cover letter for cv drop

Press Enter to search

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter (Without Sounding Pretentious!)

A 2024, recruiter-backed guide on name-dropping in your cover letter to enhance your job application, build credibility, and open doors— all without sounding pretentious!

4 months ago   •   7 min read

You're right there, hovering over your keyboard, contemplating whether to include that notable name in your cover letter.

You wonder: "Will this give me an edge.. Or just seem boastful?"

We’ve all been there. And the good news is, there’s a pretty straightforward answer!

Generally speaking, you should name drop in a cover letter if that will help you get your foot in the door (make sure you have their permission first, of course!).

In order to avoid sounding arrogant, though, remember that name dropping isn’t about flaunting your connections. It's just one tool that you have for showing how your range of skills, experience, and accomplishments make you a great fit for the job.

In 2024, when hiring managers have to sift through a deluge of applications for every open position, your professional network is more than just a rolodex of contacts. It's a bridge to potential opportunities. Name-dropping, when done well, can help open doors that might otherwise be closed.

In this guide, we'll talk about what name-dropping really means in a cover letter and why it can be a powerful tool if used wisely. You'll learn how to build trust and credibility, create connections, and highlight your experiences through name dropping without sounding like a know-it-all.

Let’s get started!

What is name dropping?

Name dropping is when you mention an influential person you know in your cover letter. The idea is that the fact that you know this person will put you in a better light, too.

If you know someone at the company you’re applying for or had a chance to work with someone who is well-known in your field, it’s usually a good idea to name drop in your cover letter .

Of course, you need to do it without sounding like you’re full of yourself! (No worries, the rest of this article will help!)

How to name drop in a cover letter

Get permission.

Before you name drop in your cover letter, make sure the person you're mentioning approves. Double-checking that it’s okay not only shows respect for the individual's privacy but also adds authenticity to your reference.

For example, after double-checking you might be able to write, “My mentor, John Smith, a Senior Developer at your firm, encouraged me to apply. He piqued my interest in this job when he described the team's innovative approach to software development.”

Integrate name-drops into your story

Instead of bluntly stating your acquaintance with an influential person, integrate this information into your story in a way that feels natural and relevant. This method of name dropping in a cover letter ties your experience to the influential person, without being in-your-face. It also provides context for the connection and demonstrates that you’re a team player.

For example, instead of saying, “I know John Smith, your VP of Marketing,” try, “During my tenure at MarketingMinds, I collaborated with John Smith on a successful brand repositioning project.”

Use name-dropping to demonstrate your skills or experience

Instead of focusing on the connection itself, focus on what you have achieved or learned through the relationship. This way, instead of sounding snobby when you mention who you know, it sounds like you’re (rightfully) thankful for the opportunities you’ve had and you’re ready to make the most of what you’ve learned.

For example, a statement like, “Working alongside Sarah Johnson, a renowned data analyst, helped me develop a deep understanding of predictive analytics,” shifts the emphasis to your skills and the value you gained from the experience.

Showcase achievements first

Highlight your achievements before mentioning your connections. This way, your skills and successes remain the focal point.

For instance, you could say something like “I led a team that increased sales by 30%,” and then provide context, “under the guidance of industry expert Jane Doe.”

Use name-dropping as support, not the lead

Treat name-dropping as a nice little sideshow to your qualifications, not the main attraction. Your experiences , skills , and achievements should always take center stage in your cover letter . After all, waltzing into an interview and assuming you’ll be hired based on who you know is a quick way to make enemies.

Avoid sounding pretentious

Even if you don’t mean to sound full of yourself, be aware of your tone. Speaking humbly reflects respect and gratitude for the opportunity, rather than self-importance.

Boastful statements like “I was handpicked by the CEO for this project” might sound confident, but they’ll also can be perceived as arrogant. Opt for a humbler approach, such as, “I had the privilege of working closely with the CEO on X project.”

Before you send that cover letter, make sure your resume is ready for the hiring manager! Score My Resume gives you detailed feedback on how to improve your resume so that your skills and experience shine!

Example: Name dropping in a cover letter

Here’s an example of name dropping in a cover letter that showcases achievements first, integrates the name-drops into the applicant’s story, and uses the name drop as support, not the lead.

It also demonstrates that this applicant knows what they’re talking about when it comes to the company they’re applying at:

Why name drop?

There are several reasons you should name drop in your cover letter, if you can do so honestly and humbly! Here are a few:

Build trust and credibility

When done with tact, name dropping can significantly enhance your professional image. It implies that respected industry figures acknowledge your skills and potential. Think of it as a subtle endorsement of your capabilities— one that took your colleagues zero extra time to write.

Create connection

Name dropping can foster a sense of shared network or community, which is particularly effective in referral cover letters. If the hiring manager knows or respects the individual you mention, it can create an instant connection, giving your application a personal touch.

Highlight your experience

After all the advice we’ve given on how not to sound arrogant when name dropping, you may think that’s the primary danger with it. However, when it’s done right, name dropping can subtly underscore your experiences and the professional circles you've been a part of— without making you seem braggadocious.

This can hint at your exposure to certain high-level professional environments, adding depth to your application.

Open doors for yourself

In certain situations, mentioning a well-regarded connection can unlock opportunities that might otherwise be hard to reach. It's a way to gently nudge open the door to new possibilities, making your application stand out.

When is name dropping a good idea for a cover letter?

Name dropping can be a powerful tool if you use it in the right ways. Let’s explore what those are:

When you have a direct and positive relationship

It's crucial to only mention individuals with whom you have a positive professional relationship. This could be a former boss, a mentor, or a colleague who has directly influenced your career path.

It probably should go without saying, but please don’t mention someone you don’t get along with. The hiring manager might ask the person you mentioned about you and then... Well, you can probably say goodbye to an advantages dropping their name would’ve given you in the first place.

When you have a referral from a respected colleague or mentor

If someone influential in your industry or within the company you're applying to has referred you to the position, it's a good idea to mention it. Referral cover letters often carry more weight, since they come with an implicit endorsement.

When you have collaborated on significant projects together

This is especially relevant when you've worked on projects that are related to the job you're applying for.

For example, “During my time at GreenTech, I collaborated with John Adams, an expert in sustainable technologies, on developing eco-friendly housing solutions.”

This not only shows your experience but also connects you with a known figure in the field.

When you have an endorsement or recommendation

If a well-respected figure in your field has formally endorsed your work or recommended you for your expertise, mentioning this can add credibility to your application.

For example, “My recent project was commended by Sarah Johnson, a pioneer in educational technology, for its innovative approach to digital learning.”

When they have given you mentorship or guidance

If a recognized professional has significantly contributed to your career development, highlighting this relationship can be beneficial.

Here’s an example: “Under the mentorship of David Park, a renowned marketing strategist, I gained deep insights into consumer behavior analytics, which I believe will greatly benefit my role in your marketing team.”

When you have shared professional achievements

If you and the individual you're naming have achieved notable successes together, it's worth mentioning.

An example could be, “Working alongside Emily White at CloudTech, we co-authored a paper on cloud security innovations that was recognized at the International Tech Conference last year.”

When is name dropping is a bad idea for your cover letter?

Here are situations where name dropping could backfire:

When there’s no real connection

Don’t name drop if you don't have a meaningful or direct relationship with the person.

For instance, it's not a good idea to mention a high-profile individual you met briefly at a conference without any significant interaction or professional relationship. Most hiring managers can see through that and won’t think better of you for it.

When there’s controversy or negative publicity around the person

You should skip mentioning individuals who are currently embroiled in controversies or have a negative reputation in the industry. Associating yourself with people who have a bad reputation could reflect poorly on your judgment.

For example, if the person is known for a recent scandal, mentioning them might do more harm than good.

When the person is irrelevant to the position or the company

Name-dropping is inappropriate if the person has no relevant connection to the job or company you're applying to. Mentioning a renowned scientist when applying for a marketing role in an unrelated industry might come across as irrelevant or like you’re trying to impress rather than inform.

When mentioning them will overshadow your own qualifications

Don’t let name-dropping overshadow your achievements and skills. Focus on what you've accomplished rather than relying heavily on your connections to make a case for your suitability for the role. After all, they’re hiring you, not your connections

When you don’t have permission

If a contact or mentor has specifically requested not to be named in your job applications or public documents, it's important to respect their privacy and discretion. Ignoring their wishes could damage your relationship with them and your professional reputation.

• Career Advice

Spread the word

How to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), keep reading, why the job you interviewed for was reposted: the complete 2024 guide, are cover letters still necessary in 2024, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.

🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.

Please enter a valid email address

Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

How To Name Drop In Your Cover Letter (With 5 Templates)

Picture this: you're applying for a job at a prestigious company, and you realize that you have a mutual connection with the hiring manager. You wonder, "Should I mention this connection in my cover letter? Will it help or hurt my chances of landing an interview?" Name-dropping, or mentioning someone's name to leverage their credibility or connections, can be a risky move in your job search. However, when done correctly, it can also be advantageous in a competitive job market. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of name-dropping in a cover letter and provide you with useful tips and real-life examples to help you make an informed decision.

The Purpose of Name-Dropping in a Cover Letter

Name-dropping in a cover letter can serve several purposes when done correctly:

Demonstrating a personal connection : Mentioning someone who can vouch for your skills and character can help establish trust with the hiring manager. According to a ResumeLab survey , 83% of recruiters believe cover letters are still very important when making a hiring decision. A personal connection can add weight to your application and show that someone is willing to put their reputation on the line for you.

Providing a reference : A well-known contact within the company can serve as a reference for the hiring manager, giving them an additional resource to verify your qualifications and experience.

Grabbing attention : Name-dropping can make your cover letter stand out and grab the hiring manager's attention, potentially increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Increasing chances of being considered : The ultimate goal of a cover letter is to land a job interview. Name-dropping can potentially increase the chances of being considered for the position, especially if the person you mention has a strong reputation within the company.

However, it's essential to remember that name-dropping should not be the sole focus of your cover letter. Instead, it should be an additional element that enhances your overall application.

When and How to Name-Drop Effectively

Before you decide to name-drop in your cover letter, consider the following guidelines:

Relevance : Only name-drop if the person you're mentioning is relevant to the position and known to the hiring manager. If the connection is too distant or unrelated to the job, it may not carry much weight.

Relationship : Ensure that the person you're mentioning has a positive relationship with the hiring manager. Name-dropping someone who isn't on good terms with the hiring manager can backfire.

Research : Use resources like LinkedIn or company websites to find potential contacts to mention in your cover letter. Ensure that the person is still with the company and holds a significant position.

Permission : Always ask for permission before using someone's name in your cover letter. This shows respect for their privacy and prevents potential misunderstandings.

Placement : Include the contact's name strategically within your cover letter. Mentioning their name in the opening paragraph can help grab the hiring manager's attention early on.

For example, you might write: "I was excited to learn about the Marketing Manager position at ABC Company from Jane Smith, the Senior Marketing Director. Jane spoke highly of the company's innovative approach to marketing and the supportive team environment, which aligns with my values and experience."

Finding a Contact at the Target Company

To find a suitable contact to mention in your cover letter, consider the following strategies:

Leverage LinkedIn : Use LinkedIn to identify potential contacts within the organization. Look for mutual connections or people who hold significant positions within the company.

Reach out to friends or acquaintances : If you know someone who works at the target company, ask them if they can introduce you to a relevant contact or provide insight into the company culture.

Attend industry events : Participate in industry conferences or networking events to meet potential contacts who might be able to help with your job search.

Select a relevant contact : Ensure that the person you choose to mention is relevant to the position you're applying for and holds a respected position within the company.

Verify their relationship : Research the contact's relationship with the hiring manager and their position within the company to ensure that your name-dropping will have a positive impact.

Asking for Permission to Use Someone's Name

Before you name-drop in your cover letter, it's crucial to ask for permission from the person you plan to mention. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Be professional : Reach out via phone, email, or in-person conversation, and be respectful of the person's time.

Explain your intentions : Share the job description and your reasons for wanting to mention their name in your cover letter.

Show gratitude : Express gratitude for their help and support.

Prepare for rejection : If the person does not grant permission to use their name, respect their decision and avoid mentioning them in your cover letter.

Potential Drawbacks of Name-Dropping

While name-dropping can be beneficial, it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks:

Perceived as unprofessional : If not done correctly, name-dropping can come across as presumptuous or manipulative, leaving a negative impression on the hiring manager.

Risk of mentioning the wrong person : If you mention someone the hiring manager has never heard of or has a poor relationship with, it could hurt your chances of landing an interview.

Overshadowing your qualifications : Relying too heavily on name-dropping can overshadow your qualifications and skills, detracting from the overall strength of your application.

Damaging professional relationships : Name-dropping without permission can damage your professional relationships and harm your reputation.

To mitigate these risks, follow the guidelines provided in this article and focus on showcasing your qualifications and skills in your cover letter.

5 Templates You Can Use In Name Dropping

When incorporating name-dropping into your cover letter, it can be helpful to have some templates as a starting point. These templates provide you with a solid foundation to structure your introduction and showcase your connection or recommendation. While personalization is crucial, these templates offer a versatile framework that can be adapted to various scenarios. Let's explore a few examples of name-dropping templates that you can use to effectively highlight your connections and increase your chances of making a positive impression on hiring managers.

Template 1: Mutual Connection

Template 2: industry influencer, template 3: alumni connection, template 4: company insider, template 5: industry conference.

Name-dropping in a cover letter can be a valuable tool when used appropriately and in conjunction with a strong overall application. By considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, following the guidelines for effective name-dropping, and using real-life examples as a guide, you can make an informed decision about whether to incorporate name-dropping into your cover letter. As you navigate your job search, remember that your qualifications and skills are the foundation of your application, and any additional strategies, such as name-dropping, should be used to enhance your chances of success. Good luck!

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter

In This Guide:

What is name-dropping in a cover letter, should you name-drop in a cover letter, how to name-drop in a cover letter, template for name-dropping in a cover letter.

Quick Answer: Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact with the hiring manager, and using it as a referral for your job application. It shows someone else is willing to vouch for you. Find someone you know at the company you are applying for, determine their reach, and ask for their permission before opening your cover letter with their name.

A great way to get ahead of the competition in the job searching process is to have the opportunity to name-drop.

That can be done using a contact you have in the company you have targeted, or someone who has worked in the company until recently and has parted on good terms.

It goes without saying that you can’t just name-drop without the person’s permission, as that works as a referral .

So how to do that right and get the best out of name-dropping on your cover letter?

In this article, we are going to find out by answering the following questions:

And we are going to leave you off with a template for you to use when name-dropping in your own cover letter .

If you feel you are not getting your cover letter just right, check out our cover letter builder and get it done in no time .

But if you are ready to learn how to name-drop on your cover letter, stick around.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

First things first, we need to understand what name-dropping actually is.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact you share with the hiring manager, and you are using it as a referral for your job application.

This shared connection can be a friend, networking acquaintance, or anyone else you know.

When name-dropping is done right, it can be a great asset for you, as it emphasizes your experience , and ability to work effectively with others in the past.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is generally a great idea, as it shows that someone else is willing to put their reputation on the line to vouch for you.

Hiring managers often rely on referral recommendations, as they come from within the company they work at, and come from trusted employees.

So, as long as you have your referral’s approval, you should absolutely take the opportunity and name-drop in your cover letter.

Name-dropping in a cover letter can be fairly simple, as long as you know what you are doing.

Follow the below steps, and you will master it in no time.

Find someone you know at the company you are applying for

Whether you have stumbled upon a job ad or are specifically interested in the company, the first step is to find someone you know who works at the same company.

If no name comes to mind at first, don’t worry, there are some things you can do.

The first place you would want to look is LinkedIn , where you can go through employees at any company, as long as they have listed to be working there in their profile.

If that fails, you can try taking a look at your friends list on Facebook, and whether any of them work at your desired company.

If all that fails, you can always try the company’s website, or single Google the company’s name and some of your friends’ names.

Determine their reach

If you have found a contact in your desired company, you are one step closer to the opportunity to name-drop.

Take the chance to ask them about the company, and all the processes inside, so that you can get a better understanding of the company.

But more importantly, you need to find out what terms are they with the hiring managers.

A referral by someone who the hiring manager does not trust, can’t do you any good.

Ask for permission to use their name in your cover letter

If all goes well, you should be able to get to this step, which should be easy, as long as you are on good terms with your contact.

It is essential for you to get their permission before you name-drop in your cover letter.

It is not only polite, but it also helps them prepare in case the hiring manager contacts them with some additional questions about you.

Drop their name into your cover letter opening

Placement of your name-dropping in your cover letter is of great importance, you would want it as early as possible so that you can catch the hiring manager’s attention.

The best way to go is to include the name of your contact at the very beginning of your letter, where you introduce yourself.

Don’t go into detail, as it would only take up valuable space from your cover letter. The hiring manager would surely get in touch with your contact and find out whatever they need.

If you are sending your cover letter as an attached file in an email, make sure you mention your contact’s name in both your email’s body text and the full-length cover letter you attach. This way you ensure that the referral would be noticed.

Send them a copy of your cover letter before you send it out

Last, but not least, send your contact the cover letter before you send it out.

As they vouch for you, it is nice of you to present them with your application document, so that they would be prepared for any potential questions from the hiring manager.

And now, as promised, we have a template for you to use in your own cover letter:

Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I was approached by [Contact’s Name], who told me about your open [Role Name] position at [Company Name]. I’m writing to submit my application for the position because […]

We are all done, now you know how to name-drop the best possible way in your cover letter.

Let’s do a quick recap of all you need to do to get the best out of your referral:

• Find someone you know in the company you have targeted – you can try searching through LinkedIn, Facebook, the company’s website, or even Google them
• Determine your contact’s reach and how much trust would the hiring manager have in them
• Always ask for permission before you use their name for referral in your cover letter, it is not only polite, but it would also help avoid awkward situations between them and the hiring manager
• Make sure you name-drop in the beginning of your cover letter, as you would want the hiring manager to notice it as soon as possible
• Last but not least, send your contact a copy before you send your cover letter out, and make sure you thank them

Now that you have all the knowledge you need, find a contact in your dream company, and get ready to nail the name-dropping in your cover letter.

• Cover Letter Guides

How to Write A Resume Headline (5 Examples You Need to Steal)

Functional resume: everything you need to know, how to list an internship on your resume, should you use first person in a resume – a quick guide, how to become a nurse in the us [salary, key skills & job application tips], how to answer "what is your management style" in a job interview.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

A 10 Step Guide to Dropping Off a Resume in Person + Pro Resume Tips

You were told dropping off a resume in person is old-fashioned – and you should be sending your resume ONLY through their website.

Write your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

But, did you know the majority of the resumes employers receive online are rejected before even reaching a human?

Handing in the resume increases your chances of getting noticed. If you do it right, You may be able to end their candidate search then and there.

That’s what we address in this article including:

• The jobs you would have a better chance if hand in a resume
• How to prepare your resume, cover letter, and yourself for dropping off
• How to follow up on your application

Explore the importance of handing in your resume in person and learn the right way to do it.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the stage of writing your resume, check out our ready-to-fill resume templates – you could tailor these to your profile and create job-winning resumes in 10 minutes.

The common practice 20 years ago was to print a handful of resumes and go to every company or business you’re interested in to hand them over. Things are different now – you can apply for 100 job vacancies in 20 minutes in the comfort of your home.

However, the old ways are not completely outdated. Indeed, the old ways can be more effective today than ever before. Consider, for example, we’re not excited about an email coming to our inbox like we were 10 years ago – but we would be excited for a hand-written postcard coming to our address.

Same way, dropping off your resume for the recruiter could be more effective than just sending them an email or applying online through their website.

Nevertheless, there’re limitations. Some employers strictly mention that they do not accept walk-in applicants – in which case, you shouldn’t be trying that.

In addition, dropping off the resume might not sound like a good idea for certain job positions. For instance, when applying some companies that use applicant tracking systems (ATS) for shortlisting might ask you to submit your resume in PDF or MSWord format to make sure it's readable for the system. In that case, your printed resume would be an invalid document for them.

Conversely, smaller firms would prefer handing in resumes compared to larger firms. Also, the outlets where “Now Hiring” signs or job boards are displayed would welcome you to drop off your resume in person.

Here are some jobs you may consider dropping off your resume in person:

• Entry-level jobs
• Restaurant and coffee shops
• Retail jobs
• Customer service
• Sales associates
• Delivery and driving jobs

However, consider these points before handing in your resume as a walk-in job seeker:

• You might be labeled as a candidate who did not follow the instructions if they had asked you to email your resume.
• They would view you as a distraction to their daily operations if you visit unannounced with your application.
• Their hiring process could be system driven whereas the involvement of the HR Department would be the last step.

Still, dropping off a resume in person is a popular and effective application method for many jobs – especially, if you see an extremely interesting job opportunity at a closeby location and you want to grab it fast.

📌 Pro Tip: Always follow the instructions stated in the job advertisement

The safest way is to follow the instructions stated by the corporate recruiter. If they want your application to be emailed, you should be emailing it – if they want you to fill out an online application form, that’s what you should do first.

Subsequently, if the recruiter has not strictly mentioned that they do not accept walk-in job seekers, you may drop off your resume in person.

Why Dropping Off the Resume is Important?

Why drop off your resume when you can apply online in the comfort of your home sipping a glass of wine?

Here are a few reasons:

• Employers can straightaway recruit the candidate eliminating the hassle of scheduling and conducting interviews.
• You can apply for jobs that do not have active vacancies – this way you could literally apply for any company.
• They might consider you for future job opportunities if the current position is filled.
• Dropping off your resume is a great way to show your interest to the manager and display your personality before an interview.

A Step by Step Guide to Dropping Off Your Resume in Person

This 10-step guide gives you an overall understanding of the important aspects of your in-person application process – to DO’s and DO NOT’s – pro tips.

The in-person application process is more sensitive than the online application methods as it involves the applicant’s presence.

This will help you identify where you should be careful and where you could score more so that you can end the recruiter’s search on the spot.

1. Create a strong resume

We should spotlight the importance of a strong resume in walk-in application method compared to any online application process.

In this, you walk in to the employer’s office or the outlet and hand over a printed version of your resume. The application does not go through any software but the recruiter would check the resume manually.

It's imparative that your resume make a good first impression. Using a creative and modern yet relevant template is crucial here. If you’re in the process of writing your resume, check out our modern resume templates which are ready to be filled.

Writing a job-winning resume was never this easy!

Here’s an example resume for a retail assistant manager position:

• Marked a 16% revenue growth in 2021 Q4
• Increased the loyalty card promotion income by 23%
• Awarded the best performing outlet in 2020 at Walmart Annual Awards Ceremony
• Managed a team of 12 to smoothly run one of the busiest retail stores in the area
• Carried out inventory management of 4 retail stores
• Involved in purchasing, hiring, and firing of suppliers
• Responded to over 15 customer inquiries daily
• Store first time achieved $100k mark monthly sale in 2017
• Management accounting
• Financial accounting and double entry
• Negotiation skills
• Strong leadership
• Interpersonal skills
• Skill Certifications
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS)
• Certified Professional Sales Leader by NASP

Also, refer to the following resume examples for further inspiration:

• Sales associate resume
• Pastry chef resume
• Hostess resume
• Barista resume
• Restaurant manager resume

2. Write a job-winning cover letter

You already know your cover letter is the sales pitch to the hiring manager. Your decision to go through that extra hustle of dropping off the resume means that you’re interested in the job and the company, but that only is not enough.

You should write a compelling cover letter explaining your interest in the job and how your expertise could help them achieve their goals.

Most cover letters sent online are not read by the hiring managers – of course, they don’t have time for all that. Nevertheless, when you drop off your cover letter – a physical version of it – there’s more likelihood that they would go through it.

You may have a couple of versions of your resume for different jobs – but in case of the cover letter, you should write separate ones tailored to each job you apply for. It looks like a lot of work, but when you develop the structure of the first cover letter, it's all about little changes.

If writing cover letters is not your strong area, we have plenty of examples and cover letter templates you can tailor to your requirement.

Here’s an example cover letter for a hostess job in a restaurant:

(232)441-3872

20 May 2022

Duke Pizzeria

Having worked in a McDonald’s as a hostess for the last 6 months, I was so excited to find out about the job opening at your restaurant. As a graduate in restaurant management and reading for my master’s in business management, I find your restaurant an ideal place for me to advance my career in the next 3 to 5 years.

In my previous job as a part-time hostess at McDonald’s, I handled the customers working in both the day and night shifts achieving a customer satisfaction rating of 4.5/5.0. I believe my passion for the food industry and my natural people skill help me work well with customers.

I am fully confident that I would be a great addition to your team. It will be my pleasure to discuss with you my role and the specifics of the job in detail in an interview. I can start straight away.

Yours truly

Refer to the following cover letter examples for further inspiration:

• Executive assistant cover letter
• Accountant cover letter
• Production assistant cover letter

3. Plan how to present your documents

First thing first, you should download your resume and cover letter – download them in PDF format so that it will retain the formatting of the documents in the printing.

If you used our resume builder to create your resume and the cover letter, you’ll have perfect formatting of fonts, margins, and colors with beautiful templates.

Color print your resume and the cover letter. It gives a rich look to your application if you’ve used a matching color combination. Don’t make it look like another boring monthly report for the employer.

Staple your resume and the cover letter and fold it nicely to fit in an envelope. Write your name and the position you apply for on the outside.

4. Find the right time to visit the employer

The time you should visit the employer depends on the business they are in. For instance, if you’re applying for a coffee shop, avoid early mornings and if you’re applying for a retail outlet, avoid the evening rush hours.

You may call the reception and ask them about a good time to visit. Choosing the right time would allow you to have a quick word with the hiring manager which would improve your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview.

In addition, picking the right time shows the employer your understanding of their industry, critical thinking skill, and business intelligence – it’s also a great way to show that you value their time.

5. Select the most suitable attire

When you are sending an application online it generally consists of two things: your resume and the cover letter. When you’re dropping off your resume in person, there’s an additional component to consider: yourself.

Make sure you’re clean, well-groomed, and dressed professionally. There’s no hard and fast rule as to what you should wear when dropping off your resume. It often depends on the culture at your workplace.

Research about the workplace to find out how the employees dress. You should try to dress similar or better than that. The safest options would be solid-color T-shirts or button-down shirts together with dark color jeans. Always wear appropriate shoes.

A business casual attire would be suitable for most companies. Check out this article by Indeed.com for more information about different dress codes.

6. Plan what you’re going to say

Walking into your future employer without having anything in your mind to talk about would be the worst strategy.

First, introduce yourself. Not only to the manager but to any employee you meet. The first conversation you make with any employee would be important – especially when you don’t know who makes decisions.

Be kind and gracious to every one of them – extend your hand and introduce yourself.

• Hi there, my name is Kim, I see you’re hiring sales executives which I am interested in applying for. Would this be a good time to drop off my resume to the manager?
• Hi, I am Richard, I came to drop off my resume to your manager. Is he available at the outlet right now?

Be ready to talk to the manager – explain the purpose of your visit clearly in a couple of sentences.

If you are unsure whether they have vacancies: Hi, I am Dan, I’ve been around here for a while and love your restaurant. I am an experienced chef and curious whether you have any openings right now. I have my resume and the cover letter with me.

If you already applied online: Hi, my name is Jen. I applied online for a hostess job at your restaurant a few days ago. As I live close by, just wanted to hand over my resume to you in person.

If there’s a “Hiring Now” sign on the front: Hi Ben, My name is Joana. I see you’re actively hiring bartenders for your cafe. I am an experienced bartender and I live close by. Here’s my resume and the cover letter and I would love to have an interview with you whenever you’re free.

Use these as guidelines to prepare – do not memorize the whole sentences.

7. Be prepared for an interview

If you picked the right time to visit the company, you might catch the manager in his free time and guess what, he might even ask you a couple of questions and decide to interview you there itself.

The result?

They might end their candidate hunting and you might end your job hunting. Win-win!

Recruitment is a hassle for most small businesses and even for larger firms. If they find the right candidate to walk in knocking on their door, why not give him a chance.

If the manager says, “ let me ask you a couple of questions in my office” – you can’t say “ I’m not ready, can we postpone it to tomorrow?”.

Therefore, if you ever decide to drop off your resume, be ready for an interview.

To prepare for the interview:

• Have a good look at the job description and your resume.
• Research about the company, their culture, pay, and, competition.
• Be ready to state the verbal version of your professional summary.
• Explain your experience and skills.

8. Show your personality throughout

From the time you enter the outlet until the time you leave, show your interest – keep a smile on your face – and maintain consistent enthusiasm in your talk.

Respect every employee you meet, not only the managers. Give priority to the customers if you had to wait in a queue.

9. Ask for a business card

If you talked to the manager or dropped off your resume at the reception, ask for a business card of the manager or the recruiter.

Try to get at least an email address and a phone number to follow up on your application.

10. Keep your visit short

Show the staff and the manager that you value their time. If you weren't asked, don't stay longer than 15 minutes.

However, if you visit a restaurant or a coffee shop, you may consider buying something – that would buy you more time and you instantly become a customer making it difficult for them to reject your request to meet the manager.

What to Do if the Recruiter Strictly Says “NO” for In-Person Applications

You should respect the instructions of the recruiter – maybe they have their reasons to say “NO” to drop off applications.

In fact, most businesses do not like interruptions to their business operations due to hiring. That's why they tend to go fully online for recruiting.

However, there’re a few ways you can still make a good impression and a personal connection with the hiring manager👇

Include a cover letter or a message to the recruiter

If the online application allows you to upload an additional document after the resume, include a solid cover letter – explain your interest to join the team and what you can bring to the table.

Explore your personal connections

Check whether anyone you know works in the company or any of its branches. Talk to them and send your resume – ask for a recommendation. Tell them that you’ve already applied online.

Connect with the hiring manager

Use social media – especially LinkedIn to connect with the hiring manager or employees of the company. You may even ask for a recommendation from an existing connection.

Make sure you update your LinkedIn profile with a compelling headshot, cover photo, and profile description. Turn on “Open to Work” on LinkedIn for more visibility.

How to Follow Up After Dropping Off Your Resume?

Dropping off your resume does not end your job search: it just gets started. You have shown the hiring manager your utmost interest in the job by handing in the resume in person. However, people in HR department are always busy with applcations – they would be recruiting people for different positions and some managers handle operations as well – that’s where following up on your application would help.

When should you follow up?

If you hand in the application to the reception, you should follow up the next day. Call the reception or the manager and inquire about your application – make sure it reaches the manager.

If you hand in your resume to the manager, make a follow-up call after 2 or 3 days.

How frequently should you follow up?

Make a follow-up call once every 2 days for entry-level positions as most entry-level positions do not last long. Call once a week to the recruiter for a managerial level position.

However, do not overdo this. You should decide the right frequency of following up based on the hiring manager’s response to your calls.

What documents should I submit with job applications?

Generally, you should include a complete resume and a cover letter emphasizing your interest and expertise tailored to the job. Some companies ask you to fill out a standard job application when you are dropping off your resume.

Should I apply online or hand in my resume in person?

Read the job posting carefully and follow the instructions they have mentioned. If the employer specifies an online job application method to apply, you should do so.

If the employer discourages walk-in applicants, be respectful of their decision and do not attempt to drop off your resume.

Nevertheless, dropping off a resume is not a bad idea. Some employers would give priority to walk-in applicants – interview them on the spot – and offer the job.

Should I hand in my resume to the receptionist?

You should try to hand in your resume to the hiring manager. However, most hiring managers are busy with applications – some hiring managers are carrying out operational tasks as well. Therefore, it is normal that the receptionist takes your application and later hands it to the manager. If you do so, make a follow-up call the next day to see whether the manager received the application.

Create your resume with the best templates

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
• How to Format Your Cover Letter
• (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
• How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

• A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
• A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
• The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
• A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
• A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

• Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
• Phone number
• Name and professional title of the hiring manager
• Name of the company you’re applying to 
• Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

• Your name, profession, and years of experience.
• 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
• The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

• Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
• Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
• Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

• Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
• Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

• Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
• Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
• Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
• Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

• Sending it as an email attachment.
• Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

• Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
• Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
• Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

• Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
• Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
• Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
• If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

12 CV cover letter examples

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

• Academic cover letter
• Account Manager cover letter
• Accountant cover letter
• Accounting cover letter
• Accounts Assistant cover letter
• Acting cover letter
• Admin Assistant cover letter
• Administrator cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Architecture cover letter
• Assistant Manager cover letter
• Banking cover letter
• Bar Staff cover letter
• Barclays cover letter
• Barista cover letter
• Bartender cover letter
• Business Analyst cover letter
• Business Development Manager cover letter
• Car Sales Person cover letter
• Care Assistant cover letter
• Career Change cover letter
• Catering Assistant cover letter
• Civil Engineer cover letter
• Computer Science cover letter
• Consulting cover letter
• Copywriter cover letter
• Cyber Security cover letter
• Data Entry Clerk cover letter
• Data Scientist cover letter
• Delivery Driver cover letter
• Digital Marketing cover letter
• Electrician cover letter
• Engineering cover letter
• Estate Agent cover letter
• Event Manager cover letter
• Exam Invigilator cover letter
• Executive Assistant cover letter
• Fashion Designer cover letter
• Finance cover letter
• Financial Analyst cover letter
• Google cover letter
• Graduate cover letter
• Graduate Engineer cover letter
• Graduate Scheme cover letter
• Graphic Design cover letter
• Health Care Assistant cover letter
• Hospitality cover letter
• HR Assistant cover letter
• HR cover letter
• Interior Designer cover letter
• Internal Position cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Investment Banking cover letter
• Investment Manager cover letter
• IT Support cover letter
• Journalist cover letter
• JP Morgan cover letter
• Lawyer cover letter
• Legal Assistant cover letter
• Legal cover letter
• Library Assistant cover letter
• Manager cover letter
• Marine Engineer cover letter
• Marketing Assistant cover letter
• Marketing cover letter
• Marketing Intern cover letter
• Marketing Manager cover letter
• McKinsey cover letter
• Mechanical Engineer cover letter
• Medical Receptionist cover letter
• Medical Writer cover letter
• Model cover letter
• Nanny cover letter
• Nurse cover letter
• Nursing cover letter
• Office Assistant cover letter
• Office Manager cover letter
• Operations Manager cover letter
• Optical Assistant cover letter
• Paralegal cover letter
• Part Time cover letter
• PE Teacher cover letter
• Personal Assistant cover letter
• Personal Trainer cover letter
• Pharmacist cover letter
• Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
• PHD Application cover letter
• Photographer cover letter
• Placement cover letter
• Private Equity cover letter
• Product Manager cover letter
• Production Assistant cover letter
• Production Operator cover letter
• Project Coordinator cover letter
• Promotion cover letter
• PWC cover letter
• Quantity Surveyor cover letter
• Receptionist cover letter
• Research Assistant cover letter
• Researcher cover letter
• Retail Assistant cover letter
• Retail cover letter
• Retail Manager cover letter
• Sales Advisor cover letter
• Sales Executive cover letter
• Sales Manager cover letter
• Scrum Master cover letter
• Security Officer cover letter
• Ski Season cover letter
• Social Media Executive cover letter
• Social Media Manager cover letter
• Software Developer cover letter
• Software Engineer cover letter
• Speculative cover letter
• Student cover letter
• Support Worker cover letter
• Teaching Assistant cover letter
• Team Leader cover letter
• Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
• University cover letter
• UX Designer cover letter
• Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

• Undergraduate Students
• Masters Students
• PhD/Doctoral Students
• Postdoctoral Scholars
• Faculty & Staff
• Families & Supporters
• Prospective Students
• Explore Your Interests / Self-Assessment
• Build your Network / LinkedIn
• Search for a Job / Internship
• Create a Resume / Cover Letter
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Prepare for Graduate School
• Find Funding Opportunities
• Prepare for the Academic Job Market
• Search for a Job or Internship
• Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
• Arts & Entertainment
• Consulting & Financial Services
• Engineering & Technology
• Government, Law & Policy
• Hospitality
• Management & Human Resources
• Non-Profit, Social Justice & Education
• Retail & Consumer Services
• BIPOC Students & Scholars
• Current & Former Foster Youth
• Disabled Students & Scholars
• First-Generation Students & Scholars
• Formerly Incarcerated Students & Scholars
• International Students & Scholars
• LGBTQ+ Students & Scholars
• Students & Scholars with Dependents
• Transfer Students
• Undocumented Students & Scholars
• Women-Identifying Students & Scholars

Resumes & Cover Letters

• Share This: Share Resumes & Cover Letters on Facebook Share Resumes & Cover Letters on LinkedIn Share Resumes & Cover Letters on X

Your resume is a powerful marketing tool to land an interview. Employers typically scan a resume for 15-30 seconds, so craft a resume that is clear, concise, and demonstrates how you meet their needs.

How to Build Your Resume

Reflect on your experience.

Make a list of special qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Employers will be looking for examples of:

• How your skills/experience/knowledge fit with the position/industry/organization.
• Your ability to deal with high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to assume responsibility.
• A high energy level.
• Strong interpersonal skills and initiative.

Think of specific examples of where and how each skill or attribute led to a tangible result or achievement. Include work experience, internships, volunteer activities, clubs and organizations, research projects, sports, etc. Consider the following as you get started. Have you:

• Identified and/or helped solve any problems? Instituted any new methods, systems, or procedures?
• Acquired industry-specific knowledge?
• Done something faster, better, or cheaper?
• Increased membership, participation, or sales?
• Saved your organization money or reduced waste?
• Suggested a new service, product, or project?
• Re-organized or improved an existing system?
• Refined the nature of an existing task?
• Maintained a consistently high level of performance?
• Demonstrated leadership skills and exhibited good team player skills?
• Reached out for more work or more responsibility?
• Achieved results with little or no supervision?
• Motivated others?
• Coordinated an event or project?
• Trained another person? What were the results?
• Tutored anyone? Did their grades improve?

Emphasize the Results

Show measurable results to an employer. Quantifying and qualifying your accomplishments gives prospective employers a sense of how you went about an assignment or project and the bottom-line results of your performance. Numbers speak volumes to people who make hiring decisions. Qualifying your results is also important so prospective employers can see the impact of your services. Here are a few examples of how you can turn your bullet points into powerful statements that demonstrate your accomplishments.

Instead of:  “Organized all sorority philanthropic events.” Write this:  “Organized all sorority philanthropic events which resulted in contributions of over $4000.”

Instead of:  “Served food.” Write this:  “Developed tact and diplomacy when dealing with customers in a fast-paced environment”

Instead of:  “Responsible for typing and filing.” Write this:  “Commended for efficiency and accuracy in completing office duties”

Building a Powerful Resume

Writing a stand out resume requires the perfect combination of formatting and content. Make sure your resume is easy to read, understand, and digest.

Resume Format

Name & Contact

• At top of resume, centered or justified to left or right. Name should be larger by at least 4 points.
• If you have a preferred name, include it in parentheses between your first and last.
• May include contact information on one line, separating address, phone, and email with a bullet.

Margins & Spacing

• 0.5” to 1” on all sides
• Include white space between the sections of your resume. The space should go before each section heading (not necessary after each section heading).
• Include a space between each item within each section so that it’s clear where one ends and the next begins.

Font Format

• Size: 10-12 points
• Font: Any that is easily legible (ie Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Helvetica, Times). Use the same font throughout.
• Color: Black is preferred. Color may be difficult for some to see and/or not industry-appropriate.
• Typical items to bold include Name and Headings.
• You may bold whatever content is most relevant to the position such as the university name under Education or your position title under Experience.

Tables & Text Boxes

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resume submissions for keywords. Avoid tables, text boxes, and other complex formatting, as they may make it difficult for the ATS to scan your resume.

Length & Paper

• 1 page for undergraduate students and recent grads. Fill the page completely.
• 2 pages may be acceptable for grad students and others with extensive relevant experience.
• When printing your resume, use 8 1/2” x 11” resume paper in white or ivory.
• Experience descriptions should be in bullet list format.
• Use bullets and avoid dashes, arrows, check boxes, or diamonds.
• List all dates along the same margin (right preferred).
• Include months and years for each experience instead of the year only or the quarter/season.
• You may format dates as numbers (09/20xx), words (September 20xx), or abbreviate (Sept. 20xx). Be consistent.

Category Headings

• Left justified (preferred) or centered.
• All caps and bold (preferred).
• May include a bottom border line. To add a line under your section headings in MS Word, go to Home > Paragraph > select the Bottom Border icon.

Resume Content: Essential Categories

Contact Information

• Name (16-18 pts), address, phone #, email, and web address (optional).
• Make sure your email address and your phone’s voicemail greeting are professional.
• Name of school, degree earned or seeking (i.e., BS, BA, MS, MA, PhD), major and minor, expected graduation date (month and year), and GPA (if required or if above 3.0).
• List highest degree first. Include study abroad. High school information should be omitted after sophomore year at the latest.
• Job title, company name, location (city, state), dates of experience, bullet points describing your actions, skills, and accomplishments.
• May include any type of experience: paid and unpaid positions, internships, military service, volunteer, leadership – anything you’ve done that’s relevant to the position you’re seeking.

Resume Content: Additional Categories

Include only those categories that best represent your qualifications for the position. The order of your resume categories should be based on the needs of the position.

Objective (Optional)

• A specific, concise, one-sentence description of the position desired.
• For a specific position, include the title and company name. For general use, omit or state the field, industry, type(s) of positions you are seeking.

Qualifications Summary

• List of all of your qualifications for the position (tailored to the job posting).
• Typically toward the top of the resume, after Education
• Categorize the relevant, concrete skills you possess. Categories may include: Languages, Computer, Laboratory
• List only the skills you can perform with little or no supervision. State your proficiency level with languages and programs (fluent, advanced, proficient, etc.).

Relevant Coursework/Projects

• List course titles (not numbers) of relevant courses, in order of relevance. If a lab, include (Lab) after title.
• May be listed separately or as a subsection under Education.

Honors & Awards

• Students & recent grads can include academic honors, awards and scholarships.
• May be listed separately or as a subsection under “Education”. Include date or # of quarters honors, awards, & scholarships received.
• List the research project, department/lab/organization name, dates, and description of the project, methods, & findings.
• Use same format as Experience section.

Publications

• Cite publications using the correct format for your discipline (MLA, APA, etc.). Bold your name.
• Identify if still in submitted status. May also indicate if peer-reviewed.
• List office(s) held, organization, dates, and a brief description of accomplishments * Use same format as Experience section.

Activities/Volunteer

• List membership in any clubs, sports, or community service experiences.
• May not include a description, depending upon the depth of your involvement.

Interests (Optional)

• List outside hobbies, interests and talents. * Only include those that are unique, specific,and/or require skill/dedication.

Certifications/Licenses

• List is applicable to the position or field
• Can go under Education or Skills

Do Not Include

• References should not be on your resume, but can be on a separate page.
• Personal information such as marital status, citizenship, date of birth, etc.
• Pictures or headshots should not be included on a resume (except if applying for acting/modeling positions or in countries where it is customary to include a photo).

Build Your Bullet Points

There is a formula for creating detailed, compelling bullet points. The content of each bullet point should contain the following:

What did you do? : What were your duties, responsibilities, and/or projects?

How did you do it? : Specific tools, resources, or technology (transferable skills)

Elaborate with details : How often? How many? What was the purpose? Who else was involved? (Use numbers when possible.)

What were the results? : What did you accomplish or improve? Did you meet or exceed a goal? Did you create something new? (Use numbers when possible.)

Download the “Build Your Bullet Points” worksheet here .

CV vs. Resume

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) may be requested in lieu of a resume, typically for academic, scholarly or research opportunities. For undergraduate students, the differences between a CV and a resume are limited.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) * Audience: Academics, researchers, or teachers * Goal: To obtain an academic or research position, grant, or fellowship * Structure & Format: Complete history of your academic credentials – research, teaching, awards, funding, service * Focus: Your academic achievements and your scholarly potential * Unnecessary Information: Activities not related to academic pursuits (ie., personal information, irrelevant work experience, hobbies, etc.) * Length: Flexible

• Audience: Potential employers and networking contacts
• Goal: To obtain a position in any industry outside of academia
• Structure & Format: Brief snapshot of your most relevant skills and work experience. Most relevant skills and experiences should be in the first 1/3 of the resume. Resumes are targeted specifically for the job description
• Focus: Relevant experience and demonstrated skills through accomplishments that prove you can do the job well
• Unnecessary Information: Unabridged list of publications, presentations, conferences attended, courses taught. Work or accomplishments that are not relevant to the position
• Length: 1-2 pages (One page highly recommended)

Target Your Resume to the Job

Your Skills + Their Need = Connection

• Make it easy for the employer to see your fit for the job.
• Do not assume they will “know what you mean” – be specific.
• Use action verbs to demonstrate what you have accomplished.
• Use the job posting as a guideline for targeting your resume.

Steps to Target Your Resume

• Create a great resume following the guidelines in the preceding pages of this chapter.
• Review the job description. Read the specific skills and qualifications: underline words/phrases that match your background. Read the job responsibilities: underline words/phrases that match your background. Take an inventory of your experiences: how and where have you applied these skills?
• Use the keywords from the job posting in the targeted industry (Online applications are often matched to keywords in job posting for screening out resumes)
• If the job posting is very limited, find similar jobs to use as a guide
• The cover letter will also be targeted and can elaborate your “fit”

To see a variety of sample resumes targeted to specific positions and industries, download Chapter 6 of the Career Guide at the bottom of this page.

Writing a Stand Out Cover Letter

A cover letter should communicate your strong interest in the company and your enthusiasm for the position or internship you’re applying for.

Purpose of the Cover Letter

• Brief overview of qualifications.
• Differentiate yourself from the crowd.
• Captivate the attention of the reader.
• Communicate interest in the organization.
• Convince the employer of your skills and accomplishments.

Rules for Cover Letters

• Address the employer’s “wish list”.
• Assess the employer’s needs.
• Actively promote yourself.

Focus on What You Have to Offer

• Describe how your skills, expertise, and past accomplishments can benefit the employer.
• Follow standard business letter format.
• Write clearly and concisely, and proofread your letter for spelling and grammar.
• Use the same font and paper that you used for your resume.

Send Your Cover Letter to a Specific Individual

• Ideally, the letter should be addressed to the person who is likely to make employment decisions. It may take some resourcefulness on your part to identify this person, but the letter will probably be better received.
• Make sure you have the correct spelling of their name and title before submitting.
• If you cannot find the name of the person the letter is addressed to, you may use a title that is specific such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Internship Coordinator”.
• Don’t forget to sign your letter (You can scan it and include it as a .jpg).

Cover Letter Samples

There are cover letter samples in Chapter 6 of the Career Guide and in  Firsthand .

• Resist the temptation to take a “fill-in-the-blank” approach based on the samples.
• Do not use the exact same language found in a sample. Your cover letter should be a reflection of you.
• A cover letter need not stick to a set structure or outline as long as it effectively communicates your fit for the company and position as well as your desire to work for them.

For more information on Resumes & Cover Letters, download Chapter 6 of the UCLA Career Guide .

Career Services Student Success and Well-Being

• Resumes and Cover Letters

Your resume represents you when you aren’t there. It is your professional “snapshot”. Your resume determines if you get an interview, and interview determines if you get a job. Take the time to do your resume right! Creating a resume is a process; don’t expect a perfect resume on your first try.

We can help! Attend our workshops for the basics on resume and cover letter writing. Get ideas from the hundreds of different sample resumes available in our career library. Have a staff member critique your resume for content, formatting and accuracy, no appointment necessary!

What is a Resume?

• Your resume is a summary of your education and experiences . It should be focused on what is relevant to your industry.
• Chronological resumes have educational and employment history organized by date. This resume works well for students who have related experiences within their field.
• Functional resumes focus on skill sets gained through a variety of activities, such as educational course work, clubs and organizations, as well as internships and volunteer work. This resume format works best for students lacking relevant work experience or changing careers.
• Combination resumes are a combination of the chronological resume and functional resume. It focuses on skill sets, but also lists employment history. These types of resumes are most commonly used for someone who wants to change their career path entirely or have limited experience .
• Send your resume with a cover letter, in response to a specific position.
• Keep it current! List your most recent accomplishments so the interviewer knows what you are capable of doing now.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread; ensure there are no grammatical errors.
• Don’t be modest! This is your chance to shine, you are competing for this position!

Drop-in Resume Critique

Once you have completed a draft of your resume, you should ask at least one other person to review it before submitting it to a prospective employer. Our peer advisors are available during drop-in hours to critique a hard copy of your resume. Please plan to attend a Resume workshop before coming in for your critique.

What is a Cover Letter?

Cover Letters introduce you and your resume to prospective employers. The content of a cover letter can be broken down into three basic parts:

• Introduction: Why are you contacting this person? How did you learn about the job? Who are you? What do you know about their organization (research)?
• Body: How can you benefit them? Tell how you are an ideal match for the job. Expand on relevant education, skills, and experience to offer additional details not found on your resume.
• Conclusion: Focus on the next step: the interview! Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Request an interview to further discuss your qualifications.

General Tips for Professional Correspondence:

• Your correspondence should be professional (content and format)
• Ensure there are no mistakes (typos, misspellings, factual errors)
• Always limit correspondence to one page
• Be sure to sign any correspondence
• Majors and Careers
• Work Experience
• Consider Graduate School-OLD
• Job Searching

Human Resources

Cover letter tips and guidelines, the quality of your cover letter will determine the employer’s first impression of you..

The following are general guidelines to help you design your cover letter.

• Use a business letter format.
• Keep the letter limited to one page.
• If you are printing a hard copy, use the same paper stock as the paper used for your resume.
• If possible, address the letter to an individual by name, including correct title, organization and address. If you don't know the specific hiring manager's name, you can address the letter to "Dear Selection Committee" or "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager."
• Tailor the letter to the specific position and organization by highlighting your skills and abilities that are relevant to the position you are seeking; go beyond being a mere restatement of what’s already on your resume.
• Focus on the needs of the employer, and how you can fulfill them.
• Be positive in context, tone, and word choice.
• Include a closing statement that expresses your desire to be interviewed, hear from the individual you are writing to, and/or taking the next step.
• Carefully spellcheck and proofread.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview