When used as a companion to a resume, a cover letter, also known as an employment application letter, is a valuable tool for job seekers to introduce themselves to an employer and illustrate their skills, experience, and professional achievements.
Eighty-three percent of HR professionals say a great cover letter can help you get an interview — even if your resume is subpar. A well-written cover letter significantly improves the chances of your resume being reviewed by employers because it allows you to:
- Explain why you’re interested in the job and the company.
- Express your passion for the job and/or industry.
- Expand on professional achievements from your resume.
- Account for red flags, such as employment gaps and frequent job changes.
Get the job you want fast
Since 2005, millions of job seekers from all over the world have trusted Resume Now’s cover letter examples, professional templates, expert tips and interviewing lessons to help them get the jobs they want.
Whether you are a student, applying for your first job or an experienced professional, our easy-to-use Cover Letter Builder can help you create a polished custom cover letter to accompany your resume.
Our cover letter tools and services include:
- Pre-written text examples to fit most jobs across industries
- HR-approved design templates
- Professional cover letter writing services from experienced experts
- Powerful job search tools to help you find the perfect position
Anatomy of a cover letter
All cover letters should contain the following:
A header: A cover letter header contains contact information for both the applicant and the potential employer.
A salutation: Also known as a greeting, a salutation should address the hiring manager directly whenever possible. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name and can not find it through research, then use “Dear Hiring Manager,”.
The body: The body is the “meat” of a cover letter. The body of an application letter includes an introductory paragraph and up to three additional paragraphs that describe your qualifications.
The closing: The final paragraph is where you close your cover letter, thanking the hiring manager for their time and inviting them to contact you for an interview.
Complimentary closure and signature: This is where you sign off with an appropriate closing line and your full name. For example, “Sincerely, Karla Anderson.”
Build a cover letter that gets noticed
Our cover letter builder will help you quickly create a custom and professional cover letter that hiring managers want to read.
All it takes is 15 minutes and 7 easy steps:
Our cover letter builder will help you quickly create a custom and professional cover letter that hiring managers want to read.
All it takes is 15 minutes and 7 easy steps:
When you’re done, you should build a resume to go along with your cover letter. Use our library of resume examples to find inspiration and our resume templates to figure out the right style for your career path. Finally, we will teach you how to write a resume and select the right resume format for your application.
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Choose a cover letter example
Most people think cover letter writing is hard, and that’s understandable! Pressure to get the job, combined with the uncertainty of what to write and how to begin, can stop anyone in their tracks.
That’s where Resume Now’s professionally written cover letter examples come in. Our examples cover 39 industries, from accounting to transportation, and hundreds of job titles. Whether you’re applying for your first job or are a veteran job seeker, our cover letter examples can help you:
- Set the correct tone for your cover letter.
- Decide what information to include.
- Ensure you’re using the right format.
- Pick a design template.
- Find the best words to express yourself.
Choose and customize a cover letter template
Resume Now’s cover letter templates will give your letter a polished look that will turn hiring managers’ heads and make them want to know more about you. Whether you need a professional template for your no-nonsense job or a modern or creative template for a career in the arts, our wide variety of styles ensure you’ll find one that’s perfect for you. And we’ll make sure you’ve got all the right pieces, such as sections, margins, alignment and keywords in place.
Format your cover letter properly
The way you format your cover letter matters. You could be highly qualified but if your cover letter is sloppy, poorly designed and unprofessional, then hiring managers will question your enthusiasm (and possibly your fit!) for the job. Our cover letter formatting guide will help you select the right font, spacing, margins and alignment to impress your next employer.
Write an interview-winning cover letter
A well-written application letter will help you flesh out the professional achievements found in your resume, and expand on the parts of your experience that are most relevant to the job at hand. Writing a professional cover letter is easy when you have the right tools and resources to guide you through the process, such as targeting your letter for each job, avoiding common annoying mistakes, and properly addressing salary requirements.
FAQ
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What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to a prospective employer. Designed to accompany your resume, cover letters are a great way to highlight your skills, achievements and career goals in just a few paragraphs.
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How do I write a simple cover letter?
To write a simple cover letter:
- Start with a header that includes your contact information as well as the employers.
- Address the hiring manager with a salutation such as “Dear Ms. Evans,” or “Dear Hiring Manager. Never use “To Whom it May Concern,” or “Dear Sir or Madam,”.
- Write a paragraph that introduces you and expresses your interest. Then add two or three paragraphs that give details about your qualifications and outline your professional accomplishments.
- Write a final paragraph restating your interest and thanking the employer for their time. Invite them to contact you for an interview.
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Sign off respectfully and appropriately using your full name, like
“Thank you,
Tom Romero”
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What is the right cover letter for my resume?
Crafting the right cover letter to submit with your resume is based on:
- Choosing the same formatting and style for both documents, including margins, font type, point size and even the type of bullet-points.
- Adding extra value to your cover letter. Don’t cover the same ground as your resume. Focus on different relevant achievements, and highlight your strengths in a way that shows a clear narrative on why you’re a great fit for the role.
- Getting across important points you can’t explain in your resume. If you job hopped, recently took a break from the workforce or are applying for your first position, you can explain why in your cover letter.
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How long is a cover letter?
A cover letter should never be any longer than one page, consisting of up to five paragraphs: introduction (1), body (2-3) and closing (1).
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How do you describe yourself in a cover letter?
Describe yourself in the best light, of course! Use your cover letter to tell the hiring manager exactly how you fit into the company, the culture, and what makes you uniquely qualified for the position. Be sure to highlight related quantifiable achievements and your top skills, and show your interest with enthusiasm.
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Do you always need a cover letter?
Yes, you do! Always send a cover letter as a companion to a resume. Doing so will give you a leg up in the competitive job market because you will stand out as a dedicated professional.
