Write a cover letter template
Your cover letter is your first chance to introduce yourself and grab the hiring manager’s attention. Begin by addressing the employer by name, if possible, to establish a personal connection right from the start. Express enthusiasm for the role and the company, highlighting why you’re interested in the position and what you bring to the table.
Next, explain how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Be specific about your relevant skills and achievements. Focus on how you can contribute to the company’s goals, rather than just listing your qualifications. Make it clear why you’re the right fit for the role and how your background makes you an asset to the team.
Conclude by expressing your eagerness for an interview. Reaffirm your interest in the position, thank the employer for considering your application, and provide your contact details. Keep the tone professional yet friendly, ensuring your message stands out without being too formal or rigid.
Here’s the revised version without repetition:
First, focus on the position you’re applying for and how your skills directly align with the requirements. Skip over broad descriptions of your experience. Instead, use specific examples of how your background supports the role you’re seeking. Highlight key achievements and provide data when possible to showcase the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
Next, address the company’s needs. Show that you’ve researched the organization by mentioning recent projects or goals. Tailor your approach to their unique challenges. Avoid generic statements about your passion for the industry or company – demonstrate how your skills will contribute to solving their current challenges.
Close by reinforcing your enthusiasm for the position and your readiness to contribute immediately. Avoid long-winded endings; be direct and express your eagerness to discuss how you can add value to their team.
- Write a Cover Letter Template
Start with a clear and concise header. Include your name, contact details, and the date at the top. Then, address the hiring manager by name, if possible. This personal touch can set a positive tone for the rest of the letter.
Next, in your opening paragraph, directly mention the job title you’re applying for and how you found the opportunity. Show enthusiasm for the role and briefly state why you’re excited about the position or the company. Keep this introduction straightforward and impactful.
In the body of the letter, focus on your experience and skills relevant to the job. Highlight your most significant achievements and explain how they directly relate to the company’s needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities. Avoid generic statements–make sure every point you mention is tailored to the job description.
End with a strong closing paragraph. Reaffirm your interest in the role and express your desire for an interview. Keep the tone professional but warm. Always thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Finally, sign off with a polite closing like Sincerely or Best regards, followed by your full name. If you’re submitting the cover letter electronically, make sure to include your contact details under your name as well.
Always use the correct title when addressing the hiring manager. If you know their name, start with “Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.” followed by their last name. If you’re unsure about the person’s gender, use their full name without a title: “Dear Alex Johnson.” This shows respect and attention to detail. If the job listing does not provide a name, try researching the company website, LinkedIn, or calling the company directly. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern.”
If the hiring manager’s name is not available and you must use a general greeting, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a safe option. However, using a more personalized approach–such as addressing the team or department–can make your letter stand out. For example, “Dear Marketing Team” or “Dear Recruitment Department” can add a personal touch while maintaining professionalism.
Always double-check the spelling of the hiring manager’s name, especially for uncommon names, as errors can create a negative first impression. If you’re unsure about the job title or the person’s role, it’s worth confirming before you send your letter.
Adjust your tone based on the position you’re applying for and the company culture. A formal tone works well for traditional industries like finance or law, while a more casual and conversational style may be better suited for startups or creative roles.
Formal Tone
If you’re applying for a position in a formal setting, stick to clear, concise language. Avoid slang and keep your sentences professional. Express your enthusiasm through well-chosen words rather than overly casual phrases.
Casual or Conversational Tone
For companies with a relaxed culture, show your personality through a friendlier tone. A conversational style can make your cover letter feel more personal and relatable, but still maintain respect and professionalism. Use contractions and slightly more informal language, but keep it respectful and coherent.
| Formal Tone | Casual Tone |
|---|---|
| Respectful language | Friendly, approachable language |
| No slang or jargon | Use of contractions and some casual expressions |
| Clear and direct phrasing | Conversational flow with personality |
The tone and style you choose will influence how the employer perceives your communication skills and suitability for the role. Stay authentic and match your language to the company’s environment.
Open with a hook that instantly connects with the reader. Start by mentioning a challenge or a key pain point relevant to the job or industry. This grabs attention by showing you understand the company’s needs. For example, if applying to a marketing firm, highlight your knowledge of the latest trends or a particular problem you’ve solved in previous roles.
Make it Personal and Specific
Show that you’ve researched the company. Mention a recent achievement or a project that caught your eye. This demonstrates genuine interest and tells the reader you’ve done your homework. Personalize your opening to reflect how your skills align with the company’s values or objectives.
Highlight Your Unique Value
Briefly state what you bring to the table. Emphasize one key strength or accomplishment that makes you stand out. Whether it’s a particular skill, experience, or achievement, make it clear why you’re a strong fit for the role from the very start. The goal is to make the reader want to continue reading to learn more about how you can contribute to their team.
Focus on the outcomes you’ve achieved. Instead of listing duties, highlight how you’ve made an impact in past roles. For example, rather than stating “managed a team,” say “led a team of 5, increasing productivity by 20% over 6 months.” Numbers provide concrete evidence of your abilities.
Quantify Your Achievements
- Use metrics to show the extent of your success: revenue growth, cost savings, project completions, or efficiency improvements.
- Include specific time frames to show how quickly you achieved results.
- Be honest and realistic–avoid exaggerating figures, as they could be questioned later.
Highlight Relevant Skills
- Choose skills that are directly relevant to the job. Tailor your skills list to the specific position you’re applying for.
- Incorporate both hard skills (e.g., software knowledge, technical expertise) and soft skills (e.g., problem-solving, teamwork).
- Use industry-specific language to demonstrate familiarity with the field.
Always back up your skills with real examples. If you claim proficiency in a tool or process, include a brief description of a project where you applied it and what the results were.
Customize your cover letter by aligning it with the specific job you’re applying for. Read the job description carefully and pick out key responsibilities and skills that match your experience. Address these points directly in your letter to show that you understand the role and have the qualifications they’re seeking.
Don’t use a generic template for every application. Each employer has unique needs, so highlight your relevant strengths for the position at hand. For instance, if a job requires strong leadership skills, focus on your past leadership experiences and provide examples of how you’ve succeeded in similar situations.
Refer to the company culture and values. By researching the company, you can adjust the tone and content of your letter to reflect their mission and work environment. This will help demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for their team.
Keep the language clear and focused. Avoid fluff and emphasize the value you bring to the organization. Recruiters appreciate applicants who are concise yet informative, so make sure every sentence serves a purpose.
End your cover letter with a clear and compelling call to action that invites the employer to take the next step. Make sure your tone remains confident but polite, encouraging a response or meeting.
- Be specific about what you want. For example, say “I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to your team’s success” instead of just “I hope to hear from you soon.”
- Express eagerness. Let the employer know you’re excited about the opportunity to speak with them and explore how your qualifications match their needs.
- Request a meeting or interview. Politely propose a follow-up, saying, “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position in more detail.” Be proactive without being pushy.
- Include your availability. Mention when you’re available for a call or interview to make it easier for them to schedule.
Keep it concise, but ensure the message is clear and actionable. A strong call to action will leave a positive final impression and make it easy for the employer to take the next step.
Try to keep phrases close to the original, but without unnecessary repetition.
Focus on rephrasing sentences to retain the core message without sounding repetitive. Use synonyms and vary sentence structures to maintain clarity and freshness. For example, instead of repeating the same word, try substituting it with a more specific term or adjusting the phrasing. This helps your message stay clear while avoiding redundancy.
Be mindful of word choice and sentence length. Shorten long sentences when possible, especially if it helps eliminate redundancy. Aim for smooth transitions between ideas to maintain flow, and prioritize strong verbs over overly complex or passive constructions.
Regularly review your text to ensure that every sentence adds value without repeating the same point. If a phrase seems repetitive, try expressing the idea in a different way or removing it altogether if it doesn’t contribute new information.
By eliminating unnecessary repetitions, you keep your writing concise and engaging, making it easier for the reader to follow your argument and understand your message.