Cover Letters

Cover Letters FAQs

• What should a cover letter include for a job application?

  For job applications typical cover letters should include your name, email address and contact information at the top of the page. Within the first paragraph, mention the job you are applying for, show hiring managers how your skills and experience match the job description, expand on information you included in your resume, and explain how you plan to follow up. If you can, it's a good idea to view someone else's cover letter sample for inspiration

• What should you avoid in a cover letter?

  When writing a cover letter, avoid repeating what's in the resume. Instead, give additional context to show how you will help the company. Eliminate typical job seeker clichés (like saying that you're "goal-oriented"). Also check to make sure there are no spelling and grammar errors and use bullet points to list specific job qualifications. in case you have doubts it's a good idea to hire a proofreader.

• Why do you need a cover letter?

  A great cover letter gives you the chance to highlight the positive attributes for the job title. It also gives hiring managers more context about the information provided in your resume, and it allows you to mention salary expectations or answer any questions the human resources might have. However, if your cover letter is poorly written or if you're applying online there is no need to submit a cover letter if it's not specified within the job application.

• How long should a cover letter be?

  A cover letter should ideally be one page long at a maximum. However, some job applications may specifically ask you to write longer cover letters. In general, short, concise cover letters perform better. Keep it simple. Recruiters seldom have the time to look through longer cover letters, especially when they receive dozens (or hundreds) of applications per vacancy. You want to put your best foot forward in as few words as possible.

• What should a cover letter include for a business proposal?

  If you’re creating a business proposal, your cover letter should include: Your basic information (your name, contact details, the date); a salutation to the person you’re addressing (try to use their name instead of writing “To whom it may concern”); your background, experience, and credentials; an action item (asking them to get into contact with you if they’re interested); a polite ending, thanking them for reading your letter.

• What should a cover letter include for an internship?

  If you’re applying for an internship, your cover letter should include: your basic information (your name, contact details, the date); a salutation to the person you’re addressing (try to use their name instead of writing “To whom it may concern”); your educational background and any work experience; examples of what you could bring to the company/organization; keywords from the job listing; a polite ending, thanking them for reading your letter.