cover letter question answer

10 Common Cover Letter Questions Answered

March 16, 2024
In Resumes & Cover Letters

As you’re applying for jobs, you might run into countless cover letter questions. How long should it be? Is it even necessary? Knowing how to write an effective cover letter can put you miles ahead in your job search. Not only will it set you apart from other applicants, but it will also ensure you leave a great first impression. To help you achieve that, we answered some of the most common cover letter questions that you might have.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a formal document that is submitted alongside your resume when seeking employment opportunities. It provides an opportunity to discuss your experience and skills in more depth, using paragraphs to explain what you have done and how those experiences have shaped you as a professional in your field. Typically, a cover letter is about three to four paragraphs long and should show your eagerness for the position while explaining how you can meet the prospective employer’s needs

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

Is a cover letter necessary.

A cover letter is indeed necessary when applying for a job. A cover letter is a chance to enhance your application by providing more context to the important details in your resume. It gives you the opportunity to express your passion for the field or industry, show excitement for the company and its mission, and elaborate on relevant achievements in more depth than your resume, all while showcasing your personality.

What should a cover letter include?

Contact information: Begin your cover letter with your contact information, including your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address. It should be in block style, on the left margin of your paper, towards the top.
Salutation: Address your cover letter to a hiring manager. If their name is not provided, address it to the Hiring Manager or the title mentioned in the job description.
Introduction: Mention the job you’re applying for and any connections within the company in your introduction.
Body paragraphs: Highlight your experiences, interests, and skills to demonstrate how you can contribute to the employer’s team. In the second paragraph, give a brief overview of your background in relation to the position, emphasizing key achievements and skills that make you well-suited for the role. Provide specific details about your successes, including measurable impacts, and incorporate keywords from the job description into your cover letter.
Conclusion: End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm and eagerness to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.

What’s the best way to address a cover letter?

When addressing a cover letter, aim for a strong first impression by using a formal, full-name salutation to the hiring manager if possible. This shows attention to detail and professionalism. If you don’t have a specific name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruitment Manager” for a formal touch. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” for a more personalized approach.

How should I use keywords in my cover letter?

To use keywords in your cover letter, carefully review the job description and incorporate specific keywords that match your experience. Highlight your accomplishments with recognition keywords to enhance your qualifications. Avoid generic buzzwords and use active language to stand out to recruiters and applicant tracking systems.

How to make my cover letter stand out?

An effective way to make your cover letter stand out is by mentioning a reference from the company. If applicable, you should include this in your first paragraph to grab the employer’s attention right away. Another way to set yourself apart with your cover letter is to include your past successes. Elaborate on what you achieved and how it positively affected the company.

When is a cover letter optional?

Some job listings might not ask for a cover letter directly or may not even mention it. However, in most cases, you should still submit a cover letter. For example, you may need to explain employment gaps, career changes, or include extra information about your background. However, there are times when the cover letter is not needed. If the company says they do not accept cover letters, or if there is no way to submit one, it’s most likely unnecessary. Also, think twice about submitting a cover letter if you’re short on time. Sometimes, it’s better to leave it out than to submit a rushed, low-quality one.

Should I write a cover letter for each position?

In short, yes. You want to show the employer why you’re a good fit for this specific position and company. Thus, sending out a generic cover letter won’t be very effective. In each cover letter, emphasize why you’re the best person to fulfill the specific job duties. Similarly, explain what makes you a good fit for the company. You can create one generic cover letter and then personalize these details for each position to save time.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep your cover letter short and to the point. Ideally, aim for three to four paragraphs . Include only the most relevant information and keep your cover letter one page or shorter. That way, you’re not letting the employer lose interest with lengthy paragraphs and too many details.

What do I write if I don’t have any experience?

If you don’t have experience in the field you’re applying for, focus on transferable skills. For example, if you learned to lead a group during a school project, discuss this to emphasize your leadership skills. Essentially, use the experience gained through education, volunteering, or informal employment to make up for a professional experience.

What mistakes should I avoid making in a cover letter?

Forgetting to proofread is a common mistake people make when writing cover letters. So, before you send your application, make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your writing. It’s also common to become repetitive with the use of “I” at the beginning of sentences, making the text harder to read. Also, avoid repeating the exact information you included in your resume. Instead, focus on the most relevant achievements and relate them to the role you’re applying to.

What should you not include in a cover letter?

To avoid looking unprofessional and leaving a bad first impression, make sure not to include any mistakes or typos in your cover letter. Also, you shouldn’t cross the line between relevant and personal information. Only focus on information that is directly related to the job and your professional abilities. Similarly, don’t include information that is untruthful or exaggerated. To ensure a good first impression, leave out any negative comments, complaints, or salary and benefits expectations.

How should I format my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be clearly structured and match the font style and formatting of your resume. It’s essential to proofread it several times and ask for feedback to ensure it represents you and your experiences authentically.

Should I use a cover letter template?

Each cover letter will have the same main sections, which you’ll find in every template . However, you should always tailor the cover letter to reflect who you are and the position you’re applying to. To achieve that, instead, write your own generic template and then tailor it to each job.

Remember that your cover letter should be balanced in all aspects. You can let your personality shine through but keep it professional. Boast about your achievements but explain how you accomplished them. And, of course, tailor it to the job, but make sure you still stand out. A powerful cover letter can expand your resume and present you as a stellar fit for any position.

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Cover Letters

Writing a cover letter.

The goal of your cover letter is to complement your resume. Employers use cover letters to determine your interest in the position and company, as well as to assess your written communication skills.

Your cover letter should be clearly structured and answer the following questions:

Who are you?

Introduce yourself. Include your major and year at Georgetown.

Why are you writing?

In the first few sentences, mention the specific job title, if you know it, and how you heard about the position opening. Be concise.

Why are you interested in the position?

Without getting too personal, relate something about the job to your own interests or experiences to show the employer that you have a genuine interest. Do not focus on what this job will do for you unless you are directly asked to answer that question. Instead, focus on what you can contribute to the company.

How are you qualified?

Highlight skills and achievements that demonstrate why you are qualified for the position, and use key terms from the description that are relevant to your background.

What is your next step?

In closing, you should request an interview, with a strong reminder as to why the employer should meet with you. Also, consider adding a statement saying that you will follow up (e.g., within two weeks) to confirm that she has received your resume and cover letter. Skip this step if they’ve requested that you do not contact them.

Cover Letter Tips:

Customize the cover letter for a specific employer and job description. Templates are easy to spot and indicate you don’t really care about this opportunity in particular.
Address the letter to a specific individual. If no name was given in the job announcement, call the organization to learn who is on the hiring team. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager:” or “Dear Search Committee:” (please note that those are colons, not commas).
Isolate three or four skills that you possess that are relevant to the position and mention concrete examples from your resume that demonstrate these skills.
Be brief! An ideal cover letter will be three to four concise paragraphs and only be one page.
Align all text on the left margin. Don’t indent your paragraphs.
Match the font style and formatting of your resume to your cover letter.
Proofread several times and ask friends to help!

Cover Letter Formatting

A cover letter should first and foremost represent you and your experiences in an authentic way. This includes writing style and formatting. However, this outline may give you a place to start. Also, be sure to have someone else review your document for content and flow!

Heading (Ensure this matches the heading you use on your resume as it creates a personal brand. This should include your present address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address.)

(Align all text on the left margin.)

Employer’s Name (This can also be the name of the recruiter, or director of the department.)

Organization Name

Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Employer’s Name : (It is important to personalize your cover letter by using an actual name. Utilize Handshake, LinkedIn, or call the organization directly to find this information.)

(First paragraph) Introduce yourself. Indicate the reason you are writing, the specific position for which you are applying, and how you heard about the opening. Briefly express why you are interested in the position, or why you are applying to this company in particular. If you are inquiring about jobs in general, and if no specific opening exists, indicate your interest in career opportunities within your desired field. You may also find it helpful to write a “thesis statement” as your final sentence, which will guide the reader through the rest of your document.

(Second paragraph) Highlight your education and/or skills. This could mean including information on your major, research projects, relevant coursework, study abroad, or other Georgetown experiences. Be sure to connect these highlights to the position you are applying for. Keep in mind, these do not have to be content matches but can include skills such as communication, writing, critical analysis, quantitative, etc.

While some students will focus the entirety of this paragraph on education, consider whether or not this is a good fit for you. If it makes more sense to first highlight professional accomplishments or other activities because it will make you a stronger candidate, then it is important to do so.

(Third paragraph) Highlight your professional accomplishments. This could include paid positions, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, athletics, etc. Look at your resume, and choose three or four achievements that demonstrate skills the employer is looking for. Look back at the job description for key terms, and think about where you have demonstrated that qualification or skill.

(Fourth paragraph) The closing. Refer the reader to your resume. Request an interview (if appropriate) and give a final reason or summary statement about why the employer should consider you as a candidate. Thank the employer for considering you for the position.

Your signature (If submitting your cover letter online, you don’t need to include a signature)

Your typed name

Sample Cover Letters

Download our sample cover letter to see a properly formatted, well-written example of a successful cover letter.
To see additional cover letter samples, visit Resume Worded and sign in with your Georgetown email address.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

Your pronouns (optional)
Your location (optional)
Your email address
Your phone number (optional)
Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

Pain point cover letter example
Recent graduate cover letter example
Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
Sales cover letter example
Email marketing manager cover letter example
No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

Are cover letters still necessary?
Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
How can I show personality in my cover letter?
What should I name my cover letter file?
Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, 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 in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

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.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover.

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person.

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

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

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose 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, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

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

Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
Dear Hiring Manager
Dear [Department] Team
Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

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

Hiring managers 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 biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

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 anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

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

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

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

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

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

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

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 $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and 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

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

What’s the company’s business model?
What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can 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 strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most 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. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

Best Regards,
Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements.

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

Professional Email
Phone Number
Relevant Links

Do you address the right person?

The hiring manager in the company
Your future direct supervisor
The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

Did you mention some of your top achievements?
Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
Did you show how your experiences helped 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 conclude your cover letter properly?

Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter!

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of 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 falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

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’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way!

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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7 Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Cover Letter Questions

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From the questions about cover letters that my clients ask, it seems these apparently ordinary documents are actually mythical objects—how are they crafted? What are they for? Do job seekers really need them? Are they ever read? What is the cover letter’s relationship to the resume?

And judging by the frequency of these questions, and overall confusion they cause, I’m going to assume people can’t seem to get straight answers!

In this post, I’ll answer these questions to set the record:

How important are cover letters (and do I need one)?

The importance of cover letter depends on any number of factors—hiring manager, company, and industry. That being said, you should always have one on hand if it is requested, not only because some employers are interested but also to prove that you can follow directions and submit one when asked.

Do employers really read cover letters?

Yes, and no. But it isn’t the right thing to dwell on. Instead, focus on the letter itself—making sure it speaks to your value add, and that a quick glance would compel someone to keep reading. It is safe to say that people who read cover letters really do care and the letter will make a difference. So we always recommend sending one if you have the opportunity.

How do we write cover letters? And what should they include?

First, a few basics: starting from the top, the contact information of the recipient comes first. Be sure to address your letter to an actual person—the hiring manager, hopefully, not a generic title and, please, never “to whom it may concern.”

Second, as an example of the lay-out, one classic cover letter format is as follows:

Initial paragraph to introduce yourself and declare that you are applying for a given job.
Three body paragraphs which walk your reader through your relevant achievements and about why you are right for the position.
A conclusion, summing up your points and thanking the reader for his/her time and consideration.

What is the relationship between cover letter and resume?

A good cover letter and a good resume have more in common than not. Both address what makes you different, better, and, most importantly, ideal for a specific role. Both are succinct (no waste or platitudes), but thorough and specific (no half-framed examples or generalizations). And they ultimately tell the same story. The primary difference is that a cover letter is a narrative, whereas a resume is a series of lists. The only other marked difference is that a cover letter gives you latitude to explain unique situations; the gap in your work history or a non-standard career path, in greater detail than on a resume.

The cover letter is about you, right?

Actually, wrong, at least essentially. The cover letter, like the resume is about how you constitute an ideal candidate for the particular needs of this specific employer. Think of it as a sales pitch in which you accommodate your experience and value add to what employers need. You must assure your readers that you can solve their particular problem.

How does crafting a cover letter benefit you?

An effective cover letter will not only help you get through the door for conversations, but is also good practice because, if written well, it will bring out the stories of successes you’ll need to draw upon during the interview. The process of building one stretches you to explain yourself, laying out links between past contributions and future successes you would have thought obvious before.

What is the best way to use a cover letter?

Use it to take your story a level deeper. As you already know, a good resume and cover letter essentially make the same pitch. But an extraordinary cover letter manages to stay within the 1-page length while still delving even deeper into your story than your resume, allowing your readers to go beyond first impressions to the point of already knowing you. Now, after this, it isn’t you who need to meet them, but they who need to meet you.

Lilly-Marie Lamar

Lilly-Marie Lamar is a career advisor for Ivy Exec. She provided career advice to college students and professionals in the U.S. and abroad, and was a Fulbright scholar. Lilly-Marie has a degree in education from Columbia University.

15 Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions job seekers usually have about cover letters and their answers.

These 15 cover letter questions and answers, will teach you the right way to create a cover letter than not only stands out from that of other applicants, but one that is also mistake free.

Continue reading to find out why cover letters are necessary and some of the common mistakes we make while preparing our cover letters.

1. Do I Really Need A Cover Letter?

Yes, you do. If you are applying online or sending your application via email, then you need to have a cover letter. A cover letter should always accompany your CV.

Why is a cover letter necessary?

A cover letter gives you an opportunity to include details that your resume does not contain. For example, if you are applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and to mention that you will be in the area for a possible interview.

A cover letter is also an ideal place to specify examples that prove you have the skill and experiences listed on your resume.

2. How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

An ideal cover letter should be three to five paragraphs.

Usually, your cover letter should provide a brief introduction to your resume/CV and summarize your general work experience and any related experience you have in the field you are applying for.

Keep it long enough that it is still easy to understand, but not too long that the recruiter will decide to glance through it or skip it entirely.

3. What Information Should My Cover Letter Contain?

Just because a cover letter provides more length for you to explain in details all the things you listed out in your CV, it doesn’t mean that you should include any random information about yourself in it.

Your cover letter should contain:

How your work experience meets the job requirements.
How your skills meet job requirements.
Why you want to work at the organization.

4. Should I Discuss Salary In My Cover Letter?

No, you should not discuss salary in your cover letter, except in a situation where it is expressly stated by the recruiter that you should provide some information about your salary expectation.

5. Should I Explain Why I Am In The Job Market?

No. There is really no need for you to explain to a recruiter why you are in the job market when you are applying for a job.

6. Should I Do A Follow Up After Sending My Cover Letter And CV?

After you have sent your cover letter, it is likely that the recruiter will take some designated time to get back to you.

After this time has passed, you can either choose to wait patiently to be contacted, or you can follow up with them regarding your application.

If you must follow up, wait at least 5-10 business days to do so and follow up via email.

Also keep in mind, that the interviewer may not have responded on time because they are reviewing hundreds of other applications and are not ignoring you on purpose.

7. What Are The Worst Cover Letter Mistakes I Can Make?

Typographical and grammatical error. Vet your cover letter with tools like Grammarly before you submit it.

Talking about your skills, without backing it up with facts and instances where you used those skills.

Detailing every single job you have ever had. Just focus on relevant ones where you made the most prominent impacts and list the other ones out in your CV.

Repeating verbatim what you wrote in your CV/Resume.

Being cliche with your letter. Saying things like “I take initiative”, “I am detail-oriented” without backing it up with facts or giving an example that points to these qualities.

Parading yourself as the company’s biggest fan, even when you just heard about them on the day you applied.

Other worst cover letter mistakes you can make include:

Addressing the letter to To Whom It May Concern" shows the employer that you were not concerned enough to find out the name of the person with the hiring manager. When unsure use saluations such as " Dear Personnel Director," ''Dear Human Resource Manager" etc
Telling the employer what the company can do for you instead of what you can do for the company. This mistake is particularly common among new college graduates and other inexperienced job-seekers. In most cases, employers are in business to make a profit. They want to know what you can do for their bottom line, not what they can do to fulfill your career dreams.
Leaving the ball in the employer's court. Too many cover letters end with a line like this: "If you are interested in my qualifications, please call me." Proactive cover letters, in which the job-seeker requests an interview and promises to follow up with a phone call, are far more effective.
Overusing “I.” It’s okay to refer to yourself, but not in every sentence. Remember to use “you” even more. Show the “you” to whom you are writing that you’re more concerned with meeting his or her needs than meeting your own.
Exaggerating your experience. Don’t “stretch” anything you say. Be completely truthful while still presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Forgetting to sign the letter or to attach your CV.
Not giving the employer a medium to contact you. Never forget to include your phone number or email address or both, or the employer may not be able to inform you about your upcoming interview.

8. Should I State “Objective” In My Cover Letter?

If you have already written it in your CV’s personal statement, then there is no need to include again in your cover letter.

You can also leave it out if you have not said it before and start your letter with a simple and effective...

“I am applying for the position of ABC because I saw in your job description that you are looking for a candidate who xxx”.

9. How Should My Cover Letter Be Formatted?

If you are sending a hard copy of your cover letter, then you need to follow the guidelines below.

Start with your home address and contact information (including email).

Add the details of the person you are addressing the cover letter to (Address to the hiring manager).

State the subject of the letter (“Application For The Post Of”). If you are applying via email, the subject of the email should be the post you are applying for (Application for the post of, still goes). In other scenarios, the subject of the cover letter could also be the reference number of the job you are applying for.

The body of the cover letter. Here, state why you are qualified for the job, a brief summary of your work history, and how interested you are in working with the company.

End your cover letter with how you want them to follow up on your application, via email or phone, and sign.

10. Can I Use A Cover Letter Template To Write My Cover Letter?

Yes, you can use a cover letter template which is specially created for the job your are applying for (E.g Sales Manager cover letter template) to create yours, following the directions and format given on the sample template.

If you need a template for your cover letter, you can check out the cover letter templates samples we have on MyJobMag, which are tailored to suit any job you are applying for.

11. Can I Get My Cover Letter Re-written Professionally?

Of course, you can. If you already have a cover letter but want to make sure that it meets the required standards, you can get it re-written by experts.

Your cover letter will be checked for errors and be optimized so that it will be easily found in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Check our this professional cover letter writing service at a very affordable rate

12. Can I Have A Generic (All Purpose) Cover Letter?

All-purpose cover letters are not specific to a particular position and contain generalized information about your qualifications.

Its better to have a targeted letter. This is a cover letter written with the job advert in mind. Focusing on the skills and abilities that you possess that make you a strong fit for the specific job.

13. What Is The Best Way To Send A Cover Letter With My Resume?

When applying for a job, some applications instructions come with attach CVs and cover letter.

The best thing to do is to follow the application instruction.

14. How Do I Increase The Impact Of My Cover Letter?

To make sure that your cover letter capture the attention of the recruiter, there are a lot of things you should bear in mind. Ensuring that you customize your cover letter to match the requirements listed in the job advertisement shows the recruiters that you are qualified for the job. This will hold their attention right from the beginning of your letter.

You can also take these additional steps to create an impactful cover letter:

Have a Unique Selling Proposition (USP): An advertising term, the USP is the one thing that makes you better qualified to do the job than anyone else. The USP should answer the question: "Why should I hire this person?"
Be yourself: A “formula” approach is fine, but each letter should reflect your personality and your enthusiasm. Let it shine through. Take pride in who you are and what you’ve done. The reader is looking for a human being, a person who knows what he or she can offer and can express it well.
Have a clearer expression: Most people come close to expressing what they really want to say but usually miss the target. Take the time to craft your words and sentences to mean exactly what you intend and you’ll be in great shape. Ask others to review your letter/CV to ensure that you’re communicating what you want to say.
Write in the active tense: Active verbs are the key when writing cover letters and CV. Instead of saying, “...my best attributes include team play and motivating people,” say “I’m a dedicated team player who can motivate people…” The latter promises a go-getter employee – someone who can take action instead of waiting to be led by the hand.

15. Should I Only Talk About Myself In A Cover Letter?

While a cover letter is a good way for you to sell yourself to the employer as the best candidate, it is still best that you don’t spend the entire letter saying a lot of “I”, “My”, “Me”.

Of course, talk about your skills, experiences, qualifications, but remember to also consider the company’s interest and how you are going to add value to them. Talk about yourself and always redirect a sentence to how it benefits the company.

Your cover letter is an important tool to utilize when is comes to convincing a potential employer on why they should hire you, put in effort while creating it.

Use the answers and guidelines provided in this article, the next time you want to apply for a job.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Your CV

Staff Writer

The Ultimate Cover Letter Writing Guide

The complete guide to writing an effective cover letter.

Any of these sound familiar? The simple answer is yes, having an effective cover letter is completely necessary and highly recommended and we’ll tell you why you need a cover letter as well as a resume!

When you’re applying for a job, whether it be for an entry-level position after graduating or for a high-level executive vacancy with a professional resume , a cover letter is essential to make your application stand out .

Without this extra introductory letter, a resume alone could easily be discarded by a hiring manager. CareerBuilder estimates you’re 10% more likely to miss out on an opening if you don’t include a cover letter.

Writing a good cover letter it’s not a skill many many people master, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat!

With our complete cover letter guide , you’ll learn how to write a cover letter that will attract the hiring manager and convince them to read your winning resume.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an extension to your job application. It is not obligatory but including a well-written cover letter is strongly advised by all human resource experts . By definition, a cover letter is an accompanying, explanatory letter.

All jobseekers need a sales pitch of sorts, they need to hook the reader and demonstrate to the hiring manager why they are the right person for the vacancy on offer. This style of self-marketing for a job application must come in the form of a winning resume and cover letter combination that complement one another.

A simple cover letter is an introduction to the candidate behind the qualifications and experience. The aim is to show a prospective employer how you can take on the role and what you can offer the company in question.

Cover letters generally follow a basic structure and can be in either hard or digital format, that is to say, either printed and sent via regular mail or as a document scanned and attached to send digitally, or written directly in an email cover letter .

Why include a cover letter on a job application?

If you want to stand any chance at all of catching the eye of a potential employer , it is imperative to include a cover letter with your job application.

Simple – even if you create an effective, outstanding resume , using all the right keywords and qualifications etc. it’s possible there are candidates more qualified than you or with more experience so it’s necessary to add a cover letter to back up your resume and allow the hiring manager to see more of your personal side that is relevant to the vacancy.

The cover letter demonstrates your communication skills.
The cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume.
The cover letter can be used to emphasize certain skills, or mention skills that you couldn’t fit on the resume (it serves as an addendum).
The cover letter is what you customize for each position, to show why you are the right person for “That” role, as opposed to the resume which stays pretty much the same for all applications.

A cover letter is the added value that you need in a job application to ensure the call-back you’ve been waiting for.

To create a unique, tailor-made job application , each candidate should use a cover letter to highlight their strengths and elaborate on relevant achievements that demonstrate their ability to take on the new responsibilities.

Is it practically always sensible and appropriate to write a cover letter to accompany a resume for a job application that should be customized for the role you’re applying to including any explanations of information that might be missing from the resume, such as employment gaps, traveling, periods of study etc.

The only time it is acceptable to not include a cover letter in your job application is if the job listing specifically requests that you do not.

Advantages of Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter directly adds to the likelihood that you are called in for an interview and gives you a better chance of being hired .

If you’re successful in writing an effective cover letter , it will offer you the following advantages:

Hiring managers will see your added effort
Demonstrates you put in the time to learn about the company
It will add a personal touch to your application
It shows your enthusiasm for the opening
Hiring managers will become acquainted with your best qualities

Knowing exactly what is in a cover letter will ensure that it gives you a major advantage over the other applicants.

What are the 3 Types of Cover Letters?

Adding a cover letter is almost always essential, but choosing the appropriate letter will also be key. Depending on the job post you are applying for, you will need to select the best type of letter to send along with your resume.

There are 3 types of cover letters that you can send to a hiring manager. The 3 types are:

Application cover letters
Letters of Interest
Email Cover letters

The letter you write is influenced by whether you are going to apply for a job directly , citing a referral, or asking about vacancies that are not advertised.

Whatever the case may be, ensure that the cover letter is specific to the job vacancy . It’s always important to avoid making a generic cover letter for every single job you apply for.

So, what are the 3 types of cover letters you should consider sending to a job recruiter?

Application Cover Letter

This is your classic cover letter that you send to a hiring manager when you spot a company advertising a job opening. When you want to directly apply for a position, it is mandatory to send this, unless you are specifically asked not to.

Using this letter, you can mention why you want to work for a specific company and why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

Letter of Interest

Say you notice a company that you would really like to work for. It fits your sector, and you know it offers great benefits and good pay. However, you can’t find any openings that match your skill set.

If that’s the case, you don’t need to sit around and wait for the company to have a job vacancy. You can take action with a letter of interest. This type of cover letter states your interest in being employed by a company that isn’t currently advertising any vacancies.

This type of letter goes by a couple of other names, such as:

Letter of intent
Statement of interest

Of course, since there is no vacancy there is no role you can specifically mention, which is the major difference between a letter of intent and a traditional cover letter. Your objective will be to advertise yourself well enough that an employer will just have to interview you.

Email Cover Letters

Over the years, the job application process has shifted to a nearly 100% online hiring process . Due to this, it may be necessary to send your cover letter in an email as part of your job application.

While applying, there may not be an option to upload your cover letter. Or maybe you would just like to send it in the body of your email along with your resume . You can send it in one of two ways, in the body of your email or as an attachment (in PDF).

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter, although short in length generally, can take time to elaborate as it is important to get it right. Sometimes, due to the scarce space for writing, candidates find it difficult to know what to include in a cover letter and what to leave out .

However, knowing how to do a cover letter can make all the difference to your job application and be the just the thing to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

A professional cover letter should be well-formatted, following a structure with a header, an opening paragraph, a second main paragraph, a final closing paragraph and a closing with signature/electronic signature.

To begin writing a cover letter for a job application , candidates should analyze their skills, qualifications, accomplishments and experience to decide which are the most fundamental aspects to include in their personalized cover letter.

Next, each jobseeker will have to select the most job-relevant of these elements to include by comparing them with the required or desired qualifications and experience in the job description.

Finally, the applicant should choose some memorable examples which demonstrate evidence of each element included in their cover letter, aiming to tell a story which shows their aptitude concerning each skill or qualification.

Jobseekers should also ensure to explore how to make a cover letter for their specific role or industry because, similarly to resumes, each cover letter should be tailored for the vacancy and company to which it will be sent.

It is vital for candidates to consider several factors when it comes to writing their professional cover letter . A jobseeker must review their resume work history section as well as any skills and honors included to find the most pertinent experiences that can be explored further. Detailing examples of when a candidate demonstrated certain abilities or expertise is how a candidate can convince a hiring.

One way to create a winning cover letter is to use an online cover letter creator or take advantage of cover letter templates as a stepping stone as well as checking out cover letter examples that can serve as a great source of inspiration for you to make your own unique cover letter .

Our cover letter builder forms part of our resume builder and allows jobseekers to create a more complete job application. Users can write their cover letter with pro tips and design help thanks to our pre-designed templates. Read our cover letter writing guide to get to grips with cover letter writing techniques and tips before using our online cover letter builder!

How to Structure a Cover Letter

The structure and layout of a cover letter is essential to make sure the letter displays each point that you wish to get across clearly and concisely . This means it’s necessary, in general, to follow a commonly-accepted format for an effective cover letter.

Similarly to a resume format , designing and writing a cover letter has certain rules which should be adhered to in order to convey the necessary information in a brief and to the point introductory letter.

Check out some of the cover letter best practices as advised by human resources experts below:

It’s imperative to begin a cover letter with a header , including the candidate’s name and contact information as well as the date. This primary cover letter section can also include the job title, website and other relevant personal information.

Following this, the letter should include the details of the company and person to whom you are writing, with the full name, job title or team, company name and address.

The main body of a cover letter should be divided into three sections : an introduction, a bullet list of accomplishments followed by a paragraph highlighting skills, and a closing paragraph inviting the hiring manager to contact you. By using bullet points when detailing your achievements and capabilities, you can make sure that recruiters will be able to quickly pick out key information. This is especially important as studies have found that recruiters spend very little time reading each individual application.
Finally, the letter should be electronically or physically signed with your full name in a formal manner.

The universally-accepted cover letter length is no longer than one letter page, which in total has about 250-300 words for the main body of text.

Don’t repeat information or be too detailed because hiring managers simply do not have the time to read it all and will simply skip to the next one. Resumes that run over 600 words get rejected 43% faster and cover letters can easily fall into this trap too.

Keep your cover letter short and sweet and to the point!

Get more cover letter formatting advice in our guide on how to format a cover letter with tips and information about all aspects of a good cover letter structure.

Cover letter advice

The importance of including a cover letter with your job application is often overlooked by jobseekers of all categories, however this can seriously reduce your possibilities of getting an interview with a prospective employer.

Therefore you need not ask yourself when to write a cover letter because the answer is just that simple – it is always appropriate to include a cover letter in your job application , unless the listing explicitly requests that you do not.

Check out the following expert cover letter tips to create a winning cover letter that will convince the hiring manager to give you a call:

We may be quite repetitive with this one but the sheer quantity of resumes and cover letters that are disregarded simply for forgetting this vital and basic rule is incredible: USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS for your contact details and that does not include your current work email but a personal, suitable email address.
It is essential to remember to maintain your focus on the needs of the company you’re applying to and the requirements and desired abilities of the ideal candidate for the role. Do not focus on how you can benefit by becoming a member of their team, but on how the team can make the most of your experience and knowledge.
Remember to highlight your transferable skills , especially in cases where you may not meet all the required qualities in the job description such as in student resumes and cover letters.
Each cover letter for a job application, cover letters for internships , for further study or even volunteer experience should be tailored to their specific organization and position with the pertinent keywords.
Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate’s individual capacity to take on the role and tell a story with your cover letter to convey more of your personality and passion towards the sector or profession.
Towards the end of a cover letter , each candidate should write a convincing finish to entice the hiring manager and in sales terminology “ seal the deal ”.
Finally when you have completed your polished cover letter, potentially one of the most important steps in the process is to PROOFREAD . Candidates should request that a friend, mentor, teacher or peer takes a look at their cover letter for not only grammatical and spelling errors but also any unwanted repetition or unrelated information .

Some jobseekers doubt whether a cover letter is necessary or not , but as most human resource professionals agree without a well-written cover letter, candidates lose the possibility to demonstrate different aspects of their profile from those included in their resumes which could easily be the deciding factor in your application!

An easy and fast way to write an effective cover letter for a job application is to employ an online cover letter creator that will offer advice on how to complete a cover letter with examples and HR-approved templates.

Cover Letter FAQs

What do employers look for in a cover letter, can a cover letter be two pages, what is the difference between a cover letter and a resume, should you put a photo on a cover letter.

Trouble getting your Cover Letter started?

Beat the blank page with expert help.

The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: May 22, 2024

I’ve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn’t usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don’t include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don’t recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It’s an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.

Table of Contents

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what is a good cover letter, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

Standard Cover Letter Template
Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

Download Free

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You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

6 . The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent.

Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company’s culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.

Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants who demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

good cover letter examples, short and sweet

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
Choose your words carefully .
Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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5 Basic Cover Letter Questions Answered

1) What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a 1-page letter that you submit with your resume when you apply for a job.

2) What’s the purpose of writing a cover letter?

Quite simply, the cover letter’s goal is to persuade the prospective employer to look at your resume—and the resume’s goal is to get you an interview. (And it's during the interview process that actual hiring decisions are made.)

3) Why do you need a cover letter?

Only about a third of job candidates use cover letters, so just by sending one, you’ve differentiated yourself from about two-thirds of the competition.
Some employers reject applicants without cover letters.
Other employers don’t care about cover letters, but they won’t penalize you for sending one.
There’s no way to know how a given employer feels about cover letters, so send one just to be on the safe side .

4) What does a cover letter do that a resume doesn’t?

It introduces you and adds a personal element by putting the facts of your resume into context.
It calls attention to your most relevant qualifications for the job.
It acknowledges and helps the employer understand (and hopefully overlook) any employment gaps, lack of experience, or other red flags on your resume.
It expresses your enthusiasm for the job.
It serves as a sample of your writing skills.
It shows that you’re willing to “play the game,” even if it requires a little extra effort.

5) What are some tips for writing a cover letter?

Never copy a cover letter template or sample cover letter word for word.
Write in full sentences and paragraphs.
Keep your language clear and concise; avoid long-winded explanations.
It’s OK to use the words I, me, or my, but sparingly.
Show some personality by using a conversational style -- not too formal, but still professional.
Remember the goal is simply to convince them to read your resume, not to overwhelm them with fancy words or unnecessary details.

DID YOU KNOW? Pongo's Cover Letter Builder makes it quick and easy to write a persuasive, well organized cover letter. Pre-written sample text helps you generate ideas for highlighting your qualifications. Sign Up and Try it Today (Already a Pongo Member? Login Here )

RELATED LINKS Good vs. Bad: Make the Best of Your Cover Letter 13 Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts What to Say in Your Cover Letter

How To Answer: Why Do You Want To Work Here? (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 5/7/2022.

There comes a time in every job seekers quest for the perfect position when they come across a question that seems simple at first glance, but is surprisingly tricky to answer. When the hiring manager rolls out the common “Why do you want to work here?” interview question , it’s easy to fall into a trap and choose the wrong answer.

After all, the bottom line is you need a job; shouldn’t that be enough? Actually, it’s not. In the end, the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Instead, the hiring manager is looking for specific information and, if you don’t know what they’re after, it’s easy to stumble. If you want to make sure you nail your response, here’s what you need to know.

Why They Ask The Question “Why Do You Want To Work Here?”

First off, let’s explore why this question is even asked. In many ways, this question two much more complicated and dynamic questions rolled into one. Those are:

Why do you want to work for this company?
Why do you want this job?

Now rather than deciphering the more complex layers, most job seekers will simply answer the question in a straight forward manner: Because I need the work and you guys are offering a great rate of pay.

Okay, that’s honest…which might win you some points. But if you really want to impress your interviewer, you need to make sure that you’re not only answering it, but that you’re answering the layers…and tailoring your answer.

Remember all that research you did on the company before you even got to the interview stage? Here is yet another opportunity for you to not only showcase what you know, but wrap it up with what you can provide skill wise.

With all interview questions, your number one goal is to always be the perfect candidate. In all cases, that includes making sure you align your skills and qualities with the values and needs of the company.

Additionally, the hiring manager wants to know you’re excited about the opportunity. In the end, happiness makes professionals productive ( 12 percent more based on one study, and 13 percent more according to another). If they don’t think you legitimately like the role, they may pass you by.

So, to sum up what the hiring manager really wants to know when the ask “Why do you want to work here?” they mainly want to know what about the company and job appeals to you. By tapping on those points while also showcasing enthusiasm, you’re usually covering all of the bases.

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET :

Get our "Why Do You Want To Work Here Cheat Sheet" that gives you DO's & DON'TS and word-for-word sample answers that you can use in your next interview.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CHEAT SHEET

Mistakes To Avoid

1. being too honest:.

“Uh, because I’m totally unemployed and sorta desperate at this moment which means my standards for what I’ll do for money are pretty low and flexible right now, including working for you.”

Again, bonus points for being honest. Although we always encourage you to tell the truth, there is a time and place for this level of transparency, and this isn’t it. It makes it seem as if the role is inconsequential, and that’ll never work in your favor.

2. Being too generic:

“Well, it seems like this is a super cool company to work for and it would be great to be able to get a job here.”

Not only is this answer generic, but it doesn’t showcase any of the research that you’ve done on the company or the position. In the end, that kind of answer won’t stand out. Plus, it’s a missed opportunity to showcase your passion for the opportunity and your capabilities.

3. A boring apathetic answer:

“I dunno. I saw you were hiring. Guess you wouldn’t be advertising if you didn’t have a job opening and I could really use one…a job that is. So…we gonna do this or what?”

Your job is to convince the hiring manager that you’re the perfect candidate, and this approach doesn’t do that. It makes the job seem inconsequential. Plus, it’s a hair pushy, which isn’t ideal.

4. Being wishy washy:

“Uh, I don’t know. I mean, I need a job and well, you guys have a super cool website and I really like your company logo colors so I guess…give me a chance?”

With this answer, any reference to the company is incredibly superficial, which isn’t great. Couple that with asking for a change – a strategy that makes it seem as if you lack confidence – and there’s a high chance the hiring manager is passing you by.

5. Being inappropriately funny:

“Because you guys need me. I’m the best of the best and then there’s the rest.”

Shockingly, out of the five example bad answers, this one is actually closest to what you do want to say…just maybe not in quite such a cocky way. No, seriously, this is close. Keep reading to see what we mean!

How To Answer “Why Do You Want To Work Here? / Why Do You Want To Work For Us?”

If you’re wondering how to answer “Why do you want to work here?” the process is actually surprisingly simple. The first thing you need to do to prepare for this question is to ask it yourself. Just “Why do you want to work for this company?” What do they offer that makes working there enticing?

Is it just the paycheck that interests you? If that’s all you can find, then maybe you should continue to look for another job. Yes, money is a great incentive, but it shouldn’t be your only incentive, especially as you continue to advance your career.

So, ask again, why do you want to work here?

Remember, every job is a stepping stone to your next position and a job that offers you nothing more than money can be just as big a roadblock as no job. Look at your career goals. How does this company and this job align with your future plans? Is this job a stepping stone or a holding cell? Does the position AND company align well with your personal brand?

If you get this job, is it one you really want? Is it a job you can see yourself doing with enthusiasm?

Is it a job that, when review time comes around, your supervisor can see that you are not only motivated, but a dedicated employee worthy of advancement and bonuses? Or are you like a prisoner…just marking time until you get out?

Once you answer those questions, ask yourself about the company overall.

As you’ve done your pre-interview research, have you come across aspects of the company values and goals that align with what you’re looking for? Can you work for them in good conscience?

Can you say that what they represent aligns with what you represent? Would you be proud putting that job on your resume or telling people you work for that corporation in casual conversation?

What is it about the company that attracts you? What aspects appeal to you?

Is it the job itself or is it something within the company? Is it their outreach? Their community service? Their role in the bigger global market picture?

Ask yourself, “Why do I want to work here?”

Once you start answering these questions, you can then in turn, refine them down into easy to remember answers that will not only impress your interviewer, but help answer an otherwise stupid question!

Now that we’ve answered those questions, the next part of how to answer “Why do you want to work here?” is take those ideas and work them into your own answers for the hiring managers.

You can also reference incentive programs and employee awards and or management philosophies. The idea is you’re digging deeply enough that you’re not only aware of these things but that they resonate with you and make you want to be a part of the corporate structure.

Big insider secret: all hiring manager want to bring in people who actually want to work with them!

So, let’s practice a few!

“Why Would Do You Want to Work Here?” Example Answers

So, without further do, let’s have a look at a couple examples of how to answer this the “Why do you want to work here?” interview question. Each one if focused on a different approach, making it easier to see how you can proceed depending on what you’d like to highlight.

Company Outreach

“I saw a story a few months ago on the news about the outreach your company does with the local community. Giving back is a big part of my personal philosophy and I was excited to see that there was a company that felt the same way. I was elated when I found out there was a job opening in my skill set here. I would really hope to be able to come to work every day to a place where I knew not only are my technical skills valuable, but my personal philosophies about the value of volunteering are as well.”

Uh, hello. Perfect answer! You’re not only aligning yourself with the company as far as philosophy goes, but you’re complimenting the outreach and promoting your skills at the same time. It’s a triple threat! Great job!

2. Company Culture

“While I feel that my technical skills are an excellent fit for your needs, the core reason I want to work here is because of the amazing culture. The company’s mission and values align with my own. Plus, your company doesn’t just talk big; it takes action, showing its dedication to its purpose and stated priorities.

“One point that stood out was the commitment to teamwork. I really believe in the value of collaboration, and so when I saw a position with your company to join your engineering department I had to apply. I believe strongly in working with other people towards a common goal and I know the skills I bring not only as an engineer, but as a team member will not only bring me work satisfaction, but will make me a valuable teammate as well.”

This answer is great because it not only highlights your skills as an engineer but also as an individual who works well with others.

3. Employer Brand

“I believe strongly in going the extra mile for my employer, and I appreciate it when a company feels the same way regarding its employees. As I was reviewing your social media accounts, your employer brand was incredibly clear. While you have high expectations of your workforce, the company holds itself to a high standard, too, ensuring it does its part to promote wellness, offer competitive compensation, and create an optimal workplace for success. In the end, that’s a company I want to join.”

4. Work Arrangements

“As with most professionals, the pandemic altered my perspective on my career and what it means to work hard. I found that remote work didn’t just suit me, it allowed me to thrive both personally and professionally. Along with boosting my productivity, I was able to hone critical skills, including written communication and collaboration. Plus, I had the opportunity to learn a new coding language, all because I eliminated commuting. The ability to work from home is something I value, all because it helps me succeed. The fact that your company offers that as an option, make what was already an enticing job an exceptional fit.”

5. Company Mission

“To put it simply, your company’s mission resonated with me deeply. The mission statement on your company website spoke directly to my priorities and values. Like you, I want to facilitate positive change and harness innovations for the betterment of my community. Due to that, the work becomes meaningful at a whole new level. In the end, that’s the type of place I want to use my technical skills, ensuring my abilities to problem-solve, design systems, and promote the advancement of the field are making a difference far beyond boosting the bottom line.”

Putting It All Together

As we’ve demonstrated above, although there are definitely wrong answers, there are no set right answers to the question “Why do you want to work here?”

Each interview is going to require you to do your homework, your research and tailoring. But once you do, and you really focus down your answers and target them to not only the position, but the company overall, this question might just give you the opportunity to whip out your smartest answers yet!

Just remember to keep your answers short, sweet, honest (but not too honest!)…and above all…

FREE : "Why Do You Want To Work Here?" PDF CHEAT SHEET

Get our handy cheat sheet!

In it you'll get word-for-word sample answers that you can use in your next interview!

INCLUDES sample answers for: "why do you want this job?" as well as "Why do you want to work here?"

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (Answer these 4 Questions)

Let’s talk cover letters . If you’re like most people I know, you enjoy writing cover letters about as much as you like going to the dentist – or, worse yet – going in for a root canal. Finding the right words to describe how your skills fit with a job can be cumbersome – just like taking dental x-rays from odd angles with foreign objects in your mouth!

But cover letters don’t have to be awkward. The very best cover letters showcase your fit for a job and say why you are interested working for an organization – all while providing your prospective employer with a glimpse of your personality and talent. (You can spot a bad cover letter quickly if all of the sentences start with “I.”)

Here’s a foolproof way you can write a great cover letter in 30 minutes or less: Anticipate the questions employers will have for you, and answer them.

Recruiters and hiring managers want to know the answer to 4 questions:

1. how did you hear of the job.

This may seem like a silly interest since it has little to do with you, but employers want to know how you learned about the job – it tells them if their advertising is working.

2. How do you meet the position requirements?

Because employers often hire for more than one position at a time – it never hurts to briefly summarize the job requirements before showcasing your experience.

3. Why are you interested in the job?

Although it may not often seem like it, employers are as eager to hire employees who want to work for them as you are to get a job. You need to go beyond “I need a job” and state what particularly interests you about the company and the position.

4. Will they like you?

Do you say thank you? Is your overall tone friendly?

Here’s how this looks in a letter:

Your Address (Leave name and cell phone off the top of your letter) City, State Zip Today’s Date Person’s Name Title Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code (Or Country) Dear Search Committee: Through my friend (insert name or other source of job listing), I learned that (company name) is accepting applications for a (insert position title). I write to apply for the position. Based on the position description, I understand you are looking for someone who can do (insert one job function/responsibility), (insert another responsibility) and (insert another responsibility). I offer you a demonstrated ability to perform these tasks as can be seen through my work with (insert name of past employer). In this role, I (summarize relevant experience here). I am especially interested in working for you due to (insert reason other than high pay or free lunch, show you’ve looked up the company). This opportunity also is a strong match for my career goals of (provide information that relates to the job opening and if appropriate share a brief example of how the position matches your interests.) Thanks in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Name

And that’s it: short, sweet and to the point. Got a question on how to target your skills for a specific situation? Ask away with a comment – next week we will provide strategies for tackling awkward situations – from how to market yourself if you are overqualified to what to do if you’ve interviewed with the company before.

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Include answers to these six questions in your cover letter to increase your chances to be in the running for the next step of job application

Skye Rodgers
March 9, 2023
4 minutes read

6 Questions to Answer in a Cover Letter

While many jobseekers today question the need for a cover letter, they are still very relevant. Research shows 53% of employers prefer candidates with a cover letter, and 47% of recruiters feel that it shows motivation. In addition, a cover letter will give you an important advantage over your competition because 45% don’t bother with them.

At the same time, however, 74% of hiring professionals said they did not actually read the cover letters. So, while it’s important to include one, you should not spend hours writing them. To help simplify and speed up the writing process, below are critical questions to answer in a cover letter and a quick list of things to avoid.

1. Who Are You?

Start with a brief introduction that frames your experience in terms of the position. Include the specific requirements listed in the job ad, such as years of experience, education, or specific skill sets. Including those here shows the reader immediately that you are qualified for the position.

For example:

With over 15 years of financial sales , customer loyalty, and market research experience, I am a self-motivated customer service professional.
I am a dedicated licensed registered nurse with 5 years of experience, recognized for my willingness to go the extra mile to improve patient health.
Drawing on my diverse skill set and technical expertise as an administrative assistant, I am poised to make an immediate impact at your organization.
I have more than 10 years of experience maintaining and administering geographically distributed networks and network equipment and devices.

Also, make sure to include the same contact information that you list on your resume in the letter header. It can also help to copy the same format and header style as well, so it is easy to keep your documents associated with each other.

Woman writing prospecting cover letter to impress potential employers.

2. Why Are You Writing?

Round out the introductory paragraph with information to specifically identify the job sought.

Also, make sure to include any job search reference numbers and specific corporate titles. Corporations can be hiring for the same position but at different organizational levels, for example, Public Affairs Officer I and Public Affairs Officer II. When an organization is hiring for multiple positions, these are important questions to answer on your cover letters.

In my search for a challenging business development position with a dynamic organization, I was interested to find the ad for (Position Title) with (Company Name).
As an experienced registered nurse , I am confident that I meet the requirements for (Position Title) with (Company Name).

3. What Is Your Response to Any Resume Red Flags?

Hiring managers hate unanswered questions. And one of the most important questions to answer in a cover letter is why your resume is different from the others. A wide variety of situations can raise questions about a resume. These include large employment gaps, incomplete or in-progress education, work visa status, living out of the area, and so on. Answering these questions up front can help quickly remove any resume red flags .

After spending two years as a primary caregiver , I am eager to reenter the workforce and continue my career.
I am currently in the U.S. on an H1B work visa and will need support from my new employer to maintain my status.
Although I currently live (in a different state), I feel confident that I can contribute remotely and am prepared to travel to the company location on a monthly basis for meetings.

4. Why This Company And/Or Why This Job?

Recruiters are looking for you to explain your interest in this job and/or this company. Make their job easy and, as one of the questions to answer in a cover letter, explain what attracted you to the company and why you want this specific job. Needing a job isn’t a strong enough reason. You may need to do some research .

Maybe you like the work culture or the organization’s reputation in the community. Is it the perfect fit for your experience and background? If so, explain that. If this job is your dream job, share the reasons why. Companies want to hire someone who will be passionate about the job and who wants to succeed in what they’re doing.

I’ve used your services for years and feel I understand what your customers expect in terms of quality and service.
I prefer to work with people in this kind of setting (be specific here with the industry, department, etc). I know I can hit the ground running.
I have 3 years of experience in the industry. I am eager to learn your processes and continue to do what I love most.

5. How Can I Solve Your Problem?

Companies hire a worker to solve a problem within the organization. The reasons vary from growing capacity to needing experienced managers to adding specialized skill sets. Connect the dots between your work history and the needs of the current opening, clearly explaining how your background fits the role.

Read between the lines of the job ad and look for pain points the company may be experiencing, and explain why you’re the answer to the problem. Don’t just state that you have the experience, back it up with examples that they can find on your resume.

My demonstrated expertise managing a variety of digital projects includes planning and implementing telemarketing solutions to conducting global market research projects.
Credited with relying on evidence-based insights into customer requirements, I lead the creation of business intelligence strategies that accurately target and achieve revenue goals.
I am recognized for my ability to collaborate and liaise with all project stakeholders , including multiple project teams, executive management, sub-contractors, and regulatory agencies.

6. What Are the Next Steps?

End your cover letter like any good marketing document, with a call to action. The last of the important questions to answer in a cover letter is what you would like the reader to do next. Summarize the main points of the letter that support why you are the best candidate, and let them know you are waiting for them to contact you for an interview.

In me, you will find a talented and dedicated healthcare professional with the necessary technical savvy and communication skills to work well in remote situations. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss how my experience and abilities will be an asset to your organization.
As a member of your team, I will be a talented and dedicated IT leader with a passion for coaching and empowering team members. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss how my experience and skills will be an asset to your organization. Thank you for your consideration.

Things to Avoid on Your Cover Letter

When deciding the questions to answer in a cover letter, make sure that you avoid the following mistakes:

Grammatical and typographical errors . Misspellings and bad grammar will get your letter tossed.
Go over one page in length . It won’t get read.
Using the language as your resume . Don’t regurgitate the same content, mix it up a bit.
No focus on results . Explain the positive outcomes you achieved.
A generic greeting . Try and come up with a real name to address your letter.
Don’t be overly personal . Showcase your personality but don’t get too personal.

Get ahead of the competition and include a well-written cover letter with your job applications. The six questions to answer in a cover letter above provide you with a quick and easy way to pull together important information. Using those answers and avoiding the errors outlined above will provide you with a letter that demonstrates you are motivated, qualified, and can make a positive contribution to their business.

Customizing Your Resume for Each Job Application

Do you submit a cover letter alongside your resume? How did it affect your application response rate? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Joining Virtual Vocations grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database. Learn how our service works , browse job leads by location and career category , or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background. Register for free or contact us for more information on our service guarantee. Check out our menu of Career Services provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications. Discounts on all services available to subscription members, become one now.

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FACT FOCUS: A look at false claims around Kamala Harris and her campaign for the White House

Democrats are quickly rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris as their likely presidential nominee after President Joe Biden’s ground-shaking decision to bow out of the 2024 race.

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, July 22, 2024, during an event with NCAA college athletes. This is her first public appearance since President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the next presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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The announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris will seek the Democratic nomination for president is inspiring a wave of false claims about her eligibility and her background. Some first emerged years ago, while others only surfaced after President Joe Biden’s decision to end his bid for a second term.

Here’s a look at the facts.

CLAIM: Harris is not an American citizen and therefore cannot serve as commander in chief.

THE FACTS: Completely false . Harris is a natural born U.S. citizen. She was born on Oct. 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, according to a copy of her birth certificate, obtained by The Associated Press.

Her mother, a cancer researcher from India, and her father, an economist from Jamaica, met as graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley.

Under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, anyone born on U.S. soil is considered a natural born U.S. citizen and eligible to serve as either the vice president or president.

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” reads the amendment.

There is no question or legitimate debate about whether a citizen like Harris is eligible to serve as president or vice president, said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School.

“So many legal questions are really nuanced — this isn’t one of those situations,” Levinson told the AP on Monday.

Still, social media posts making the debunked assertion that Harris cannot serve as president went viral soon after Biden announced Sunday that he was dropping out of the race and would back Harris for president.

“Kamala Harris is not eligible to run for President,” read one post on X that was liked more than 34,000 times. “Neither of her parents were natural born American citizens when she was born.”

False assertions about Harris’ eligibility began circulating in 2019 when she launched her bid for the presidency. They got a boost, thanks in part to then-President Donald Trump, when Biden selected her as his running mate.

“I heard today that she doesn’t meet the requirements,” the Republican said of Harris in 2019.

CLAIM: Harris is not Black.

THE FACTS: This is false. Harris is Black and Indian . Her father, Donald Harris, is a Black man who was born in Jamaica. Shyamala Gopalan, her mother, was born in southern India. Harris has spoken publicly for many years, including in her 2019 autobiography , about how she identifies with the heritage of both her parents.

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Despite ample evidence to the contrary, social media users are making erroneous claims about Harris’ race.

“Just a reminder that Kamala Harris @KamalaHarris isn’t black,” reads one X post that had received approximately 42,000 likes and 20,400 shares as of Monday. “She Indian American. She pretends to be black as part of the delusional, Democrat DEI quota.”

But Harris is both Black and Indian. Indeed, she is the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. This fact is highlighted in her biography on WhiteHouse.gov and she has spoken about her ethnicity on many occasions.

Harris wrote in her autobiography, “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” that she identifies with the heritage of both her mother and father.

“My mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncle instilled us with pride in our South Asian roots,” she wrote. “Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage, and we were raised with a strong awareness and appreciation for Indian culture.”

In the next paragraph, she adds, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters.” Harris again refers to herself as a “black woman” in the book’s next chapter.

CLAIM: Harris got her start by having an affair with a married man, California politician Willie Brown.

THE FACTS: This is missing some important context. Brown was separated from his wife during the relationship, which was not a secret.

Brown, 90, is a former mayor of San Francisco who was serving as speaker of the California State Assembly in the 1990s when he and Harris were in a relationship. Brown had separated from his wife in 1982.

“Yes, we dated. It was more than 20 years ago,” Brown wrote in 2020 in the San Francisco Chronicle under the article title, “Sure, I dated Kamala Harris. So what?”

He wrote that he supported Harris’ first race to be San Francisco district attorney — just as he has supported a long list of other California politicians, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Harris, 59, was state attorney general from 2011-2017 and served in the Senate from 2017 until 2021, when she became vice president. She has been married to Doug Emhoff since 2014.

Harris’ critics have used the past relationship to question her qualifications, as Fox News personality Tomi Lahren did when she wrote on social media in 2019: “Kamala did you fight for ideals or did you sleep your way to the top with Willie Brown.” Lahren later apologized for the comment.

Trump and some of his supporters have also highlighted the nearly three-decade old relationship in recent attacks on Harris .

CLAIM: An Inside Edition clip of television host Montel Williams holding hands with Harris and another woman is proof that Harris was his “side piece.”

THE FACTS: The clip shows Montel with Harris and his daughter, Ashley Williams. Harris and Williams, a former marine who hosted “The Montel Williams Show” for more than a decade, dated briefly in the early 2000s.

In the clip, taken from a 2019 Inside Edition segment , Williams can be seen posing for photographs and holding hands with both women as they arrive at the 2001 Eighth Annual Race to Erase MS in Los Angeles.

But social media users are misrepresenting the clip, using it as alleged evidence that Harris was Montel’s “side piece” — a term used to describe a person, typically a woman, who has a sexual relationship with a man in a monogamous relationship.

Williams addressed the false claims in an X post on Monday, writing in reference to the Inside Edition clip, “as most of you know, that is my daughter to my right.” Getty Images photos from the Los Angeles gala identify the women as Harris and Ashley Williams.

In 2019, Williams described his relationship with Harris in a post on X, then known as Twitter.

“@KamalaHarris and I briefly dated about 20 years ago when we were both single,” he wrote in an X post at the time. “So what? I have great respect for Sen. Harris. I have to wonder if the same stories about her dating history would have been written if she were a male candidate?”

CLAIM: Harris promised to inflict the “vengeance of a nation” on Trump supporters.

THE FACTS: A fabricated quote attributed to Harris is spreading online five years after it first surfaced.

In the quote, Harris supposedly promises that if Trump is defeated in 2020, Trump supporters will be targeted by the federal government: “Once Trump’s gone and we have regained our rightful place in the White House, look out if you supported him and endorsed his actions, because we’ll be coming for you next. You will feel the vengeance of a nation.”

The quote was shared again on social media this week. One post on X containing an image of the quote was shared more than 22,000 times as of Monday afternoon.

The remarks didn’t come from Harris , but from a satirical article published online in August 2019. Shortly after, Trump supporters like musician Ted Nugent reposted the comments without noting they were fake.

CLAIM: A video shows Harris saying in a speech: “Today is today. And yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. So live today, so the future today will be as the past today as it is tomorrow.”

THE FACTS: Harris never said this. Footage from a 2023 rally on reproductive rights at Howard University, her alma mater, was altered to make it seem as though she did.

In the days after Harris headlined the Washington rally, Republicans mocked a real clip of her speech, with one critic dubbing her remarks a “word salad,” the AP reported at the time .

Harris says in the clip: “So I think it’s very important — as you have heard from so many incredible leaders — for us, at every moment in time, and certainly this one, to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past, but the future.”

NARAL Pro-Choice America, an abortion rights nonprofit whose president also spoke at the rally, livestreamed the original footage. It shows Harris making the “moment in time” remark, but not the “today is today” comment.

The White House’s transcript of Harris’ remarks also does not include the statement from the altered video. Harris’ appearance at the event came the same day that Biden announced their reelection bid .

Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .

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How to write a cover letter: Template & Tips
THE MAJOR REASON WHY A LOT OF TEST-TAKERS FAIL WRITING TASK 1, WHEN QUESTION IS A SEMI-FORMAL LETTER

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16 Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letters
A cover letter typically includes four main areas. First, add your contact information so the employer can reach out to you. Then, include an introduction explaining who you are and how you heard about the job. Next, write body paragraphs that explain why you would be a perfect fit for their company.
How to Write a Cover Letter: 16 Questions + Answers
Tell your story. The cover letter gives you a unique place to do so, whereas your resume might not. Let them know that you are intentionally seeking a shift and note the qualities you bring to the table from your past experiences that are relatable to this new opportunity. It's all about those transferable skills. 10.
10 Common Cover Letter Questions Answered
Contact information: Begin your cover letter with your contact information, including your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address. It should be in block style, on the left margin of your paper, towards the top. Salutation: Address your cover letter to a hiring manager. If their name is not provided, address it to the ...
Cover Letters
Writing a Cover Letter The goal of your cover letter is to complement your resume. Employers use cover letters to determine your interest in the position and company, as well as to assess your written communication skills. Your cover letter should be clearly structured and answer the following questions: Who are you? Introduce yourself. Include […]
PDF Cover Letter Guide
A cover letter is more than a resume in paragraph form. 3 The format, content and purpose of a cover letter are highly individualized. • Follow basic professional writing standards, paying special attention to differences in uploading a cover letter into an online application or using your letter as the body of an email message.
5 questions your cover letter should answer
Remember in elementary school when your teacher taught you to answer the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how? Though you probably don't want to go this route verbatim when ...
How to Write a Cover Letter (Examples and Tips)
Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in): Your name. Your pronouns (optional) Your location (optional) Your email address.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Examples + Guide for 2024
It consists of contact details, a greeting, three to four paragraphs and a formal signature. Your cover letter should: Include two to three examples of your top achievements. Tell a story of your skill level and career path. Explain why you're a good fit for the role and company. Include any relevant details you can't fit in your resume or CV.
How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter #1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template #2. Put Contact Information in the Header #3. Address the Hiring Manager #4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction #5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details #6. Wrap It Up and Sign It Cover Letter Writing Checklist 15 Cover Letter Tips 15+ Cover Letter Examples 5 ...
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
2. Include a greeting. In your research, try to find the name of the person reviewing applications for the job. Address your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as "Dear [first and last name]" or "Dear [position title]." Avoid using "To whom it may concern."
7 Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Cover Letter Questions
First, a few basics: starting from the top, the contact information of the recipient comes first. Be sure to address your letter to an actual person—the hiring manager, hopefully, not a generic title and, please, never "to whom it may concern.". Second, as an example of the lay-out, one classic cover letter format is as follows:
15 Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letters
These 15 cover letter questions and answers, will teach you the right way to create a cover letter than not only stands out from that of other applicants, but one that is also mistake free. Continue reading to find out why cover letters are necessary and some of the common mistakes we make while preparing our cover letters. 1.
The Ultimate Cover Letter Writing Guide
There are 3 types of cover letters that you can send to a hiring manager. The 3 types are: Application cover letters. Letters of Interest. Email Cover letters. The letter you write is influenced by whether you are going to apply for a job directly, citing a referral, or asking about vacancies that are not advertised.
Top 10 Cover Letter Tips (+ Mistakes To Avoid)
1. Not Writing a Cover Letter. In reality, the biggest cover letter mistake you can make is not writing one. Even if the application doesn't make one mandatory, skipping it will usually hurt you. After all, 26 percent of recruiters view cover letters as important when they are trying to make hiring decisions.
The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
6. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T. HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent. Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better, and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.
15 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are 15 things to avoid when writing a cover letter with tips and suggestions of what you can do instead: Not following instructions. Using the wrong format. Discussing why you are looking for a new position. Using the same cover letter for every application.
Cover Letter Questions To Answer
The best choice for all kinds of admin resumes is Reverse-chronological. The first thing you should do to email a cover letter and resume is to save them in PDF or Word document (.doc or .docx). PDF will save the formatting but you can write a cover letter in email as well. Use your full name as the name of the document so the recipient will ...
5 Basic Cover Letter Questions Answered
5) What are some tips for writing a cover letter? Never copy a cover letter template or sample cover letter word for word. Write in full sentences and paragraphs. Keep your language clear and concise; avoid long-winded explanations. It's OK to use the words I, me, or my, but sparingly.
How To Answer: Why Do You Want To Work Here? (Examples Included)
2. Being too generic: "Well, it seems like this is a super cool company to work for and it would be great to be able to get a job here.". Not only is this answer generic, but it doesn't showcase any of the research that you've done on the company or the position. In the end, that kind of answer won't stand out.
What Is a Cover Letter? (And What To Include in One)
This type of short cover letter is usually used as a resume summary statement or as an answer for "tell me about yourself" interview question. Related: Types of Cover Letters (With Samples) What to include in a cover letter A cover letter can include the most interesting and relative experiences and skills you have for the open position.
How to Write a Great Cover Letter
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (Answer these 4 Questions) June 19th, 2012 Chandlee Bryan Leave a comment Go to comments. Let's talk cover letters. If you're like most people I know, you enjoy writing cover letters about as much as you like going to the dentist - or, worse yet - going in for a root canal. Finding the right words ...
6 Questions to Answer in a Cover Letter
Explain the positive outcomes you achieved. A generic greeting. Try and come up with a real name to address your letter. Don't be overly personal. Showcase your personality but don't get too personal. Get ahead of the competition and include a well-written cover letter with your job applications.
A look at false claims around Harris and her campaign for the White
The announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris will seek the Democratic nomination for president is inspiring a wave of false claims about her eligibility and her background. Some first emerged years ago, while others only surfaced after President Joe Biden's decision to end his bid for a second term.. Here's a look at the facts. ___ CLAIM: Harris is not an American citizen and ...

10 Common Cover Letter Questions Answered

What is a cover letter?

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

What should a cover letter include?

What’s the best way to address a cover letter?

How should I use keywords in my cover letter?

How to make my cover letter stand out?

When is a cover letter optional?

Should I write a cover letter for each position?

How long should a cover letter be?

What do I write if I don’t have any experience?

What mistakes should I avoid making in a cover letter?

What should you not include in a cover letter?

How should I format my cover letter?

Should I use a cover letter template?

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Cover Letters

Your cover letter should be clearly structured and answer the following questions:

Cover Letter Formatting

Sample Cover Letters

How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

How long should a cover letter be?

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Step 2: Add your contact info

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

Step 8: Reread and revise

Cover letter examples

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Extra cover letter examples

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

What Is a Cover Letter?

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

15 Cover Letter Tips

15+ Cover Letter Examples

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Key Takeaways

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7 Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Cover Letter Questions

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How important are cover letters (and do I need one)?

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