QuestionsAnswered.net

What's Your Question?

How to Sign In to Webmail

Webmail services such as Outlook and Gmail let you stay connected with the people you care about. They make it easy to communicate with clients and coworkers. Many email providers offer their services for free. Here’s what to do when using several popular webmail sign-in pages.

Gmail Sign In

Your Google account gives you access to many different apps, such as Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube and Google Play. If you’ve already signed into your Google account online, your email account should load automatically when you open Gmail. If you need to log in for the first time, or switch accounts, here’s what to do:

Outlook Sign In

When accessing your Microsoft email account from Outlook 365, you only need to sign in the first time. After that, the email account is designed to open automatically. If you have multiple Outlook accounts or want to sign in for the first time, follow these instructions:

Yahoo Sign In

Yahoo approaches mail sign in differently than other email providers. Instead of requiring you to remember a password, it asks you to set up an Account Key. When you want to sign in, Yahoo sends push notifications to your phone. Here’s how it works:

Apple ID Account Sign In

An Apple ID lets you access all Apple products seamlessly, such as iTunes, iCloud and other services. To sign in with iCloud Mail, do this:

Important Sign-In Reminders

Follow these tips to stay safe when using your email account, especially on multiple or public devices:

MORE FROM QUESTIONSANSWERED.NET

cover letter email definition

The Difference Between a Cover Letter and the Email You Send With Your Application

Hot jobs on the muse.

person at computer

When it comes to making a job change, getting it right truly matters. You need to get the keywords right , the messaging right , the formatting right . You’ve got to find the right people to endear yourself to, and the right words for your cover letter and follow-up correspondence.

And, for the love of it all, you’ve got to nail the approach.

But, my oh my, there are so many considerations—so many things we all second guess ourselves on when applying for a job.

Should you make the cover letter the body of the email, or attach it separately? (Or both?) Do you address the person by first name, or go with Mr. / Ms. So-and-So? (And, does same rule apply for both?) How casual or formal do you need to be? Is there a right or wrong format for cover letters and emails? Does the cover letter need to be a page or less? How long should the intro email be?

Holy Hannah—it’s enough to make the coolest cucumbers among us start to feel like crazy people. And that’s even before you’ve made an introduction.

Deep breaths, everyone. Deep breaths. Let’s break this cover letter stuff down into manageable chunks. Here’s what you need to know:

Should the Cover Letter Be an Attachment or Just the Body of Email?

The short answer is: either. Not both, either.

If you ask 10 recruiters of hiring managers which they prefer, you’ll probably get five who say attachment and five who say email. But here’s the good news: Nearly all will report that it’s not going to make or break you either way. So, don’t let this topic unravel you.

I happen to be a proponent of “cover letter as body of the email,” and here’s why: It gives you the opportunity to make a strong, memorable first impression the millisecond that reviewer’s eyes open their inbox. You can draw someone in with an incredible opening line, and then showcase the ways in which you could contribute to the team.

If, instead, you decide to go with cover letter as attachment, you should be brief and point the reader to the attachments.

I’ve learned you are seeking a senior project manager with e-commerce experience and knowledge of Jira. That’s me. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualifications for the role. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon!

Keep it brief if you go this route. Those on the receiving end won’t appreciate having to plow through a super long email and all your attachments.

Lastly, don’t even think about replicating the cover letter in both the email and the attachment. That’s just ridiculous (and, makes you look totally indecisive).

Now that we got that figured out, let’s answer the other questions that are probably eating at you:

Do I Use a First Name Salutation—or a More Formal One?

This is best answered with, “It depends”—for both the cover letter and the accompanying email. (I know, just doing my part to make things simple here.)

In all seriousness, it’s best to evaluate the tone and style of the organization you’re attempting to join, and then guess which salutation would be most would the appropriate and appreciated. You can do this pretty easily by reviewing the company’s website and social media presence.

Remember, you’re going to be hired for that next role if (and only if) you’re a “yes” to these three questions

That said, if you can introduce yourself in a way that implies right out of the gates that you’re a triple yes, you’re in business.

Is a Conversational Style Allowed?

In general, I think that job seekers get a bit too revved up about “proper” and end up losing sight of the fact that there’s an actual person at the receiving end of this (assuming you’re emailing your application directly).

Guess what? People like engaging, conversational reading. They notice when an applicant seems genuine, personable, and interesting. They appreciate when plowing through their pile of candidates doesn’t feel like total drudgery.

That being the case, unless you’re applying for a role within an extremely conservative or structured industry or organization, heck yes, a conversational style is allowed. Certainly, this is not your time to bust out a bunch of slang or (gasp) use language that could offend, but it’s a-ok to make your cover letter or intro email read like you’re a real person.

Just be sure and make it clear—in both cases—why you want to work for that company and what, specifically, you can walk through their doors and deliver.

Is the One Page Rule for Cover Letters Still True? What About in an Email?

Hard and fast “rules” make me crazy in general, so I’m not going to announce the exact length that your cover letter or your intro email need to be. I will simply suggest that you get in there, quickly endear yourself to the recipient, and then spell out, specifically, how and why you make perfect sense for the role you’re pursuing. And then wrap it up.

If you can pull it off with a one-page cover letter, absolutely. If you need a page and a half? So long as you’re peeling out any and all unnecessary blabber, knock yourself out. (And this article tells you how to cut it down to make it as effective as possible.)

For the email, again, get to the point and don’t be redundant if you’re also attaching a cover letter.

You can get these things right, for real. Nail the big stuff, sweat the details that truly matter, and get right to the business of making your grand entrance, well, one that’s grand.

cover letter email definition

Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples

How to send an email cover letter and resume.

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

cover letter email definition

Send a Test Message to Yourself

Review a sample email cover letter.

Marc Romanell / Photolibrary / Getty Images

What should you include in an email to apply for a job, and how should you send it? An email cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your expertise. It is written to provide information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and to explain the reasons for your interest in the company.

When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume.

The job posting may specify the type of file you need to send, and how you should send it. If not, you can follow the instructions below to easily get your documents to the hiring manager.

It's also important to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other correspondence you send. Even though it's quick and easy to send an email, it doesn't mean that you should write anything less than a detailed cover letter focused on why you are a good match for the job you are applying for. Here are some tips for sending email cover letters.

Sending Email Cover Letters and Resumes as Attachments

Need more help? Here's a step-by-step guide to sending your resume and cover letter as an attachment .

Sending Email Cover Letters Without Attachments

Contact Person, Subject Line, and Signature

Double-Check Your Letter for Spelling and Grammar

Make sure you spellcheck and check your grammar and capitalization. They are just as important in an email cover letter as in paper cover letters.

Send the message to yourself first to test that the formatting and attachments work. If everything looks good, resend to the employer.

Here's an example of an email cover letter. Also see below for more samples.

Sample Email Cover Letter

Subject: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist Job – Roger Smith

Dear Ms. Cole,

I was excited to see your listing for the position of administrative assistant/receptionist at ABC Market Corp. I believe that my five years' experience in office administration and my passion for your products make me an ideal candidate for this role.

You specify that you’re looking for an administrative assistant with experience scheduling appointments, maintaining records, ordering supplies, and greeting customers. I’m currently employed as an administrative assistant at XYZ company, where I have spent the past five years honing these skills.

I’m adept at using all the usual administrative and collaboration software packages, from Microsoft Office and SharePoint to Google Docs and Drive. I’m a fast learner, and flexible, while always maintaining the good cheer that you’d want from the first person visitors see when they interact with the company.

I have attached my resume and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Roger Smith Phone Email LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)

More Sample Email Cover Letters

Review more sample email cover letters and templates for a variety of role types.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Sign in | Recent Site Activity | Report Abuse | Print Page | Powered By Google Sites

You control your data

We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

What Is a Cover Letter for a Job? Definition, Purpose, Meaning

What Is a Cover Letter for a Job? Definition, Purpose, Meaning

Everyone has heard of one, but what is a cover letter for a job and what does it do? Here’s a simple explanation plus a full toolbox of cover letter advice.

Jacques Buffett, CPRW

As seen in:

Here’s a brief roundup of what a cover letter for a job is:

Though it is personalized, a cover letter for a resume should also be clean and visually organized.

Here is a cover letter sample created with our cover letter builder .

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

what is a cover letter

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

See that? This resume cover letter presents the candidate in a memorable way telling stories that show his skills and experience match what the employer seeks. It’s also well-organized and long enough.

The difference between a resume and a cover letter is clear: a resume is a list of specs and a cover letter is a full-blown marketing campaign. Yes, it still mentions facts and figures, but it puts them out the in the form of a story.

You can find more in-depth information on how to write cover letters in our dedicated guides:

Now, let’s discover why cover letters are still a thing nowadays.

What’s the Purpose of a Cover Letter for a Job in Today’s Hiring?

Ever wondered why it’s called a cover letter? Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, people submitted job applications on paper. The cover letter served as the actual cover page for the resume.

It doesn’t work like that today of course. Now it’s just a smart way to provide context to your application, convey motivation, show your personality, etc.

Regardless, you still need a cover letter and it’s still important. Here’s why:

What is the Point of a Cover Letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to provide additional background information about your application. The goal of the cover letter is to highlight your best qualifications, explain what's missing from your resume, and show a bit of your personal story. It shows your commitment to the potential job, as it requires extra time on your part to write one.

Pro Tip:  Do you always need a cover letter? It is important in four cases: if the job ad requires it, if the recruiter requests it, if you're applying directly to a person and know their name, or if someone has referred you for the position.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

Create the perfect resume

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Is there anything we didn’t cover? Still not convinced you need a resume cover letter? Hit us up in the comments section. We’d love to help.

Jacques Buffett, CPRW

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

What Does the Best Cover Letter Look Like in 2023

What Does the Best Cover Letter Look Like in 2023

Not sure what a cover should look like? Confused by all the contrasting guidelines? Here’s an article that will straighten out all your queries once and for all.

What Is a Résumé? Meaning, Definition & Use

What Is a Résumé? Meaning, Definition & Use

What is a resume (or résumé if you're feeling a bit pretentious), what is its purpose, and how to use it.

Cover Letter Outline as Suggested by Career Experts [+Tips]

Cover Letter Outline as Suggested by Career Experts [+Tips]

Having trouble putting thoughts to paper? Take the guesswork out—our cover letter outline will make things super simple.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Understanding cover letters, types of cover letters, how to write a cover letter, tips for writing a cover letter.

The Bottom Line

Career Advice

What Is a Cover Letter? Types and How To Write One

Andrew Ancheta is a finance editor who has reported extensively on cryptocurrency, NFTs, economics, and history. He previously worked as an editor for China Daily.

cover letter email definition

A cover letter is a written document commonly submitted with a job application outlining the applicant's credentials and interest in the open position. Since a cover letter is often one of only two documents sent to a potential employer, a well- or poorly-written letter can impact whether the applicant is called for an interview .

Key Takeaways

7 Cover Letter Blunders

Most job postings are done online and no longer require a physical application. Instead, applicants send companies a copy of their resume along with a cover letter either by email or with a hard copy through the mail. A resume offers a glimpse into the professional and academic experience of a potential employee. The cover letter, on the other hand, acts as an introduction written by the candidate to express their interest in the position and what makes them the best fit for the job.

A good cover letter complements a resume by expanding on items relevant to the job. In essence, it's a sales pitch that describes why the applicant is the best person for the position. Career experts advise job seekers to spend time customizing each cover letter for the particular position, rather than using a generic missive. Although this requires extra effort, it can be very helpful in allowing an applicant to stand out above the competition.

The cover letter provides information to the employer about who the candidate is as a professional and as a person. This includes their areas of interest, professional goals, knowledge, skills they've gained over the years, achievements, passions, and aspirations. The cover letter should be a one-page document that provides a clear and concise idea about why the candidate is the best person for the job . It should also highlight the cultural fit.

While there is no set template for a cover letter, the type of letter that you write will depend on the requirements of each individual company or employer. The information that is included in a cover letter will vary depending on the goals and purpose of your application.

When employers post a job ad that requires a cover letter, they may specify certain requirements for the cover letter to address. For example, they may require applicants to answer certain questions, or to respect a certain word limit. It is important to follow these requirements, as they reflect on the applicant's ability to understand and follow directions.

If the employer does not set any expectations, a typical cover letter should be about a page or less, and may include a formal greeting, contact information, and links to the applicant's portfolio or work. It should highlight any special skills, and explain why you would be a good fit for the position. This is your chance to impress the employer: Even if your resume does not have everything an employer wants, a well-written cover letter can make the applicant stand out from the crowd.

However, it is possible to include too much information. Most employers will simply glance at the majority of their cover letters, and a long-winded essay might end up at the bottom of the pile. A few short paragraphs explaining your skills, and why you chose that specific employer, should be enough to put your best foot forward.

Writing a cover letter doesn't have to be tedious—even though it may seem like it's a chore. Here are a few simple tips you may want to consider when composing your cover letter:

A simple, focused cover letter without any typos or grammatical errors will get you noticed by potential employers.

A perfect resume can often be sabotaged by a poorly thought-out cover letter or one that is laden with mistakes. Whether you include the letter as per required submission guidelines, or you simply want to emphasize your interest in the job, make sure you avoid making these blunders.

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

According to Indeed , a leading job-seeking site, a typical cover letter should be about three or four paragraphs long and highlight any special experience or achievements that make the applicant exceptionally well-suited to the position.

How Do You Start a Cover Letter?

A cover letter should start with a formal greeting, preferably addressed to the hiring manager. If you do not know who will be reading your cover letter, a generic "to whom it may concern" is an acceptable, albeit old-fashioned, way to address a cover letter. It is also acceptable to address the letter to a title, such as "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear Talent Acquisition Team."

What Should a Cover Letter Contain?

An effective cover letter should highlight the applicant's skills, experience, and any achievements that make them a good fit for their prospective employer. It is also a good chance to mention anything that is not included in the resume: For example, if an applicant is drawn to a certain employer because they love a certain product, the cover letter is a great place to mention it. Make sure your cover letter also includes your name and contact information.

In a competitive jobs market, an effective cover letter is one way to make a job application stand out. This is a chance for an applicant to demonstrate why they think they would be a good fit. However, a poorly-written or meandering cover letter can hurt an application more than it helps.

Harvard Extension School. " Resources and Cover Letters: An Extension School Resource ," Pages 3 and 5.

Harvard Extension School. " Resources and Cover Letters: An Extension School Resource ," Page 5.

Jobscan. " Cover Letter Formats ."

Indeed. " What Is a Cover Letter? "

Indeed. " How to Address a Cover Letter (With Examples). "

TRUSTe

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Skip navigation

Home

How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

Student working in career planning guide

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

Cover letters … the 3-minute version

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

How do I write a cover letter?

Before writing, research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. Here are some things you can do:

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

Writing Your Cover Letter: Format and Structure

Writing Your Cover Letter: Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction : State the position for which you are applying, where you found out about the job, who you are and why you are interested in/qualified for this job and company in particular. If you spoke with someone in the company or were referred by a connection ask if you can include that person’s name and mention your conversation.

Body :   The body of the cover letter may be one or two paragraphs. Highlight your qualifications and emphasize your strengths which are most relevant to the industry, organization, and position. Be specific. Use 2-3 examples of your work or academic experience to communicate your motivation and how your skills and experience prepared you for the job. Structure your letter based on relevance not chronology. Explain how you will be valuable to the employer. Do not discuss or apologize if you feel you lack experience or accomplishments.

Conclusion : Thank the reader and reaffirm your interest in the position or organization. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. Your cover letter should be specific to the firm and explain why you would be a good fit to work there. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Checking Your Work

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Pro-Tip: If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

Submit a Cover Letter when…

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

Related Resources

Sample cover letters.

These sample cover letters will help you get started and give you an idea of what to include in your own letters!

Privacy Policy  Notice of Non-Discrimination Terms of Use

A covering email

cover letter email definition

Learn how to write a covering email to accompany a job application.

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Matching_MjMxNDU=

To : [email protected] From : Susan Nelson Subject : Digital Marketing Executive application

Dear Ms Jones,

I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a Digital Marketing Executive. My name is Susan Nelson and I'm a Social Media Marketing Assistant. I have had this job for the past two years and I believe I am the person you need for your new role.

The bulk of my work involves designing and implementing online marketing campaigns across a range of channels. I am very comfortable using analytics to assess campaign success and drive future initiatives. I work with a range of social media platforms and tools for digital marketing.  

I have always worked in the retail industry and am familiar with the seasonal nature of business such as yours and have the skills to push your business forward through creativity and innovation. I would very much like the opportunity to both bring my experience and enthusiasm to this role while continuing to develop professionally and personally.

Following initial research into your company I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person.  

Please find attached my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Nelson

TrueOrFalse_MjMxNDk=.xml

Grouping_MjMxNTA=.xml

ReorderingHorizontal_MjMxNTE=.xml

Do you have any tips for writing a good covering email?

Language level

Actually a good covering email should be formal and must include the applicant current role and relevant skills, Moreover applicant must radiate their confidence and interest for the job in their writing. Make sure to attached CV.

From: Grace To: ABC English Academy Subject: Part time Teacher Application

Dear Mr. Kim

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Part time teacher.My name is Grace Lee, I am a current student in SouthVille University, I believe I would fit the job description. I major in English and have a prior tutoring experience.

I've been tutoring a group of 2nd grader students for nearly a year, I design lesson plan and activity sheets for my students. I work alongside with my students and open to their suggestions and ideas.

I've always love teachinng. It is my passion and pretty much enjoy the job. I would like the opportunity to both bring my enthusiasm and experience to this role while continuing to develop personally and professionally.

Following intial research into your company, I believe I would be great asset to your company. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position with you in person.

Please see attached CV.

Best Regards, Grace

I am writing in response to your advertisment …. My name is Zeynep Emsiz and I currently work at this …., in which I have the function of…. I am a student and study ….

I am determined my education will bring your company great succes and I will be suitable for the job. This mainly is based on the personal and particular skills one is ought to know. For example, in the workplace when this occasion happens …., I learned how to act in the fast and most efficient possible way.

Even though I am a full student, I have worked in diverious work places, such as the GMR VO. I had the function of student leader and helped with many experiments, such as the MR Acadmia. Furthermore, I want to acknowledge you of the fact I had an administrative fucntion in a maternity nurse company. At least I voluntarily worked with children as a mentor tutor. All these experiences connect with the function as ‘administrative assistent’.

I hope to have informed you well enough. I am accesible at any time.

I am pleased to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Zeynep Emsiz

There are a few errors in the sample text:

"advertisment" should be spelled "advertisement" "succes" should be spelled "success" "one is ought to know" is awkward and could be rephrased as "necessary for the job" "diverious" should be spelled "various" "MR Acadmia" is unclear and should be clarified or rephrased "fucntion" should be spelled "function" "at least" should be "also" or "in addition" "as a mentor tutor" is awkward and could be rephrased as "as a mentor and tutor" "accesible" should be spelled "accessible" "hearing from you" should be "hearing from you soon" or "looking forward to hearing from you"

Dear Human Resources Manager, I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Civil Engineer published on the ABC website. I am a qualified Civil Engineer, and my qualification has been assessed by engineers Australia. I have more than 20 years of experience in the field of engineering, specialising in Road network Planning and management in Australia and overseas. By next year, I would have been working for CBH Australia, which is the largest state government agency responsible for the state road network. I am very confident that my knowledge and experience in the field of the road sector would be a valuable asset to your organisation. I have enclosed my CV for your reference, and you can reach me at any time on my mobile or email to discuss any further queries you may have. Kind Regards, Chami

I've been writing a bunch of cover letter the past days... Introduce yourself and explain which position are you applying for, talk about your past experiencie and how it would be useful for their company. Be formal and fiendly. Finish with a Call to Action😊

Yeah there are many tips, which we can use to improve the structure of a Covering email First of all, we must talk about ourselves. Which duties we can do second of all, we can talk a little about our Experience and our enthusiasm. 3rd, we have to try hardly to convince the Hr through showing, that we read a lot about this Company and we are greatly looking forward to work there

Yes I have tips for writing a good covering email. Such as being precise and to the point. Make sure the email is formal.

Yes, I have many tips to writing a good covering email. 1) Email should be polite in nature as dear not hi 2) email should contain important thing not very detail so short and concise manner. 3) Write about your experience and what you are work in current job. 4) Always write a good style to affect mind whom this email you are sending 5) Describe yourself and tell them your aim is to growth of company.

cover letter email definition

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023 | Beginner's Guide

Background Image

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

how to write cover letter

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

job search masterclass ebook

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

structure of a cover letter

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

cover letter templates

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

contact information on a cover letter

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

matching resume and cover letter

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

linkedin search cco

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

college or student cover letter example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter

Management Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

resume examples for cover letter

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

cookies image

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

IMAGES

  1. How To Write An Email Cover Letter: Samples + 5 Writing Tips

    cover letter email definition

  2. 14+ Example Of Email Cover Letter To Job Application

    cover letter email definition

  3. FREE 8+ Email Cover Letter Templates in PDF

    cover letter email definition

  4. Email Cover Letter Format

    cover letter email definition

  5. 11+ Email Cover Letter Templates

    cover letter email definition

  6. How to Email a Cover Letter: Samples, Format & Subject Line

    cover letter email definition

VIDEO

  1. React JS Dev Resume: Part 2 (Cover Letter, Email, Portfolio)

  2. how to write an e mail

  3. E-Mail Writing| Professional E-Mail Writing| Format of E-Mail Writing

  4. React JS Dev Resume: Part 1 (Cover Letter, Email, Portfolio)

  5. Email Writing Format. B.com II

  6. PORTUGAL VISA #visa #ytshorts #youtube

COMMENTS

  1. What Is the Difference Between a Paper Letter and an Email?

    The primary difference between a paper letter and an email is the medium; a paper letter is printed or handwritten on actual paper and sent through the mail while an email is typed on a computer, tablet or smartphone and sent electronically...

  2. What Is the Correct Salutation for a Cover Letter?

    The correct salutation on a cover letter should always include the word “Dear” followed by the contact person to whom the letter is addressed. This should be followed by either a comma or a colon, then a blank line and the first line of the...

  3. How to Sign In to Webmail

    Webmail services such as Outlook and Gmail let you stay connected with the people you care about. They make it easy to communicate with clients and coworkers. Many email providers offer their services for free. Here’s what to do when using ...

  4. How To Send an Email Cover Letter (With Steps, Tips and Example)

    In today's business world, including a cover letter as an attachment is the norm—whether as part of an online job application or in an email.

  5. The Difference Between a Cover Letter and the Email You Send

    The short answer is: either. Not both, either. If you ask 10 recruiters of hiring managers

  6. Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples

    An email cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your expertise. It is written to provide

  7. Email Etiquette when sending a cover letter and resume

    Unless an employer specifically asks for you to include your cover letter and your resume in the body of your email, send them as separate email attachments.

  8. How to Email a Cover Letter: Samples, Format & Subject Line

    An email cover letter is a short message explaining why you're submitting your resume and how your expertise makes you the right candidate.

  9. What Is a Cover Letter for a Job? Definition, Purpose, Meaning

    A cover letter is a document attached to your job application that shows why you're the best candidate. · Not everyone expects cover letters, but

  10. What Is a Cover Letter? Types and How To Write One

    Key Takeaways · A cover letter is commonly submitted with a job application explaining the applicant's credentials and interest in the position. · A good cover

  11. How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

    A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume.

  12. the purpose of a cover letter

    you will initiate your follow-up telephone call or email and stick to this date!

  13. A covering email

    Actually a good covering email should be formal and must include the applicant current role and relevant skills, Moreover applicant must radiate their

  14. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023

    A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). Its purpose is to introduce