A cover letter, also known as a covering letter, is a letter that introduces a candidate to a prospective employer, and needs to accompany his/her resume. Confused how to write one? This write-up offers help.
Research shows that around 43% employers in the United States prefer a cover letter along with a resume.
A cover letter is actually a much more important document than most people assume it to be. A majority of us consider it to be an addition to a CV. In reality, it is a part of a CV, and should be treated so. It introduces a candidate to a potential employer, and puts across the qualities that make the candidate a good choice for the job on offer.
The important thing is that your cover letter should portray you as a good choice as a job candidate. It should be simple, to the point, include your skills, understanding of the job, and if possible, when you would be available to join, if selected. Make the letter personal, not just a copy of one that you have seen elsewhere. On that note, for your guidance, we’ll have a look at the format it should be in, along with a few samples.
Cover Letter Format
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Contact Information
The contact information is the first section of a cover letter, and includes your contact details, so as to make it easy for the employer to contact you, if need be. Your Name Date Employer Contact Information Salutation Body of the Letter Middle Paragraph(s) Final Paragraph Complimentary Close Signature Typed Signature (if you are sending the resume as a soft copy) |
Cover Letter Samples
Sample 1: Applying for a Part-time Job
| First Name Last Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Employer Contact Information Contact Name Date Dear Hiring Manager, I am interested in the part-time position at Baker’s Delight advertised in The Morning Times. I have equine experience, as I have worked in a bakery for two years. Not only have I have worked there for serving their products, but also have learned to bake their products. I have also managed the whole bakery for a couple of months. Through working with all the bakers there, I have acquired knowledge about baking, packing, and managing the whole bakery process. While I have equine experience, I also have excellent communication skills, and an aptitude for customer service. My experience as a volunteer at Baker’s Delight made it necessary for me to focus on providing quality customer service, and also enabled me to work with all types of people. I believe that my communication skills, partnered with my equine knowledge, would make me an asset to your company. Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at (your contact number). I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Your Signature |
Sample 2: Applying for an Internship
| First Name Last Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Employer Contact Information Contact Name Date Dear Ms. Last Name, I am interested in applying for the legal research summer internship position that was listed through the ABC University Career Services Office. I have experience in law. In various competitions held at the University level, I have performed and argued for various cases, and I am currently working on a case under the guidance of a defense lawyer. I have also studied many cases as a researcher. Last summer, I worked on a famous case called Belo v/s Beelo, as an intern of Mr. ABC. I am seeking to complement this outdoor experience with a research internship, in order to acquire the background necessary for a future career in law. I believe that I would be an asset to your program. This internship would provide me with the ideal opportunity to assist your organization and expand my research skills. I will call you next week to see if my qualifications seem to be a match your expectations. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. Looking forward to speaking with you. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Your Signature |
Sample 3: Applying for a Job
| First Name Last Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Employer Contact Information Contact Name Date Dear Mr./Ms. Name, For the past 6 years I have followed your career through news events, interviews, and many web researches. Your dedication to the Third Estate and your understanding of the important role journalists play in today’s fast-paced information highway, coupled with your belief in the power of the press, is exemplary. I have had the privilege of honing my journalistic abilities on three widely different publications. When I left college, I immediately went to work for a typical small town newspaper, and learned all the aspects of getting the paper to the people in a timely manner. I then moved to the post of regional manager for a media corporation composed of small to mid-size newspapers in the Midwest. In my current position, I am Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the Southeast. I would like an opportunity to visit you to get your insight and suggestions on where my skills, abilities, and capacities would be of the greatest value to (company name), and to inquire about possible job openings available with you. I will give you a call at your office to set a convenient date and time. I am looking forward to meeting you. Sincerely, Your Signature |
Use the format and samples given here, and draft a letter that suits your portfolio and job application. Again, keep it simple, precise, and include all the information necessary so that the potential employer sees the need to call you in for an interview. All the best!