Here is What a Good Cover Letter Looks Like

Many job seekers want to know what a good cover letter looks like. Where modern job-search efforts are concerned, there seems to be a lot of misinformation out there. You’ll even find people who will tell you that the tried-and-true cover letter is no longer necessary. Don’t believe that for one second!

The fact is that your cover letter is a critical part of a well-constructed job application, and is often the best way to ensure that you properly sell yourself as the best candidate for any desired position.

Of course, knowing that you need a to write cover letter is just one part of the equation. You also need to know what a good cover letter looks like. In this post, we’ll look at an example of what a good cover letter looks like, and break down the reasons experts like this format.

Example of a good cover letter

Start with the right format. You’ll want to use the standard business letter format for the cover letter:

• Start with your contact information (the header you used on your resume is often a good choice)

• The date

• Your recipient's contact details

• A salutation

• The body of the cover letter

• Close with a strong call to action

Here's what a good cover letter looks like (followed by a text version):

Your First Name, Last Name

Number |  Email Address | LinkedIn URL

Today's Date

Mr. John HiringGuy

Hiring Manager

ABC Corp

1234 Big Money Lane

Anytown, State, and ZIP

Re: Customer Service Manager Opening at ABC Corp

Dear Mr. HiringGuy:

I was very intrigued and excited to receive notice of your open position for a customer service manager and am hopeful that you will be open to discussing the job with me in an interview.

I have followed your company’s progress for some time now and have been impressed with the strides you have made in bringing innovative communications solutions to a global audience. ABC Corp’s commitment to changing the face of modern media has inspired much of my own career progress over the last several years.

My recent background has involved work as a customer service director for outbound tech and service support at XYZ Inc – a position that has provided me with hands-on experience in many of the same types of projects that ABC Corp routinely undertakes. In my time at XYZ, I have been responsible for leading our outbound team to ensure client satisfaction in the area of product returns, refunds, and damaged products. I was also involved in organizing and implementing the company’s most recent CRM upgrade, which increased service rep productivity by 18.2%.

In addition to my strong record of experience in technology and communications, I would also bring to the position an equally strong skill set that includes proficiencies in CRM technology and workflow software. My attached resume provides a more complete picture of those skills.

Again, I am excited to have the opportunity to apply for your company’s position and am confident that I have the communications, customer service, and problem-resolution skills that ABC Corp needs. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-0000 to schedule an interview. I appreciate your time and look forward to discussing this opportunity in greater detail at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

First Name, Last Name

Why this is the perfect cover letter template

1. Direct and to-the-point

This cover letter template mentions the position the candidate is targeting right beginning of the cover letter.

2. Highlights your best qualifications

The best cover letter templates include a brief summary of the qualifications. Remember that your cover letter should include only a brief summary. Your resume will provide more details. The cover letter should entice the manager to look into your resume.

3. Provides value through achievements and numbers

Like your resume or CV, your cover letter should contain quantifiable achievements. A common mistake job seekers make on their cover letter is simply listing out job duties and work history instead of accomplishments. With hundreds of job seekers applying for a single position, you need to know how to stand out. Include numbers wherever possible to capture the attention of the employer.

4. Tailored for the company and hiring manager

It mentions the company name and shows the candidate took the time out to do some research. This shows employers and the hiring manager a strong desire to work for the company. Blasting out the same cover letter to every employer and job application won’t get you very many interview requests.

5. Stays employer-focused

The candidate shows how they will be beneficial to the company and not just an objective or summary of what they've done. Make sure to show the hiring manager how you will benefit the company with your skill set, work experience, and other qualifications.

A good cover letter matters. Naturally, your cover letter will be slightly different for the company you’re applying for, since it should be customized to match your unique history, skill set, and desired job position. However, the basic structure and level of enthusiasm found in this cover letter example should serve you well in most situations.

Summary

Cover letters still matter. It's your chance to talk directly to the hiring manager about your resume. With the right resume and a powerful cover letter, your job search effort should be richly rewarded dream job that’s perfect for your needs!

Related posts:

• How to Write a Cover Letter When Changing Careers

• How to Write an Executive Cover Letter: Example and Tips