what is a cover page for a resume

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

What Is a Resume Cover Page?

Definition & Examples of a Resume Cover Page

How a Resume Cover Page Works

• Resume Cover Page Requirements

Examples of a Resume Cover Page

A resume cover page is a letter sent along with your resume when applying for jobs. It provides additional information on your skills and qualifications to a prospective employer.

Here's why you need a cover page and how to write one.

A resume cover page provides detailed information on why you're qualified for the job you're applying for. Don't think of the letter as a summary of your resume. Well-written cover letters explain why you're interested in this specific position and organization and why you're the best candidate for the job.

• Alternate names : Cover letter, covering letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to land an interview. Specificity is essential. If you write a generic letter and use it for every job application, it will show. It sends a signal that you're not that interested in the position and that you're not attentive to detail.

While it might sound overwhelming and time-consuming to personalize each cover page , the groundwork will be quite helpful if you do get an interview. Your research gives you a sense of the organization and how you can contribute it, and you can use that information to inform your interview.

Your cover page is your first impression with a hiring manager. In addition to making a case for your candidacy, take the time to proofread the letter and/or ask a friend or trusted mentor to review it and provide feedback.

The only time you shouldn't send a cover page is if the job posting specifically says not to.

Requirements for a Resume Cover Page

Before you start writing, spend some time  reviewing the job advertisement . A close examination of the ad will reveal what's important to hiring managers. For instance, if the posting mentions the need for organization and time management skills, mention in your cover letter that you're deadline-driven. If the position calls for leadership competencies, mention teams or projects that you've overseen. 

The format of a resume cover page varies slightly depending on whether you're emailing your resume as an attachment or sending it in the body of an email. Here's the standard format for an attachment. 

Standard Cover Letter Format

Your Contact Information

Name Address City, State, ZIP Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer Contact Information  (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Salutation : Dear Mr./Ms. Name: ( begin here if you are sending the cover page in the body of an email)

First Paragraph Provide information on how you found out about the job and why you're applying. Mention the precise job title. 

Middle Paragraphs This section of the cover letter can be one paragraph or several. Use this space to describe your experience, focusing on how it shows that you're a good match for the position and have the necessary qualifications.

Final Paragraph Wrap up your cover page letter here by thanking readers for their consideration, and providing information on how you will follow up. 

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Typed Signature

Below is a sample resume cover page to help you craft your own.

Sheila Johnson 1234 Dogwood Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914 (123) 456-7890 sheila_johnson@email.com

July 2, 2020

Ms. Alexandra Eliot Hiring Manager ABC Company 3457 Neyland Street Knoxville, TN 37913

Dear Ms. Eliot:

I was very interested to learn that ABC Company is searching for a new Administrative Assistant through your recent posting on Indeed.com. Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in this position.

As a recent graduate from Pellissippi State Community College’s Administrative Professional Technology Program, I can offer you advanced Microsoft Office 365 and QuickBooks accounting software skills. I am well-versed in traditional administrative tasks such as database management, data entry (typing 83 WPM), filing, and appointment scheduling.

You specify in your job posting that you're looking for someone with strong web design and social media management experience. Concurrent with my education at Pellissippi State, I also worked part-time as a Social Media Assistant for the Riverside Creative Agency. In that capacity, I helped create and manage new social media accounts on Facebook and LinkedIn for many local businesses. I’m sure that the skills I gained in social media design, SEO, and AdWords will allow me to contribute substantially to the in-house management of your website and social media presence.

My training, practical experience, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence will ensure that I hit the ground running as your next Administrative Assistant. ABC Company is widely respected as one of Knoxville’s best workplaces, and I would love to launch my career with your organization.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.

Sheila Johnson

Type your name at the close of the email followed by your contact information (email and telephone number). Your email  subject line  should include your name and the role you are seeking.

Key Takeaways

• A resume cover page is a letter sent along with your resume when applying for jobs. 
• It provides detailed information on why you're qualified for the job you're applying for.
• Tailor each cover page to the position. Don't just summarize your resume; provide context and make a case for your candidacy. 
• Use an example to help you craft your own cover page. 

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap “Cookie Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept All”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

• Frequently Asked Questions

Should a Resume Have a Cover Page?

A resume cover page (or cover letter) is absolutely necessary for a successful job application. While some recruiters don’t have time to read them, others do and will reject your candidacy if you don’t have one. 

Writing a cover letter will greatly improve your chances of getting an interview. Just as you prepare a tailored resume for each job, you need an original cover page every time you apply. 

A perfect cover letter does not exceed one page, highlights your most relevant professional accomplishments, and shows the hiring manager why the company would benefit from hiring you. 

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Zety is a professional resource providing candidates with actionable resume-writing tips and an opportunity to build a cover letter online to make their application stand out. Take advantage of a collection of the most common interview questions and get your next dream job. 

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Check Other Frequently Asked Questions

• 35+ Successful Cover Letter Tips & Advice (With Examples)
• How to Format a Cover Letter: Layout Examples for 2023
• What to Include in a Cover Letter (Examples for 2023)

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

As seen in:

Online Students

For All Online Programs

International Students

On Campus, need or have Visa

Campus Students

For All Campus Programs

What is a Cover Letter for a Resume?

Understanding the numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Think about adding a shot of espresso to your favorite coffee beverage. Coffee purists may insist that a hot, black cup o’ joe is the only worthwhile option. When done correctly, though, the added espresso packs a powerful punch.

The same concept applies to adding a cover letter to your resume. It’s a boost to complement an already solid product (i.e., the experience on your resume) with a little bit of oomph. The cover letter is more or less a short, autobiographical professional story that accompanies your resume in your application.

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter for a Resume?

In the cover letter, you can share fortified examples with a hiring manager about who you are, what you can do and why you’re the most interesting and interested job candidate. This is typically achieved in two to four paragraphs and strictly limited to one page or less. A cover letter can also build a bridge between your resume and the job description.

A debated topic in the hiring world is whether busy recruiters take the time to read applicants’ carefully crafted cover letters. A recent Fishbowl by Glassdoor survey reported 58% of workers say cover letters are unnecessary. Other sources, including job search coach Lynda Spiegel, mention how AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by hiring teams may rank your application higher among the competition if you upload that supplemental cover letter document.

The recruiters and hiring managers who do read cover letters in full often find them helpful in getting to know a candidate as a viable fit for the open position and company culture .

What Do I Write in a Cover Letter?

Now that we understand what the purpose of a cover letter is for a resume, what should you include in a cover letter?

First, understand that the cover letter should not be a regurgitation of points already included on your resume. Let your resume speak for itself, and use the cover letter to focus on highlighting your personality and targeted examples of your interests and successes.

Convince yourself you are perfect for the opportunity. Then, craft your writing to subtly guide the hiring team to the conclusion that they would be remiss to pass up interviewing you.

Before you get started, ask yourself a few questions:

• How well did you read and understand the job description? Think about what inspired you about the job before you selected “Apply Now.” Pick some key items where you can provide actual examples of your past experiences that relate to the listed job duties and responsibilities. A more impactful impression is possible if you reference select words from the job description within your cover letter.
• What are the mission and values of the company? Every organization should have a purpose or goal, whether it’s to make the most money or to change the most lives. There could also be a significant part of the company’s history or current industry news relevance that piqued your interest. Do a bit of research to set yourself up for success and customize your cover letter content to showcase where your passions match with those of the organization.
• Why are you writing the cover letter? Map out a few select reasons why you’re the ideal match for the role and plan to highlight the best options for the cover letter.

Not all application processes require the same documentation. Pay attention when the job description tells you not to include a cover letter. Including one anyway when they specified not could unintentionally seem like you lack attention to detail.

If including a cover letter is optional, it’s a good idea to submit one. It may help you stand out as a job candidate and help your application rank higher if the organization uses ATS software.

When you do need to include one, Follow the tips below to help your cover letter best represent the best applicant — you!

What are the 5 Parts of a Cover Letter?

To steal the attention of the hiring team, every great heist starts with a well-laid-out plan. This outline explains the tried-and-true formula of a cover letter to stake your job claim:

Let the hiring team know who you are and how to contact you:

• Professional email address
• Phone number
• City and state (you do not need to include your full address)
• Social media profiles relevant to the role (for example: LinkedIn, GitHub, Blogger)

Second, enter the date under your contact information so the team understands the immediacy of your application and interest.

Finally, the header should specify to whom you are writing so the letter finds its way to the right inbox:

• Name of the hiring manager
• Professional title of the hiring manager
• Company name
• Company address

If you’re not provided with a specific name, search LinkedIn by company and title or review the Staff Directory on the company’s website to locate a contact that may influence the final hiring decision.

If you’re still not sure, you can exclude the hiring manager’s name and jump straight to a professional title or the company name and address instead.

2. Greeting

Professionally address the hiring manager by name or by title.

If your staff sleuthing skills serve unsuccessful in finding the exact name of the hiring manager, you may also reference a generic title in the greeting, such as “Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,” to get your message across.

Toss out antiquated greetings used in the past, like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” and personalize your greeting as much as professionally possible for the reader.

Greeting Example

Taylor Jones Austin, TX • 555-555-5555 • [email protected] NOTE: Copy / paste name and contact info directly from your resume so it matches

April 10, 2023

Ms. Erica Jones (optional if you can find this) Senior Vice President, Sales Development (optional if you can find this) ABC Company 123 Career Lane Cold Springs, AZ, 12345

Dear [Hiring Manager Name]: (if available), OR Dear [Department] Hiring Manager:

3. Introduction

Captivate the reader immediately. Weave together relevant professional skills and listed job requirements to lead with an enticing statement.

The introduction of a cover letter shares two to four sentences to explain your interest in the role while setting the stage for what is to come. Promote one or two of your impressive skills or specific knowledge as it relates to the position and grab the hiring manager’s attention.

You can start with a measurable example from your prior experience supported by a reflection of the job description. Then, finish with a question or statement that engages the curiosity of the hiring manager to further explore your professional story.

Introduction Example

From your job description listed on the Handshake job platform, I understand your next Director will be able to ‘meet or exceed established sales goals in a collaborative environment.’ I inspired and led a team of sales representatives who repeatedly surpassed annual profit projections as a regional manager with LMNOP Corporation. How could my team-focused sales management style benefit the overall operations of your organization?

Reinforce how the needs and values of the employer are mirrored by key examples of your past experiences.

Bolster your prior introduction statement with one or two additional stories or examples in the body paragraph to echo your past and potential future contributions. Relate keywords from the earlier company research you conducted and tie in requirements of the job description to explain your case for candidacy. Employment gaps or career transitions may also be addressed in the body paragraphs of the cover letter.

Body Example

Aligned with your company’s values, a Drive for Results was always a focus in my past sales positions. As I progressed through the quarterly campaigns at LMNOP Corporation in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, I was able to adjust my tactics and use available performance metrics to continually motivate my team and further improve outcomes. I also found these skills especially relevant in my time as a stay-at-home mom of three young children from December 2021 through January 2023, where careful and intentional negotiation skills proved relevant in finding agreeable solutions to everyday challenges.

Express your gratitude and hint at the next steps of the process.

Wrap up your cover letter story with a closing that positions the reader to respond. Be sure to mention an appreciation of their time and attention while also reiterating your interest in being included in the next stages of consideration.

Don’t forget to sign with an outgoing pleasantry and your name.

Closing Example

Thank you for taking the time to review my qualifications and interest. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further about how my experience and skills could positively impact the team at ABC Company as your future Director of Sales.

Ready to Write Your Cover Letter?

Customizing your cover letter for each opportunity will be your key to unlocking the genuine interest of the hiring manager. It will also help to deliver your authentic tone and honest intentions of working for the organization.

Lean on family, friends or others who know you best to read through your cover letter draft and provide constructive feedback. You could also consult with a local workforce development office or the Career Services department at your school or university for professional support.

Overall, trust in yourself and your experience and let your accomplishments shine.

You’ve got this!

Is There an Express Version of What to Include in a Cover Letter?

Your newfound cover letter knowledge will be an important resource in your lifetime career journey. The need to write about your relevant professional story could come up at any time for a part-time job, an internal promotion to management or even that dream job just waiting for you in the days, months or years ahead.

Below is a helpful acronym to keep as your blueprint along the way:

• C onduct research about the position and the company
• O mit details that stray from job-relevant professional or personal experience
• V alidate specific bullets on your resume with fortified examples, but don’t simply repeat the same information
• E ngage the reader from the start with an enticing introduction
• R espond in the body to listed job qualifications by using creative storytelling

[Take a breather and come back later with a refreshed set of eyes to continue writing]

• L everage the company mission and values to reflect your own knowledge and skills
• E xplain gaps in employment or career transitions more clearly and effectively
• T rust in yourself and be confident in your experience
• T hank the hiring manager for reviewing your cover letter and application
• E xpress your interest in the next steps of the recruitment process
• R emember to consult helpful resources for review and feedback before submitting the cover letter with your application

Online. On campus. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Dana McGrath is an employer relations partner with Southern New Hampshire University Career Services. She began her SNHU career journey as an admission counselor and was promoted in 2021 to her current role, where she meets and collaborates with external recruiting contacts interested in hiring talent from SNHU online programs.

McGrath holds a BA in Communication Media Studies. She has varied roles scattered throughout her professional story and understands the importance of using a cover letter to highlight her authentic personality and writing skills while also tactfully explaining employment gaps and job transitions. Connect with McGrath on LinkedIn .

Explore more content like this article

More Than Handshakes: What is Professional Networking?

What is a CV?

What is a Digital Badge?

About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.