Cover letter 2023 template
Tailor your cover letter to stand out in 2023 by focusing on what recruiters really want to see: clear, concise, and direct communication. Highlight your skills and experience that align with the job description. A generic cover letter won’t get noticed, so make sure each one is customized to the role you’re applying for.
Start with a strong opening. Address the hiring manager by name if possible and mention the position you’re applying for right away. Avoid long-winded introductions. Instead, emphasize how your experience directly connects to the company’s needs and goals. This helps demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and are genuinely interested.
Next, focus on your achievements, not just your responsibilities. Show how you’ve added value in previous roles. Use specific examples to back up your claims. Quantify your successes with data where you can–it makes your accomplishments tangible and more convincing.
Lastly, end with a confident call to action. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. Keep your tone professional, but warm, and ensure the letter is well-organized. A polished, thoughtful cover letter is a reflection of your attention to detail and communication skills–two qualities that every employer looks for.
Here’s the corrected version without repetitions:
Remove redundancy from your cover letter by eliminating repeated skills, experiences, or qualities. Make each sentence count with specific details that highlight your unique qualifications. Focus on demonstrating how your expertise directly addresses the employer’s needs.
Instead of restating your proficiency in common software programs, mention a particular project where you successfully applied those skills. Avoid generic phrases like “I’m hardworking” and replace them with examples that show how you’ve gone above and beyond in past roles.
Be concise with your achievements. Rather than listing every responsibility you held, focus on the ones most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor your experience to the specific role and industry, and make sure your achievements are quantified wherever possible.
Lastly, conclude with a clear call to action. Invite the reader to discuss your qualifications further in an interview, offering a specific time frame for follow-up. This shows initiative and enthusiasm without sounding repetitive.
- Cover Letter 2023 Template
Write a cover letter that speaks directly to the employer’s needs. Begin by addressing the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, use a generic but respectful greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” In the first paragraph, mention the job you’re applying for and how you found out about the position. Highlight a specific achievement or skill relevant to the role to grab attention right away.
In the second paragraph, focus on how your experience directly aligns with the job description. Be specific about your past roles and responsibilities. Use metrics or concrete examples to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to similar tasks or goals. This will show the employer that you understand the job requirements and have the necessary skills to excel.
The final paragraph should express enthusiasm for the role and the company. Reiterate why you are a good fit and how your values align with the company’s mission. End by stating you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Always thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Close with a formal sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name. Keep the tone professional but personable, and make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written cover letter not only helps you stand out but shows the employer that you are detail-oriented and committed to the position.
Focus on the job description. Identify key skills and responsibilities the employer highlights, then align your experience with those points. Make sure to use similar language to that found in the listing–employers are looking for specific matches.
Customize your opening paragraph. Mention the role and where you found it. Include a few words that show why you’re excited about this opportunity, but don’t make it generic. Link your passion to the company’s values or goals.
- Reference the company’s recent achievements or initiatives. This shows you’ve researched the organization.
- Tailor your skills section to mirror the job requirements. Highlight experiences that directly align with what the company is seeking.
Be specific about your accomplishments. Rather than listing tasks, provide quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of “managed a team,” say “led a team of 10, increasing productivity by 15% over six months.”
- Match your experience with the qualifications required. If the role asks for leadership skills, mention past leadership experiences and outcomes.
- If the job requires expertise in a specific software, mention your proficiency with examples of how you’ve used it successfully.
End with a clear call to action. Express your eagerness to discuss how your background fits the role. Avoid generic phrases like “I look forward to hearing from you.” Instead, say something like “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team.”
Start by addressing the recipient properly. Use their full name if known, and make sure the title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) is correct. This shows professionalism and respect.
Introduction
The opening paragraph should directly state your purpose. Avoid vague or overused phrases like “I am writing to apply for…” Instead, express your intent clearly and concisely. Mention how you heard about the opportunity or company, if relevant.
Body Content
Provide specific examples of your skills and experiences. Tailor your qualifications to match the job description or company values. Highlight your unique strengths without overwhelming the reader with too much detail. Make each paragraph count by staying on topic and relating your background to the job you’re applying for.
Use a confident yet humble tone. Show enthusiasm without sounding desperate. Remember, brevity is key–be direct while ensuring you cover the main points.
Closing
Wrap up by expressing your appreciation for the reader’s time and consideration. Clearly state your desire for an interview or follow-up meeting. Finally, include a polite call to action like, “I look forward to discussing how my experience aligns with your needs.”
Sign off with “Sincerely” or another formal closing phrase, followed by your name. If submitting digitally, ensure your contact information is easy to find.
Be transparent about any employment gaps. Acknowledge them honestly and briefly without over-explaining. Focus on what you learned or accomplished during the gap and how it makes you a stronger candidate. Whether it was for personal development, travel, or family care, frame it as a time that added value to your skill set.
Provide context, but keep it concise. You don’t need to go into every detail, but you can mention relevant activities like freelance work, volunteering, or taking courses. This shows that you remained productive and committed to growth during your time away from full-time employment.
Don’t dwell on the gap. Instead, quickly pivot back to your qualifications and how they align with the role you’re applying for. Employers are more interested in how your experiences can benefit their team now, rather than the specifics of the past.
If possible, address the gap in a positive way, linking it to personal growth or a career pivot. The key is to demonstrate how this period adds value to your application rather than detracts from it.
| Situation | How to Address It |
|---|---|
| Family or personal reasons | Briefly explain, focusing on how you developed transferable skills like time management, problem-solving, or multitasking during the gap. |
| Health issues | Be brief but honest. Highlight any steps taken toward recovery or how you stayed engaged with your industry during the time off. |
| Career change | Focus on the training, certifications, or experience you gained that directly applies to the job you’re applying for. |
| Unemployment | Frame this time as an opportunity for reflection and upskilling, detailing specific actions taken to improve your employability. |
Writing a Compelling Opening for Your Cover Letter
Grab the reader’s attention with a clear, focused opening sentence. Start with a brief statement about why you’re excited about the position and how your skills directly match the company’s needs. Make it clear right away why you’re the right fit. Avoid generic phrases like “I’m writing to express my interest”; instead, focus on specifics that relate to the role and company.
Start by referencing a recent achievement or a unique skill that sets you apart. This establishes credibility from the first line. Tailor your approach to each job, so your opening is relevant and shows you’ve done your research on the company’s culture and goals. A compelling opening should give the reader confidence that you’re not just another applicant, but a top contender.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Start with a clear connection to the role. | Avoid vague introductions that lack specificity. |
| Highlight a key achievement or skill early on. | Don’t start with generic phrases or clichés. |
| Be confident and show enthusiasm. | Don’t use overly formal or stiff language. |
Focus on demonstrating your skills through specific examples rather than listing them again. Tailor each example to the job you’re applying for to make it relevant. Instead of restating the same skills from your resume, show how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios.
- Use Achievements: Share measurable accomplishments. For example, “Increased sales by 30% over six months” illustrates your ability to drive results and shows your skill in action.
- Tell Short Stories: Present brief case studies of how you tackled challenges. This will highlight your problem-solving, creativity, or leadership without redundancy.
- Be Specific: Focus on the context, your role, and the outcome. Instead of just listing “project management,” explain a specific project where you successfully managed teams and met deadlines.
- Incorporate Soft Skills: Mention how you applied communication, adaptability, or teamwork in different situations. This shows depth without repeating standard qualifications.
- Relate to the Job Requirements: Link your skills directly to the job description, using similar language. This makes your skills feel more tailored and less like a repetition of your resume.
By providing concrete examples and aligning them with the job role, you create a stronger, more compelling case for your skills without repeating what’s already on your resume.
Tailor your cover letter to highlight your ability to work independently and manage time efficiently. Focus on the skills that are key for remote roles, such as self-discipline, communication, and problem-solving.
- Showcase Your Remote Work Experience
Mention any previous remote roles or projects, even if they were freelance or temporary. Highlight your experience with virtual collaboration tools, such as Slack, Zoom, or project management software like Trello or Asana.
- Highlight Flexibility and Autonomy
Employers value candidates who are comfortable with managing their own schedules and working without constant supervision. Provide examples of how you successfully handled deadlines, multitasked, or overcame challenges while working remotely.
- Emphasize Communication Skills
Clear, concise, and regular communication is crucial in a remote environment. Discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with teams, clients, or supervisors, especially in virtual settings.
- Address Time Zone Management
If you’re applying for a role with a company in a different time zone, mention how you manage working across time zones. Describe your flexibility in adjusting working hours to meet deadlines or collaborate with team members in different regions.
- Show Technological Proficiency
Remote work often requires technical skills. Highlight your comfort with the tools and software necessary for remote collaboration, task management, and virtual communication.
End your letter by expressing enthusiasm for the remote work model and how it aligns with your work style. Showing that you understand the demands of remote positions will help you stand out as a serious contender for the job.
When structuring your cover letter, keep your paragraphs concise and purposeful. Each paragraph should focus on one key point to avoid overwhelming the reader.
Focus on specific achievements: Demonstrate how your past experience directly relates to the job you’re applying for. Use concrete examples to show the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
Align with company goals: Research the company’s objectives and show how your skills will help them reach their targets. Don’t just mention your strengths, but explain how they are relevant to the company’s needs.
Highlight your enthusiasm: Convey genuine excitement about the position. Focus on what excites you about the role and how it matches your career aspirations.
Keep it professional: While it’s important to show personality, ensure your tone remains formal and respectful. Avoid overly casual language or slang.
Finish with a strong closing: Reiterate your interest and express a desire for further discussion. A confident but polite closing can leave a lasting impression.