What is a Cover Letter for a Job? Goals and Examples

What should be included in a cover letter?

When writing your cover letter, there are several elements that should always be present. Whether you follow a very specific cover letter example or a general cover letter example, a well-written cover letter should include the following:

1. Formal headers and greetings

Every cover letter must have a header. Your header should contain your full name and contact information such as your phone number and email address. You can also include elements such as your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media account details.

Your salutation should include the hiring manager’s last name (e.g. “Dear Mr. Smith”), not something generic like “Dear Hiring Manager,” “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear.”

2. Introduction and hook

Your introduction should provide a glimpse of your personality as well as your skills and experience. It should also explain why you are interested in working for the company in general.

Here are two great examples of opening first paragraphs that might catch a hiring manager’s attention:

“I was thrilled to see the editorial assistant role advertised online. As an individual with three years of editorial experience and an abiding passion for journalism, I will be a valuable and motivated member of the team and would appreciate your consideration for this position.”

“I am writing this letter to express my interest in the job opening for an early childhood teacher. I received high marks in all aspects of my training and have five years of teaching young children. I am a highly skilled teacher with excellent communication skills who always strives to provide the best learning environment for the children in my classroom.”

3. Body paragraphs

The third paragraph should discuss what makes you capable of filling the role. This may include your relevant experience, certifications, and hobbies if relevant. More importantly, you must also give the hiring manager a reason to choose you over one of the other applicants.

For example, someone applying for a job at a local elementary school might write:

“XYZ is an important part of this community; after seeing your involvement in it [local event]I am very interested in working with XYZ and taking part in this important activity.

As well as holding a BA in primary education, I studied Modern Languages ​​with a focus on French and volunteered at KLM, a charity that provides additional teaching for children with special needs and requirements. I look forward to using my experience and skills at your organization to better help other children in need.”

4. Call to action and signing

Your final paragraph should be a closing statement that brings together the points you have made in your cover letter. This closing paragraph should also act as a call to action, encouraging the hiring manager to remember you and invite you for a job interview.

An example of an effective closing paragraph is:

“I hope to bring my experience and skills there [ABC] soon. I believe that I can be a valuable member of the team and I will fill this role well, in keeping with the overall company culture. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I hope to hear from you soon.”

After you write the final paragraph, you should sign off formally with something like “Sincerely” or “Regards.”

For a more detailed explanation of how to market yourself effectively in a cover letter, see the articles How to Write a Cover Letter and Generic Cover Letter Examples.