How to Write a Winning Cover Letter: Format, Examples, & Tips

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document you must provide along with your job application and a CV or resume. It represents your skills and experience related to the specific job position you have applied for. It explains your interest and highlights your expertise associated with this job. Moreover, it emphasises your qualifications, excitement, and a reason why you are fit for this job.

It serves as an extra layer of insight, much like a well-crafted cover letter enhances a resume by highlighting your motivation, personality, and alignment with the company's values.

Thus, your cover letter writing must be engaging and draw the interviewer's attention. This is the meaning of the cover letter. Now, let's move ahead to explore the types of cover letters.

DID YOU KNOWN!

According to Jobscan, a cover letter fosters the likelihood of being called for an interview. As per the survey, it is curated that a cover letter increased “1.9 times chances” to get selected in comparison to those who don’t submit the cover letter.

Types of Cover Letter

When considering who reads the cover letter, it’s important to navigate this dilemma. A cover letter serves as a helpful tool. There are four main types of cover letters, which are:

• Application cover letter
• Referral cover letter
• Letter of interest
• Value proposition letter

Let’s understand the following sections of the cover letter for resume in brief. So, let’s have a look.

A. Application Cover Letter

The application cover letter writing is the most common document candidates use. It is a traditional style that includes professional experience related to the job profile. Also, it is mostly used to articulate the information that is not mentioned in the letter, such as employment gap, reasons to join this company, or changing the position. 

B. Referral Cover Letter

This cover letter for resume is a job application letter that especially mentions the name of a mutual contact or the referrer who has recommended this company. The referrer may know the hiring manager or work within the company, helping you stand out in the hiring process. 

C. Letter of Interest

A letter of interest is a cover letter writing that is an inquiry letter about the job opening at a company where you want to work. Although a company may not post about job openings because the vacancy is closed, it may still be seeking qualified candidates, and this kind of cover letter takes the initiative to inform the hiring manager about the interest you have in working in your company in the required position.

D. Value Proposition Letter

A value proposition letter is a summary that highlights your accomplishments, abilities, and potential value you have for this job position. This type of letter is typically used as a resume summary or to answer the “tell me about yourself” interview questions.

These are the four types of cover letters that you must know before writing a cover letter. Thus, craft a heart-winning cover letter that catches the eyes and gets accepted. Submit this letter along with your resume after the email. Now, let’s explore its format.

Also read: Letter writing, Report Writing

Format of Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter could be challenging for beginners, but you can easily craft it once you learn the approach and understand the structure. Thus, in this section, we have shared the cover letter format that will help you to know how to write this letter.

1. Date and contact information

2. Recipient’s information

3. Salutation or greetings 

4. Introduction

5. Body paragraph

6. Conclusion

7. Complimentary closing line or salutation

8. Signature

This is the cover letter format that can help you get an idea of how to write this letter properly. In the next section, let’s learn how to write an engaging cover letter by following the steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Write a Cover Letter

After understanding the format, it's time to focus on cover letter writing. By following these steps, you can create the perfect cover letter for your job application, increasing your chances of getting accepted right away.

1. Contact Information

• Your Information: Start with your Name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the cover letter. This allows the recipient to easily contact you.
• Recipient's Information: After your contact details, include the recipient's information, such as their Name, title, company name, and address. This helps personalize the letter and shows that you've done your research.

2. Greetings

• Use a formal salutation to address the person directly, such as: "Dear [Recipient's Name]" or "Hello [Recipient's Name]". If you're unsure of the person's Name, you can use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern".

3. Introduction

Now, write an appealing introduction. Begin by introducing yourself and clearly stating the position you are applying for. Mention how you came across the job opening, whether it was through a referral or a job board. Use this section to briefly highlight the most relevant skills or accomplishments that created your interest in the job. You want to grab their attention right away.

4. Body Paragraphs

• Knowledge of the Company: Show the employer that you have researched the company. Mention specific things you admire about the company, such as its culture, mission, or recent projects, and why that excites you.
• Position You're Applying For: Clearly state the role you are applying for and briefly explain why you are a good fit for it. Highlight the experience and skills that make you suitable for the job.
• Value You Bring: Explain the unique value you bring to the company. This could include specific skills, knowledge, or experience that aligns with the company's needs. Be sure to include measurable results where possible (e.g., "I increased sales by 20%" or "I managed a team of 10 employees").

5. Conclusion

• Readdress Your Interest: Restate your interest in the position and the company. This reaffirms your enthusiasm and commitment.
• Call to Action: Invite the employer to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview. For example, you can write, "I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.

6. Attach the Documents

• Mention that you've attached your resume, portfolio, or any other relevant documents that support your application. This reinforces that you are submitting all necessary materials for consideration.

7. Closing Salutation

• End with a polite and professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards". This signals the end of the letter.

8. Signature

• After your closing salutation, leave space for your handwritten signature (if submitting a hard copy). If it's an email, your typed Name will suffice. If you are sending a physical letter, signing your Name adds a personal touch.

These are the steps that can help you shapeyour cover letter for job application. Use this while writing your cover letter. We understand you must be looking for some examples, so in the next section, we have shared some examples related to this.

Explore Examples of Cover Letter

If you are looking for cover letter templates, then your search ends here. We have shared three examples that can help you to write this letter. Have a look.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

These are the cover letter templates. Refer to them while writing your cover letter for a job application. But before writing, you must follow some strategies mentioned in the next section so that you can write this letter carefully. 

Must Read: Email Writing, Paragraph Writing, Formal Letter Writing

Tips to Write a Perfect Cover Letter

Here are some tips on how to write a cover letter for a job application that will impress the interviewer and help you get the job.

1. Read the job description and modify your cover letter according to the company you are applying.

2. Address your contact information carefully.

3. Highlight your skills, interests, and experience. 

4. Use the right format and template, along with the accurate tone of writing.

5. Address the gaps if you have any.

6. Check all your details before sending.

7. Avoid writing quirky emails that can get dismissed.

8. Use a professional tone to express your genuine interest in getting hired.

9. Research well before sending the cover letter, especially in the letter of interest.

10. Keep it brief and provide information to the point rather than losing the topic and discussing something else.

Conclusion

Here we come to the end: a cover letter plays an important role in your job application. We hope this blog will help you with cover letter writing. However, remember that you might miss the mark if you don't follow the correct format. Using the right approach, including all necessary information, and maintaining the appropriate tone are essential to making a strong impression. After resume writing, make sure to also craft an effective cover letter if you want to increase your chances of being selected. Moreover, if you need any guidance on writing a cover letter, you can contact our experts at Gradding.com. They will assist you in the right pathway.

FAQs

• What do I write in a cover letter?

Answer: A cover letter must introduce you, address your interest in applying for a specific job, and highlight your skills and experience. Also, it shows why you are ideal for this job. It is a one-page document that acts like a resume. Thus, you should add 

1. Contact information

2. Recipient’s information

3. Date

4. Salutation

5. Introduction

6. Body paragraph

7. Conclusion

8. Closing and signature.

• What is called a cover letter?

Answer: A cover letter is a one-page document sent with the resume. It highlights your interest in the specific job position and your qualifications and elaborates on why you are fit for this position. It also shows enthusiasm, skills, and experience.

• What is the difference between a CV and a cover letter?

Answer: The cover letter unusually concentrates more on the current and future objectives. On the other hand, a CV or resume signifies your accomplishments, previous job experiences, and academic qualifications.

• How to start a cover letter?

Answer: A perfect cover letter should begin with your contact number and date, followed by a salutation. Afterwards, it should have an engaging paragraph of introduction, body, and conclusion. It must highlight your interests in the specific company and role.