how to make a video cover letter

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9 tips for building an effective video cover letter

Have you been asked to provide a video cover letter don’t stress out or get camera-shy. here's how to put together a winning production..

More IT companies are asking candidates to provide a video cover letter in addition to traditional resume and portfolio. While in some respects you should adhere to the same rules that govern video job interviews, there are some key differences to remember when you’re planning, recording and submitting a video cover letter. Here’s how to make sure your video cover letter hits all the right notes.

“Think of a video cover letter as a ‘movie trailer,’ and your career as a movie. You want to have your trailer be engaging, inviting and interesting and give just enough information that the recruiter or hiring manager will want to know more — they’ll want to see the entire film, so to speak,” says Chris Brown, vice president of human resources at telecommunications and collaboration solutions company West Corporation.

Keep it short

For starters, most video cover letters shouldn’t exceed 60 seconds, Brown says. Think about what’s engaging to you when you watch a video on your smartphone, on the Web. Chances are, the shorter, the better, Brown says. “If it’s longer than about a minute, you’re going to lose the interest of a viewer. You need to find your ‘hook’ and discuss one tangible thing about you that will grab the viewer and make them want to interview you,” he says.

Make a listicle

Pop culture listicle site BuzzFeed is a great example of how to structure your video cover letter. Choose the top five things a recruiter or hiring manager would want to know about you, and stick to that list, Brown says. “You want to aim for three of those points being about your professional life and you can throw in an additional two that are personal — ‘I’m an animal lover and I volunteer at my local shelter,’ or ‘I skydive in my free time,'” Brown says, to add additional interest and show that you’re a well-rounded individual.

Create two versions

As the concept of video cover letters becomes increasingly popular, it makes sense to have more than one available. Create a more generic version and place it on your social media feeds for wider accessibility — on Twitter Moments, Facebook, LinkedIn and even Instagram, Brown says. Bbut also create fresh versions that are tailored to specific job opportunities that can be sent to individual hiring managers or recruiters. “It’s similar to how you’d tailor a written cover letter to each job opportunity. There’s a basic template, but you also want to throw in specifics,” he says.

[ Related Stories: 6 things to leave off your resume ]

Pay attention to hosting

Consider creating a separate YouTube channel dedicated to hosting your professional videos, Brown says. The last thing you want is for your video cover letter to end up in a feed with your family home videos or that GoPro video you made last time you went skydiving. “On a public, personal YouTube channel, there’s also the chance that your friends and family will comment on your videos; do you really want your strange friend Bill making inappropriate comments on your video cover letter? That’s a recipe for disaster,” Brown says.

Create original content

Just like in a traditional, written cover letter, a video cover letter should be original content that adds a new dimension to your resume and allows you the opportunity to highlight your best self. “This is not a regurgitation of your resume. It’s an opportunity to talk about your skills, sure, but I’ve seen some of these in which people are literally just reading from their existing resume. You can touch on that, but it’s the intangibles that matter here; your energy, your personality can come through — that’s what I want to see,” Brown says.

[ Related Stories: How to successfully blend your online and offline personas ]

Watch your language

Just as you would in a written cover letter or resume, use the same words and phrases found in the job description to highlight that you’re perfect for the role. This doesn’t have to sound forced, but it does help a hiring manager or a recruiter ensure that you’re familiar with the industry, the competitive landscape, common programs and systems that are used and the industry jargon, Brown says, “Using that language communicates that you’re an ‘insider,’ and you know the ins-and-outs of the greater landscape.”

You also can add additional comments about the company, prominent employees you’ve seen on the news, new technology they’ve created, and address how you could help contribute to their success, Brown says. This demonstrates that you know the company, its competitors and the IT industry as a whole.

To script, or not to script

Unless you’re incredibly shy or nervous in front of a camera, it’s not necessary to write out and recite a script. A few bullet points to highlight what you want to cover should do just fine, Brown says. “Definitely have a prompt in front of you so that you know what you want to talk about, but don’t script every aspect. Hiring managers and recruiters know that these will be imperfect and you want to show that part of yourself, as well. Make the video cover letter as real and human as possible — a few ‘um’s and ‘uh’s aren’t going to cost you the job,” he says.

[ Related Stories: 6 ways to blow your technical job interview ]

Nail the closing

Any job search involves a certain amount of salesmanship, and in this case, you’re selling your skills, knowledge and expertise to a company. “The Web is full of tutorials on how to do a video sales letter, or VSL, which would be focused on how to sell information products. But think of a video cover letter as a VSL for an individual — the product is you,” says Donald Burns of Executive Promotions, LLC.

Even if you’re not in sales, it’s still important to know how to close, says Brown, “A simple way to do this is to provide an active closing. Say, ‘I look forward to meeting you for an interview,’ or ‘Thank you so much for your time. I absolutely want this job,’ it shows a lot of self-confidence and can be the difference between landing the role or being passed over.”

Don’t overthink it

Finally, don’t overthink it. Human resources, hiring managers and recruiters aren’t infallible, and many times an interview’s success — whether in person or via video — can hinge on completely subjective experiences, regardless of how solid your resume is or how polished your video cover letter is, Brown says.

“Remember, in any interview, video or otherwise, you are dealing with human beings. They’re going to have existing biases based on their experiences with similar people. If they had a bad experience with Fred, and you look or act like Fred, that may not work out for you. If you happen to be like Julie, and they had a great experience with Julie, then that’s great. And sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about that,” Brown says.

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How to create an impactful video cover letter

If you are seeking a new career or looking for a fresh start with a different company, you might be surprised to learn of an emerging trend in the hiring process: video cover letters. Some businesses are asking applicants to submit these videos along with the usual documents, which can put a face with your resume, making for a more personalized hiring process. If you get asked to submit a cover letter video, here’s everything you need to know.

Understanding the format

If you’ve written a cover letter before, you are in luck, as the basic format of a video cover letter is nearly identical. Your video will need these key components:

• Introduction: Briefly state your name and introduce yourself to the audience
• Body: Dive into your experiences, traits, and attributes 
• Closing: Wrap things up with a respectful and professional conclusion

Sounds easy enough, right? The basic layout is certainly straightforward. However, the key is to be genuine and authentic in your video cover letter. Hiring teams will be paying attention to everything from your tone of voice to your facial expression, demeanor, and overall vibe. 

However, don’t feel like you’ve got to hype yourself up or exaggerate your emotions. If you are a reserved or stoic person, that’s okay, so long as you demonstrate your passion and genuine interest in the position you are applying for. Perhaps most importantly, be confident in your abilities and what you bring to the table. If you are good at something, say so and back up your statement with facts or real-world stories.

Additionally, remember that a cover letter is supposed to complement your resume . The same rule applies when creating a video cover letter. If you are using resume templates , follow the same general flow in your video while minimizing overlap. 

For example, if you mention your education directly after your work experience on your resume, make sure to follow the same pattern in your video. There’s a good chance that hiring teams are going to be following along with your resume while watching your content. Therefore, you need to hit all of the key talking points.

Expert Tip:

Video cover letters provide an opportunity to make your application feel more personal. Don’t just rattle off the information on your resume. Add flair and personality to your video to make your audience believe you are someone they will love working with.

Preparing your video cover letter

Not sure what to say in a video cover letter? That’s understandable, as video cover letters are a relatively new development in the world of hiring. Fortunately, you can make the entire process much less stressful by following a few simple tips. Specifically, you need to: 

Create a script

You don’t want to “wing it” when filming a video cover letter. Create a script that outlines what points you should cover, including an introduction, relevant experiences, skills, and why you are a great fit for the company. Our cover letter templates can provide a general outline for your script. 

Use these tools and our cover letter articles to decide what to include in your script and how long to make your video. Make sure your script is long enough to hit all of the crucial points and provide a glimpse into your personality, but try not to ramble. 

Choose an environment

Hiring teams aren’t just going to be focused on you. They will notice everything that shows up on the screen, including what’s behind you in the video. Therefore, you need to choose a good background that is professional and well-lit. 

If you’ve got a home office space, use that room to film your video cover letter. If not, choose a clutter-free area of your home that has a non-distracting background. 

Alternatively, you can use a digital background. However, make sure that it isn’t distracting. Most importantly, choose somewhere quiet, as you don’t want any background noise interfering with your dialogue. 

Record and edit

What you say and how you say it will have the biggest impact on the quality of your video cover letter. Once you hit record, speak clearly and confidently. Maintain eye contact with the camera, but don’t be robotic or rigid. Imagine that you are speaking directly to your audience in a live interview. 

Be mindful of your tone and overall demeanor. While you shouldn’t embellish, make sure to show enthusiasm for the job and opportunity. If you aren’t excited about the position, why would the hiring team be excited about bringing you on board? 

Also, choose a good-quality recording device. If you have a newer smartphone with a high-resolution camera, that will suffice. Alternatively, you can use your laptop’s webcam or a dedicated blogging camera. 

Once you are satisfied with your video, don’t just hit “submit.” Edit the video to ensure it’s engaging and effectively communicates all of your main points. Make your video concise, limiting it to one to three minutes. However, don’t talk too fast. You should be easy to understand. 

If your video is too long, go back through it and eliminate any unnecessary information. Try to make each cut smooth so that it isn’t obvious. If necessary, film multiple takes. Keep in mind that this is your opportunity to set a great first impression. 

Upload and share

Carefully read the job description and application instructions. Each employer will have their own preferences regarding video uploads and submissions. 

For example, some businesses may ask you to publish the video on YouTube and provide them with a private link. This is one of the easiest options, as you can make your YouTube channel hidden, ensuring that only the link recipients can view the video.

Alternatively, the business may use a specialized Dropbox or submission tool. If they do, make sure you label the file and carefully follow their instructions. Making a mistake during your application can leave a negative first impression on your prospective boss. 

“ Be mindful of your tone and overall demeanor. While you shouldn’t embellish, make sure to show enthusiasm for the job and opportunity.”

Dos and Don’ts

Ready to create your video cover letter? Consider these dos and don’ts that can help you stand out. 

As you begin writing your script and planning your content, ensure that you:

• Stay Authentic and Personable: Show your personality and enthusiasm for the position
• Tailor Your Message to the Company: Research the role you are applying for, and customize the video accordingly 
• Organize Your Points Clearly : Aim for brevity and clarity and avoid rambling
• Demonstrate Your Skills and Accomplishments: Use specific examples to showcase your skills and accomplishments relevant to the job 
• End With a CTA: Always end by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview

Encourage follow-up conversations, and don’t end your video on a cliffhanger. Also, make sure to review cover letters and resume examples . These resources will help you get a feel for the type of content that needs to be in your video.  

Don’ts 

Learning what not to do is just as important as mastering the basics. There are many hidden pitfalls that can make your video cover letter less impactful and engaging. Make sure that you don’t:

• Ramble: Avoid reciting your resume verbatim or going off-topic 
• Use Unprofessional Language or Attire: Maintain a professional demeanor and wear business attire 
• Neglect Technical Quality: Consider lighting, sound quality, and the background environment 
• Overlook Editing: Never skip preparation or submit raw video footage 
• Forget to Proofread: Proofread the script for grammatical errors, typos, and factual inaccuracies

Most of all, don’t wing it. You wouldn’t walk into a job interview unprepared. Approach your video cover letter with the same diligence. Write a script, rehearse, and choose a great location, which can increase engagement and reach. 

Use Jobseeker’s resources to craft an engaging video cover letter 

Creating a video cover letter can be a fun but stressful experience. Fortunately, Jobseeker is here to help. We offer access to great resources, including resume articles , video cover letter examples , and personalized support designed to make you stand out in job applications. 

Are you ready to learn more about Jobseeker and how we can support your career goals? Check out our expansive content library or chat with one of our team members. Let’s get you hired! 

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Professional Video Producer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your video producer cover letter should immediately capture the attention of the hiring manager. Highlight your storytelling ability through concise, vivid language. Demonstrate your technical expertise and your knack for engaging audiences. Remember, your cover letter is a reflection of your video production skills; make every word count.

Cover Letter Guide

Video Producer Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Video Producer Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a compelling video producer cover letter can feel daunting, especially if you've just started job hunting and realized it's a crucial requirement. This isn't just an echo of your resume; it should spotlight your proudest professional moment in a narrative form, keeping it engaging and clear of worn-out phrases. Remember, brevity is key: your story must unfold on a single page, balancing formality with a hint of personal flair to truly stand out. Let's dive into how you can achieve this.

• Personalize your video producer cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
• Format and design your video producer cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
• Introduce your best achievement in your video producer cover letter to recruiters;
• How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your video producer cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.

What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your video producer resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.

If the video producer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Video Production Manager resume guide and example
• Film Production cover letter example
• Artistic Director cover letter example
• Cinematographer cover letter example
• Painter cover letter example
• Fashion Stylist cover letter example
• Videographer cover letter example
• Artist cover letter example
• Musical Theatre cover letter example
• Musician cover letter example
• DJ cover letter example

Video Producer cover letter example

Samuel Moore

Phoenix, Arizona

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting quantifiable achievements: The cover letter mentions a "25% reduction in project turnaround times," which provides a clear and impressive metric of the applicant's impact at their previous job.
• Relevance to the job role: The applicant emphasizes their experience in "directing a multi-talented team" and handling "expansive video campaigns across varied social platforms", directly aligning with the key responsibilities of a Senior Video Producer.
• Showcasing soft skills: The applicant shows their "strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail," soft skills that are important for a Senior Video Producer who needs to manage both the big picture and the minutiae of video production.
• Customization to the company: The cover letter is tailored to reflect the specific values and goals of the company it is addressed to, demonstrating the applicant's genuine interest and research into the company's ethos.

The must-have sections and format of your video producer cover letter

When writing your video producer cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your video producer cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your video producer cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole video producer cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a video producer cover letter

• Header: This section includes the video producer’s contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, ensuring the letter is directed to the proper individual for a personal touch.
• Greeting: A tailored greeting addresses the hiring manager by name, demonstrating attention to detail and a personal investment in establishing a professional relationship.
• Introduction: The intro briefly highlights the candidate's enthusiasm for the role and their relevant experience in video production, setting the tone for the letter and engaging the recruiter's interest.
• Body: This section should detail the video producer’s specific skills, such as project management, storytelling, and technical proficiencies, and include examples of past work or projects that directly relate to the job's requirements.
• Closing: The closing paragraph reinforces the candidate's passion for video production, their fit for the company culture, and includes a call to action, inviting the recruiter to review the attached portfolio and resume, and setting up an opportunity for further discussion.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Proficiency in video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer): Demonstrates the technical skill necessary to produce high-quality video content.

Experience with camera operation and a good eye for composition: Indicates the ability to capture professional-grade footage that requires minimal post-production work.

Strong storytelling skills: Essential for creating engaging and compelling video content that resonates with an audience.

Ability to work under tight deadlines: Shows that the candidate can manage time efficiently and deliver quality work even under pressure.

Collaboration and communication skills: Video production is often a team effort, so being able to work well with others and communicate ideas clearly is crucial.

Knowledge of current video trends and social media platforms: Reflects an understanding of the digital landscape and the ability to produce content that is relevant and appealing to today's audiences.

How to personalize your video producer cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your video producer cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your video producer cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Recipient's Name],
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear Search Committee,
• Dear Talent Acquisition Team,
• Dear Human Resources Director,

The video producer cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist

You are not the only one wondering how to start your video producer cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.

No pressure.

When beginning your video producer cover letter , immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.

Start your video producer cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.

That one achievement in your video producer cover letter body

The lengthiest part of your video producer cover letter is the body.

Within the next three to six middle paragraphs, present yourself as the best candidate for the role .

How can you do that without retelling your whole professional resume?

Select one key achievement that covers job-crucial skills and technologies (and is memorable).

Within the body of your video producer cover letter, aim to tell the story of how you achieved your success. Also, write about how this would help out your potential team.

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your video producer cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your video producer cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

What to write on your video producer cover letter, when you have zero experience

The best advice for candidates, writing their video producer cover letters with no experience , is this - be honest.

If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.

Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your video producer cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.

Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your video producer cover letter:

• Always make sure your video producer cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
• In your video producer cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
• Focus your video producer cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
• Ensure your video producer cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
• If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

Matthew, the writer of nearly 500 resumes

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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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6 Videographer Cover Letter Examples

Videographers excel at capturing and editing visual content to tell a compelling story, skillfully blending visuals, audio, and narrative. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to weave together your professional experiences, skills, and passion into a captivating narrative that resonates with recruiters. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Videographers, showcasing how to frame your creative skills and experiences into a compelling story.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Videographer cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention with a compelling introduction. Start by briefly mentioning your most significant achievement or unique skill set that aligns with the job description. For instance, "As an award-winning videographer with over five years of experience in creating engaging content for diverse industries, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creative skills to your team." This not only shows your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role. Remember to personalize the letter by addressing it to the hiring manager, if their name is available.

Videographers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the role, reiterating their relevant skills, and expressing enthusiasm for a potential interview. It's important to maintain a professional tone while showing genuine interest in the position. For instance, you could say, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique vision and technical skills to your team and look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further." Always thank the reader for their time and consideration. Lastly, don't forget to include your contact information for easy reference. This ending leaves a positive impression, shows your eagerness, and makes it easy for the hiring manager to follow up with you.

A Videographer's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is sufficient to succinctly present your skills, experience, and passion for videography without overwhelming the reader. It's important to remember that hiring managers often have to go through numerous applications, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point increases the chances of it being read thoroughly. Use this space to highlight your most relevant achievements and explain why you're a good fit for the specific role you're applying for.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Videographer can seem challenging, but it's all about showcasing your potential, passion, and transferable skills. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Introduction: Start with a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the position you're applying for and where you found the job listing. 2. Express Your Passion: Even if you don't have professional experience, you likely have a passion for videography. Discuss why you're interested in this field, what inspired you to pursue it, and how you've been self-educating or practicing. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills: You may not have worked as a videographer, but you might have skills that are transferable. For example, if you've done any photography, you can discuss your understanding of composition and lighting. If you've worked in a team, you can talk about your collaboration skills. If you've edited videos for personal projects or school, mention your familiarity with editing software. 4. Showcase Your Education: If you've taken any relevant courses or earned a degree in a related field, be sure to mention it. This includes online courses, workshops, or certifications. 5. Mention Relevant Projects: If you've worked on any personal projects, school assignments, or volunteered your services for any events, be sure to mention these. Provide links or ways they can view your work. 6. Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Research the company and express enthusiasm about potentially working with them. Mention specific projects they've done that you admire or ways you feel you could contribute to their team. 7. Closing: In your closing paragraph, thank the reader for their time, express your eagerness to further discuss your qualifications, and provide your contact information. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Your passion and willingness to learn can be just as valuable as experience. Be sure to proofread your cover letter for any errors and keep it concise and engaging.

Related Cover Letters for Videographers

Video editor cover letter.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter

UI Designer Cover Letter

Art Director Cover Letter

Game Artist Cover Letter

Product Designer Cover Letter

Entry Level Videographer Cover Letter

Freelance Videographer Cover Letter

Senior videographer cover letter, videographer intern cover letter, wedding videographer cover letter, videographer cover letter, related resumes for videographers, videographer resume example.

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How to Write a Cover Letter in 9 Easy Steps

Author: Holly Reisem Hanna

April 5, 2024 Leave a Comment

Are you tired of submitting resumes online to only hear the sounds of crickets chirping? If you’re looking for an easy way to stand out in your job search, learning how to write a cover letter might be the boost your job hunt needs. 

In today’s digitally savvy world, many people assume that cover letters are unnecessary and outdated. But did you know that  49% of hiring managers  said that a strong cover has made up for a weak resume and convinced them to interview a potential job candidate? 

If you’re looking for an easy way to stand out and grab the attention of a hiring manager, writing a good cover letter can give you a leg up on the competition. 

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a self-introductory one-page letter submitted with your resume , CV, or job application. It has a traditional business letter format and aims to persuade a hiring manager or recruiter to schedule you for an interview.

Cover letters are not always necessary; in fact, many companies do not require applicants to submit one. But having a cover letter may give you an edge if you can write one that is persuasive. 

Another reason you may want to write a cover letter is it allows you to expand on certain areas, such as your passion for the company culture, mentioning a referral, explaining a gap in employment, or a career change you’ve recently made. There is usually no room on your resume for these aspects, and a cover letter can give you the room to expand on your unique situation, skills, passions, or experience. 

Now that you know the goal of a cover letter, let’s discuss how to write one for any job application. 

1. Follow the Instructions

Before you start typing up your cover letter, be sure to read the job description and the application instructions first. Many companies use the application process to determine whether you are detail-oriented and can follow directions. Some companies may say: do not send us a cover letter; if this is the case, absolutely do not send them one. 

Nowadays, companies have lengthy application and interviewing processes . Before applying, it’s best to read the job description numerous times to make sure you meet all of the criteria. You don’t want to waste your time submitting a bunch of documents only to find out that they don’t hire in your state or that you don’t have the proper equipment for the job.

Slow down, take your time, and use a checklist to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. 

2. Use the Right Cover Letter Format

Cover letters have a distinct format that you should follow so that they are easy for the hiring manager to scan, locate your contact information, and quickly understand why you’d be an asset to the company. Your cover letter should also match your resume in terms of colors, fonts, and keywords used. 

From top to bottom, your cover letter should include the following elements: 

• Your first and last name, job title, phone number, email address, city and state, and a link to your LinkedIn profile
• Name of company
• Personalized salutation 
• Intro paragraph
• 2-3 paragraphs about your job experience, passions, education, and skills
• Closing paragraph
• A complimentary close and your full name 

Besides including these key elements, your cover letter should be short, to the point, and easy to scan. If you need help with the formatting, there are tons of free cover letter examples on sites like  Indeed ,  Jobscan , and  Microsoft . Stay away from templates with script fonts, too many colors, and too many design elements, as these are generally not ATS-friendly (applicant tracking software). 

3. Personalize Your Cover Letter

If possible, personalize your cover letter with the hiring manager’s first and last name or a title (Ms., Mr., or Mx.) and their last name. If you’re uncertain about a person’s gender or how they identify, skip the title and just use their name. If the job posting doesn’t include who to address it to, you can try finding the individual on a social media platform like LinkedIn . If you’re still unable to find who to address it to, you can use a generalized salutation. 

Here are some acceptable cover letter salutations: 

• Dear Ms. Smith,
• Dear Judy Smith,  
• Dear Human Resources Department,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Marketing Team, 

Lastly, avoid using the salutations, Dear Sir or Madam. These are outdated salutations and may signal that you are older. When working on your resume and cover letter, you want to avoid anything that may cause bias with the recruiter or hiring manager. 

4. Compliment the Company

When you’re doing your research on the company, you should find things that make the company appealing and compliment them on it. Many employers, especially smaller companies, want individuals who know and love their brand and who are excited about the opportunity to work with them. 

For example, if you’re applying for a job with Nespresso, which offers free recycling of their coffee pods, you may say something like this in your introductory paragraph: 

When I saw that Nespresso was hiring a Digital Marketing Specialist, I stopped everything I was doing and immediately began working on my application. Not only do I love Nespresso coffee (especially the Golden Caramel flavor), but I have tremendous respect for your sustainability and community initiatives, and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful company.

If you decide to complement the company, it should be true and authentic. The more genuine enthusiasm you can convey in your cover letter, the better, as this sort of energy is infectious. 

5. Make it Conversational

As you can see in the example above, my tone is very conversational. While you want to write in a professional manner, don’t get caught up in being so professional that you sound like a robot. When you’re writing your cover letter, pretend you’re writing a letter to your grandmother; you want a friendly but respectful tone.

The majority of job seekers out there are using cover letter templates with sample wording or AI-generated content, and 90% of them sound the same. If you can take a slightly different approach and write from the heart in a conversational manner, you will stand out from the crowd. Add in some enthusiasm and highlight your best skills, achievements, and experience, and you have a winning combination for a cover letter that attracts attention. 

6. Highlight Your Accomplishments 

On your cover letter, it’s best if you can pin-point one major professional accomplishment and hone in on that. You just need one example that will impress the hiring manager so that they become interested in scheduling an interview with you. This can be an example that was used on your resume , but perhaps you go into a touch more detail on your cover letter. 

If you don’t have a concrete accomplishment to add to your cover letter, instead, use a specific example of how you achieved a goal. Focus on real-life experiences and transferable skills that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Using examples from high school, a college internship, or volunteering is perfectly fine. 

7. Only Include Relevant Experience

When applying for jobs, many job seekers add every skill, job duty, and experience that they have ever had. While you want to impress an employer with your vast knowledge, including your entire work and education history, it makes it difficult for them to find the pertinent skills and experiences that are relevant to the position. Often, if your cover letter or resume is too wordy, and a hiring manager doesn’t see what they’re looking for in a few seconds, your resume goes into the trash. 

When writing your cover letter and resume, focus on the skills and experience needed for the position you’re applying to. This will not only let the hiring manager know that you’re a good fit for the job, but it also helps to get your resume past ATS (applicant tracking software). 

Nowadays, almost all cover letters and resumes are first scanned by ATS. This means that if your documents do not contain the right keywords, they will never make it into the hands of an actual person. This is why it is so important to modify each resume and cover letter that you send out. 

Always be sure to include the job title, keywords from the job description, and your email address. I’ve reviewed a fair number of resumes where individuals forgot to include their contact details.

8. Proofread Your Cover Letter 

Once you’re finished writing your cover letter, you need to proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It’s best if you can do this multiple times, at different sittings. Often, what happens when you proofread multiple times in a row, your brain misses typos and errors. But when you give yourself some time in between, your mind is fresh and catches the errors that you may have missed the first time around. 

You can also use a free editing tool like Grammarly to help you out. Or get a respected friend or family member to take a look at your cover letter and resume and proofread it for typos. Some hiring managers will overlook minor typos, but others will immediately throw your application out if it contains any errors, so take your time and ensure that your documents are error-free.

9. Convert Your Cover Letter to a PDF

After your cover letter has been proofread and edited, name the file with your first and last name and the words “cover letter,” and convert it into a PDF (portable document format). Using a PDF format ensures that your formatting stays secure, and it can be opened across a variety of devices. Of course, if an employer asks for documents to be submitted in a Word Doc, Google Doc, or plain text format, do what they ask. But generally speaking, a PDF is going to be the best format for your cover letter and resume.

How to Write a Cover Letter Wrapup

Writing a great cover letter is possible; it just takes some time and a little effort. But if you’re willing to do the work upfront, you’ll be rewarded with more interview requests, thus landing a job faster. 

Remember, your cover letter is a short professional document that highlights why you are the best candidate for the job. Because prospective employers review hundreds, sometimes thousands, of resumes and cover letters, they should be easy to scan and highlight your best attributes. Cut out the fluff and focus on the most important qualifications for the job.

If you’re still struggling to write a cover letter, you can always hire a resume writer to assist you with the task, or you can use an online template from the Ultimate Resume Template Bundle , which contains 3 resume templates, 2 cover letter templates, a resume and application guide, and bonus action verb sheet!

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Holly Reisem Hanna is a former nurse who decided to start a blog to make money from home while caring for her daughter. Since its inception in 2009, The Work at Home Woman has helped millions of readers find legitimate work at home jobs and business ideas. Under Holly's guidance, The Work at Home Woman was named one of the best websites for your career by Forbes two years in a row. Holly graduated from the University of Texas and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Woman’s World Magazine, CNN, and many others.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

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