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What Is a Cover Letter?
Application letter:
Referral letter:
Letter of interest:
Why Is a Cover Letter Important?
Cover letters are important because they’re a determining factor in whether you land the job or interview. When pairing it with a resume, they become a powerful combination of selling points that show you meet the key requirements of the job description.
Here are the top three reasons why a cover letter is an important part of your job application:
- The average job seeker does not use cover letters, so putting in a little extra work can help you stand out against other applicants. A cover letter is an essential tool to set yourself apart because it shows you are self-motivated and have attention to detail.
- Cover letters create the opportunity to build a relationship with the employer. Explain to them why you’re interested in working for their company and give them enough information about yourself to think about how your skills could benefit their business.
- A cover letter explains things in a different way than a resume can. If you send a resume alone, you will only be covering the basic facts about what you’ve accomplished. However, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and tell a compelling story about yourself and how you reached your career achievements.
A strong cover letter directs the employer to your unique experience and top accomplishments and paints a fuller, clearer picture of who you are as an employee.
When to Use a Cover Letter
Some companies may or may not require you to send a cover letter with your resume. However, you should always include a cover letter unless the job ad specifies against it.
Include a cover letter with your resume:
- If the job application mentions it as a requirement.
- If it says it’s optional, it’s best practice to include one.
- If you were referred for the position.
- If you have a friend or former colleague who works at the company.
- If you’re applying for an internship.
- If you are interested in learning about possible career opportunities within the company.
- If you want to proactively address employment gaps or potential job-related concerns.
Cover Letter Writing Advice
1Personalize the greeting.
2Target your cover letter.
3Highlight your excitement.
4Tell a story about yourself.
The main two steps to personalize your greeting and target your cover letter require research!
If you research the company and know who you are writing to, it will make it easier and more effective to know what to say.
In your cover letter, you need to explain why you're excited about the role and why it's well suited to someone with your skills and experience.
So, begin the body of your letter by mentioning the role that you're applying to by name and citing some specific reasons why you're excited and why you would be an excellent fit.
Then, tell a story that illustrates to your prospective employer a bit of your career growth or work background that shows why you're a qualified job candidate.
Top 10 Cover Letter Samples
JobHero has an entire library that features a vast selection of cover letter examples. You can use them to see what works and how you might want to discuss your own experience.
Here are our 10 most popular cover letter examples for your inspiration:
Should You Use Templates to Write your Cover Letter?
The answer is yes! Templates save you time and effort.
JobHero’s cover letter templates are a tool that provides you with the correct document structure and formatting. That way, you can cut right to the chase and write!
Plus, since recruiters and industry professionals approve the designs, our cover letter templates will help maximize your chances of getting the job of your dreams.