Last Updated June 26, 2023

What is a Cover Letter?

A Cover Letter is a document that accompanies your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) when applying for a job, internship, or apprenticeship.

Where a resume lists achievements, education, and relevant experience, a Cover Letter expands on those details to explain to a prospective employer or hiring manager why you're the most suitable candidate for a position.

Whether you're applying for your first job or making a career change, our Cover Letter template can help you achieve your goals.

What is the purpose of a Cover Letter?

Besides introducing yourself to a potential employer, the purpose of a Cover Letter is to:

1. Express why you’re interested in a job position
2. Demonstrate your enthusiasm
3. Explain how your skills align with the organization's goals and values
4. Highlight your relevant achievements and experiences
5. Expand on the information provided in your resume
6. Showcase your written communication skills and attention to detail

Is a Cover Letter necessary?

While some employers may explicitly request a Cover Letter, others may leave it optional. Regardless, it’s best practice to include one.

Submitting a well-crafted Cover Letter will significantly enhance your job application. Sometimes, it can improve your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

If a job posting specifically requests that you don’t send one, follow the employer’s instructions and only send your resume.

How long should a Cover Letter be?

A Cover Letter doesn't have to be very long. In fact, being concise is key. It should be engaging and compelling, capturing the employer's attention from the start.

While there is no strict rule about the exact length, it’s generally advisable to keep it within one page. The goal is to provide enough information to showcase your qualifications and suitability for the position while remaining succinct and to the point.

By prioritizing relevant details and avoiding unnecessary repetition, you can effectively deliver a concise yet impactful Cover Letter that leaves a positive impression on the employer.

What to include in your Cover Letter

The easiest way to write a Cover Letter is by using our basic template. Just complete our questionnaire that asks you for the following details:

• The position title you’re applying for
• The company’s name
• Your name
• Why you’re interested in the position
• Your skills
• Examples of when you’ve used your skills
• Your contact information

Also, you can include the recipient’s name and your and the recipient’s mailing addresses, but these details aren’t always necessary.

Once you’ve provided all the necessary info, it will be added to our template and you’ll have a working Cover Letter.

How to address a Cover Letter without a recipient's name

When applying for a job, you won’t always be able to address a Cover Letter to a specific person. For example, if you’re applying for a position that’s listed on an online job board, you likely won’t know the exact letter recipient.

It’s best to use a generic greeting in these cases. Our Cover Letter template uses “To Whom It May Concern” as a generic greeting.

Cover Letter versus resume

A Cover Letter and a resume are both essential components of a job application, but they serve different purposes.

A resume provides a concise summary of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements, focusing on the key details that demonstrate your qualifications for a specific role. It’s often scanned by employers or applicant tracking systems.

While a resume presents the facts, a Cover Letter adds context and personality, demonstrating your genuine interest in the position and the company.

Along with your Reference List, these documents form a comprehensive package that can increase your chances of securing an interview. To further better your chances, consider including a Letter of Recommendation.

Cover Letter tips

Here are some tips for your Cover Letter:

1. Tailor it to the job: Customize your Cover Letter for each position you apply to. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job description.
2. Showcase your qualifications: Highlight specific examples of how your skills, experiences, and achievements align with the job requirements. Provide measurable outcomes to demonstrate your capabilities.
3. Make it engaging: Use compelling language and showcase your passion for the industry and the company. When stating why you’re interested in applying for the position, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization.
4. Show enthusiasm and confidence: Express your genuine interest in the position and the company. Show confidence in your abilities and convey how you can add value to the organization.
5. Keep it professional: Avoid using slang, jargon, or overly informal language. Double-check for any errors in the recipient's or company’s name and address.

Also, don’t forget to proofread and review your Cover Letter for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your provided answers make grammatical sense with our template, checking that content flows smoothly. If you need to make tweaks, use our Editor tool.

Related documents

• Resume Builder: Create a custom-formatted resume using your professional experience, skills, and interests.
• Letter of Recommendation: Ask a previous or current employer to provide you with a written assessment of your capabilities for future job applications.
• Resignation Letter: Provide your employer with formal notice that you are leaving the organization.
• Reference List: Give potential employers a list of personal and work contacts who can verify your information.