Cover Letter Examples

Should I Include a Cover Letter if it’s Not Requested?

Yes, even if not requested it’s always best practice to include a cover letter.

The most important reason: Including a cover letter without being asked shows an employer you cover all the bases. It indicates that you’re prepared, thoughtful and eager for the job.

Those are qualities that resonate with all employers — regardless of industry.

Beyond that, a cover letter offers you more space to make the argument that you deserve the job. Use that opportunity to your benefit.

The only way that including a cover letter could hurt you is if you don’t make the effort to write a good letter or if you submit one that is littered with errors, untruths or typos. Be sure what you’re putting forth is a flawless representation of your best qualities.

The only exception to this rule is in the rare circumstance that it is explicitly stated not to include a cover letter.

What Do You Write in a Cover Letter in 2020?

The goal of a cover letter hasn’t changed over time: Write a letter that explains to an employer why you make a great candidate for the job. Tell a story of your past job experience. Make a convincing case for the skills you possess.

While a resume serves as the bullet points of your career, the cover letter is the story of your career. So it’s essential you add some flourish to facts about your career and try to weave it into a narrative.

Of course, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, you may be looking for a job in a new line of work, one in which you don’t have a lot of experience.

In that case, use your cover letter as a chance to point out the work experience you find to be the most relevant to tackling a new type of job role. Try to consider the common skills that you may have performed at a past job that may align with the job you are applying to.

Then, your goal is to tell a brief story of how you implemented those common skills in your past role to achieve success for the company.

If you’re looking for even more information about what to include in your cover letter or how to include it, check out our ultimate guide to writing cover letters.

What Are the Main Types of Cover Letters?

Although a vast majority of cover letters have the same goal — to help get you a job — there can be a lot of nuance on how you approach that goal depending on the situation.

For instance, some cover letters are written in direct response to job postings. Other positions might be for unadvertised positions, cold calls inquiries, a transfer or promotion, a change from a temporary to a permanent position, a cover letter for referral, or a cover letter to make a career change.

In essence, the purpose for which you’re writing your cover letter shouldn’t change its overall content too much. You’re still making the case for why you deserve a chance to achieve a new role.

However, in the first body paragraph of your cover letter it’s essential that you state the exact position that you’re applying for, note any connections or company endorsements if applicable, and then give your most brief explanation for why you would be a good fit for the role.

Explain right at the beginning of your letter in a clear way your interest in a position, how and why you came to develop that interest, and why you should be the candidate.

What Is the Best Format for a Cover Letter?

Here’s a bit of good news: Even though there are different types of cover letters, there is really only one format to use and it’s easy to follow.

All cover letters are going to follow this format: Your name and contact information is going to be at the top or top right of the page.

Underneath that, you’re going to list the addressee’s information.

Then you’ll have your salutation to start off.

After that is the body of the letter, the most important part. This is where you’ll be writing about all of your experience and making the strongest case possible for why you’re a great candidate for the job.

Below that, you’ll have the body of your letter followed by your signature. If in the event that you have any attachments such as a portfolio, list them below your signature.