A cover letter serves as a personalized introduction to your job application, complementing your resume by highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. It provides an opportunity to showcase your communication abilities, explain your fit for the position, and convey your genuine interest in the organization.
- If the instructions say don’t include a cover letter, then don’t write one.
- If the instructions say, submit your cover letter. Then write one!
- If the instructions, cover letter optional?
Even if a cover letter is not explicitly requested, submitting one can show initiative and can set you apart from other candidates. Always make sure it complements your resume and adds value to your application.
- Address your letter to a specific person. If you do not have a name, call the organization and ask for the name and title of the person who should receive your letter. As a last resort, you may use “Dear Hiring Manager.
- Research the organization, study the position description, and tailor your letter accordingly.
- Focus on the reader’s needs, not yours. Emphasize how you can help the organization.
- Don’t assume gender identify, unless you find the recipient’s pronouns on LinkedIn or in their signature block. If you are unsure, use their full name or title, e.g. Dear Sam Richardson.
For a technical position, bullets are often preferred because they make it easier for a hiring manager to quickly see your relevant skills, tools, and achievements.
- Opening paragraph: why you’re interested in the role
- Bullets: 3–4 technical strengths or achievements
- Closing paragraph: enthusiasm and next steps
If the role is highly technical, bullets usually help more than long paragraphs because they make your qualifications easier to evaluate quickly.
For a technical position, bullets are often preferred because they make it easier for a hiring manager to quickly see your relevant skills, tools, and achievements.