Indeed Tips: Writing a Cover Letter
Purpose: The cover letter is intended to help highlight your resume and let the employer know why you are a perfect fit for the job you are applying for.
Length: Three concise paragraphs which are readable in about 10 seconds or less.
Step one: Header
Part five: Closing paragraph and remarks
Purpose: The cover letter is intended to help highlight your resume and let the employer know why you are a perfect fit for the job you are applying for.
Length: Three concise paragraphs which are readable in about 10 seconds or less.
Step one: Header
- Date
- Name
- Address
- Contact information
- Find out the hiring manager's name
- ...If you can't find the name, then use "Dear Hiring Manager,"
- Introduce yourself and enthusiastically tell the employer why you are applying for the job (include why you are excited and how the job lines up with your career goals).
- Avoid sounding formulaic by adding key words from the job posting
- Dig into your specific most relevant skills and experience and give reasons why you would be the perfect candidate.
- Make connections between your previous accomplishment and the job you are applying for.
- Avoid repeating your resume bullet points, as the Hiring Manager will likely have already viewed them.
Part five: Closing paragraph and remarks
- Thank the employer for their time and consideration
- Clarify any gaps in related employment history (if necessary)
- Provide a complimentary close and a signature that is friendly, yet formal.
- Sign your name
SAMPLE COVER LETTER:
January 14, 2020
Shelby Kellyn
1973 Vimy Ridge Drive,
Ottawa, ON K0A 1K0
(343)616-0031
[email protected]
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a kid, I loved building blocks – and flying blind. For me, the job was in imagining what could be, looking for inefficiencies, and making improvements. Fast forward to today, my career and passion have led me to apply for your Engineering position.
With 10 years of experience, I know how to drive business results and collaboration. In my last role, I led a team of five to create a new procedure, cutting our beta testing phase by 12%. As a result, we saw. a finished prototype weeks ahead of our competitors. I would love to bring both my technical and team building skills to help advance your growing team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about the Engineering position and your company’s vision for this role.
Sincerely,
Shelby Kellyn
Shelby Kellyn
1973 Vimy Ridge Drive,
Ottawa, ON K0A 1K0
(343)616-0031
[email protected]
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a kid, I loved building blocks – and flying blind. For me, the job was in imagining what could be, looking for inefficiencies, and making improvements. Fast forward to today, my career and passion have led me to apply for your Engineering position.
With 10 years of experience, I know how to drive business results and collaboration. In my last role, I led a team of five to create a new procedure, cutting our beta testing phase by 12%. As a result, we saw. a finished prototype weeks ahead of our competitors. I would love to bring both my technical and team building skills to help advance your growing team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about the Engineering position and your company’s vision for this role.
Sincerely,
Shelby Kellyn