How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024

by | Last updated Aug 30, 2024 | Resume Help

A cover letter, as opposed to a resume, enables you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, give context for your accomplishments and skills, and discuss your reasons for wanting to work for the organization.

However, a cover letter is not sufficient. It must be flawless. So… How can you compose the perfect cover letter You know, the kind of letter that will cause your employer to give you a late-night call? We’ll teach you how to compose a cover letter similar to that in only ten minutes.

In 2024, writing a compelling cover letter is still a key step in the job application process. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role, and highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. As hiring practices evolve, it’s important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and employer, using a clear and professional tone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential elements of writing a cover letter that will make you stand out and increase your chances of landing the job you want in 2024.

This manual will demonstrate:

  • How to create a cover letter for a resume that will stand out from the competition.
  • A cover letter example that will help you land more interviews.
  • Tips and tricks for drafting a cover letter that can increase your chances of getting a job.
  • Practical suggestions on how to begin and end a cover letter, as well as who to address it to.

how to make a cover letter infographic 1

What is a Cover Letter?

As you read the job description and prepared to apply for that fantastic position, you came across three words: attach a cover letter. You’re left scratching your head and wondering what a resume cover letter is. Where do I find one?

Not to worry. We’ll be completely transparent with you.

What is a Cover Letter for A Job?

A cover letter is a document that is sent with a job application and serves as a more in-depth introduction of the applicant. It should supplement the data on a resume or CV by elaborating on the talents and accomplishments and highlighting a number of the most important ones.

See? It isn’t complicated science. It is merely a letter supporting your employment application.

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

There are a number of reasons why cover letters are requested by hiring managers and why job seekers should write them. The key reason is that the cover letter can offer extra, personal information that is challenging to understand just reading a resume.

The cover letter can also be used for the following things:

  • distinguishes you from other applicants
  • demonstrates your interest in the job
  • demonstrates your understanding of the business
  • Describe how your experience and talents may help the company.
  • shows that you are aware of the demands of the business.

And for that reason, it’s worthwhile to take the time to create a superb cover letter that accomplishes all of the aforementioned goals.

It’s time to study more stuff now that you understand what a cover letter is and its purpose.

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How to Write A Cover Letter?

1. Start With a Header

Hey, the basics first. The cover letter header should include the following:

  • Your name
  • Your phone number
  • Your email address
  • The date
  • The name of the hiring manager and their professional title
  • The name and address of the company to which you’re applying
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Optionally, you can add:

  • Your professional title
  • Your home address
  • Links to your professional websites
  • Your social media accounts (applicable only for LinkedIn and Twitter)
  • Your city of residence (it’s not mandatory but adds a professional touch—include it if your cover letter is highly official)

 

Just remember to keep it professional:

  • Use an email address from a respected provider—that means either Gmail or your personal domain (if you have one.)
  • Your email address should only include your first and last name—[email protected] or [email protected] will be deal-breakers.
  • Don’t use your current work address to send your email cover letter. It’s impolite to both your current and potential future employer.
  • Make sure your contact information is consistent across your resume, cover letter, and social media profiles.

2. Address the Reader

To whom should a cover letter be addressed?

To the hiring manager who will read it directly

The hiring manager may read your cover letter’s greeting (also known as the salutation) first. As a result, it ranks as one of the most crucial components of a cover letter. There is one fantastic, surefire way to get their attention with your greeting:

That’s accurate. Their name.

We respond when we hear or see our name. This is supported by a great deal of science:

The hiring manager will feel as though they have found something especially crafted for them once they see their name in the cover letter’s salutation. It will feel personal, and they will be aware that whatever happens next might just contain the precise knowledge they have been seeking.

The salutations in each of the following examples are appropriate for a formal cover letter:

  • Dear Katy,
  • Dear Miss Joseph,
  • Dear Ms. Simith,
  • Dear Mrs. Farewell,
  • Dear Mr. McConnect,

How can you discover the name of the hiring manager?

Make some inquiries!

If the recruiter left their name, check the job description or visit the business’s LinkedIn page. There should be recruiters working there who upload the job offers.

If the hiring manager’s name is not given, to whom should a cover letter be addressed?

Choose Dear Hiring Manager if there is no other way to locate the name. Keep the “to whom it may concern” salutation out of your cover letter. Additionally, avoid beginning a cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” if you don’t reside in Victorian England.

Check out these salutations from a sample cover letter:

  • Dear Sales Team Recruitment Manager,
  • Dear Recruiting Manager,
  • Dear [XYZ Company] Team,

The greeting and the header are finished. It’s time for the main course now. the key sentences in your cover letter.

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3. Show Your Enthusiasm in the Opening

The unpalatable fact is this:

The recruiting manager will decide whether to continue reading your cover letter after these first few phrases.

Your cover letter introduction ought to grab and hold the recruiting manager’s attention.

You can use a variety of powerful opening techniques in your cover letter. You can use the introduction to showcase your accomplishments, demonstrate how well you understand the demands of the potential employer, or just demonstrate your excitement.

Take a look at these two examples of cover letter introductions:

WRONG
I would like to show my interest in participating in the hiring process in response to your job posting for the position of Digital Marketing Manager. I am confident that I would excel in this position because I have more than 8 years of experience as a digital marketing manager.

How come it’s so bad?

Bottom line: “I’ve already done this work, so I think I’d fit in,” because it offers no value or details. Additionally, having more than eight years of experience is insufficient to land the position.

Here is an illustration of an effective cover letter opening:

RIGHT
I was delighted to read your posting for the position of Digital Marketing Manager because I have always been a fan of XYZ’s marketing activities. I am confident that I can assist XYZ with its impending issues. I’ve managed lucrative national online campaigns with spending caps of over $300,000 in the past. Additionally, since 2011, I have been successful in growing ABC’s clientele by 19%.

I’d have to be insane not to hire her, wow!

The first paragraph of this cover letter will elicit such answer.

4. Explain Why You’re the Perfect Fit

What should be in the second paragraph of a cover letter?

You must provide the hiring manager with precisely what they are seeking. You must demonstrate that you can meet the specific requirements of the business.

 

Recall Jane, our prospective digital marketing manager? She is applying to XYZ Company, and they need:

 

  • A knowledgeable digital marketing manager is first (1).
  • Additionally, they need someone to oversee the creation of their new online portal (2).

Let’s examine how Jane did it to demonstrate that she is both:

RIGHT
In my present role at ABC, I’ve managed all elements of our technical and creative web marketing activities (1). My main task last year was to create and optimize nine product websites for ABC’s most important items, as well as to boost the UX and SEO performance (2). One year later, here we are:

 

  • Eight of the nine websites I optimized have successfully attained and maintained their position in the top three Google results (2).
  • These are natural, unpaid results for 10+ important search queries; 47% of the overall organic traffic (2) for important terms and phrases comes from incoming search engine traffic to all nine websites.
    Check out the process.

 

Make it clear that you are an authority in your field in the first sentence. Don’t, however, keep boasting. The remainder of the second paragraph of your cover letter should focus entirely on how your prior experiences will aid your future company in moving forward with their goals.

Now consider what you ought not to do:

WRONG
I oversaw a three-person digital marketing team at ABC, making sure that deadlines and outcomes were fulfilled.

The websites that my team developed received top rankings on Google for important keywords and phrases.

You ought to recognize the distinction right away. True, there is a leader in digital marketing with certain achievements. However, the hiring manager is searching for specific measurements, figures, and accomplishments, which this applicant lacks.

5. Show Your Motivation to Join the Company

Future employers have requirements. They believe you will meet those needs if they are willing to hire you.

However, they also desire that you genuinely like working with them. They want you to feel fulfilled in your future work because they know you’ll stick around for a while if you do.

Showing the hiring manager why you desire this job, not just any job, is the third paragraph’s key to producing a superb cover letter. When composing a cover letter for an entry-level position, this is very crucial. Passion and enthusiasm demonstrate that you’ll get things done quickly.

Above all, you should refrain from creating a cover letter that is too generic. Jobs are won by personalized and focused approaches, not generic ones.

Here’s how to accomplish it quickly:

  • Start with a business fact, such as a forthcoming project.
  • Describe why you find it intriguing and then reiterate
  • how your experience and skills will help you complete the project successfully

Take a look at this illustration of a cover letter:

RIGHT
I’m aware that one of XYZ’s current goals is to create an extensive online resource devoted to healthcare-related topics (1). Creating a distinctive online knowledge base for patients and medical professionals through this project is an exciting opportunity that perfectly combines my professional and personal interests (2). With this project, I would love to use my expertise in SEO marketing and online growth marketing to provide ground-breaking outcomes (3).

Check out this next one:

Check out this next one:

WRONG
For me, XYZ appears to be a terrific chance. I enjoy working in hurried settings and would want to use my existing skill set to help your business.

What have I said regarding generic? It is obviously a no. Recruiters do not like to read cover letters that are universally designed. They want to read cover letters that have been specifically tailored to their needs.

6. Close With a Promise

What is the best way to end a cover letter?

Short version: through offering something of worth.

Inform the hiring manager that you’re eager to speak with them in person and go over how your background and skills might support their objectives.

As in the following sample cover letter:

RIGHT
I would be delighted to talk with you about your digital marketing goals and demonstrate how the growth of XYZ’s digital and online marketing can be attributed to my success at ABC.

The final paragraph of your cover letter should avoid the following two mistakes:

  1. Coming across as desperate entails concentrating more on your desire for the position than on your qualifications.
  2. saying “Thank you for your thoughts and your time” several times.

7. Stay Formal in the Closing Salutation

After you’ve finished writing the body of your cover letter, all that’s left to do is add a formal closing.

Following “Sincerely,” write your complete name. Even if it’s not required, signing your name by hand is advised for more official cover letters.

Feel free to substitute any of the following words if you dislike the overused phrase “Sincerely”:

  • Thank you,
  • Best regards,
  • Kind regards,
  • Sincerely,
  • With best regards.

The ones listed above are going to be your safest bets. Still not what you’re looking for?

  • Thank you for your consideration,
  • Regards,
  • Sincerely yours,
  • Yours truly,
  • Respectfully yours.

8. Add a Postscript

A solid cover letter format must contain each of the aforementioned components. However, there is a unique technique you can employ:

thePostscript.

Why is the “P.S.” crucial? Because it draws the hiring manager’s attention like a magnet. You cannot overlook this information, it screams.

Even if it isn’t directly linked to the job opportunity, use the postscript to highlight anything noteworthy about your professional history (1) for the recruiting manager.

And add that if they’re interested, you’d be pleased to give them more information.

as in our sample cover letter:

RIGHT
P.S. —I’d also like the chance to demonstrate to you (2) how my e-detailing solutions increased the combined sales of three ABC flagship goods by a record-breaking 13% in a single year (1).

Key Learnings

The following is the last tip on creating a cover letter:

  • Make sure the details of your contact are accurate.
  • Address the hiring manager specifically and add personal touches to the cover letter.
  • Start off your cover letter strong by highlighting one of your most proudest achievements.
  • Describe your pertinent experience and professional accomplishments to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the role.
  • Finish with a strong sentiment and a call to action.

I appreciate you reading my article, and good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Write a Cover Letter

What is a a cover letter?

A formal letter that goes with a CV or resume is known as a cover letter. It includes a candidate’s introduction and a summary of their credentials, abilities, and accomplishments that are most pertinent to the position they are vying for. The goal of the cover letter is to convey the applicant’s enthusiasm for both the job and the organization, as well as their desire to make a positive contribution to both. Employment gaps may also be explained with its aid.

 

What are the parts of a cover letter?

  • Your full name, phone number, and email address should appear in the cover letter heading.
  • Cover letter body with a summary of your noteworthy accomplishments and strengths that you’ll bring to the table.
  • Cover letter beginning with your hiring manager’s address and a hook that hypes the reader up so much that they can’t stop reading. It’s not a copy of your resume, so take care.
  • Including your signature and a call to action at the end of the cover letter

 

What should a cover letter say?

you are the chosen one. That they want you just as much as you want them. that you are the answer to their issues. Your cover letter ought to state that.

Additionally, you can accomplish all of that by include the following in your cover letter:

  • action verbs and power words
  • accomplishment statements
  • organized cover letter layout, and
  • enthusiastic but determined tone of voice

 

How to write a simple cover letter?

You must first be aware of a few things in order to make cover letter writing simple:

  • Before writing anything, structure your cover letter properly. With your cover letter, you’ll guarantee a proper structure and that you’ll fit onto one page.
  • Find the name of your recruiter or recruiting manager. You increase your chances of getting the job by adding some personal touches to your cover letter.
  • Make a list of the job-related keywords you should use in your application. Look over the job description and highlight any phrases that mention the skills and qualifications that are required. Use those in your paragraphs after that.
  • Never tell the truth on a job application.
  • And finally, learn as much as you can about the business. You can use the fine aspects of their mission, values, and vision to find a perspective for your cover letter.

 

How to write a cover letter for an internship?

A resume cover letter for an internship is a great method to beat out the competitors. So, without delay, draft a cover letter for the internship you’ve been wanting.

Make it clear to your potential employer that you are qualified for the position and that the organization is a terrific place to work. Do your homework and don’t be afraid to share what you find out. Use that information later to reveal your affiliation with the company and its principles. Display your accomplishments and transferable skills, then let your motivation and tenacity work their magic.

 

How to write a cover letter for 2022?

Write your cover letter in 2022 with these easy steps:

  • By matching a resume header to your template, you may create a unified appearance.
  • Maintain sufficient whitespace on the page by creating a tidy cover letter layout.
  • Find a perspective to write your cover letter from, such as the desire to advance, a statement of shared values or a mission, or recent events in the sector. Researching thoroughly is usually beneficial.
  • Your cover letter should begin with a noteworthy accomplishment that piques the reader’s interest.
  • In no more than three to four paragraphs, smoothly segue from the hook to your strengths to your motivation.
  • In the cover letter’s end, ask for a meeting with your recruiter and make a call to action.

 

Is a cover letter necessary?

Yes.

Applications without a cover letter are rejected by nearly half of the recruiters. For employers that still want to work with serious candidates, cover letters are a treat. (And you are that, right?)

It’s understandable, however, that you are unsure about whether a cover letter is required. Considering how taxing the entire job application process can be, reducing the number of paperwork you need to submit always seems like a smart idea. not this time though.

What is your English level?

Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.

Nilay Ozdemir

I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.

Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.

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