When you send a job application, the document that often precedes your resume is the cover letter. A well‑written resume cover letter serves as much more than a formality—it becomes your opening statement. It introduces you, explains why you’re applying, and sets the stage for the hiring manager to dive into your resume.
Why include a cover letter
Your resume lays out your history: roles, skills, education, achievements. The cover letter, by contrast, answers: Why this role? Why this organization? By pairing the two thoughtfully, you give the reader both the facts and the narrative.
Key differences between resume and cover letter
- A resume uses bullet points and sections to quickly convey your background; a cover letter is written in full paragraphs with a greeting, body, and closing.
- The resume is broadly aimed; the cover letter is tailored for a specific job and company.
- The cover letter offers you space to address things the resume cannot: a career shift, a relevant project, or your genuine motivation for applying.
Format and length guidelines
- Keep the letter to one page, ideally three or four paragraphs.
- Use a standard font (10–12 pt), one‑inch margins.
- At the top, include your contact information and the date; below that, the recipient’s name and company (if known).
- Use a professional greeting (e.g., “Dear Ms. Smith,”). Avoid “To whom it may concern.”
Crafting the content
Opening paragraph:
State the role you’re applying for and where you found it. Then quickly mention why it appeals to you.
Middle paragraphs:
Select 1–2 strong, relevant accomplishments or experiences. Show how they prepare you to contribute to the prospective employer. Use concrete results rather than vague claims.
Also, research the company: what they’re doing, what they value—and connect your interests or skills to that.
Closing paragraph:
Reiterate your interest, thank the reader, and invite next steps (“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss…”). Provide your best contact info again.
Tone and personalization
Your cover letter should feel professional yet personal. Avoid copying your resume verbatim. Instead, complement it by adding context: “Here’s how I approached that challenge,” or “My motivation for this role is…”.
Tailor the letter to the job—generic letters lose impact.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Repeating large chunks of your resume instead of adding new insights.
- Using a one‑size‑fits‑all letter for many jobs.
- Neglecting to address the hiring manager by name (if possible).
- Over‑emphasizing what you want rather than what you can give.
- Errors in grammar, formatting, or failing to proofread.
When it may
not
be necessary
If a job posting explicitly states “no cover letter needed,” then you may omit it. But if no guidance is given, including a well‑crafted cover letter can set you apart.
Integrating with your application
- Use the same header format and font as your resume for cohesion.
- Reference your resume in the letter: “As you’ll see in my attached résumé…”
- Label the files clearly when submitting: “Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf” and “Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter.pdf”.
In closing, by drafting a thoughtful resume cover letter, you don’t just say “Here’s my resume”—you persuade the reader, “Here’s why I’m the candidate you should spend 5 minutes reviewing.” You can further streamline your job‑search process and step into your next opportunity with increased confidence by exploring the AI‑powered cover letter tool at https://letterlab.io.