Writing a Winning Cover Letter

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Due Diligence: Careful research or investigation done before making a decision or a commitment.
Job Description: A document that outlines the roles, responsibilities and expectations of a particular job.
Customize: To modify or change something to suit individual needs or preferences.
Certifications: Documents that prove a person has met certain educational or professional requirements.
Double-Check: To check something again to make sure it is correct.

Contents

• Gather all necessary information, such as the job description and contact details
• Identify the purpose of your cover letter
• Research the company you are applying to and make sure to mention any experiences or knowledge you have of the company
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences
• Customize your cover letter to the job you are applying for
• Use a professional tone to demonstrate your fit for the role
• Show how you can help the company and the value you can add
• Include any relevant certifications or qualifications
• Double-check for accuracy and errors to ensure quality
• Use a strong closing statement to make an impression and reiterate your interest in the role
• Make sure to include your contact details for the employer to be able to reach you

Get started

Gather all necessary information, such as the job description and contact details

• Make sure you have a copy of the job description and contact details for the employer
• Check to see if there are any other relevant materials related to the job position, such as an employer website, company brochure, or other materials
• Ask around to see if anyone you know has any additional insights into the company or the job position
• Research the company and the job position online, taking notes on any pertinent information
• Once you have all the necessary information, cross-reference it to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date
• You can now check this off your list and move on to the next step: Identify the purpose of your cover letter.

Identify the purpose of your cover letter

• Determine what kind of job you are applying for and why you are interested in it
• Think about how your experience and skills are relevant to the job
• Consider what you can bring to the role, and why you would be a great fit
• Check that you have a clear understanding of the job description and requirements
• When you have identified the purpose of your cover letter, you can start to craft it.

You will know you have completed this step when you have a clear understanding of why you are applying for the job and how your skills and experience make you a perfect fit for the position.

Research the company you are applying to and make sure to mention any experiences or knowledge you have of the company

• Read the company’s website, including their ‘About Us’, ‘Mission’ and ‘Values’ pages
• Look for news articles about the company
• Ask friends and colleagues for any insights they may have
• Research the company’s competitors
• Make sure to mention any experiences or knowledge you have of the company in your cover letter

You can check this step off your list when you have a good understanding of the company and have taken note of any experiences or knowledge you have of the company to include in your cover letter.

Highlight your relevant skills and experiences

• Review the job description and research the company to identify the skills and experiences they are looking for
• Make a list of your own skills and experiences that match those requested in the job description
• Structure your cover letter by starting each paragraph with a skill or experience that is relevant to the job
• Describe each skill or experience in detail, giving examples of how you have successfully used it in past roles
• Make sure to include your most relevant qualifications, certifications and awards
• Use the same language and terminology as the job description to demonstrate that you are familiar with industry-specific terms

When you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

• When you have included all of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job and have provided detailed examples and descriptions of each one.

Customize your cover letter to the job you are applying for

• Research the company and the job position you are applying for
• Make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for
• Use the job posting to identify any specific skills or experiences the employer is looking for
• Incorporate keywords from the job posting into your cover letter
• Make sure to emphasize the skills and experiences that you have that relate to the job you are applying for
• When you are finished, your cover letter should make a clear connection between your skills, experiences, and the job you are applying for

You will know you can check this off your list and move on to the next step when you have a customized cover letter that clearly connects your skills and experiences to the job you are applying for.

Use a professional tone to demonstrate your fit for the role

• Read the job description and determine the skills the employer is looking for
• Review the company’s mission statement and values to understand the company culture
• Make sure your cover letter is clear, concise, and free of any spelling or grammatical errors
• Make sure to use a formal, professional tone throughout your cover letter
• Use language that reflects your knowledge of the position and the company
• Avoid using overly casual language and jargon
• End your cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the position

Once you have checked off these bullet points and reviewed your cover letter to make sure you have used a professional tone that demonstrates your fit for the role, you can move on to the next step.

Show how you can help the company and the value you can add

• Identify the specific ways you can help the company, such as providing solutions to existing problems, helping to reach goals, or performing tasks more efficiently
• Explain how your previous experience and skills are relevant to the role and how you can bring value to the company
• Highlight any awards, recognitions or successes you’ve had in past roles that demonstrate your value
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its mission, goals and values
• Show that you are comfortable with the company’s culture and how you will fit in

You can check this off your list when you have identified specific ways you can help the company, explained how your previous experience and skills are relevant to the role, highlighted any awards, recognitions, or successes, demonstrated your knowledge of the company, and showed that you are comfortable with the company’s culture.

Include any relevant certifications or qualifications

• Look through your current résumé and see if any of your experience or qualifications fit the job posting
• Check if there is any other certifications or qualifications you can include that may be relevant to the job
• Make sure to include any relevant certifications or qualifications in the cover letter
• Once you have included all relevant certifications or qualifications in the cover letter, you can move on to the next step of double-checking for accuracy and errors to ensure quality.

Double-check for accuracy and errors to ensure quality

• Read through the cover letter from start to finish
• Check for any typos, grammar, or spelling errors
• Ensure that any information about the company is accurate
• Double-check that the formatting is consistent throughout
• If applicable, review any attachments to make sure they are accurate

When you have completed the accuracy and error check, you’ll have confidence that the cover letter is error-free and ready to be sent to the hiring manager.

Use a strong closing statement to make an impression and reiterate your interest in the role

• End your cover letter on a strong note by summarizing your strengths and expressing your enthusiasm for the role
• Finish with a call to action, such as “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail”
• Make sure to thank the employer for their time and consideration
• You can check this off your list once you have written a strong closing statement that makes an impression and reiterates your interest in the role.

Make sure to include your contact details for the employer to be able to reach you

• Include your full name, address, phone number and email address
• Make sure it’s easy for the recipient to quickly find your contact information
• Add a professional signature at the end of your cover letter
• Check that all the contact details provided are up to date and accurate
• When you have done this, you can be sure that the employer will have all the relevant contact information they need to reach out to you.

FAQ:

Q: Should I include a photograph on my cover letter?

Asked by Tyler on June 8th 2022.
A: Generally speaking, it is not necessary or expected to include a photograph with a cover letter. While the addition of a photograph could make your application stand out, it is important to note that some countries have laws against discrimination based on physical appearance, so it is best to err on the side of caution. Additionally, a photograph could be seen as taking up valuable space that could be used to highlight your qualifications and experience.

Q: Should I include a cover letter for an online application?

Asked by Abigail on April 12th 2022.
A: Yes, it is important to include a cover letter when applying for a job online. Your cover letter should be tailored to the position you are applying for and should provide additional information about your qualifications and experience that cannot be found on your resume. Additionally, it can give you the opportunity to highlight your achievements and explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

Q: Is there a difference between a UK and US cover letter?

Asked by Noah on August 15th 2022.
A: Yes, there are some differences between a UK and US cover letter. In the UK, it is customary to include a brief summary of why you are the best candidate for the position, while in the US it is more common to focus on your qualifications and experience. Additionally, in the UK it is important to keep the cover letter concise and to the point, while in the US it is more common to include additional details.

Q: What should I include if I am applying for an international job?

Asked by Emma on November 14th 2022.
A: When applying for an international job, it is important to tailor your cover letter to the specific country and culture. This can include research into the country’s laws and customs, as well as a demonstration of your ability to bridge cultural divides. Additionally, you should include details about your international experience, such as any language skills or cross-cultural understanding you possess, as well as any international qualifications or certifications you may have.

Q: Should I include a cover letter if the job listing does not mention one?

Asked by Michael on October 5th 2022.
A: Yes, it is always a good idea to include a cover letter even if the job listing does not mention one. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Additionally, it can give you the opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and to highlight any special qualifications or experience you have that might not be obvious on your resume.

Q: How long should a cover letter be?

Asked by Isabella on July 25th 2022.
A: A cover letter should typically be no longer than one page, as it is important to keep your letter concise and to the point. The goal of a cover letter is to provide additional information about your qualifications and experience that cannot be found on your resume. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the content is relevant to the position you are applying for and that it is free of any typos or grammatical errors.

Q: Is it important to address the hiring manager by name?

Asked by Logan on September 11th 2022.
A: Yes, it is important to address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter. Doing so helps to demonstrate your attention to detail and your willingness to take the extra step to make a good impression. Additionally, it can help to make your cover letter stand out from the rest and show that you have taken the time to research the company and the position.

Q: How should I format my cover letter?

Asked by Ava on December 27th 2022.
A: Your cover letter should be formatted in a professional and easy to read manner. It is important to use a standard font and font size, as well as to ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the document. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your contact information is clearly displayed at the top of the page and that the content is organized in a logical manner.

Q: Should I include a list of references on my cover letter?

Asked by Matthew on May 21st 2022.
A: Generally speaking, it is not necessary or expected to include a list of references on your cover letter. In most cases, you can simply note that references are available upon request. Your references should be listed on a separate sheet of paper that can be easily provided to the hiring manager. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your references are aware that they may be contacted and that you have their correct contact information.

Q: How should I sign off my cover letter?

Asked by Olivia on January 3rd 2022.
A: It is important to sign off your cover letter in a professional manner. A formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” is the most common option, but there are other options such as “Regards” or “Best.” Additionally, it is important to include your full name and contact details at the end of the letter, so that the hiring manager can easily contact you if necessary.

Q: Should I mention salary expectations in my cover letter?

Asked by Ethan on March 18th 2022.
A: Generally speaking, it is not necessary to mention salary expectations in your cover letter. While it is important to research the salary range for the position you are applying for, it is best to wait until you have been offered the job before discussing salary expectations. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, such as the company’s budget and the cost of living in the area.

Q: What should I do if I have no relevant work experience?

Asked by James on February 10th 2022.
A: If you have no relevant work experience, it is important to highlight other experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This could include any volunteer work, internships, or other experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the skills and knowledge you have that are relevant to the position, such as any educational qualifications, technical skills, or leadership experience.

Q: Should I include a portfolio with my cover letter?

Asked by Sophia on April 29th 2022.
A: Whether or not you include a portfolio with your cover letter is largely dependent on the job you are applying for. If the position requires a portfolio, then it is important to include one with your application. Additionally, if you have any relevant work samples, such as writing samples or illustrations, that could help to demonstrate your qualifications for the job, then it is a good idea to include them as well.

Q: What is the most important thing to include in a cover letter?

Asked by Benjamin on June 19th 2022.
A: The most important thing to include in a cover letter is a demonstration of your qualifications and experience that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Additionally, it is important to provide evidence to back up your claims, such as details of any awards or achievements, as well as to explain why you believe you are the best candidate for the job. Finally, it is important to ensure that your cover letter is free of any typos or grammatical errors.

Example dispute

Lawsuit referencing Cover Letter

• A plaintiff may raise a lawsuit referencing a cover letter if they feel they have been wronged or treated unfairly by an employer.
• The cover letter could contain information that is legally binding such as a contract, a promise, or a statement of the employer’s obligations.
• The plaintiff can argue that the cover letter was a contract, and that the employer did not fulfill their obligations as stated in the cover letter.
• The plaintiff can also raise a lawsuit referencing a cover letter if they feel they have been discriminated against or harassed in the workplace.
• Depending on the state and the situation, the plaintiff may be able to seek compensatory damages such as back pay, pain and suffering, or punitive damages.
• If a settlement can be reached, it could include an agreement to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees, restitution, or both.
• If a lawsuit is successful, the court may also order the employer to take certain corrective measures to ensure that the same type of discrimination or harassment does not occur in the future.

Templates available (free to use)

Blue Sky Filing Cover Letter Regulation D Rule 506 Offering
Commencing Lcia Arbitration 1998 Rules Request Cover Letter
Commencing Lcia Arbitration 2020 Rules Request Cover Letter
Commencing Lcia Arbitration 2020 Rules Response Cover Letter
Cover Letter For Uk Citizenship Application Naturalisation Non Eea
Cover Letter Instructing Counsel
Determination Letter Application Cover Letter
Form Mg01 Cover Letter English Or Welsh Company
Legal Representatives Cover Letter For Uk Spouse Visa Application
Migrant Application Cover Letter For Intra Company Graduate Trainee Visa
Migrant Application Cover Letter For Intra Company Graduate Trainee Visa B
Migrant Application Cover Letter For Intra Company Transfer Visa
Mr01 Cover Letter

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