do you need a cover letter with your resume

Should You Always Include a Cover Letter?

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The little-known truth about cover letters is: You do NOT always need to include a cover letter when applying for jobs, and you may be wasting hours sending cover letters that employers won’t read.

So if you’re wondering whether you should always submit a cover letter with your job application and resume, then keep reading.

After working for years as a recruiter , I’m going to share the exact situations where you should provide a cover letter and the situations where it’s not needed.

Should You Always Submit a Cover Letter?

Many people on LinkedIn and other sites will tell you that you should include a cover letter every time because it “can’t hurt,” but that’s not true…

Here’s how it CAN hurt you…

Writing a great cover letter takes a LOT of time and mental energy. So if it’s not making a difference, or not even getting read, then it  is hurting you in terms of wasted time and energy (I’d argue that writing a cover letter is the toughest and most time-consuming part of the process for many job seekers).

Writing a resume is tough, sure. But once you get it, you’re done. You spend 5-15 minutes tailoring it for each specific job you apply for, but that’s it.

Cover letters take a lot of time EVERY time (at least when done right).

That’s why it’s important to look at how important a cover letter is, and which situations it’s necessary and truly beneficial in.

3 Situations Where You Need to Send a Cover Letter:

There are a couple of specific scenarios where cover letters are necessary, and you should send one. This article by Harvard Business Review says it best:

In those cases, according to Harvard Business Review, you can boost your chances of getting the interview by writing a short letter to point out similarities between your resume and the job requirements (e.g. why you’d do well in their job )… rather than leaving the analysis entirely up to the hiring manager.

But this is only worth doing if you meet one or more of the criteria above, or a few other situations I’ll explain below…

Two more cases where you may want to include a cover letter:

First, you should send a cover letter if an employer specifically says it’s required on their website or job application form (however, having an optional field to include it is not the same as asking for it or saying it’s required).

And second, you should send a letter if you have a large gap in employment or something unusual in your background that you feel the need to explain, and you don’t feel your resume explains it well enough on its own.

(Although I do like addressing gaps in employment directly on your resume employment history section when possible. For example, if you took a year off to raise a kid, you could say: “2018-2019: One-year break from work to raise first child.” So do try to explain this type of thing on your resume if you can!)

When You Don’t Need a Cover Letter:

If you don’t fall into any of the situations we looked at above, then a cover letter is not needed.

For example, if you’re just applying for jobs online via job boards , via LinkedIn, on company websites via their “careers” page, etc., then I’d skip it! Send your resume and let it speak for itself. (And if you don’t have a great resume yet, you can get help  here. )

In my opinion, the extra time and effort just isn’t worth it when you’re applying online with no prior relationship, no referral, and no special knowledge of the hiring manager or job requirements that you can use to make your case for why they should interview you.

This is one reason I love LinkedIn EasyApply as a part of an online job search – because a cover letter is not required or even expected.

Of course, the final judgment call is yours!

If you’re applying to your dream employer and you don’t mind spending an hour writing up a great cover letter, then go ahead! It can’t hurt in a one-off scenario like this.

But the main point I’m trying to make here is:

You should be selective about when to send a cover letter, rather than feeling obligated to send it by default.

Recap: How Important is a Cover Letter?

The answer to how important a cover letter is depends on the hiring process and situation. If you read the information above, you now know when a cover letter is necessary/recommended, and when you probably shouldn’t bother.

And you’ve seen that cover letters do matter in some cases, but that doesn’t mean that you always need to send a cover letter.

And as mentioned earlier, the main benefit of this approach is time savings…

When you look at how much time and effort goes into writing each of these letters, it can add up to hours or days of wasted time if you’re sending cover letters without analyzing whether it’s necessary for the situation.

Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter:

Now that we’ve answered whether a cover letter is necessary, and when it’s important, here are some tips and resources to help you in situations where you decide a cover letter is needed:

First, I’d always recommend keeping it brief, easy to read (no huge paragraphs or blocks of text without spacing), and personal.

It should feel like you’re talking directly to them! That means start with “Dear Bethany”, (for example), not with, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter”.

(Recruiters almost never care about a cover letter anyway. It should be for the hiring manager).

Also, make sure you’re saying the word “you” at least as often as you say the word “I”. Talk about their needs and their company, not just about yourself .

The purpose of your cover letter is to point out similarities between your background and the employer’s job requirements. You want to demonstrate why you’re likely to succeed in their specific role, to sell them on interviewing you! And you cannot do this without researching their job and understanding/discussing their job. So this letter isn’t just about you , it’s about them just as much.

To help you further, we’ve published two articles here on Career Sidekick with great cover letter info:

• 3 steps to writing a cover letter that stands out
• How to write a cover letter with no experience

If you follow the steps above, you’ll save time in your job search and maximize the number of interviews you get for the effort you put into your job applications!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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Good stuff Biron! This is why Career Sidekick is my go-to career blog, I really admire how you take a contrarian approach to conventional job search/career wisdom!

Seems like almost every other career blog advises you to always submit a cover letter. Too bad these folks don’t consider the most important asset we all have: time!

Would being graduated out of college for 1.5 years and haven’t “launched” your career yet – getting a job in the field you got a degree in – count as something “unusual on your background” that you would need a cover letter for?

Thanks for the kind words. I don’t think you’d need a cover letter for this. Just make sure to “tailor” your resume to show the most relevant pieces of the work you have done, and to show your relevant educational background/degree. But if you’re not getting results with your resume, then it’s worth testing/trying a cover letter. My guess is that it’s not needed, and perfecting your resume will get more interviews.

Thanks for the advice Biron!

If I understand you correctly, is this an instance where you would recommend NOT using a chronological work history on a resume then?

And instead break up work experience history into a “relevant” and “other work experience” sections, since we’re trying to show specific relevant pieces of experience and educational background/degree?

I’d still keep it chronological. Just show the most relevant pieces of each past role, for the job you want now.

How about in my situation? I am looking for a job in marketing, but it has been five years and a few jobs since marketing has been the primary function of my job. My last few jobs have had a very little marketing focus and have been training, technical or sales in focus. Should I always write a cover letter to explain this when I am applying for marketing jobs?

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Are Cover Letters Necessary? Do You Need One in 2023?

Cover letters are one of the most important parts of the job application process. It’s a way for you to explain why you’re a good fit for the position. But are cover letters necessary?

Cover letters make you stand out from other candidates. It’s also an opportunity for you to show off your writing skills. And that can be useful during an interview or follow-up email exchange.

But, in this age of technology, it’s understandable why people still wonder, “Do I need a cover letter?” Especially since you can submit many applications online or via text message.

So are cover letters necessary? And do you need one? This guide will answer these questions and share expert cover letter tips that can help you land an interview.

Table of Contents

Cover Letters Can Make a Significant Difference in Your Job Application

Cover letters are not necessary, but they can make a huge difference in your job application. Here’s what we mean.

If you’re applying for a job and don’t have a cover letter, it’ll be hard to stand out from other applicants. And that’s because cover letters show why you want to work at a particular company and are serious about it.

For example, two equally qualified candidates are applying for a position, one with a cover letter and one without.

Chances are that the applicant who took the time to write a well-crafted cover letter will get an interview. And that’s because the person, for example, highlighted how their previous accomplishments would help the company to improve.

It’s simply not enough to send only your resume in most situations.

Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Yes, in most cases.

What you should know about cover letters is that they’re optional for some jobs. For example, your resume alone will likely be enough if you apply for an internship or a low-level assistant position.

However, let’s say you’re applying for a higher position, like an executive director position. First, you’ll need to have a well-written cover letter. That will help prove that you’ve researched the company and are interested in being part of its team.

Expressing your interest in an organization isn’t something the hiring manager will get from your application online. That’s why cover letters are crucial and should not be ignored.

Do You Really Need a Cover Letter in 2022?

The short answer is yes; you still need a cover letter in 2022.

One of the purposes of a cover letter is to demonstrate that you understand the position and are invested in it.

They give employers a good idea of who you are as an applicant. And that makes it easier for them to decide whether or not they want to interview you for their open positions.

Your cover letter can also help distinguish you from other candidates who apply for similar positions. You can use your cover letter as an opportunity to show more about yourself than what’s available on paper!

Tips to Prepare a Perfect Cover Letter

1. do your research.

A cover letter is an opportunity to tell a potential employer why they should hire you. So it should be tailored for each job and company.

The first task is to research the company and role, including the person reading your cover letter. It’s not always the hiring manager. Try to find out what they’re looking for in an employee and how their organization operates.

This will give you insight into what’s important to them in an applicant. Also, take some time to think about how today’s job market differs from that of several years ago. That can help you fine-tune your cover letter. It doesn’t matter if the change is small. It can make a huge difference.

2. Tailor Your Cover Letter to Each Role

The first and last thing you want to do is address the person reading your cover letter. Then, when applying for a job, read up on the company and find out who the hiring manager is. If there’s no name listed in the job description, call or email someone at the company to ask whom you should address it.

If there are multiple people responsible for hiring decisions, make sure to address each one individually. For example: “Dear [Hiring Manager],” “ To Whom It May Concern: ” and “Hello Mr./Ms.[First Name]. ‘

3. Don’t Let Your Resume Appear in Your Cover Letter

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to highlight and sell your qualifications. Your resume is the place where you list everything you’ve done. So don’t repeat that information in your cover letter.

Instead, do the following:

• give a brief overview of your qualifications,
• why they make you a good fit for the job, and
• how they relate to the position requirements listed by the company.

Related: How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

4. Be Clear and Concise

Be clear and concise to get the most out of your cover letter. One page is okay if you can; you don’t need to use up all the space. If you have more than one page, use bullet points rather than paragraphs. That makes it easier to skim through quickly.

Your tone should be professional throughout. Also, avoid using too many buzzwords, if any, as they tend to be taken seriously if used sparingly.

Finally, consider adding an “about me” section near the end of your letter. You can use that section to list relevant information about yourself that doesn’t fit anywhere else in your application. For example, employment history, educational background, or volunteer work.

5. Avoid Gimmicks, Like Weird Fonts and Drawings

Have you seen some cover letters that looked like a child wrote them? Or that included a drawing of the applicant’s pet cat? Cover letters are not the place to do that; avoid these gimmicks.

They will not help you get the job. In fact, they can do more harm than good by making you seem less professional. It can overshadow your best qualities as an employee.

Try to avoid using standard intro like “My name is [your name], and I am applying for the [position] at [company].” This is not original or creative; it’s uninteresting to read.

Instead, personalize it: “Hi, [name], My name is John Doe, and I’m applying for the Marketing Manager role at ABC Company.”

Having a friendly title will help establish rapport between readers. But don’t be too casual or informal. You want to keep things professional so that they can see how well you’ll fit in with their team or company culture if hired.

6. Use Action Words to Highlight Your Accomplishments

Use action words that highlight your accomplishments and experiences. For example, try using phrases like “increased sales by 55% within 6 months.” Or “led team through a project from concept stage to completion within two weeks.”

This way, even if someone doesn’t remember everything about you, these phrases will help them know whether or not you have what it takes.

7. Don’t Make It All About You

Don’t make the mistake of making the cover letter all about you. Instead of boasting about a skill, talk about how that skill can help the potential employer.

How are you the perfect fit for the company? How will you contribute to the company’s success? And what have you done or will do to help the company? Answer these questions in your cover letter.

8. End Your Cover Letter with Enthusiasm

You may be well qualified and rightfully confident in your abilities. But employers still want to know that you’ll be a motivated and enthusiastic employee.

So, remember to end your cover letter with enthusiasm. This will show your interest in the position and willingness to work hard and passionately if hired.

You have a greater chance of being employed if you are enthusiastic. And you’re also far more likely to stay on board over the long term. So it makes sense that 71% of CEOs believe that employee engagement is essential to the success of their company.

As a result, often, the only factor distinguishing two equally qualified candidates is their level of passion and zeal for the job.

Check our guide on how to write a cover letter for more in-depth details.

Why Is a Cover Letter Important?

Your cover letter gives the hiring manager a chance to know you better. In addition, it’s an opportunity for you to show off your writing skills and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

You can also use it to sell yourself, highlighting why they should hire you, not someone else.

Because there are so many applicants for every open position, employers have less time and resources to read through them. So it’s up to you to make sure that yours stands out from the rest.

The best way is by using a well-crafted cover letter that showcases how great an employee you’ll be if given a chance.

When Can You Skip a Cover Letter?

If you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require a cover letter—say, an internship—you can skip it. In fact, many employers will be quite clear in their postings when they don’t want to see your cover letter.

If the company does not specifically state that it wants a cover letter, you can assume it’s unnecessary. Sometimes, job listings or job descriptions don’t mention a cover letter. But it has all the other required materials, like a resume and references.

In such a situation, submit those documents without attaching additional materials such as your cover letter or résumé summary statement.

Cover Letters Alone Can’t Get the Job Done

You want to make sure you don’t let your employer down before they even meet you. In fact, without a cover letter, you might not even have the chance to meet them. Most recruiting managers expect to receive a cover letter from you.

It helps them get a sense of who you are and decide if you’re a suitable fit for the position. However, you can’t rely solely on a cover letter to get a job. It’s not an alternative to a resume nor an excuse for poorly prepared or formatted documents.

Also, there’s a difference between cover letters and resumes . Knowing the difference can help you craft the perfect cover letter or resume.

A good cover letter does have some value, though: briefly introducing yourself and explaining why you’re applying for the position. It also helps make your application stand out from the competition.

So, are cover letters necessary in 2022? Yes, if you want to stand out from the crowd of applicants. That said, your resume and online presence are enough to get noticed by recruiters these days.

But a well-written cover letter could give you an edge over other candidates.

A good cover letter will show that you care about the position and want it more than anyone else. And that makes all the difference when it comes to hiring decisions!

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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, 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 your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

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.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick 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, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

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

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

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

Recruiters 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 #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, 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 pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

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

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

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

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

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

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

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 $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , 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

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d 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 thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out 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.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help 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 finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in 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 is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

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 convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
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• Cover Letters

Do You Need a Cover Letter When It's Not Required?

When you do (and don't) need a cover letter to apply for a job

Why Write a Cover Letter?

Reasons to include a cover letter, reasons not to include a cover letter.

• Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Do you really need a cover letter if a company doesn't ask for one? Writing a lot of cover letters during a job search is often both challenging and time-consuming. Because of this, it's not surprising that applicants often hesitate to include a cover letter when it is not explicitly required by an employer.

If you're wondering if you should include a cover letter, the short answer is yes. That said, there are a few exceptions.

You should  almost always submit a cover letter , even if the company doesn't ask for one. 

Here's what you need to know about the value of cover letters, along with the situations where you can skip a cover letter. 

If you're serious about landing the job, a well-written  cover letter  gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer in a narrative format, and explain why you are an ideal candidate. Taking the time to  match your qualifications to the job  can help you get selected for an interview.

All of your efforts in the cover letter will help hiring managers do their job of screening applicants, and may get your resume a closer look.

A cover letter also affords you the opportunity to highlight your strongest qualifications.

An effective, well-written, and  customized cover letter  also makes it clear that you are highly interested in the job. That's because it shows the hiring manager that you want the job enough to go the extra distance.

To Share Extra Information

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

To Explain a Gap

Gaps in employment  with reasonable explanations can also be addressed in your letter. A cover letter is also an ideal place to provide specific examples that prove you have the skills and experience listed on your resume.

The Employer May Expect One

Additionally, some employers expect to receive cover letters even though they did not stipulate that a cover letter was required in their job advertisements.

Candidates who don't take the time to compose a letter are often viewed as less motivated for the job.

In many cases, employers won't even look at a job application that doesn't contain a cover letter or letter of interest.

For some jobs, you won't need a cover letter to apply. Some employers don't accept cover letters as part of the application process. For other positions, there may be no way to submit one. If a cover letter is optional, it's better to skip it if you don't have the time to compose a well-written one.

When the Employer Doesn't Want One

If the job application instructs that you should not include a cover letter, then it's definitely best to follow directions so as not to annoy your potential employer.

When You Don't Have Time

No letter is much better than a poorly written one. A well-composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability, but the opposite is also true. If you don't have time to write a well-crafted cover letter that pitches your skills and positions you for the job, forego the effort.

When There's No Way to Submit One

Also, if the company asks you to submit your application through an online platform, and there is no place for you to submit a cover letter, don't worry about it. 

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Impress

When you do include a cover letter with your resume, it's important to make it a good one. Here are tips for writing a cover letter that will make the best impression and add value to your application.

Kelly Miller. / The Balance

• Make it targeted.  Be sure to compose a  targeted letter  that is written with the job listing in mind. Focus on the skills and abilities you possess that make you a strong fit for the specific job.
• Keep it short.  Make sure that your  letters are concise  (no more than one page topping out at five paragraphs) and that every statement you make conveys something significant about your qualifications for the candidacy.
• Go beyond your resume.  Avoid simply repeating your resume. Provide examples not listed in your resume, and expand upon things mentioned only briefly in your resume. Your cover letter should have a distinct purpose regarding your application.
• Edit, edit, edit.  Errors in your cover letter  can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Errors make you look sloppy, or worse, not educated. Be sure to thoroughly read your letter before submitting it. Consider asking a friend or colleague to read it as well to check for typos, grammatical errors, and confusing language.

Key Takeaways

• Writing a cover letter makes the hiring manager's job easier, by highlighting exactly why you're the right match for the role. That gives your application an edge. 
• Even if the company doesn't specifically request a cover letter, it's a good idea to write one if you're interested in the role at hand. 
• Skip a cover letter if the employer says not to write one, or if there isn't a place to include one in an online application form. 

6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Cover Letter

W hen submitting a job application, your resume can only go so far. Resumes tell prospective employers about your experience and education, but they're essentially fact sheets. A cover letter gives applicants the opportunity to share more detailed information on why they'd be a good fit for a particular role at a specific company.

We'll outline some common cover letter mistakes to avoid and share tips and best practices for cover letters that show you in the best possible light. 

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

A cover letter can show a hiring manager why you're the best fit for a position, so getting it right is worth your time and effort. However, crafting an effective cover letter can be challenging. You must showcase your skills without appearing self-important or succumbing to cliches.

Here are six cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs. 

1. Highlighting where you lack specific skills

It's easy to feel vulnerable when applying for a job, especially if you have limited work experience or few required skills. However, starting a cover letter by underselling yourself or drawing attention to the skills or knowledge you lack is never advisable.

Author and career development professional Lavie Margolin says cover letters aren't the place to list your weaknesses. "I have seen one too many cover letters with the following phrase: 'Although I do not yet have,'" Margolin noted. "If you do not have something, why are you emphasizing it?"

Instead, Margolin says job seekers should focus on existing in-demand career skills , experiences and talents that will interest the potential employer.

"If you are looking for a job, then you are in the sales business. What you write in your cover letter should most effectively sell the skills, experience and abilities that you do have, as opposed to emphasizing those things that are lacking," Margolin advised. "Emphasizing a weakness on your cover letter may be costing you the job."

2. Not proofreading for typos and cliches

Sometimes, job seekers get so caught up in finding the best way to express their ideas that they forget to pay close attention to their cover letter's details. Typos, using the wrong company information and cliches are common mistakes to look for in your proofreading efforts. 

• Look for cover letter typos. According to Joe Weinlick, COO of Catalyst Experiential, cover letter typos are an egregious yet common mistake. Rigorously proofreading your cover letter will allow your content to shine. "Spell-check is your friend. Use it, but don't rely on it," Weinlick advised. "Print out your cover letter, read it from start to finish and make sure there aren't any typos before sending it out. Your cover letter is the first impression you make on a hiring manager – make sure it's a good one.
• Ensure you use the correct company information. You may be tempted to reuse parts of your cover letter when applying for similar positions with different companies. However, failing to update the company information for each letter is an unforgivable offense. Double-check that you have the correct details for the company, including the specific position for which you are applying and the name of the hiring manager, if possible.
• Watch for cliches and buzzwords. When proofreading your cover letter, look for and eliminate cliches and overused buzzwords . Instead of using vague words to describe your work ethic or experience ("I'm a motivated self-starter"), provide specific examples that demonstrate the qualities you'd like to highlight. "Don't use buzzwords," warned Bob Kovalsky, vice president of Volt Workforce Solutions. "Including descriptors such as 'detail-oriented,' 'hardworking,' 'team player' and 'proactive' doesn't tell HR managers anything about your experience."

Tip: Watch for cliches and worthless words in your LinkedIn profile . Overused buzzwords won't convey your unique qualifications and personality. 

3. Remaining stuck in the past

Maybe you were let go from your last job, or maybe you're looking for new opportunities. Regardless of the reason for your job search , don't spend your cover letter's limited space focusing on your past.

"The worst thing a potential employee can do [in a cover letter] is to explain why they left their current or former position," shared Kim Kaupe, co-founder of Bright Ideas Only. "It's like starting out a first date by talking about your ex! I don't want to hear about your past; I want to hear about your now and future and how you are going to become an asset to my company."

Steering clear of the past is especially important if you had a contentious relationship with an employer. "Saying that you're looking for a new opportunity because your previous employer was unfair or you had an incompetent boss will only make you look bad," warned Tracy Russell, a talent acquisition coordinator at Intuit. "Oftentimes, if this type of negative information is in the cover letter, recruiters won't even look at the resume."

4. Talking about money too soon

There's a time and place to discuss salary during the hiring process , but your cover letter isn't it. Lisa Benson, president and CEO of Mary Kraft HR, advises against providing any unsolicited salary information in the cover letter "unless [you] are specifically asked to do so, particularly if there is a disparity between what is advertised or indicated in the ad [you] are responding to. No prospective employer wants to hire someone who is only about the money."

5. Making it all about you

Another common mistake applicants make is using their cover letter to boast about their talents without acknowledging how they will use them to benefit a prospective employer.

"The worst thing a candidate can do in their cover letter is make it all about themselves and what they're looking for," said Ian Yates, senior director of corporate accounts at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The best thing to do is focus on why they'll be a great fit, how they'll make a contribution, and what they've done, or will do, to support [the organization]."

"It is a fine line between confident and arrogant," added Sue Hardek, managing director at ZRG Partners. Hardek noted that candidates should avoid overselling themselves and being boastful about accomplishments and strengths. 

Tip: Job candidates should also steer clear of oversharing personal history or exaggerating or lying on their resume or cover letter.

6. Letting AI do the heavy lifting

Many generative AI companies boast that their AI tools can save time by drafting perfect cover letters. While AI is transforming business , including the job search process, you must be especially careful when using it for your cover letter. 

Opinions about using AI in the workplace are mixed. You don't want to risk coming across a hiring manager who suspects an AI-generated cover letter and immediately tosses your application. Worse, AI might utilize copied text or provide other job seekers with the same phrasing, leading hiring managers to suspect you of plagiarism. 

AI can be a good place to start, but you should never rely on it for a final product. AI can help you generate ideas, synthesize your experience with the history and needs of the company, or assist with general editing. But when it comes to the final product, you want your voice to shine through, so ensure the writing is your own – even if you've had some help. 

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a company's first introduction to who you are as a person. Your resume will explain your previous work experience and skills, but your cover letter is an opportunity to show recruiters your personal side. It's also a chance to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. Employers get many applications, many of which display similar backgrounds and experience. A cover letter helps narrow down their talent pool.

Cover letters are typically written in a three-paragraph format and should be no more than 300 words.

The benefits of a cover letter

Some job listings require the candidate to submit a cover letter, while others make it optional. However, applicants should always take the time to write a cover letter to express their interest in the company and flesh out their professional experience. 

A cover letter brings the following advantages: 

1. Cover letters personalize your application.

Even great resumes don't allow applicants to show off their writing skills. A cover letter can help candidates sell themselves by letting their personalities shine. Recruiters get a sense of who the candidate is beyond their work experience and education. Cover letters also allow candidates to discuss parts of their background that may not be explicitly stated on a resume but are relevant to the job they're applying for.

2. Cover letters showcase your interest in the position and company.

Many candidates blindly shoot off job applications, believing in quantity over quality. To be as efficient as possible, they'll either send a generic cover letter or fail to send one. However, this is a missed opportunity. 

A cover letter with specific details about why you'd be a great fit for the company shows you've done your research and are interested in working for that organization. Employers will notice candidates who researched the business and its company culture . These candidates show they want to be there specifically – they don't just want a job.  

3. Cover letters demonstrate your hard work.

Taking the time to draft a well-researched cover letter shows employers you're self-motivated and passionate about the position. The skills of researching, writing and submitting clean copy before the deadline demonstrate your ability to work and follow directions.

Tip: In addition to crafting an excellent cover letter, job candidates should prepare for the interview process and send a thank-you letter to follow up. 

How to write a good cover letter

Hiring managers may receive hundreds of cover letters and resumes for a single job post. Potential employees have only a few seconds to make a good first impression, and a boring cover letter could land them straight in the "no" pile.

Follow these eight tips from hiring experts to write a cover letter that will land you an interview:

1. Be yourself in your cover letter.

You don't want to sound like everyone else. Give hiring managers a sense of your personality traits and how you might fit into the company.

"One key thing we look for is whether they've incorporated aspects of their personality into examples of how they would succeed in this position," shared Margaret Freel, digital marketing specialist at No Dirty Earth and a former corporate recruiter.

Mentioning experiences that qualify you for a particular position is one way to personalize your letter. "Candidates should be concise and self-aware enough to know how their track record of results makes them unique and [be] able to relate that back to the position," Freel advised.

2. Do your research and customize your cover letter.

Like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to each position and company. Instead of a template-style cover letter, use industry-specific language referencing points from the job description and company website.

In your research, determine the hiring manager's name, if possible. Addressing the hiring manager sets you apart. If you're unsure who the hiring manager is, use a generic salutation – but only as a last resort.

"Address the cover letter to a specific person within the company, not the general – and much-hated – 'dear sir or madam,'" advised Alina Cincan, managing director and co-founder of Inbox Translation. "This shows the candidate has done some research and is truly interested in working with that company, not just any company."

Christa Shapiro, a director at the staffing firm Yoh, said one thing that always draws attention to a cover letter is mentioning why you want to be a part of a particular organization. Show a passion for the organization and industry. Employers don't want to hire someone who won't care about their work.

Did you know? Getting a feel for the company will also prepare you for the types of interview questions the hiring manager will likely ask.

3. Be creative in your cover letter.

Hiring managers won't finish reading your cover letter if they're bored after the first line. A strong intro should find a unique way to highlight experiences or something specific from the job posting.

Grabbing their attention is key; hiring managers review tons of cover letters for each position. Find a creative way to stand out so the hiring manager notices you and moves on to your resume. 

A creative cover letter moves beyond stiff cover letter templates and stock phrases. A great way to make your cover letter pop is to include a brief story that connects you to the company through its mission or product. "This exercise will undoubtedly separate you from the majority of other candidates," advised Kenneth Johnson, founder and president of East Coast Executives.

4. Mention referrals in your cover letter.

If you were introduced or connected to a hiring manager via an employee referral or mutual industry contact, include that person's name in your cover letter (with their permission).

"Candidates can include referrals in a cover letter to make them stand out," said Bill Peppler, COO of staffing firm Kavaliro. "They should always gain permission for this before they name-drop, but the cover letter gives a great opportunity to include the name of someone that can vouch for your skills."

5. Address potential resume concerns in your cover letter.

A well-crafted cover letter does more than explain why you're the right person for the job. It also gives you a chance to explain items on your resume that might otherwise be considered red flags.

"Address any issues that may give a hiring manager pause, such as gaps in employment," advised Diane Domeyer Kock, senior vice president and managing director at Robert Half.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that an unemployment bias exists, as some companies are reluctant to hire out-of-work people. However, the cover letter allows you to reclaim the narrative and demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate despite your employment history.

6. Don't just repeat your resume in your cover letter.

While your cover letter should reference material from your resume, it shouldn't simply be a word-for-word repeat. According to Jane Trnka, a career coach with Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, job candidates can use their cover letter to expand where necessary and discuss their listed experiences from a different angle.

"Craft the letter to acknowledge the requirements of the role and culture of the organization while highlighting the skills and experiences that align with the job description," Trnka advised.

Tip: A cover letter is a great place to discuss any volunteer work or side projects that may not be on your resume but are relevant to the job you're applying for. 

7. Proofread and fact-check your resume.

As mentioned earlier, it's imperative to check and double-check your cover letter for any grammatical or factual errors. Even the smallest mistake can make a bad impression on the person reading your letter.

"If there are errors of any kind, it's a huge red flag," warned Guryan Tighe, leadership coach and founder of Fourage. "This is your one opportunity to impress [the hiring manager] and show who you are. If there are typos, misspellings or formatting issues, it's generally an automatic out."

8. Keep your cover letter brief.

Hiring managers are busy and usually have many applications to review. Keeping your cover letter concise and to the point will improve the chances of it being read. It also makes the hiring manager's job easier – which is always a good thing.

"The best cover letters can [be] concise, friendly and transparent," explained Chris Wood, managing partner of Paige Technologies. "The best cover letters get right to the heart of why we are a great fit for them and why they are the best fit for us."

Get your foot in the door

Perfecting your cover letter is an essential step in the job search process. You must spend time researching the company and crafting a creative, personalized letter that shows hiring managers you'll be a valuable addition. Your cover letter should be unique to you and unique to each company you apply for. 

But a great cover letter only gets your foot in the door. If you want to secure the job, you must carefully prepare for each part of the job search process. Whether it's the cover letter or the interview, each step is a chance to show why you and the company you want to work for are a perfect fit. 

Tom Anziano and Sean Peek contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.