with the job requirements, and why you are the best candidate for the job. A cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and make a stronger case for why you should be hired.
A well-written cover letter highlights your most relevant qualifications and achievements. It allows you to emphasize the skills and experiences that are most important for the job and demonstrate how you can add value to the company. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific job requirements, you can make it clear to the hiring manager that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. This can increase your chances of getting called for an interview and ultimately landing the job.
Components of a Cover Letter
How to write an effective cover letter.
- Research the company and job
Before writing your cover letter, it is important to research the company and the job you are applying for. This can help you understand the company culture and tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements.
- Address the hiring manager
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. This can help personalize your application and demonstrate that you have done your research.
- Customize the cover letter to the job description
Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job requirements listed in the job posting. Use the job description as a guide to highlight your qualifications and explain how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
- Highlight your qualifications
Use the body of your cover letter to highlight your most relevant qualifications and achievements. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experience make you the best candidate for the job.
- Use a professional tone
Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone and free of errors. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid slang or overly casual language. Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, with each paragraph serving a specific purpose.
Fact:
Job seekers who included a cover letter with their job application were 50% more likely to receive an interview request than those who didn't.
By following these recommendations, you can write an effective cover letter that showcases your qualifications and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job. A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in getting called for an interview and ultimately landing the job.
Tips for Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out
- Use keywords from the job description
To make your cover letter stand out, use keywords from the job description in your cover letter. This can demonstrate that you have read the job description carefully and that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
- Showcase your unique qualifications
Use your cover letter to showcase your unique qualifications and experience. Highlight any accomplishments or projects that set you apart from other candidates. This can help you stand out and make a stronger case for why you should be hired.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and the company by highlighting why you are interested in the job and what you can bring to the team. Show that you have done your research on the company and that you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to its success.
By incorporating these tips into your cover letter, you can make it stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting called for an interview. A well-crafted cover letter can help you make a strong first impression and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.
49% of HR managers believe that cover letters are important, and 26% said they spend more than a minute reviewing them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grammatical and spelling errors
One of the most common mistakes in cover letters is grammatical and spelling errors. These errors can create a negative impression and make you appear careless and unprofessional. Always proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it to ensure that it is free of errors.
- Generic language
Another mistake to avoid is using generic language in your cover letter. Avoid using clichés or overly formal language that can make your letter sound insincere or unoriginal. Instead, use specific examples and concrete language to demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
- Using the wrong company name
Another common mistake is using the wrong company name in your cover letter. This can happen when you use a generic cover letter for multiple job applications without updating the company name. Always double-check the company name before submitting your cover letter to ensure that it is accurate.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the effectiveness of your cover letter and make a positive impression on the employer. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing the job.
In conclusion, a cover letter is a crucial component of a job application that can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job. A well-crafted cover letter can complement your resume and showcase your unique qualifications, increasing your chances of landing the job.
If you are applying for a job, we strongly encourage you to write a cover letter to accompany your resume. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write an effective and impactful cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates and increases your chances of getting called for an interview. Remember to customize your cover letter to the job description, highlight your qualifications, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. With a well-written cover letter, you can make a strong first impression and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.
- A cover letter is a crucial component of a job application that can help you stand out from other applicants.
- A well-crafted cover letter should complement your resume and showcase your unique qualifications.
- To write an effective cover letter, you should research the company and job, address the hiring manager, and customize the letter to the job description.
- To make your cover letter stand out, use keywords, showcase your unique qualifications, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
- Common mistakes to avoid in your cover letter include grammatical and spelling errors, using generic language, and using the wrong company name.
- Writing a cover letter can increase your chances of getting called for an interview and ultimately landing the job.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
A cover letter is a personalized letter that accompanies your resume, while a resume is a formal document that summarizes your work experience, education, and skills.
Do I need to write a cover letter for every job application?
It's generally a good idea to write a unique cover letter for each job application, as it allows you to tailor your qualifications and showcase your interest in the specific position.
What should I include in my cover letter?
A cover letter should include a heading with your contact information, a salutation addressing the hiring manager, an introduction, a body highlighting your qualifications, a conclusion, and a signature.
How do I address my cover letter if I don't know the hiring manager's name?
If you don't know the name of the hiring manager, you can address the letter to "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team."
Should I mention salary requirements in my cover letter?
It's generally not recommended to mention salary requirements in your cover letter, as it may be seen as presumptuous or put you at a disadvantage in salary negotiations.
Was this helpful?
Yes, cover letters are still necessary in job applications: survey
Is it okay to not write a cover letter? The short answer is no, it is not okay.
You need a cover letter for job applications. They are still pivotal, according to a survey by Resume Genius .
The resume-building platform reached out to 625 hiring managers from a range of small businesses with less than 100 employees to large companies that employ over 1,000 employees across the US on their thoughts about cover letters .
They found:
- 78% of recruiters prefer applicants to submit a cover letter for job applications
- 45% of hiring managers read a cover letter before a resume
- 72% of hiring managers expect applicants to submit a cover letter even if the job posting says that it is optional to do so
“Our goal was to gain insight into the minds of people who actually read cover letters,” shares Rebecca Tay, Resume Genius’s in-house professional researcher, who compiled the results of this survey.
“There’s a lot of data out there that looks at the views of cover letters from the job seeker’s perspective (and the consensus is they don’t like them and they avoid writing them), but what really matters is how important hiring managers think cover letters are.”
While close to eight in 10 recruiters prefer applicants to provide a cover letter for job application, the answer is more complicated than that. Source: Manan Vatsyanana/AFP
What happens if you don’t include a cover letter?
That’ll depend on several factors. Your job application may not be prioritised, if the hiring manager is male.
The survey found that male hiring managers tend to prioritise cover letters compared to female hiring managers. They also felt that it was important for applicants to customise their cover letters.
Someone who hires but is not a dedicated HR professional is more likely to think that cover letters are important.
“Whether these hiring professionals would be working directly with the recruit and therefore care more about the person’s fit and personality, or if there are other reasons, is something that would be interesting to explore in the future,” Tay shares.
So, should you include a cover letter if it is optional?
Despite these findings, all hiring managers agreed that a cover letter should provide additional information and context as to why a person is applying for the position.
It also allows applicants to demonstrate why they are a right fit for the position and show their personality in their job applications, according to hiring managers in the survey.
Hortense Minishi, a Master of Human Rights student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, agrees.
“The cover letter allows me to share that ‘special sparkle’ that makes me uniquely qualified for the position I am applying for. It highlights my strengths, skills and experiences that are most relevant for that specific role,” she shares.
Yes, you still need a cover letter for job applications. Source: Octavio Jones/Getty Images/AFP
It’s important to customise your cover letter for job applications
The results from their latest survey also show how important it is for applicants to customise their cover letter for job applications, no matter how similar one posting is to another.
If you plan on writing one soon, you should match your skills with the job posting, mention the company’s goals, use the company’s name, and address the hiring manager with their name (if possible).
Alternatively, hiring managers shared that “Dear Hiring Manager” was the most preferred intro if you can’t find their name after researching the company.
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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > How to write a great cover letter for a job
How to write a great cover letter for a job
Job hunting can be tough—especially when it comes to your cover letter. Writing a unique, eye-catching cover letter for a job application is one of the toughest parts of the entire process.
To help you land your dream job, we’ve created this quick guide to writing a stand-out cover letter. Let’s dive in.
What is a cover letter?
Before you can write an outstanding cover letter for a job application, you’ve got to understand what it is.
Your resume lays down the facts about your professional history. Your cover letter puts all of that information in context. A good cover letter will contain:
- An explanation for why you are applying for a role
- A description of how your past work history makes you an outstanding candidate
- A hint of your soft skills and ability to adapt to a new work culture
Cover letter contents vary depending on your industry, work history, and the open job. There is no clear formula for writing one, though there are certain tips you can follow. Because there is no “right” way to craft a cover letter, templates will not be much help. While you can use a template to format your cover letter, you’ll want to write the bulk of it yourself.
The more unique and creative your cover letter is, the more likely a recruiter will contact you for an interview.
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Why is having a good cover letter important?
Cover letters are optional for some applications. In the current tight job market, employers try to make it easier for people to apply for their positions. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t write one.
Over half of senior managers say that cover letters are worthwhile. If other applicants don’t include a cover letter for a job and you do, you have already set yourself apart from the pack. If your cover letter is well-written, your initial impression gets more of a boost. Even if a cover letter isn’t requested, it’s a good move to include one anyway. Be sure to go the extra mile.
For jobs that do require cover letters, a well-written cover letter can easily prove your professionalism to recruiters.
Ten tips for writing a stand-out cover letter for a job
Cover letters are important, but how do you write one that recruiters and hiring managers won’t stop talking about? Here are ten top tips for crafting a cover letter for a job:
- Address your recruiter or hiring manager by name. Using your recipient’s name quickly makes your cover letter stand out. Addressing your recipient by name shows them that you’re willing to put that extra work in.
- Link your history to the job description. Carefully review the job description before you write your cover letter. Pick out a few leading job requirements, and connect your work history examples to those requirements.
- Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell your audience about your achievements. Show them. Give examples, and try to include results where you can. Add in numbers where you can, too. Quantified results will stand out.
- Create a story. In your cover letter, demonstrate how your past work history has raised you to your present level. Then, explain how you will be able to succeed at the specific role you’re applying for. Think of it as a story with a strong narrative arc.
- Use an appropriate, approachable tone. Formal cover letters can seem off-putting in this day and age. Write in a casual yet professional tone. If your industry skews conservative or otherwise, keep that in mind.
- Insert your personality. Hiring teams want to know if you’ll be a flexible co-worker. Try to make your cover letter reflect your personality—especially if you’re naturally energetic, positive, or kind.
- Be honest. Don’t stretch the truth in your cover letter. In fact, this is the place to address any potential issues, like an employment gap or botched project. Honesty can be impressive, showing hiring managers how you would resolve a mistake or problem in your new role.
- Leave out what you can. Mainly, you don’t want to overwhelm your readers with information. They can ask follow-up questions during the interview. Leave out any history that isn’t necessary or relevant.
- End with a call of action. Don’t tell the letter recipient that you’d like for him or her to reach out immediately. That’s overstepping boundaries. But you should feel free to let them know that you’re excited to talk with them soon.
- Coordinate your letter with your resume. Finally, you can coordinate your cover letter with your resume. Ensure both documents use similar language. You can even ensure the design matches for that extra touch with cover letter and resume templates .
Overview: what your cover letter is really about
At the end of the day, the best way to write a good cover letter for a job is to be yourself and show how much you want the job. Ultimately, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for enthusiastic team members who are willing to work hard for good results.
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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
Including a cover letter with you job application takes a little extra time, but it can mean the difference between getting an interview and your CV being discarded.
![[Featured image] Applicant writes a cover letter on a blue clipboard](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6hXTBWimkTK7cwzp8n2Bia/4825f1492b3712171214e072bcc6d247/GettyImages-1159565335__2_.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000&h= "cover application job")
Learn how to write an effective cover letter as part of your job application to maximise your chances of getting an interview.
When applying for a job, more often than not, you will need to include a cover letter. Consider your cover letter your sales page, giving an introduction to yourself and an invitation to the recruiter to read your CV or application. It’s not always clear whether you need a cover letter or not when studying a job advert, so if you’re unsure, always include one. A good cover letter could be the difference between the hiring manager reading your CV, or discarding your application and moving on.
Get your facts together
Writing a cover letter for the first time can seem a daunting prospect. With so much that could be included, it’s hard to know where to start. The best place is by getting your facts together and deciding what you want to include.
Think of all your accomplishments to date that are relevant to the role and make a list. Try not to use anything that comes directly from your CV. Your cover letter is the place to elaborate on the points in your CV to provide more detail and to really highlight what you can do, rather than repeating points.
Also do some research on the company. Find out what its values are, its mission, and any defining features. This will help you tailor your experience and skills to the company culture and give you some background to explain why you are a good fit.
Address the criteria
It’s important that you don’t include anything and everything. Less is more with a job application cover letter. You will be scored on how well you meet the selection criteria, so use that as a guide for what to include. Link everything you write back to the criteria, and try to find relevant examples where possible.
If you don’t have an industry related example to hit a criterium, use something else, but make it very clear what it is demonstrating. There are many ways to demonstrate soft skills. For example, learning a language can demonstrate your communication skills, and being part of a sports team can show that you know how to work well with others.
When you know what you want to include, put a plan in place for the structure of the letter, and writing it will be much easier.
Start with a strong opening
If you want a recruiter to read the entirety of your cover letter and consequently move on to your CV, the opening is what you need to focus on. You want to draw the reader in and impress them enough to keep their attention. This means addressing the letter properly and giving a clear reason for writing.
In the case of a job application cover letter, you will need to state what you are applying for and what makes you the ideal candidate. This will be covered further in the bulk of the letter, but the first paragraph can be a summary of your experience, skills, and accomplishments, linked clearly to why this makes you the ideal candidate and giving a taste of what’s to come in the rest of the letter.
Make connections
Your research on the company will be beneficial in helping you to tailor the cover letter for a job application. Generic cover letters don’t do well. Job application cover letters that have been tailored to the role perform best. Aside from ensuring you evidence how you meet the job criteria, you can also make it clear that you know the company you’re applying to and value what it does.
Mention something in your cover letter that particularly draws you to the position or company and aligns with your values, experience, or way of working to show that you have done your research and have picked this company specifically as a result.
Be confident about your achievements
The body of your cover letter is where you highlight your relevant achievements in relation to the role you’re applying for. Don’t be vague here. Clear, evidence-based examples do best when communicating your value, so be confident in citing what you’ve accomplished throughout your career and how that relates to what you can do in the role in question.
Use numbers
To back up your accomplishments, use numbers to really highlight your results. Rather than stating you increased a company’s ROI, how much did you increase it by? If you have a percentage value, this adds clout to your examples. Similarly, use figures when talking about how many people you manage or how many delegates you got through the door at an event you organised. Adding a measurable gives your achievements more weight.
Use keywords
To ensure that you're really tailoring your job application cover letter, it’s helpful to use the job description to pick out keywords. Using the exact wording used in the advert, job description, and person specification, will mean you have the best chance of passing ATS screening systems, which scan your application for keywords to determine whether you are a good match.
Be positive and enthusiastic
Give your cover letter for a job a positive, enthusiastic tone. Use future tense to show how you will use your skills and experience to benefit the company you’re applying to and show how keen you are to take on a new role and new challenges.
If you are lacking experience in some areas, don’t highlight it. Always find a way to compensate for it, without implying it is a negative factor. For example, if you don’t have experience in project management, but you have a qualification in Scrum, write about your qualification and all the benefits that brings, without pointing out your lack of experience.
Call to action
Your cover letter should always end with a clear call to action. In your last paragraph, sum up your skills and experience and make it apparent that you would welcome discussion around your application and the role. You can be bold and propose your availability or simply tell the reader that you will look forward to hearing from them regarding an interview.
Cover letter structure
Taking on board all of the advice above, you can consider the following structure for your cover letter for a job application. This can of course be varied to suit your needs but is a great outline. Look to write no more than a page, unless you are writing a cover letter that is a part of the application process and you need to address all of the essential criteria. In this case, take the space you need.
Dear …………………………………
I’m writing in application of the role of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX which I saw advertised on XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. - Approx 10-20 words.
Opening paragraph: Cover why you are writing (what you are applying for), why you are interested in this company and role, and why you are a great fit (giving an overview of your relevant skills and experience). - Approx70-100 words
Middle paragraphs: Depending on what you need to cover, this could vary between one and three paragraphs. This is essentially the most important part of the cover letter, where you detail your skills, experience and accomplishments, in evidence of the selection criteria. Pick out the most important requirements from the person specification and evidence your ability to meet them. - 100 - 250 words in total.
Closing paragraph: Include a brief summary of why you are the ideal candidate for the role and include a strong call to action. - Approx 25- 50 words
Get started
Use this guide to write a cover letter for a job that can help you get you noticed and land an interview. For advice on how to write cover letters for specific roles, you can take a look at these articles. If you are looking for further support, you can take a look at cover letter courses on Coursera as a starting point.
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
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What is a Job Application?
If you have been looking for a job, you must have come across the term job application.
A job application is a small application form that companies ask applicants to fill up to gain knowledge about their education, work experience and skills. Nowadays, most of the job applications forms are filled online. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about job applications.
Job application: What is it?
- How to fill up a job application?
How to write a job application email?
Job application subject line, how to follow up on a job application.
- Difference between a job application letter and job application cover letter
- Example of a job application letter
- Cover letter sample for job application
[ Back to Table of Content ] A job application simply is a form that recruiters asks all applicants to fill out. Nowadays, you will find that third party HR websites such as BambooHR, Workday etc. will ask you to fill up the job application online.
A job application is essential because recruiters ask the same questions to every potential candidate. With a job application, they get a consistent format with the answers, making it easier to screen the candidates.
Job applications also go by the name of the Employment application. So, don't get confused.
Do not mix up a job applications and a resume or cover letter. The recruiter might ask you to fill up the job application even if you provided a resume and cover letter.
Let us see how to fill up a job application.
How to fill out a job application?
[ Back to Table of Content ]
Unlike a resume or cover letter, you do not need to write anything from scratch or format anything to highlight key points. In a job application, the questionnaires are already there. You just have to answer the questions with accurate and truthful information carefully.
When you sit down to fill out the job application, make sure you have all the information ready with you. Here is a list of information a job application typically asks:
Personal Information
- Contact Number
- Social Media Profile
- Schools or Universities
- Certifications
- Degrees/Diplomas
- Graduation Dates
Work Experience
- Names and phone numbers of previous employers
- Position Held
- Supervisor's Name
- Dates of Employment
- Reason for Leaving
- A list of three to five references, their name, designation and contact information
Position You are Applying for
- Title of the position
- Salary Expectations
- When can you join
Resume & Cover letter
- Most job applications have the option to upload a resume and cover letter with the job application
At the end of the job application, there is an option for e-signature. This e-signature is necessary because it implies that all the information given by you is accurate and it may also give permission to the employer to use this information during a background check.
Hiration Pro Tip : You don't necessarily have to answer all the questions. For example, if there is a question asking you about religion, sexuality, marital status, age etc., you can skip those questions.
How to make the best impression when filling out job application?
Before you start filling out the job application, take a good look at it first. It will help you understand what information is required to fill out the job application. If you are applying in person, ask for two copies of the job application. In case you make a mistake on one, you can always rectify the error in the second application.
Follow the instructions
Read the instructions carefully before filling out the job application. A slightest error can get your job application rejected.
Tip : You can search online if the company has any sample job application on their website. You can download the filled up job application and run through it to understand the job application process better.
Take your time
A job application is not lengthy. And it may look easy to fill-up the form. Many candidates think the same and make mistakes while filling the job application. Instead, think of a job application as a first opportunity to impress the recruiter.
Make sure your application does not have any grammatical errors and is well written. If the potential employer sees a well-written job application, they might see you as a good fit for the organization.
Review your job application
Always read your answers carefully before submitting. It will expose silly mistakes and help you make your answers error-free.
Also, make sure you are not leaving any questions blank. This is especially important for offline applications. Online applications do not allow answer submissions unless you answer all the required questions.
Always give correct answers
Do not provide false information on the job application to make yourself stand out. The recruiters always do a background check before hiring someone. If they found out that your provided information was false, it might disqualify your application and even ban you from applying again.
Fill out the experience section chronologically
Similar to a resume, when you provide the work history in the job application, list the most recent work experience on top and walk backwards from that. Make sure to add as many details about your job responsibilities as possible.
Tip: You don't need to provide a lot of work history. 2-3 previous work histories are enough.
If you are a fresher or don't have much work experience, you can put N/A on the job work history section.
Don't miss an opportunity to provide something special
Every job application has a section called "Additional information". Don't make the mistake of providing a generic answer to this question or skipping it. This section is the opportunity to highlight your strengths and achievements to the recruiter.
For example, you can say if you have won any awards in your previous job or led any critical projects. Take the time to think about a couple of achievements in your last employment and list them on the additional information section.
You find out on some job applications; recruiters ask this question: "Why do you want to join our organization?"
Do not give a generic answer. Instead, do proper research on the organization, the position you are applying for and list down the reasons why you think you will be the perfect candidate for this position.
Research the industry standard salary
Before you fill out the section salary expectations, do some research on the role's average industry rate. This will make sure that you are not giving an impossible figure for your position.
Also, make sure that you are not giving any exact value. Instead, give a salary range. It shows that you are flexible and open to negotiations.
Some applications may ask you to provide your current CTC, answer that question truthfully.
Provide keywords
Keywords are essential for your resume as well as job applications. Recruiters nowadays run the job applications through an ATS software to sort candidates. So, make sure to include the keywords relevant to the job profile on your job application.
You can easily identify these keywords by searching through similar job roles.
Keep your Linkedin profile updated
Most of the job applications nowadays ask you to provide your Linkedin profile. And if they like your job application, they will most likely check your Linkedin profile as well. So, make sure your Linkedin profile is up-to-date and professional,
Gone are the days when candidates had to go and apply for a job physically. Nowadays, recruiters prefer receiving job applications via emails.
But with thousand job applications coming into a recruiters inbox, how do a candidate stand out of the crowd?
Let us see some factors to consider to write a perfect formal email for your job application:
What to include in your job application email?
Your job application email's primary objective is to make the hiring manager understand why you are the best candidate for the job. To make sure, you need to include some essential details in your job application email:
- Suitable subject line
- Purpose of writing the email
- What role you are applying for
- Your qualifications
- What are you bringing to the table
- Your contact details
Here are some errors to avoid in your Job application email:
Sending a generic email template to everyone.
If you search online, you will see thousands of good job application email templates. But you have to remember that, these email templates are generic, and meant to help you write your own job application email.
But if you use these exact templates for all of your job applications, it will not create any impression to the recruiter and eventually end up in the trash.
Forgetting to attach the resume
This is a common mistake every job-hunter did at some point in their job search. But this counts as a negative factor in front of the recruiter's eyes. So, always double-check if you attached the cover letter and resume with your job application before hitting the send button.
How to send a job application email?
You need to carefully structure your job application email so that it is short, to-the-point and provide all the information accurately. Here is a basic structure you can follow to create your job application email.
Subject Line
The subject line is the most important part of your job application. The hiring manager gets a lot of job application emails each day. And you need to make your subject line stand out among thousands of job applications. To do that, you can include your name and the job title you are applying for into the subject line.
Make sure to have the correct salutation when you write your job application email. Remember, you are not sending the email to a whole organization. You are sending email to a person, the hiring manager. So, always start your email with the name, i.e. " Dear Mr Smith " or if the name is not available use " Dear Hiring Manager ". Do not start your email with " Hey " or " Hello Team " etc.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph gives the hiring manager some context on why you are writing the email, where you find the job opportunity, when did you find the job vacancy, etc.
Example: "I came across a job posting on your website for an experienced video editor. I believe that my previous experience as a videographer and video editor makes me an ideal candidate for this job."
Second Paragraph
The second paragraph is your opportunity to showcase your skills and pitch your candidature to the hiring manager. Emphasize your top skills and what you can bring to the organization. You can also highlight your previous job responsibilities and achievements.
Example : "I have 3 years of experience in Videography and video editing where I helped the video production team to produce videos for social media ad campaigns. I also deployed video editing software to improve video and sound quality for 40+ videos. Additionally, I also rendered assistance in script-writing and Consulted directly with the Director throughout the post-production process for 15 videos. I am confident that I will be a valuable part of your organization."
Third Paragraph
Use the third or final paragraph to thank the hiring manager for reading the email and also mention that you are enclosing your resume with the email. Also mention that you are eager to hear from the hiring manager about the interview process.
Example : "I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. Please take an instant to evaluate it and consider my application for the video editor position. I am looking forward to hearing back from you. "
Closure & Email Signature
At last, include a simple yet courteous closing statement to end your email. And under that include your name, phone number, email id, and Linkedin profile link.
Example: "Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely, Your Name Mob: Email Id: "
Here are some simple dos and don'ts for your job application email
- Most people nowadays check their emails from their mobile phone. So make sure to write a short email subject line.
- Include the job title and your name in the subject line. When the recruiter searches the job title, they will easily find your email.
- If you have a reference, include it in the subject line as well. Example: "Video Editor Job application; Ref: Peter Parker."
- Attach your resume labelled with your name. Example: "Jon Doe Resume"
- Don't start your email with " Hey " or " Hi ". Address the hiring manager properly.
- Don't write a generic subject line. Recruiters search on the email search box by keywords or job title. If your job application does not contain keywords, it may not get found.
- Do not copy-paste everything from your resume. Talk about your achievements, what can you bring to the table and how you think the organization can help you grow.
- Don't send a word file resume. The layout can distort in different office versions. Instead, use a resume builder tool to build a pdf resume.
[ Back to Table of Content ] Your job application subject has the most critical role in the job application process. A good subject line gets you noticed by the interviewer and your chances of getting an interview increase significantly. In this section, we will talk about how to write a perfect subject line for your job application.
Make sure you are using a decent email id
Make sure you are sending the job application email from a professional email id, which contains your first name and last name. i.e. [email protected] . Not like this: [email protected] .
Read the job description and follow instructions
Many job applications ask you to follow a particular pattern in the subject line or include specific keywords in the subject line. If you do not read the job description carefully, you may miss these essential instructions and end up in the trash.
Write clearly the purpose of the email
Clearly state the purpose of your email in the subject line. You can do it by including the job title in the subject line, or you can also include the term " job application " on the subject line to help the recruiter identify your application immediately.
Include keywords on the subject line
Recruiters often use filters to sort from thousands of job applications. So, make sure to include important keywords on the subject line as well as throughout the email so that it is easily discoverable by the recruiter.
Write your name on the subject line
Include your name on the subject line to make sure recruiters easily recognize you. They usually don't have a lot of time to go through the emails. So, including your name in resume will make their job much easier and increase the chance of your email being opened.
Use personalization
This is not entirely possible every time, but add some personalization if possible in the job application email subject line.
It can be anything, from including the recruiter's name on the subject line to highlighting one of your skills that the job requires in the subject line.
Anything that piques the recruiter's interest can increase your chances of getting an interview significantly.
Always make sure to proofread and rectify any grammatical errors before sending your email.
Job application email subject line examples
Here are a couple of Email subject line examples to help you write better subject lines for job applications:
When you are sending the job application:
- Job application: Video Editor, (Job ID: #22121) - John Doe
- Job application for Digital Marketing Executive Job - John Doe
- Job ID #9298: Junior Analyst job application - John Doe
- Job application: Digital Marketing with 2+ years of Facebook ad experience - John Doe
- Seeking new opportunity: Creative Writer - John Doe
When you have a referral:
- Referral from Mark Wilson: Application for Video Editor - John Doe
- Referral: Dino Maria - Content Creator Profile - John Doe
When you are following up on the job application
- Following up for Job application for Digital Marketing Executive- John Doe
- Meeting follow up - Job application: Video Editor- John Doe
- Interview follow up - Sales Executive Position - John Doe
Follow up on a job application
You have done your research and filled up the job application form perfectly.
You think "I have done my best! Nobody can stop me from getting an interview."
You wait. But alas. You hear nothing but crickets. Why is that?
Well, a simple answer is, you never sent a job application follow up email. Interviewers want to give you a chance, but why should they bother if you don't show any interest?
This section will tell you everything you need to know about following up on a job application via email.
Now we know that following up is an essential part of the job application. But when you follow up, you need to make sure that you are doing it the right way.
Use your connections
Go through your connections and see if someone has any contacts with the company you are applying for.
If they do, ask them to put in a good word for you to the hiring manager or introduce you to the hiring manager.
Get the contact details right
Now let's talk about the common mistake everybody makes when sending out follow up emails to the hiring manager.
In general, email id of hiring managers are not posted on job portals. Instead, a public email address is given most of the time. Many candidates send their follow up emails on those generic email ids. No wonder, most of the time why they don't get any reply.
When you send follow-up emails, you need to make sure that the email id is genuine and the hiring manager is actively using it. This may seem like detective work, but it is easier than you think.
If you want to know who is the hiring manager, just go to the company Linkedin page. Then click to "People". From here, you can search people by title, and it will show you who the hiring manager is. With a little bit of luck, you can even find their email address on the Linkedin profile.
If not, you can simply call the company's main desk and ask for the hiring manager's email id. They will provide it to you.
Don't be overly friendly
Hiring manager is not your friend. Remember that, when you send out your follow up email to the hiring manager. Being overly friendly or casual can backfire and cost you your interview. Hiring managers are trained to be friendly with every candidate. But that doesn't mean they are your friend. Be respectful and professional when sending out a follow-up email.
Be brief and write the email directly to the hiring manager
Now that we know who the hiring manager is and have their email address, It's time to send them a follow-up email for your job application.
Firstly, make sure you are addressing the email to the hiring manager properly.
Example: Dear Mr. Haris, Or Dear Ms. Chole,
You might feel tempted to send a long follow up email explaining your achievements and why you are the best candidate for the job. But in practice, this is not a good idea.
You have already described your experience and achievements on your job application letter. No need to repeat it on your follow up letter as well. Besides, hiring managers get dozens of follow up emails every day, and they really don't want to read through a long email.
Instead, focus on writing a brief follow up email. Here are things to ensure when writing a follow-up email to the hiring manager
- The follow-up email has a clear subject line
- You are writing the email in a formal and professional language
- Show your interest in the job profile you applied for
- If you send your job application via email, always refer to that email, or send the follow-up email on the same email thread.
Ask a follow-up question
It is not bad to ask the hiring manager for an estimated timeline when the interview starts. This will give you time to prepare for your interview and clarify when you need to follow up again.
Don't be too pushy
Don't be overly pushy when following up. Unless the hiring manager failed to meet their deadline, don't follow up more than once every 1-2 week.
Even if they don't reply after three follow up emails, accept that they might not be interested in your profile.
Also, it is incredibly unprofessional to not reply after 2,3 follow up emails. If the company doesn't respect you now, how do you think they will respect you once you start working with them?
When to follow up on a job application?
There is no set rule for sending a follow up email after job application, but a general rule of thumb is to follow up after a week after sending your job application. And then once every week. If you still don't get any reply after three follow-ups, it is better to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Difference between job application letter and job application cover letter
There are different ways organizations follow for hiring. Some ask for job application, some ask for cover letter with a resume, and some ask for both. And it confuses many job seekers. In this section, we will make it clear what is the difference between a cover letter and job application letter:
Cover letter:
- A Cover letter is generally used to intrude the candidate and highlight their achievements to the hiring manager
- Cover letter's objective is to entice the hiring manager to read the resume
- Cover letter also includes key skills that match the job description
- The cover letter ends with a CTA to read the resume
Job Application Letter:
- A job application letter is similar to a resume. It provides detailed information about work experience and education of the candidate.
- It explains where the candidate found the job post and why he will be the best candidate for the job.
- It also highlights the skills and achievements of the candidate.
- Job application emails also enclose a resume but do not have a CTA at the end.
Cover letter for job application example
Here is a cover letter sample for job application:
"15th February 2021 Ms. Jenny Doe, Hiring Manager ABC Inc. 15, Lexington Avenue, New York, NY Re: Video Editor Dear Ms. Doe, I am an enterprising video editor pursuing Videography Certification from ABC University, armed with hands-on experience in video editing best practices, 2D & 3D animation, subtitling, post-production, etc. I am also skilled at providing assistance to senior video editors in creating marketing videos. In addition to that, I excel in shooting short marketing videos to be used in marketing collaterals. With a prolific track record in videography and video editing methodologies, I am extremely interested in the profile of Video Editor at Lemon Videos. In my last stint as a Video Editing Intern at Qmedia Co., I have assisted the Senior Editor to ensure smooth running of editing systems. Rendered support to the editor by sourcing b-Roll and placing it within videos during production and managed over 100 hours of footage backup. I have established initial proposed storyboards and purpose for 30 videos and received client approval. The passion for excellence that Lemon Videos has showcased to date has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am awed by its relentless commitment to encourage & help vulnerable groups by utilizing meticulously constructed welfare programs while demonstrating undying fidelity towards its employees. Owing to such values, I consider Lemon Videos to be my most preferred employer. Enclosed for your consideration is my resume. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person. Sincerely, Katie Watson Enclosures: Resume"
Sample of job application letter
Subject : Job Application: John Doe - Video Editor Post (#29813) Dear Mr. Smith, I came across a post on your website about a requirement for a video editor in ABC Corporation. I am interested in applying for the position of Video Editor in your company ABC corporation. After reading the job description, I feel, my interests and skills perfectly align with the company requirements, and I feel I will be a valuable asset to the company. In my last stint as a Video Editing Intern at Qmedia Co., I have assisted the Senior Editor to ensure smooth running of editing systems. Rendered support to the editor by sourcing b-Roll and placing it within videos during production and managed over 100 hours of footage backup. I have established initial proposed storyboards and purpose for 30 videos and received client approval. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person. Thank You. Yours sincerely, John Doe Mobile: Email Id: [email protected]
Key Takeaways
Now that we have come to an end of this blog let us revisit some of the article's key takeaways:
- Don't leave any section blank when filling out the job application
- Make sure you are not making any mistakes on your job application
- Keep the job application grammatical error-free
- Fill up your work experience section chronologically
- Use the "Additional Information" section to highlight your accomplishments
- Use keywords throughout your job application to get it noticed by the recruiters
- Provide your updated Linkedin profile link in your job application
If you want to create a professional ATS-friendly resume by yourself, head over to the Hiration Online Resume Builder and create your resume in minutes.
Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.
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Professional Cover Letter Examples to Apply for a Job in 2023
Below you'll see cover letters for 100+ professions grouped by industry. Scroll down and you'll get a breakdown of a perfect sample and suggestions for cover letter designs.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 18 professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Sample cover letter for a resume made with our builder—See more templates and create your cover letter here .
One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:
[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three . With the same stuff.
Categories:
- Accounting & Finance
- Construction
- Creative & Cultural Fields
- Education & Learning
- Engineering & Scientific
- Food Service
- Government and NGOs
- Hospitality Travel & Transportation
- Information Technology (IT)
- Legal Services
- Law Enforcement & Emergency
- Management & Leadership
- Media and Entertainment
- Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing
- Office & Administrative
- Retail & Customer Service
- Sales & Marketing
Professional Cover Letter Builder
Zety’s cover letter builder makes writing easy for you and less time-consuming, Use our beautiful, customizable templates recommended by HR pros to wow every recruiter.
Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples
Have a gig in finance or accounting? Want to move up the ladder? See our sample cover letters to get you there.
- Accounting Intern
- Accounts Payable
- Bank Teller
- Business Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking
Creative & Cultural Fields Cover Letter Examples
No need to bury your creative side when choosing the right cover letter template, we’ve got you covered.
- Art Teacher
- Editorial Assistant
- Event Manager
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Photographer
- Production Assistant
- Public Relations (PR)
- Social Media Manager
- Technical Writer
Construction Cover Letter Examples
You need the right blueprint to craft your own cover letter. With our sample cover letters, you'll have the building block to finish yours quickly.
- Architecture
- Architecture Intern
Education & Learning Cover Letter Examples
Think of our sample cover letters as an open book take-home test—just fill in the blanks with the right answers.
- Academic Advisor
- Admissions Counselor
- Cover Letter for College Student
- Cover Letter for Scholarship Application
- Elementary Teacher
- for Graduate School
- Graduate Assistantship
- High School
- Library Assistant
- New Teacher
- Paraprofessional
- Recent Graduate
- Research Assistant
- School Counselor
- Substitute Teacher
- Teaching Assistant
Engineering & Scientific Cover Letter Examples
Our cover letters have been tested in the field and the results come up positive. Replicate your own with our guides!
- Computer Science
- Data Scientist
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Internship
- IT Technician
- Lab Technician
- Mechanical Engineer
Food Service Cover Letter Examples
To have the crème de la crème of cover letters for the food service industry, use our guides as the perfect recipe to get you there.
- Restaurant Manager
Government and NGOs Cover Letter Examples
Make your cover letter as presidential as they come with our expert guidance for governmental or NGO jobs.
Hospitality Travel & Transportation Cover Letter Examples
Don’t take the hard road when crafting your cover letter—use our transportation and hospitality industry sample cover letters to get your profile revved up.
- Flight Attendant
- Hospitality
Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter Examples
You code Java in your sleep but come up on the zero binary end when writing a cover letter. Use our examples line by line and you’ll be done in no time.
- Cyber Security
- Data Analyst
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- System Administrator
- UX Designer
- Web Developer
Legal Cover Letter Examples
You need a legal cover letter that won’t result in a hung (recruiter) jury. Use our sample cover letters to get a unanimous victory.
- Judicial Clerkship
- Legal Assistant
Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Cover Letter Examples
Give the Chief probable cause to read your resume. A professional law enforcement and emergency services cover letter will show them why you're the best choice.
- Firefighter
- Law Enforcement
- Police Officer
- Security Officer
Management & Leadership Cover Letter Examples
You know how to lead and use expert advice in the best way—follow our cover letter guides for management and leadership for 100% success.
- Operations Manager
- Product Manager
- Program Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Project Manager
Media and Entertainment Cover Letter Examples
Whether you craft compelling copy, take two on television, or report rumors and revelations, you know how to send a message. Show you're the best fit for the job with inspiration from our media examples of a cover letter.
Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing Cover Letter Examples
The small details are what matters in this field—the same applies to making your healthcare cover letter better than all others.
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
- Esthetician
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Scribe
- New Grad Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Student
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Veterinary Assistant
Manufacturing & Warehousing Cover Letter Examples
Prove you've got the right skills in stock using our expedited cover letter examples for warehousing and manufacturing.
Office & Administrative Cover Letter Examples
Any organization without you is like a car with no engine. These example cover letters will help you make it clear to employers you are that missing part.—show them how with a great office & administrative cover letter.
- Administrative
- Administrative Assistant
- Call Center
- Case Manager
- Executive Assistant
- HR Generalist
- Human Resources
- Office Assistant
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Receptionist
- Social Work
Retail & Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
You promise what you can deliver to your customers — we do the same with our job-winning customer service cover letter templates.
- Customer Service
- Retail Management
- Technical Support
Sales & Marketing Cover Letter Examples
You know sales isn't about manipulating—it's about offering a solution to a problem. Our sample cover letter for sales jobs do just that.
- Account Manager
- Business Development
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Intern
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Associate
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
- Store Manager
Other Cover Letter Examples
Need a cover letter sample for different scenarios you find yourself in at this stage of your career? Check out the relevant cover letter templates you need here.
- Career Change
- Cold Call / Unsolicited Cover Letter
- Electrician
- Entry-Level
- for Internal Position
- Killer Cover Letter
- Pain Letter
- Perfect Cover Letter
- Real Estate
- Short Cover Letter Examples
Examples of Cover Letter Templates
Dear Mr. Portis,
When I found the opening for the Account position with Kaiser Permanente, I felt as if it was addressed to me. In my current position as Junior Accountant at the Pasadena Unified School District, I’ve managed a monthly bank reconciliation of over $400,000. I’m sure I can use my expertise at Kaiser Permanente.
In my current position as a Junior Accountant with the Pasadena Unified School District, my key challenge has been planning an annual budget and updating monthly forecasts. Here are some of my recent results:
- SAP implementation including creation of general ledger chart of accounts and data testing.
- Streamlined analysis and reporting processes to support company directives.
- Ensured all departmental invoices were correctly coded and documented for payment within the period. Worked with vendors to ensure all invoices were paid on a timely basis.
I know that Kaiser Permanente’s current plans involve moving to in-house accounting. It would be an exciting opportunity for me to use my skills to develop this project.
Can we schedule a meeting to discuss my solutions for helping Kaiser Permanente have proper in-house accounting?
Dieter Bender
General Cover Letter
A good cover letter is a personalized cover letter. Getting everything right takes time…and you need to submit your application right this second . Use this sample to create unique cover letters fast and easy—no matter if you need two or 20 versions.
Dear Mr. Scotten,
I'm so excited to apply for the IT Project Manager position at Weniger Aerospace.
At A/G Systems, I saved 10 meeting hours a week for 20 engineers. I did it by automating our program requirements management with Oracle Primavera. At $90 an hour, that’s $864,000 saved per year. I'm proud of that—not least because my title wasn't "IT PMP" but "Program Administrator." Transitioning to 100% IT PMP at Weniger would use my IT skills and passion to the full.
I know you're looking for an IT PMP with 5+ years of experience. I've spent 6 years creating robust IT systems with these achievements in the skill areas in your ad:
- Customer Relationship Management. Worked directly with 200+ customers to integrate our software into daily workflows. Slashed complaints by 25%.
- Trained, mentored, and on-boarded 15 new IT hires. Handled all new user training, cutting customer issues 30%. Gave software training to 12 business units nationwide.
- Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking from 20,000 customers and 150+ programs.
- Wrote test scripts and coordinated testing through cross-functional teams. Expanded custom software to integrate with ERP. Slashed daily disruptions 50%.
I'm very interested in sharing how I can deliver IT PMP excellence at Weniger Aerospace. Can we schedule a call?
Best Regards,
Samantha Sunstein
PS—I'm also happy to explain how I used Oracle Primavera to automate project tracking, eliminating 120+ work-hours per year.
Career Change Cover Letter
Most people don’t do the same job for years, but career changers get the double-take. This sample letter will show you how to prove you have what it takes to start a new career. Convince the employer you’re the perfect candidate with help from this example.
Dear Larissa,
I was so excited when my protein shake packaging design was shortlisted for an Adobe Design Achievement Award.
It was no accident. Design has been a passion of mine since I was ten. I treated the coursework for my B.A. in Design at UMass Boston as a jumping-off point. My classes lit the way, but I dug in deeper with:
- Extensive extra-curricular reading of over 200 books on design, art, and business.
- Conducting a weekly podcast with interviews of 100+ top designers (and 1500+ subscribers).
- Freelance work on nights, weekends, and in the summers designing products for small money but with great return in terms of lesson learned.
When Dr. Stanhope suggested I apply for this internship, his reasoning was flawless. Paralith’s commitment to developing its interns far beyond mere clock-punching speaks directly to my voracious appetite for continued growth.
I would love to put my passion and skill to work for you. Can we schedule a call to discuss winning awards and accolades for Paralith?
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Giovanna Darcy
Internship Cover Letter
Landing an internship is tough. Landing a placement that opens you up to great opportunities is even harder. This sample will show you how to make the most of you skills, education, and attitude to win top companies over.
Dear Mr. Bartz,
My name is Jean West, a junior at Greenville High Academy interested in becoming a public administrator in local government. I was thrilled to come across an opening for a Front Desk Clerk with the Greenville City Council. As the High School President and Model UN participant, I am a highly driven high school student who would help Greenville City Council’s administrative challenges.
I know the main duties for this position will be to maintain a professional relationship with visitors and answering multi-line phones and transferring calls to staff members. As the Student Body President, I’ve had to maintain a professional relationship with both students and staff, while being a representative for certain student body issues. We were able to introduce several new amendments to the student handbook and showed care and compassion to all students attending Greenville High Academy.
I am applying to the Greenville City Council specifically as a way to become more involved in local politics and further my professional growth in the field. This is why I’m so excited about this opening. I’d love the opportunity to be involved in local politics in a more fundamental way.
Can we schedule a call next week to discuss this position further?
Student Cover Letter
Your job search is a catch-22: you want to work, but haven’t done enough work to get hired. These cover letter examples will help you escape this vicious circle. Be yourself, we’ll just help you bring out the best in you and give the employers the best candidate: you .
Dear Ms Danz,
It would realize a long-term dream of mine to fill the open digital marketing specialist position here at XYZ Foods. When I first got my job in customer service here, it was because your team member Arnold Dickey advised me to take any job at the company, exceed expectations, build marketing skills, then apply for a transfer to marketing. After just two months I was promoted to senior customer service agent for quick thinking and a strong work ethic. (I saved the company $2,000 a month with one suggestion.)
I read the job posting carefully and spoke with several of your team members. I know the position calls for product knowledge, written and verbal communication, and a strong sense of who our customers are. I believe I’m the perfect fit. I’ve passed quarterly product knowledge quizzes with the highest scores in my department. I’ve used strong communication skills to achieve 95% positive customer survey scores and write up daily error-free reports. My department record of 75+ calls handled per day gives me an excellent understanding of our target demographic.
The most compelling part of this position to me is that it’s the perfect fit. I’ve dreamed of working as a digital marketing specialist at XYZ for the past seven years, taking fifteen online classes from Wharton and doing 20 freelance projects on nights and weekends.
My supervisor here at XYZ customer service is happy to let me meet with you any weekday. Can we set up a time to chat about how I can exceed your expectations as I’ve exceeded hers?
Sincerely, Susan Morris
Internal Position Cover Letter
A new position opened up in your company. You know you’re the best match, but you’re worried you’ll get overlooked. There’s competition, it’s not clear who gets promoted or transitioned. These cover letter samples will show you how to get the credit you’re due.
Dear Frances,
Presently, I’m the retail operations assistant manager for Reston Raiment, but I just today saw your advertisement for a manager at Willis Wearables and I’m excited to put forth my application. I’ve been a semi-frequent customer of WW over the years, and I’ve always adored the quality of your products and the helpfulness of the staff.
During my managerial career, I’ve acquired many skills and much supervisory knowledge. These abilities, coupled with my 5+ years of management experience, make me a strong contender for this position, I believe. On top of those mentioned things, I’m also honored to have achieved some important small successes, including:
- Reduced employee turnover rates by 50% by creating a healthier, more family-like work environment.
- Cut overhead costs by around $3,000 per month by implementing sustainable electronics and devices throughout the store.
- Increased sales by 30% (2018 vs. 2017) in the holiday season by spearheading a new sales and marketing campaign.
These are but a few examples, but I hope they help to show you my management experience, a love for the job, passion, and dedication. I’m eager for the opportunity to bring these characteristics over to a store I’ve always admired.
If you’d give me the chance, I’d love to show you how I can build upon your current success and take Willis Wearables to the next level.
Karen D. Valenzuela
P.S.—What would you say to having a coffee together? I know a great cafe near your store, and I’d be happy for the chance to discuss how I can bring an increase in sales (30%) to WW this upcoming holiday season.
Manager Cover Letter
What makes this sample cover letter great? Quantifies and shows a good fit:
- Uses numbers to prove she’s the best candidate.
- Adds value to her profile by listing key deliverables.
Dear Jacqueline,
As a longtime fan of Acme’s company culture and products, I was excited to see the opening for an administrative assistant. With my lengthy experience as an administrative assistant with Fancy Malls, I know I can use my skill set and knowledge to become a valuable member of the Acme team.
In my current position with Fancy Malls, I’ve had many responsibilities and achievements that would serve me well in a role at Acme. Fancy Malls has a similar business structure and product lineup to those at Acme, so I believe I would make a smooth and quick transition. On top of that, my invoice management and directory maintenance were leading performance boosters for the company, and I’m sure that I could achieve similar results at Acme, such as:
- I saved $3,000 a year in office supplies after negotiating a new deal with the current supplier.
- I increased sales by 7% after implementing an automatic follow-up approach using a CRM program.
Obtaining the administrative assistant position at Acme would be my dream come true. I’ve long been a fan and personal user of several of your products. In fact, Acme’s unique company culture is what prompted me to seek more challenging work. Though I love being in charge of a company’s multifaceted office support, there is no other office that would make me as happy to work for. I know, should I be honored with the position, that I’d be the envy of my circle of friends!
I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to discuss your current administrative objectives and show you how my successes at Fancy Malls can translate into growth for Acme.
P.S. - I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and go over how I can bring similar results to the 10% cost savings I achieved at Fancy Malls to the Acme office, as well.
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
What makes this sample cover letter stand out? Shows skills like a Swiss Army knife:
- Shows adaptability and eager to meet any challenge.
- Mirrors the requirements of the job ad with her best abilities.
Perfect Cover Letter Sample
- Make it easy for recruiters to contact you .
- Address a specific person with the right salutation.
- Show your worth and fit with the company .
- Sign off to make recruiters take action .
- Highlight your unique value in the PS.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Examples
What is a cover letter.
A cover letter is a document attached to a resume in your application that demonstrates your qualifications, achievements, and motivation to join your potential employer. It complements your resume by providing more details about your professional background so far . Remember that your cover letter design should match your resume . See our professional cover letter templates and resume templates that match perfectly together to help you climb the career ladder. If you opted for a CV instead, do not hesitate to check out our professional CV templates that will also go well with our cover letters. Interested in the topic? Read more about differences between a CV and a resume .
How to write a cover letter for 2023?
A good cover letter should include the following parts:
- cover letter heading ;
- cover letter greeting ;
- first paragraph with a catchy cover letter opening ;
- second paragraph explaining why you are the perfect fit for the company;
- third paragraph with a call to action to make the recruiter realize that they do want to get in touch with you;
- cover letter closing .
There are a few more tricks that you can use in your cover letter to garner additional attention for your candidacy. To find out more, read: what to include in a cover letter .
Do I need a professional template to write my cover letter?
They say you get only one chance to make a first impression, so the answer is yes. Recruiters go through hundreds of applications, so a well-formatted and a professional-looking cover letter will definitely help you stand out from other candidates. See our modern cover letter templates to make sure your cover letter strikes a chord with your recruiter.
Are cover letters really necessary?
Even though it is widely believed that recruiters do not read cover letters, in most cases you do need a cover letter . A well-written cover letter sets the tone for your resume, as it allows you to point out your professional experience and special skills in more detail. It also shows your motivation to take the job. So don’t hesitate to write one, even if it’s not required by the job ad.
How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter should ideally be one-page long, and preferably prepared in a professional template that will help you take your cover letter layout to the next level. A good cover letter should include 3–4 short paragraphs and no more than 400 words in total. Remember that recruiters prefer brief and easy-to-read content, so do not overwhelm them with too many irrelevant details. We encourage you to read more on the ideal cover letter length in 2023 .
How to format a cover letter?
When you write a cover letter, remember about the following rules for formatting:
- Set one-inch margins on all sides.
- Left-align all contents. Don’t use justification, it’s against the standard rules of business letter formatting.
- Use business cover letter spacing : 1 or 1.15.
- Put double spaces between paragraphs.
- Use easy-to-read cover letter fonts , such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Cambria, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 11 and 12 pt.
We also advise you to take a deeper look at how to format your cover letter .
What do you write in a cover letter if you have no experience?
Writing a cover letter when you have little job experience and hard skills may seem like an impossible task, but don’t let that discourage you. Since there are no past jobs you could discuss in your document, try to focus on bringing out the best of your soft skills and show your passion for learning . List all experiences gathered in extracurricular activities, additional courses, or through volunteering . Before you start writing your entry-level cover letter , it is advisable to prepare your resume for your first job .
Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?
You should always customize your cover letter for each company you’re applying to, as it significantly increases your chances of landing a job interview. To make your cover letter job-specific, review the job ad carefully , identify the most important things the company is looking for in the perfect candidate, and use that information to draft a compelling cover letter. Read more on what a cover letter should say and remember that with our cover letter builder your perfect cover letter is just a few clicks away!
Should my cover letter be downloaded in Word or PDF?
As it is recommended to send your resume in a PDF format , your cover letter should come in the same format as well. Thanks to this, your cover letter layout will look good on any device and any operating system that the recruiters might be using. Try Zety cover letter templates to see how quick and easy it might be to come up with a professional-looking PDF cover letter.
Does Zety offer any resume examples that I could look at?
If you don’t know where to start with writing your CV, we suggest that you look at our resume examples . Find an example matching your profession, tailor proposed content to your needs and add it to one of Zety’s resume templates . If you want to get more information about this, read our guide on how to write a resume .Don’t know if you should write a resume or a CV? Read about differences between a CV and a resume
Are Zety cover letter examples available for free?
Yes, you can access cover letter examples for 100+ professions grouped by industry on Zety for free. Now all you have to do is tailor content proposed by Zety to your own needs and use our cover letter builder to create a job-winning cover letter accompanying your perfect resume .
Try Zety's professional cover letter builder now
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Should ChatGPT write your resume?
Applying to jobs can often feel like a full-time job. Reading up on a company, tailoring a resume for a specific position within that organization, and writing a cover letter for just one role can take hours. By contrast, the average recruiter spends just seven seconds scanning a resume, according to one estimate .
Enter one tool that could change job applications entirely: ChatGPT , the AI-powered chatbot launched by OpenAI in November. Using a chatbot like ChatGPT (along with emerging competitors like Microsoft’s Bing AI and Google’s Bard) could give job-seekers an edge by substantially speeding up the application process. But is it the best solution?
On social media, it’s not uncommon these days to see a career influencer extol the value of ChatGPT, which they say can help you write a cover letter in two minutes, become “insanely prepared” for your next job interview, or submit 200 job applications in two days. At the very least, it can take an old resume and rewrite it fairly quickly so it’s relevant to a certain job description. Teal, a personal career growth platform, has been promoting ChatGPT for cover letters and resumes .
The new tool is great for a job-seeker, said Todd Mitchem, executive vice president of AMP Learning and Development, who advises HR professionals on using technologies like AI in their work. “They’ve got 15 different resumes that they had ChatGPT write within seconds,” he said.
If you’re concerned that using ChatGPT to write your resume feels a bit like cheating, consider that similar tools have been put to work on the recruiting side for years. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan resumes for certain keywords, ranking candidates based on the content in their CV. Now that applicants are using ChatGPT to tailor their job applications, the two systems are basically “talking to each other,” said Mitchem.
Research suggests AI can be an effective tool for job applicants. A recent study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed, found job candidates who used algorithmic writing assistance to help write their resumes had an 8% higher probability of getting hired than those who didn’t.
Still, career coaches and human resources consultants stress ChatGPT is just a tool, and there are limits to what it can do for job-seekers.
“If you want a draft of something really fast, that is a good head start, it’s really amazing at that,” said Rania Stewart, an analyst with the consulting firm Gartner who advises clients on recruiting technologies. But she cautioned that while ChatGPT will give you a decent resume, it’s liable to stretch the truth, and should be carefully edited. What’s more, she added, the privacy implications of the chatbot aren’t yet clear: Candidates should be wary of giving too much personal information to ChatGPT.
As candidates and companies alike examine the benefits—and limitations—of using AI in the hiring process, it may be worth exploring what chatbots can do for your next application. Here’s how you can experiment with ChatGPT as you apply and interview for jobs.
How to use ChatGPT to tailor your resume
The success of any conversation with ChatGPT will hinge on the prompts you provide, according to Michael Dillon, a data analyst based in Manchester, England, who has been sharing tips for using the tool on LinkedIn.
“You have to be very good at giving instructions,” said Dillon of the prompts, which essentially tell ChatGPT what to do. “The more specific you are and the more information you give it,” he added, the better it will perform.
Dillon, who recently published a guide on the subject, recommends taking a job description on LinkedIn, then prompting ChatGPT to summarize the job role by entering a prompt like, “Summarize this job role. Explain the top 5 skills and top 5 experience required.” You can even dictate the way you want ChatGPT to format the summary by entering, “use line breaks and bullet points.”
From there, you can give ChatGPT your resume and ask it to identify how your skills and experience align with those listed in the job description. You can then prompt ChatGPT to expand on these skills and experiences in bullet points that could easily be inserted into a re-tailored resume. A simple search on TikTok or LinkedIn is likely to turn up plenty of similar prompts for job-seekers who want to use ChatGPT for their resumes.
Again, be wary of allowing ChatGPT to insert errors into your resume, Dillon cautioned (currently, its data ends at 2021), or turning in a job application that reads as if it was written by a bot . Still, ChatGPT can provide you with a launching point for crafting a resume that has a good chance of catching the eye of recruiters—or the systems tracking candidates for them.
How AI chatbots can help write your cover letter
ChatGPT also lends itself well to drafting a cover letter for a job. A candidate can enter a job description and their resume, then tell ChatGPT to write a cover letter using those two pieces of information.
On Instagram Jerry Lee, co-founder of the job search service Wonsulting, shared prompts for creating a cover letter in just 45 seconds using ChatGPT. Lee has said such tips might allow applicants to apply for as many as 200 jobs in just two days.
But while applying to jobs at a breakneck pace with the help of ChatGPT may be tempting for job-seekers looking to land something quickly, Lynda Spiegel, a resume coach based in New York City, is skeptical this is the best approach. She said she typically recommends people on the hunt for a job apply to no more than three open roles each week. A “ spray and pray ” method, she added, can hurt a candidate strategically. If a job-seeker is focused on applying to as many jobs as possible, they might not take the time to connect with the hiring manager for a position, or find a second-degree connection who can open the door for them more quickly at the company. What’s more, it’s unclear how many recruiters read cover letters carefully, so if there’s something about your career background you want potential employers to know, you should make sure it’s included in your resume as well, Spiegel said.
As tools like ChatGPT make it quicker and easier to apply for jobs, companies could see a “sharp increase” in the volume of applications, said Stewart, of Gartner.
The likelihood your application is competing against a bigger pool of candidates makes it all the more important to submit a resume and cover letter that stands out from the rest, Dillon said. Your best bet, he added, is to use ChatGPT to jumpstart your thinking process, and get straight to writing job applications that “sound like you.”
How ChatGPT can help you prepare for an interview
Experts say ChatGPT can also be helpful in preparing for interviews. When testing out ChatGPT, Dillon asked the bot to take a job description and create 10 potential interview questions, sorted by competencies required for the role. Even if it doesn’t predict exactly what a recruiter will ask , “it gives you a lot to think about,” Dillon said.
If you prompt ChatGPT to act as a recruiter, “it’s basically gonna put you through a verbal written mock interview, and it’s very good at that,” Mitchem said.
Don’t be surprised if you start to notice companies’ approach to interviewing change in the coming years thanks to AI. HR professionals will be challenged to rethink the way they evaluate candidates with the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT, Mitchem predicted. “Where we’re headed is, how does HR and recruitment get more personalized?” he said. Recruiters will need to focus more on identifying skills that differentiate candidates, and Mitchem said he wouldn’t be surprised if more companies start asking for video resumes in the future.
Even as ChatGPT greatly speeds up the job application process, don’t discount the value of good old-fashioned networking, Spiegel and Dillon said. If you reach out to a secondhand connection at a company you’re applying for, or email a recruiter directly, these human interactions can help bypass any sort of automated tracking system where your resume might still get lost.
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An employer says she caught a job seeker applying for a role with a ChatGPT cover letter, but it lacked personal information and cost them the job.
- Mandy Tang said that a candidate applied for a role with an AI-generated cover letter.
- Tang said she isn't against the tech, but was shocked at the letter's lack of personal information.
- A recruiting expert told Insider that AI-generated letters are already becoming easier to spot.
Mandy Tang, a career coach and business owner, said she received an application for a part-time résumé writer role around five minutes after she posted the job on UpWork, an online freelancing platform.
Although she hadn't requested a cover letter, the job seeker sent her one. At first glance, Tang said they looked like a perfect fit for the role.
"The letter was really well-formed, incredibly well-written, and had literally everything I wanted," Tang told Insider. "But then I looked closer and realized it was just a copy and paste of everything I had put in the job description."
She said she noticed the letter even appeared to have lifted some of her own experience: "There was a part in the job description where I had said things like, 'I have run a business for five years,' and then the cover letter also said 'I have run a business for five years.'"
Tang said she had heard of job seekers using OpenAI's ChatGPT and suspected the letter might have been AI-generated. She asked the chatbot to write her a cover letter based on the job description, and the results were "word-for-word the same."
Based on her findings, Tang said she believed the candidate had put the job description through ChatGPT. "I just thought it was wild," she said.
Tang said she didn't take issue with job seekers using the technology in general but was shocked the candidate hadn't appeared to edit the letter or add much personal information.
When tested by Insider, one popular AI detector concluded the text was "likely" written by an AI. OpenAI's AI classifier said the text was "possibly" AI-generated.
Tang didn't follow up with the candidate, citing the nature of the role, a lack of personal information, and language that too closely mimicked the job description.
"I thought of responding to them," she said. "But I just moved on and hired three really great people who were actually qualified — this person was probably qualified too, but I wouldn't know it from the cover letter."
Tang documented her experience in a TikTok clip, which has attracted more than 1.8 million views.
ChatGPT has proved popular with job seekers for its ability to write cover letters, with many users demonstrating the results on TikTok. Recruiters previously told Insider that although some AI-generated letters could pass for real candidates, they tended to lack personality.
However, job seekers may soon be deterred from using the technology. Robert Boersma, the vice president of operations at Talent.com, said these AI-generated letters are already becoming easier to spot.
"If your cover letter is using technical words, broad statements that lack depth and personality, is structurally sound but lacks minute details, it's highly likely that the recruiter will be able to tell that it is an AI-generated cover letter," he said.
As AI platforms gain popularity, there is also an increased likelihood of candidates generating letters with the same structures, Boersma said. Recruiters can easily use tools that check for the presence of AI and candidates who are caught out risk losing the job over a perceived lack of effort, he added.
Candidates also run the risk of misrepresenting themselves if they rely too heavily on AI. "As these tools draft responses based on provided information it is possible that generated text aligns with the job description but not with your personal values and beliefs," Boersma said.
Tang, on the other hand, encouraged candidates to use them as a starting point for their applications.
"Make sure you pull in your own personal information," she said. "You need to proofread it and you need to use it as a starting ground, you can't just copy and paste it."
NOW WATCH: A woman who's worked in HR for over a decade shares the biggest résumé and cover letter mistakes she's seen
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
One of the slyest tricks you’ll come across on a job application is the part where it says that attaching a cover letter is optional.
Sure, some companies genuinely may not care if you include a cover letter, otherwise known as a letter of application, or not, but most hiring managers use this as a way to weed out applicants long before anyone in HR starts sending out emails. They know candidates that care about the job will go the extra mile, and the cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression.
Although there are as many ways to write a cover letter as there are to skin a cat, the best way is often the simplest way.
In this article, we’ll show you how to write a cover letter that will send your job application to the top of the pile and land you that first crucial phone screen or first interview.
Here are 10 things you need to know about writing a great cover letter . Let’s get into it!
1. What’s the Point of Writing a Cover Letter?
In brief, your job cover letter is a way to tell the people that you want to hire you why they should hire you. It should illustrate your fitness for the role, your professionalism, and your competence, all while revealing a little bit of your personality.
It’s also your opportunity to provide some context for what’s in your resume, explaining anything your resume leaves out and highlighting the parts of your resume that are most relevant to the role.
Sound tough? We promise, it’s not that hard, and once you get the basics down, it’s easy to modify your cover letter slightly for each role, so it’s as relevant as possible to the exact job you’re applying for.
2. How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
As with resumes, cover letters shouldn’t exceed one page in length; any longer and you risk turning off the hiring manager before they’ve even glanced at your resume.
In terms of word count, this means that you should be aiming for around 500 words.
As a rule of thumb, try to stick to around three paragraphs (four at most), not counting the salutation and sign-off.
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3. What Should a Job Cover Letter Include?
A great cover letter for a job application includes the following parts:
- An address and salutation
- An introduction that tells the hiring manager who you are and what role you’re applying for
- A statement about your interest in the role, and why you’re the best person for the job
- A brief section outlining your qualifications and relevant past experience
- A quick conclusion that reiterates your interest in the job, the best ways to reach you, and closes with a friendly but professional sign-off
4. What’s the Proper Format for a Cover Letter?
A basic cover letter for a job application should look something like this:
As you can see, the cover letter includes your name, address, and contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s name and address. The body of the cover letter (again, three paragraphs should do the job) should all fit on one page with room for your sign-off.
(Protip: You can find this and other cover letter templates in Microsoft Word.)
5. What Salutation and Sign-Off Should You Use in a Cover Letter?
As a general rule, you should tailor the language, style, and tone of your cover letter to the type of role and company to which you’re applying. A cover letter for a job at a prestigious law firm, for example, would be very different from a cover letter for a part-time retail position.
“I say, old chap, did that candidate address you as ‘sir’ just a moment ago? I like the cut of his jib.”
That said, the basic salutation that works in almost any situation is “Dear Mr./Ms. [Name].” If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiting Manager.” ( Experts recommend avoiding “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as they sound antiquated.)
Note: You should also avoid using “Mrs.” when addressing a female hiring manager, even if you know for a fact that she’s married. Use the politely ambiguous “Ms.” instead.
As a sign-off, stick to something simple and professional like “Sincerely” or “Regards.”
6. How Should Your Open Your Cover Letter?
Solid advice. Image via WikiHow .
Typically, a cover letter introduction (the first paragraph) should accomplish three goals. It should tell the reader:
- Who you are
- Why you’re writing to the recipient
- Why that person should continue reading
Although there are a few “clever” ways to open your cover letter, most tend to be pretty formulaic. For example:
“My name is Dan Shewan, and I am writing to apply for the position of Staff Writer.”
The line above addresses two of our three goals; it establishes who I am and why I’m writing to the recipient. It’s up to you whether to include where you saw the vacancy. (I don’t tend to include this, as the hiring manager already knows where they’re advertising, so why bother?)
If you happen to be a referral or you know someone at the company, this would be a good place to mention that, i.e. “My name is Dan Shewan, and I am writing to apply for the position of Staff Writer, which I heard about from your magazine’s editorial assistant, Jane Doe.”
We still need to deal with the third objective of our cover letter’s introduction, though, which is to give the recipient a reason to keep reading . This is where you get a chance to mention how awesome you are:
“With more than a decade of editorial experience across a wide range of publications in print and online, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for the role.”
By including this line, I’m giving the hiring manager that reason to keep reading. I mention how long I’ve been doing what I do, offer a glimpse of the kind of experience they’ll see on my resume, and conclude with a strong, confident statement of intent.
At this point, I’m ready to segue into the real meat of my cover letter.
7. What Goes in the Body of a Letter of Application?
Remember, cover letters are an opportunity to prove you can be the very specific individual that the hiring manager is looking for . This is what the body of your cover letter, the second paragraph, should illustrate.
A great way to do this is to picture yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes.
The hiring manager responsible for screening candidates probably has someone pretty specific in mind. She knows what her ideal candidate’s major was at college, what specific skills they have , how many years they’ve been in their field, and the kind of projects they’ve worked on. When it comes to cover letters, hiring managers are looking for one thing – relevance. In short, the hiring manager knows exactly who she’s looking for.
“It says here you can walk AND chew gum. I’m impressed – so impressed I’m going to continue leaning on my keyboard with my elbow absentmindedly.”
Your cover letter is an opportunity to prove that you are that person, by aligning yourself perfectly with the hiring manager’s idea of her dream candidate.
The second paragraph of your cover letter (which should be the longest and most substantial part) is where you should do that. Tell the recipient, in about 5-7 sentences, why you’re the absolute best person for the job, by highlighting specific elements of your education and past job or life experience that you can bring to the table.
If you’re truly passionate about the job and your field, make sure that shows! Nobody wants to hire someone who’s just desperate for a job, any job.
Here’s an example of a great cover letter body via Ask a Manager :
As you will see from the attached resume, I’ve built my career in a variety of roles and industries, mostly in small companies where I was not just the admin but also gatekeeper, technology whiz, bookkeeper and marketing guru. I’m not only used to wearing many hats, I sincerely enjoy it; I thrive in an environment where no two work days are exactly the same. In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details – particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.
Notice how the cover letter backs up claims (like “fanatic for details”) with specific examples and evidence ($1.5 million grant award).
8. How Closely Should Your Cover Letter Match the Job Description?
Pretty closely!
Because the person making the decision on who to hire knows what they want, it’s a good idea to look for clues in the job description and mirror those back in your cover letter.
Tailoring cover letters to the requirements laid out in the job description is one of the best ways to set yourself apart from the competition. In fact, many companies actually use software that scans applicants’ cover letters for specific keywords or phrases from the job description, and failing to include these keywords could exclude you from consideration altogether before the real screening process even begins. This is another reason why matching your cover letter to the job description is so crucial.
We get it: If you’ve been out of work for even a moderate length of time, applying for jobs can be a soul-destroying grind, and after a few months on the market, it’s easy to see why so many people fail to customize every single cover letter they send out, especially if they’re playing a numbers game by applying to dozens of companies every week.
“Must have a Master’s degree or greater, 10+ years of professional experience. Starting salary of $35,000 per annum.”
Don’t make this mistake!
Because the hiring manager has done the lion’s share of the thinking for you, the easiest way to make your cover letter more relevant to the specific job you’re applying for is to “mirror” the structure of the job spec in the cover letter. Let’s say you’re applying for an opening for an office and events coordinator role. Here are some of the key job functions and requirements:
You should use exact terms and language from this list in your cover letter to describe your own applicable experience and skills.
For example, you could open your cover letter with something like this:
“As an experienced events coordinator with considerable expertise in the planning and execution of ambitious corporate events including customer functions, conferences, and executive meetings, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for the role.”
Notice how the list of events from the first bullet point is mirrored here?
As above, you should back up your claims with examples, borrowing words from the job description itself so that the hiring manager can clearly see you’ve paid attention to the job listing and are a good fit for the job:
“In 2016, I was responsible for the travel and accommodation arrangements of 40 staff members traveling from San Diego, CA to Boston, MA for the INBOUND marketing conference. My primary responsibilities included negotiating with commercial airlines to secure cost-effective flights, handling individual needs such as unique dietary requirements for several delegates for the duration of their stay, and liaising with several nationwide logistics firms to ensure conference booth materials were delivered and set up on time. As a result, we achieved a 35% reduction in year-over-year travel and accommodation expenditure, and secured a more favorable rate with a more efficient nationwide logistics operator.”
In the paragraph above, we’re mirroring the original job spec, but we’re making it more interesting, specific, and relevant. We’ve demonstrated that we can definitely handle the rigors of the job and backed up our assertions with a nice little humblebrag about how we also saved the company a ton of money.
Mad props to HubSpot’s event planning team
9. What’s the Right Tone for a Cover Letter?
Pay close attention to the language used in the job listing, and reflect this with the language of your cover letter. Be formal when applying for a role with a formal job description. If the description is more fun and “kooky,” you can be a little more creative and casual (within limits).
Many job descriptions reflect a company’s brand voice and values. This means that mirroring the kind of language used in the job description in your cover letter doesn’t just make sense stylistically, but also offers you an additional opportunity to prove that you’re a good culture fit .
10. Do I Need a Cover Letter When Applying to Jobs on LinkedIn?
This might shock you, but cover letters used to be actual paper letters that served as the cover of a person’s resume. That they would physically mail to an employer. In an envelope .
Today, of course, most job applications are processed online, and a huge number of these are handled through LinkedIn.
As you might already know, LinkedIn offers an amazingly convenient way to send prospective employers your information, known as “Easy Apply.” This essentially sends a truncated version of your LinkedIn profile directly to a hiring manager’s InMail inbox (LinkedIn’s internal messaging and mail service), from which they can view your entire profile and application package.
A beacon of light amidst the darkness
Remember how I said that one of the sneakiest tricks in a job application is the part where it says cover letters are optional? Well, I’ll be honest with you – I don’t think I’ve ever included a cover letter for an Easy Apply role on LinkedIn.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, however.
How Do LinkedIn Cover Letters Differ from Regular Cover Letters?
There are even fewer carved-in-stone rules about LinkedIn cover letters than there are for ordinary cover letters. There are, however, some unique considerations you should bear in mind when crafting a cover letter for LinkedIn applications.
For one, there’s the fact that your LinkedIn profile itself combines elements of both your resume and a well-written cover letter. Your LinkedIn profile’s summary essentially functions as its own cover letter, and your profile hopefully contains a great deal of detail about your professional accomplishments (as well as those vital connections that are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market). As such, LinkedIn cover letters may be a little shorter and more rudimentary than the type of cover letter I’ve outlined above.
However you choose to structure your LinkedIn cover letter, keep it brief; the hiring manager already has a lot of information to look over, so don’t waste time.
Many Thanks for Your Time and Consideration
There are almost as many ways to write a cover letter as there are jobs to apply for. However, as long as you manage to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and maintain a professional and respectful tone, cover letters are just a chance to get your foot in the door.
Meet The Author
Originally from the U.K., Dan Shewan is a journalist and web content specialist who now lives and writes in New England. Dan’s work has appeared in a wide range of publications in print and online, including The Guardian, The Daily Beast, Pacific Standard magazine, The Independent, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and many other outlets.
See other posts by Dan Shewan
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February 28, 2023
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Are you ready to make a career move but don't know where to start? Are you crafting your job hunt, writing resumes and wondering how to best focus your energy into getting a foot in the door? Don’t worry: You are not alone! Many fantastic professionals just like you want their next career step to be successful and meaningful.
A cover letter generator is a powerful and efficient tool that can take away all the stress of writing an effective job application - it could just be the secret weapon for launching your dream career.
In this article, we look at the best cover letter generators so you can easily create professional-looking documents in no time! Find out how the best cover letter generators can help jumpstart your next career move.
Resume Genius
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Our first recommendation for help writing your cover letter is the big hitter in the AI writer space - Jasper.
Customize your document according to your job requirements using the personal bio template . Jasper's powerful AI-driven content creation engine quickly generates a customized cover letter highlighting your qualifications and work experience in the best possible light.
Play with different tones of voice to capture the company's style, and let Jasper's AI-driven software suggest synonyms, phrases and sentences to customize your cover letter further. Jasper can provide helpful tips on writing an effective cover letter to ensure your document stands out from the competition.
With Jasper's user-friendly AI-backed content creation system, it's now a breeze for anyone to generate an expert cover letter in no time! Get started now with Jasper to create a professional document that catches the attention of recruiters.
Try Jasper today for free!
Check out our full Jasper AI review here.
Rytr's cover letter maker is an AI-powered tool designed to help users craft professional and engaging cover letters quickly and easily.
It provides pre-written content tailored specifically to the job role and skills needed and natural language processing technology to tailor it further.
With its intuitive user interface and free forever pricing, Rytr makes creating great cover letters easy and accessible.
For a full run through of all its capabilities, check out our Rytr review .
Zety's cover letter generator is the ideal tool for job seekers to create professional and persuasive cover letters.
It offers a user-friendly interface with numerous features and cover letter template options matching various industries and professions.
There's a real-time checker with improvement suggestions and easy downloading options. These features make Zety perfect for any job seeker who needs a great cover letter quickly!
Resume.io provides users the tools to write an effective cover letter, including HR-approved professional cover letter template examples and customizable features tailored to specific industries.
It offers a comprehensive guide on ensuring users present themselves in the best possible light, giving them the highest chances of landing their dream job.
With resume.io, users can ensure they have the highest chances of landing the job of their dreams.
Resume Genius' tool is an easy to use professional template that provides users with a step-by-step guide for creating a strong and engaging cover letter.
It also offers cover letter example specimens created by professionals in different industries, all reviewed by experienced career experts.
This ensures users have access to high quality content when crafting their own unique cover letter.
Resume Lab's cover letter creator is ideal for job seekers to quickly and easily create a professional cover letter.
It includes all necessary forms, sections, and even helpful tips and advice on how to write a great cover letter.
The powerful spellchecker helps identify typos or grammar mistakes that could otherwise cost potential job opportunities.
LiveCareer’s cover letter builder is a helpful tool that provides job seekers with customizable templates, tips on how to write a successful cover letter, and advice on what to include. It also features resume building tools for an all-in-one resource.
With its user-friendly design, this generator makes it easy to create a powerful cover letter to showcase your experience and qualifications.
JobHero's cover letter maker is an easy-to-use tool for creating a professional, high-impact cover letter that stands out from the competition.
It provides customizable design options and keyword optimization to tailor your letter to the job you're applying for, and it will help you to meet deadlines.
With this helpful resource, you can quickly create a standout cover letter highlighting your work experience and increasing your chances of getting hired.
MyPerfectResume's cover letter generator offers step-by-step guidance and ATS-friendly cover letter templates to help create an eye-catching, professional document.
It also provides customizable design tools, a savings option, and optimization for ATS systems to maximize chances of getting an interview.
MyPerfectResume can help you create a compelling and effective cover letter with its easy-to-use features.
Cover Letter Now's cover letter builder provides a convenient and efficient way to create personalized, professional-looking cover letters.
Their templates are easy to modify, and their formatting tools make it simple to produce a mistake-free document.
Pre-written examples and tips help highlight relevant skills and experiences for employers so they can recognize quickly how you will contribute to their team.
No matter which tool you choose to create your cover letter, the most important thing is to ensure that it reflects who you are and shows the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
Here’s a quick guide for crafting a well written cover letter:
- Research thoroughly about the job/company
- Customize your document according to the job description
- Highlight your unique skill set and experience
- Use a professional, polite tone of voice throughout
- Avoid clichés or generic phrases
- Make sure to proofread and edit any typos or errors before sending it
The best cover letter maker tools can help you easily create an effective document. With the right combination of research, customization and creative thinking, you can craft a great cover letter that will land you your dream job!
Here are some important answers to common questions about cover letter generators.
Yes, it is perfectly alright to use a cover letter generator. Using a cover letter builder can help you create an effective, professional-looking document in no time at all!
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should clearly convey your interest in the job and provide a highlight of your relevant skills and experience.
The ideal format for a cover letter includes the following:
- Your contact information at the top
- Followed by a brief introduction of yourself and briefly outlining the reasons why you would be an asset to the organization
- Then, include details regarding your qualifications relevant to the position you’re applying for
- Finally, end with a strong conclusion, such as expressing your appreciation for their time and a call to action
The ideal file format for your cover letter is a PDF (Portable Document Format). This ensures that your document will remain readable and consistent across all devices.
Yes, cover letters are still an important part of the job application process. A personalized cover letter allows you to provide more context and detail than a resume, which can help your application stand out from the crowd and help you get that all important job interview.
To ensure your cover letter stands out to a recruiter, ensure it is tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to and is free of typos or grammatical errors. Also, include industry-specific language and showcase your professional experience clearly and concisely to a potential employer.
In conclusion, a good cover letter is a vital component of any job application; an effective one can make all the difference.
If you're looking for a great job to make you rich , a professional cover letter generator can be the secret weapon to help you create a strong document that reflects your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments.
Writing an impressive cover letter can be daunting, but with the help of online letter templates and the AI tools mentioned in this article, you can craft the perfect cover letter that will give you the edge you need to land your dream job.
Good luck with your job search!
Julia Jenkins is an “information junkie”, who loves nothing more than helping blog owners create and manage content as the founder of Bloggbuddy.
When she’s not working on her next big project, you’ll find Julia looking for new ways to learn and grow with her nose buried in a book or exploring the great outdoors with her family and their two dogs.
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Three excellent cover letter examples
Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them
- More CV and cover letter templates
- Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you
The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.
Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.
1. Standard, conservative style
This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.
Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely
2. Standard speculative letter
This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.
Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely
3. Letter for creative jobs
We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.
Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards
Other helpful resources
How to write a perfect CV and cover letter
Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills
Five steps to the perfect graduate CV
School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV
How to write a personal statement for your CV
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Job Application Letter – Materi Bahasa Inggris Kelas 12
Materi Bahasa Inggris kelas 12 dan Gap Year ini membahas cara membuat job application letter, cover letter, dan curriculum vitae, beserta contoh soal dan pembahasan.
Halo Sobat Zenius! Apa kabar? Di artikel Materi Bahasa Inggris ini, gue mau ngajak elo ngebahas tentang materi job application letter kelas 12 nih, mulai dari pengertian, konsep sampai struktur dan contohnya. Yuk baca artikel ini sampai selesai!
Bicara soal struktur application letter, gue punya cerita menarik nih tentang job application bagaimana gue bisa jadi content writer di Zenius. Singkatnya begini guys , gue lulus kuliah pada tahun 2019. Setelah lulus, gue langsung jadi ‘pengacara’. Acara gue ya…ngelamar kerja ke sana kemari. Hehehe.
Sampai suatu ketika, gue lihat informasi tentang lowongan kerja sebagai content writer di Zenius. Langsung aja deh gue kirim job application letter sesuai persyaratan yang diminta. Waktu itu, gue ngelamar Zenius di aplikasi pencari kerja bernama Kalibrr.
Setelah bikin akun, gue mulai mengisi data diri, kontak, riwayat pendidikan sampai Curriculum Vitae (CV) yang gue jadiin satu sesuai struktur job application letter. Setelah semua data sudah lengkap, gue klik tulisan ‘Apply’ di bagian bawah lowongan kerja.
Muncullah beberapa dokumen yang perlu di- upload dan sudah ready, seperti job application letter, cover letter dan curriculum vitae.
Gue klik “Submit Application”, selesai deh…tinggal nunggu tanggapan dari Zenius.
Akhirnya gue jadi penulis konten yang lagi elo baca ini! :”) Tentunya, kelolosan gue juga bergantung pada usaha gue dalam memaksimalkan job application letter, cover letter dan curriculum vitae yang dibutuhkan.
Nah, buat Sobat Zenius, di artikel ini gue mau nge- share struktur application letter, sampai contoh soal dan pembahasan yang ada di materi surat lamaran Bahasa Inggris kelas 12. Eits, tapi sebelum lebih jauh, nggak ada salahnya kalau elo yang belum punya aplikasi Zenius, buat download app Zenius yuk. Langsung klik aja banner yang ada di bawah ini ya guys!
Download Aplikasi Zenius
Fokus UTBK untuk kejar kampus impian? Persiapin diri elo lewat pembahasan video materi, ribuan contoh soal, dan kumpulan try out di Zenius!
Perbedaan Cover Letter dan Job Application Letter
Sebelum gue kasih tau apa itu job application letter, elo perlu tau dulu nih apa perbedaan cover letter dan application letter?
Sebenarnya, job application letter dan cover letter beda tipis sih. Secara struktur, nggak ada yang beda. Isi job application letter adalah perkenalan, riwayat pendidikan, pengalaman kerja, dan achievements.
Cuma, cover letter menjabarkan secara singkat. Sementara itu, bagian-bagian application letter lebih menjelaskan secara rinci.
Fungsi application letter untuk menerangkan tentang skills, pengalaman kerja, dan tanggung jawab dari pekerjaan sebelumnya secara terperinci.
Intinya, isi body cover letter lebih singkat, sedangkan job application letter lebih rinci.
Struktur Job Application Letter
Struktur job application letter sebenarnya nggak jauh beda dari cover letter. Berdasarkan materi application letter kelas 12, berikut struktur surat lamaran yang benar, antara lain:
- Applicant information, yaitu informasi dasar pengirim surat. Isinya berupa nama lengkap, kontak, dan alamat.
- Date, yakni tanggal berapa nulis surat.
- Recipient information , yaitu informasi mengenai penerima surat. Isinya berupa nama penerima, posisinya di perusahaan, nama perusahaan, alamat perusahaan, dan kontak perusahaan.
- Greetings, yakni berupa salam kepada penerima surat. Bisa menyapa dengan “Dear, Ms…”
- Introduction. Isi dengan nama lengkap , posisi saat ini sebagai apa ( fresh graduate atau kerja), posisi apa yang dilamar, dan dari mana mendapat info loker tersebut.
- Skills. Sebutin apa aja kemampuan yang punya selama bekerja atau berorganisasi.
- Achievements. Tulis pencapaian yang pernah diraih, tapi nggak usah muluk-muluk. Cukup ceritain rintangan yang pernah dihadapi di organisasi atau pekerjaan sebelumnya, dan bagaimana mengatasinya. Tulis juga paling doing the best dalam hal apa.
- Experience. Tulis pengalaman kerja atau organisasi yang pernah dijalani sebelumnya.
- Value to the company. Jabarin apa yang bisa kasih ke perusahaan buat mencapai tujuan. Poin ini bisa bikin perusahaan tertarik sama lamaran kerja .
- Expectations. Tutup surat dengan mengatakan ekspektasi pada perusahaan yang dilamar. Berharap agar dikontak balik buat lanjut tahap selanjutnya.
- Willingness to work. Tunjukkan kemauan buat berdedikasi di perusahaan tersebut.
- Sign off. Bisa nulis “Sincerely,” atau “Yours sincerely”.
- Signature. Tulis tanda tangan di bawah sign off. Setelah itu, tulis nama terang di bawah tanda tangan.
- Attachments. Setelah semua yang gue tulis di atas beres, lampirkan CV melalui attachments buat dikirim ke perusahaan .
Biar makin paham, elo bisa lihat contoh job application letter yang utuh di bawah ini:
Jakarta, August 20, 2021
Subject: Application for Employment
Attention To Head of HRD Zenius Education
Jl. Kuningan Raya No. 18 Jakarta
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of SEO Writer which your company has advertised on Kalibr. Through the skills and experiences listed below, I believe to be a strong candidate for this job.
Having professional and academic experience in creative writings and media, I am able to create articles considering SEO and human friendliness.
I’m a Bachelor of Communication graduate from London School of Public Relation, Jakarta, Indonesia, specialized in Creative Media & Writings.
I am a fresh graduate. Even though I just graduated, I am able to learn new things quickly, of course with an enthusiasm of working in a field that I love. I am growth minded too.
I hope I meet the expectation to be a candidate for this job. For further questions, please feel free to contact me on 0812 111 111. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
(Signature)
Arieni Mayesha
Catatan : Isi job application letter sesuai kebutuhan posisi yang dilamar dan pengalaman asli elo . Ingat, kalau bikin surat yang lebih ke perkenalan, bisa menggunakan cover letter. Kalau memang niatnya mau nonjolin skills dan achievements, elo menggunakan job application letter. Jadi, gunakan surat sesuai kebutuhan berkasnya.
Kemajuan teknologi bikin cara melamar kerja jadi berubah. Kalau dulu nih, orang-orang kudu capek-capek pergi naik bis, jalan ke sana kemari, ngedatengin perusahaan-perusahaan buat ngelamar kerja.
Generasi sekarang udah disediain fasilitas berupa teknologi. Kalau mau ngelamar kerja, tinggal download aplikasi pencari kerja, milih lowongan posisi yang lagi dibuka, apply lamaran, dan tinggal klik ‘Send’. Selesai deh, elo udah resmi ngelamar kerja tanpa harus capek-capek pergi ke sana kemari dan berkeringat.
Selain melalui cara di atas, bisa juga nyari lowongan pekerjaan melalui situs resmi perusahaan yang diincar.
Biasanya, kalau lagi buka lowongan kerja, perusahaan bakal nampilin posisi yang lagi dibuka di situs resmi bahkan akun media sosial resminya. Info lowongan tersebut udah termasuk syarat yang dibutuhkan, deskripsi pekerjaan, dan ke email mana lamaran harus dikirim.
Kali ini, gue bakal jelasin cara membuat application letter dalam bahasa Inggris melalui email. Gue kasih dulu blank space buat gambaran ya.
Nah, elo pasti bakal menghadapi tampilan kayak gini ketika akan mengirim email.
Terus, gimana caranya nulis job application letter via email ? Soalnya, elo nggak mungkin cuma ngirim berkasnya doang, tanpa ngisi body email.
Gue kasih tahu nih cara membuat application letter dalam bahasa Inggris:
- Isi kolom ‘To’ dengan email penerima . Ketika menemukan info lowongan kerja, kan udah disebutin tuh, email lamarannya dikirim ke mana. Biasanya, alamat email yang dicantumkan adalah alamat email HRD atau pimpinan perusahaan. Isi kolom ‘To’ dengan alamat email tersebut.
- Ingat untuk mengisi subject . Isi subject harus nyambung dengan konteks email yang akan dikirim. Isi subject- nya dengan format: Nama Lengkap – Posisi yang dilamar.
- Isi body email . Wajib hukumnya untuk mengisi body email . Isi dengan struktur job application letter sebagai berikut:
- Greetings. Buka dengan menyapa penerima e-mail. Misalnya, kalau ingin ngelamar jadi tutor Bahasa Inggris di Zenius Education, tapi nggak tahu nama spesifik HRD-nya, bisa nulis, “Dear HR of Zenius Education,”. Ingat , akhiri dengan koma ya, bukan titik.
- Introduction. Kenalin diri, dan kasih tahu dapat info lowongan itu dari mana.
Contoh: My name is Cinta Sendiriwati and I discovered that Zenius Education is currently searching for an English Tutor from jobex.id.
- Short background. Kasih tahu posisi sekarang jadi apa, dan ceritakan secara singkat tentang riwayat pendidikan dan pengalaman kerja , kalau sudah pernah kerja.
Contoh: I am interested in applying for this position. I possess a bachelor degree in English Education and have been teaching in a school for two years.
- Conclusion. Kasih tahu kalau sudah ngelampirin berkas-berkas yang dibutuhkan.
Contoh: Hereby I have attached my resume and certificates below to prove my capabilities. Thank you for your consideration.
- Sign off. Tulis dengan ‘Sincerely,’. Cantumkan nama di bawahnya, ya.
Kalau digabung secara utuh, struktur job application letter di atas jadi kayak gini:
Catatan: Job application letter email emang lebih singkat dibandingkan job application letter atau cover letter.
Soalnya, poin-poin penjabarannya udah ada di cover letter atau job application letter yang dilampirkan di email .
Jadi, apa yang ditulis di badan email ini cuma jadi pengantar singkat aja buat ngasih tahu alasan kenapa ngirim email tersebut.
Baca Juga : Making Requests, Accepting and Declining – Bahasa Inggris Kelas 12
Contoh Soal Application Letter
Tadi kita udah belajar banyak tentang job application letter bahasa Inggris .
Sekarang, saatnya uji pengetahuan elo dengan menjawab latihan soal application letter berikut:
Dear Mr. Amiruddin,
I read your ad regarding a vacancy for an English Teacher. I would be glad to apply for the role.
Teaching has always been my passion, and I have always been great with students. I have been a teacher at Sun and Moon School for 5 years. I have also taught class VI and VII for 2 years earlier. …
I have attached my resume for your consideration, and request you to consider my application for the role. If you find it suitable, please feel free to contact me at the below mentioned contact details.
Yours sincerely,
Alvin Alamsyah
Please fill the blank with a proper self promotion!
A. I might not have much experience, but I know I’m suitable for this position.
B. I’m confident that my qualifications and experience match your requirements.
C. Teaching isn’t really my passion but I know my qualification will meet your criteria.
D. I’m pretty sure that my qualification will match your criteria even though I have little experience with teaching.
E. It is important for me to inform you that my education is different from the one mentioned in the requirement.
Menurut elo , apa jawabannya?
Soal di atas merupakan contoh job application letter. Nama pelamarnya adalah Alvin Alamsyah. Alvin bermaksud buat ngelamar kerja sebagai guru Bahasa Inggris di tempat Mr. Amiruddin.
Dalam job application letter yang udah dibikin, Alvin menjabarkan passion- nya dalam mengajar anak-anak.
Dia juga menuliskan pengalaman kerjanya sebagai guru di Sun and Moon School selama lima tahun. Sebelum ngajar di Sun and Moon School, Alvin pernah ngajar siswa kelas VI dan VII selama dua tahun.
Selanjutnya, elo perlu mengisi bagian yang rumpang, berupa self promotion Alvin.
Namanya aja promosi kan, jadi Alvin perlu menuliskan hal baik tentang dirinya yang relevan dengan posisi yang dilamar, biar Mr. Amiruddin tertarik buat menerima lamarannya. Kita lihat satu per satu jawabannya:
Alvin ngerasa nggak punya banyak pengalaman, tapi dia pantang mundur aja buat ngelamar posisi sebagai guru Bahasa Inggris. Jawaban ini nggak meyakinkan banget, karena Alvin nggak menunjukkan kelebihan yang dia miliki. Bahkan dia ngaku kalau nggak punya banyak pengalaman. So, opsi A salah.
Alvin merasa percaya diri kalau kualifikasi dan pengalamannya cocok dengan apa yang dibutuhkan perusahaan. Jawaban ini bersifat positif, karena Alvin yakin bahwa dirinya adalah kandidat yang tepat. Kita keep dulu opsi B.
Alvin mengaku dirinya sesuai kriteria yang dibutuhkan, tapi ngomong kalau mengajar bukanlah passion- nya. Pernyataan ini kontradiktif, karena di dalam surat yang dia tulis, Alvin menjelaskan bahwa dirinya punya passion dalam mengajar. So, opsi C salah.
Kalimat ini maknanya sama dengan opsi A, kalau Alvin mengakui dirinya nggak banyak pengalaman. Sedangkan, perusahaan nyari orang yang berpengalaman. Jadi, opsi D bukan jawaban yang benar.
Biasanya, lowongan kerja untuk posisi guru akan membutuhkan orang yang latar belakang pendidikannya sesuai dengan posisi tersebut. Sedangkan, jawaban ini menunjukkan kalau Alvin punya latar belakang pendidikan yang beda dari kriteria yang dibutuhkan. Oleh karena itu, opsi E salah.
Jadi, jawaban yang benar adalah B. I’m confident that my qualifications and experience match your requirements.
Baca Juga : Direct and Indirect Speech – Bahasa Inggris Kelas 12
Finally, itu dia pembahasan tentang materi job application letter kelas 12 , mulai dari struktur application letter, sampai tips memasukkan skills dan cara agar email dilirik recruiter . Nah, buat Sobat Zenius yang ingin ningkatin nilai rapor dan makin paham semua materi pelajaran kelas 10, 11, 12, elo bisa bergabung dengan paket Aktiva Sekolah Zenius lho.
Di paket Aktiva Sekolah, elo bisa dapetin akses ribuan video belajar premium, live class, try out, rangkuman materi hingga latihan soal yang intensif. Jadi bisa banget elo manfaatin buat ningkatin nilai rapor dan pemahaman untuk semua materi belajar SMA. Yuk, langsung aja klik informasi lengkapnya pada banner di bawah ini, sekarang!
Nah, buat elo yang mau memperdalam materi application letter kelas 12, setelah download aplikasi Zenius buat akses materi beserta soal , jangan lupa klik banner video materi belajar di bawah ini ya!
Baca Juga : Offering Help and Responding – Materi Bahasa Inggris Kelas 12
Originally published: December 3, 2021 Updated by: Arieni Mayesha & Rizaldi Abror
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Reader Comments (3)
Terima kasih kak atas artikelnya
Halo Angga, sama-sama ya. Semoga bisa membantu ^^
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Planning to write cover letter using chatgpt you may never get the job , mandy tang, a business owner, revealed in a tiktok video that she received an application for a part-time resume writer role just five minutes after she posted the job on a hiring platform, upwork. here's what happened next..
- ChatGPT written cover letters lack personal information.
- Mandy Tang discovered that the ChatGPT copied entire job description in the cover letter.
- Tang further added that she wasn’t shocked but was appalled that the job seeker did not even bother to edit the content.
By Ankita Chakravarti : If you like many others out there planning to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter for a job role, you should be careful about what you sign up for. Recently, when a woman used the AI tool to write a cover letter, she forgot to cross-check and at the least, edit the content of the letter written by ChatGPT. The woman’s employer decided not to give her the job because it not only lacked personal information but was also a copy paste of everything that was written in the job description.
Mandy Tang, a business owner, revealed in a TikTok video that she received an application for a for a part-time resume writer role in just five minutes after she posted the job on, a hiring platform UpWork. Tang mentions that even though she did not ask the applicants to send a cover letter, the job seeker sent her one. When she first received the cover letter, it looked perfect to her and she almost made up her mind to hire the applicant until she dived deeper into the letter.
"The letter was really well-formed, incredibly well-written, and had literally everything I wanted.But then I looked closer and realized it was just a copy and paste of everything I had put in the job description,” She told Business Insider. Tang further mentioned that the ChatGPT even copied her own experience in the cover letter."There was a part in the job description where I had said things like, 'I have run a business for five years,' and then the cover letter also said 'I have run a business for five years,” she added.
All hell broke lose when she asked the ChatGPT to write a cover letter using the job description she had posted. The results were identical to what the job seeker had sent. She says they were “word-for-word the same.” Tang had suspected but was not sure that the job seeker used ChatGPT to write her cover letter until she performed the test herself.
Tang further added that she wasn’t shocked but was appalled that the job seeker did not even bother to edit the content she had copied from ChatGPT. "I just thought it was wild," she said.
As a result of which, the job applicant did not get the job as Tang said that the letter lacked personal information and the language used in the letter was too similar to the job description.
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A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job. 1
This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below. @ The Balance 2020 Download the Word Template Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version) Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 [email protected]
An application letter, also known as a cover letter, is sent with your resume during the job application process. An effective letter can add a personal touch to your application by providing more details about your background and your specific interest in the position.
Thank them for spending their time reading your cover letter. Sincerely, Your Name. 1. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example. This entry-level cover letter was written by a recent graduate who only has a little part-time work experience. In our example, the candidate is applying for an entry-level IT technician position.
Cover Letter Samples When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.
A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a particular job, and why you think you're the right person for that job. But seeing an example is always better than just reading a definition. So here's an example of a cover letter to show you what a good cover letter looks like in 2023:
This article explains the importance of cover letters in job applications. It covers the purpose and components of a cover letter and provides tips on how to write an effective one, including researching the company and job, customizing the letter, and showcasing qualifications. The article also offers advice on making the letter stand out and avoiding common mistakes. Finally, the article ...
Yes, cover letters are still necessary in job applications: survey. 78% of recruiters prefer applicants to submit a cover letter for job applications. 72% of hiring managers expect applicants to submit a cover letter even if the job posting says that it is optional to do so. "Our goal was to gain insight into the minds of people who actually ...
Draft your job application cover by following these instructions: 1. Begin with your header At the top of your document, type your full name, your address and contact details, followed by the date of application. This serves as a quick reference point to the reader and can assist with their filing process.
Cover letters are optional for some applications. In the current tight job market, employers try to make it easier for people to apply for their positions. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't write one. Over half of senior managers say that cover letters are worthwhile.
Be positive and enthusiastic. Give your cover letter for a job a positive, enthusiastic tone. Use future tense to show how you will use your skills and experience to benefit the company you're applying to and show how keen you are to take on a new role and new challenges. If you are lacking experience in some areas, don't highlight it.
Job application emails also enclose a resume but do not have a CTA at the end. Cover letter for job application example [Back to Table of Content] Here is a cover letter sample for job application: "15th February 2021. Ms. Jenny Doe, Hiring Manager ABC Inc. 15, Lexington Avenue, New York, NY. Re: Video Editor. Dear Ms. Doe,
When writing a cover letter for any job in the marketing sector, give the hiring manager a taste of what you're capable of by showing the results you've accomplished. If you have no work...
2. Create a header for contact information. Provide your contact details, including your first and last name, phone number, email address and location at the top of your cover letter. This helps the hiring manager to immediately know how they may contact you. In the next line after your contact information, specify the day, month and year to ...
Professional Cover Letter Examples to Apply for a Job in 2023 Below you'll see cover letters for 100+ professions grouped by industry. Scroll down and you'll get a breakdown of a perfect sample and suggestions for cover letter designs. Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder.
ChatGPT also lends itself well to drafting a cover letter for a job. A candidate can enter a job description and their resume, then tell ChatGPT to write a cover letter using those two pieces of ...
A basic cover letter for a job application should look something like this: As you can see, the cover letter includes your name, address, and contact information at the top, followed by the date ...
The title of the job for which you are applying Your full name and contact details Your most relevant qualifications Your resume or CV Your cover letter Any additional documents the recruiter requested In some cases, you might write your email as a cover letter.
An employer says she caught a job seeker applying for a role with a ChatGPT cover letter, but it lacked personal information and cost them the job. Beatrice Nolan 2023-03-02T16:36:00Z
A basic cover letter for a job application should look something like this: As you can see, the cover letter includes your name, address, and contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient's name and address. The body of the cover letter (again, three paragraphs should do the job) should all fit on one page with room ...
When writing a cover letter or resume, choose a simple format and font. Lead with your accomplishments, rather than just the things you've done. Include details of the work that's related to what you want to do next, and always proofread your resume and cover letter before submitting a job application.
Write a job application or cover letter for Software Engineer.How to write a job application letter or cover letter. In this short video, we will learn its f...
Zety. Zety's cover letter generator is the ideal tool for job seekers to create professional and persuasive cover letters. It offers a user-friendly interface with numerous features and cover letter template options matching various industries and professions. There's a real-time checker with improvement suggestions and easy downloading options.
The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn't just support your CV - it's an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade...
Struktur job application letter sebenarnya nggak jauh beda dari cover letter. Berdasarkan materi application letter kelas 12, berikut struktur surat lamaran yang benar, antara lain: Opening. Applicant information, yaitu informasi dasar pengirim surat. Isinya berupa nama lengkap, kontak, dan alamat.
By Ankita Chakravarti: If you like many others out there planning to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter for a job role, you should be careful about what you sign up for. Recently, when a woman used the AI tool to write a cover letter, she forgot to cross-check and at the least, edit the content of the letter written by ChatGPT.