If you’re looking for a job, you need to have a great cover letter. It can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. A cover letter should be concise, well-structured, and easy to read. In this article, we will guide you through the structure of a good cover letter, provide examples, and offer tips to help you impress potential employers.
The structure of a good cover letter is essential to make sure that your message is clear and concise. We will guide you through the key elements that you should include to increase your chances of success.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write an excellent cover letter, it’s worth mentioning that you can find plenty of examples online to use as a reference. Make sure to edit them to suit your needs and the job you’re applying for. Here are some tips on how to structure a good cover letter:
Examples
Cold Contact Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the company.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Job Posting Response Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: State the position you’re applying for and where you found the job posting.
Paragraph 2: Summarize your qualifications and experience.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Referral Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Referrer’s Name],
Paragraph 1: Thank the referrer and explain how you know them.
Paragraph 2: Mention the position you’re interested in and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Complimentary Close: Respectfully,
Career Change Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: Explain your reasons for wanting to change careers and express your enthusiasm for the company.
Paragraph 2: Discuss how your skills and experience can be transferred to the new position.
Complimentary Close: Kind regards,
Internship Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the company and the internship position.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, including any coursework or extracurricular activities.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time,
Executive Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Executive’s Name],
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the company and the executive position.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, including any leadership positions you’ve held.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Relocation Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Paragraph 1: Explain why you’re interested in relocating and how you became interested in the company.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience and explain how they make you a good fit for the job.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for considering my application,
Tips
The following tips will help you structure a good cover letter:
- Address the cover letter to the right person.
- Use a professional tone and avoid slang or informal language.
- Be concise and to the point – your letter should be no longer than one page.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience, but avoid repeating your resume.
- Show enthusiasm for the company and the position.
- Proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include an introduction, a brief summary of your qualifications and experience, and a conclusion. You should also mention the position you’re applying for and why you’re interested in the company.
How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page.
How should I format my cover letter?
You should use a professional font and format your letter using single-spaced paragraphs with a line space between each one. Leave a margin of at least one inch on each side of the page.
Should I mention my salary requirements in my cover letter?
No, you should not include salary requirements in your cover letter. Wait until the interview stage to discuss salary.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
You can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” if you don’t know the hiring manager’s name. However, it’s best to try to find out their name if possible.
Should I send a follow-up email after submitting my cover letter?
If you haven’t heard back from the company after a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. However, don’t be too pushy or aggressive.
Conclusion
A well-written cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to getting a job interview. By following these guidelines, you can create a cover letter that is professional, concise, and easy to read. Remember to tailor your letter to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experience.