Every time you send out a résumé, you'll need to have a great cover letter to send along with it. It's a good idea to customize your cover letter for each job you're applying for. The cover letter is another way of introducing yourself to a potential employer. What it says about you can be the difference between getting in the door and missing your chance. Show Jump to Section
Before You WriteEach cover letter takes preparation. Here are some things to keep in mind while you prepare:
Recommended FormatBusy people don't want to read long letters from people they don't know. The cover letter should be no more than one page long, written in standard business letter format. This means that you may indent your paragraphs or not—but not indenting gives a bit more room. Leave wide margins (minimum 1 inch) and use a clean, simple font like Arial or Times New Roman. Don't use a tiny font just to fit everything on one page; 10- or 12-point type is best. Write clearly and avoid hyphenated words at the ends of lines. Compose the Letter
Essentials
Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
Common Mistakes
Tips for Emailing a Cover LetterUnless you’re submitting your résumé and cover letter on a job submission website, chances are the employer has asked that you email your application directly. In that case, you can either attach your cover letter as a PDF to the email as you would your résumé, or you can include your cover letter in the body of the email. Other things to keep in mind:
Sample Cover LetterSeptember 12, 2018 John D. Smith Human Resources Manager Mom's Marmalades, Inc. 123 Main Street New York, NY 10000 Dear Mr. Smith: I was thrilled when Tom Townsend, a mutual friend, suggested I write to you about opportunities at Mom's Marmalades. As a self-starter who's already had some strong experience as an entrepreneur, I'm interested in a marketing internship with your company. I am hardworking and analytical and I like taking initiative. In the past year I have accomplished a lot:
I've always believed in the quality of your jams and have enjoyed them since I was seven years old. I would love to be a part of the specialty foods business, especially at Mom's Marmalades. Enclosed, please find a copy of my résumé. I will give you a call next week to see if we could set up a time to discuss my becoming a part of your company for the summer. Feel free to call me at (212) 555-5555 or send email to . I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, (Signature) Joe P. Higgins How do I write a cover letter for a job?Format your cover letter properly to establish yourself as a serious applicant.. List your contact details. ... . Address the hiring manager by name. ... . Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph. ... . Explain why you're qualified for the job. ... . Relate your experience to the company's needs.. Where can I create a cover letter for free?With Canva's free online cover letter maker, you can handpick a design from our suite of professionally designed templates, write your well-thought-out message, and you're ready to go.
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