A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides an opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It is important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying for. This article will provide a template and sample for a cover letter to be used alongside a resume, highlighting key skills and qualifications for the job.
What Hiring Managers Look For in a Resume or Cover Letter
When applying for a job, a resume is one of the most important documents you will need to submit. It provides a summary of your work experience, education, and skills. However, it’s not just the content of your resume that matters, but also the format, design, and language used.
Hiring managers are typically swamped with resumes and cover letters, so it’s crucial that your resume stands out and clearly highlights your qualifications for the job. In this article, we will discuss what hiring managers look for in a resume, including tips for formatting your cover letter and what to include in it to make it customized and effective.
Tips for Using a Cover Letter Template
- Tailor the template to the specific job and company: Use the cover letter template as a starting point, but make sure to tailor it to the specific job and company you are applying to. This shows the hiring manager that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Use keywords and phrases from the job listing: Look at the job listing and use relevant keywords and phrases in your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you understand the requirements of the job and have the skills they are looking for.
- Keep it concise and to the point: A cover letter template can help you stay organized, but make sure to keep it concise and to the point. Hiring managers have a lot of resumes to review and don’t have time to read a long letter.
- Proofread and edit: Always proofread and edit your cover letter before sending it. A cover letter filled with errors can make a bad first impression.
- Use a professional tone: Use a professional tone in your cover letter. Avoid using slang or overly casual language.
- Include specific examples: Provide specific examples of your skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the requirements of the position. This will give the hiring manager a better understanding of how you can contribute to the company.
- Add a personal touch: A template can help you stay organized, but it’s important to add a personal touch to your cover letter. Include information about your personality, enthusiasm, and passion for the position.
- Include a call to action: End your letter by including a call to action, such as asking for an interview or a follow-up call. This shows the hiring manager that you are interested in the position and want to move forward in the process.
Everything That Should Be Included in Cover Letter Sections
Your Contact Information section of a cover letter should include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This allows the employer to easily contact you for an interview or further information.
The Employer Contact Information section should include the full name of the person you are addressing the letter to, their job title, the company name, and the company address. This shows that you have done your research and are specifically targeting the company and person you are applying to.
The Body of the Cover Letter is where you will expand upon your qualifications and explain why you are the best fit for the job.
The First Paragraph should be used to introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you are applying for.
Middle Paragraphs are where you should provide specific examples of your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. This is your chance to showcase your skills and experiences.
The Final Paragraph should be used to summarize your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. It should also include a call to action, such as requesting an interview.
Finally, your signature should be included at the end of the letter, along with your typed name.
Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X years/months] of experience in [industry/field], I am confident that my skills and qualifications align with the requirements of the role.
In my current position as [Current job title] at [Current company], I have gained experience in [specific skills or responsibilities]. For example, I have [achievement or responsibility]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to the [specific aspect of the job that interests you].
I am highly motivated and dedicated to achieving success in my career. I am confident that my passion for [specific aspect of the job] and my ability to [specific skill or responsibility] would be an asset to your team. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of [Company Name] and to continue to grow my professional skills in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your typed name]
Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)
[John Doe]
[123 Main St]
[Anytown, USA 12345]
[555-555-5555]
[01/13/2023]
[Jane Smith]
[ABC Company]
[456 Business Ln]
[Anytown, USA 54321]
Dear [Jane Smith],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Marketing Coordinator] position at [ABC Company]. With [5 years] of experience in [Marketing], I am confident that my skills and qualifications align with the requirements of the role.
In my current position as [Marketing Manager] at [XYZ Corporation], I have gained experience in [brand management, campaign development, and data analysis]. For example, I have successfully launched a new product line which led to a 15% increase in sales. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to the [marketing strategies and campaigns] at ABC Company.
I am highly motivated and dedicated to achieving success in my career. I am confident that my passion for [marketing and creativity] and my ability to [analyze data and develop effective campaigns] would be an asset to your team. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of [ABC Company] and to continue to grow my professional skills in this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely, [John Doe]
Email Cover Letter Template
Email cover letter template is a pre-written document that can be used as a guide for creating a cover letter to send with a job application. The template typically includes the standard format and structure of a cover letter, such as the recipient’s address, the introduction, the body, and the closing.
Using an email cover letter template can help ensure that your letter is professional and well-formatted, and can also save you time and effort when applying for multiple jobs. It is important to customize the template to fit the specific job and company you are applying to, and to proofread for any errors before sending.
Sending an Email Message for Cover Letter
Sending an email message for a cover letter involves a few key steps to ensure that your application is professional and effective. First, make sure to use a clear and professional subject line that includes the job title and your name. Next, include your contact information in the signature of the email. In the body of the message, include a brief introduction, followed by the main body of your cover letter. Lastly, include any attachments such as your resume or portfolio, and end with a closing and your contact information again. Remember to proofread your email message and attachments before sending.
How to Create a Personal Cover Letter Template
Creating a personal cover letter template using Microsoft Word cover letter templates or Google Docs professional letter templates can be an efficient way to apply for multiple jobs. The templates offer a great starting point for customizing and tailoring the cover letter to fit your personal style and the job you are applying for. Microsoft Word and Google Docs both offers a variety of cover letter templates that can be easily customized to fit your personal style and the job you are applying for. When creating your template, make sure to include the standard elements of a cover letter such as introduction, body, and closing, and be sure to tailor the content to fit each individual job you apply for.
When it comes to creating a cover letter, there are many resources available to help guide you through the process, such as cover letter samples, tips for writing a cover letter, and information on how to format a cover letter. These resources can be especially helpful if you’re new to writing cover letters, or if you’re applying for a job in a field you’re not familiar with. By taking the time to look at cover letter samples and learn about the best practices for formatting and writing a cover letter, you can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview. Additionally, by following the tips for writing a cover letter, you can make sure that your letter is polished, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.