When you are applying for a job, how you format your cover letter is important because the letter is one of the first impressions you'll make on an employer. In fact, how you format your letter is almost as important as what you write in it. A cover letter that is formatted incorrectly, or is difficult to read, can quickly eliminate you from the pool of candidates, so it's critical to pay just as much attention to the formatting of your letter as to its content.
Simple cover letter. Make a great first impression with this accessible resume cover letter template. Look for the resume for a matched set. The sample cover letter for tourist visa provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this on your travel visa application is very important so make sure that you take your time to think what to write and gather all the necessary documents to support what's written on your letter.
Remember, 'formatting' includes factors such as page margins, font type and size, line, paragraph and section spacing, and document type. For example, a letter without the correct spacing between paragraphs, or with too much text on a page, is going to look cluttered, or a letter saved as a file type that is not meant for a text document (such as a .jpg or a .png) may prevent the reader from opening and viewing it.
Adhering to typical standards in formatting is especially important considering that communication skills are important in nearly every field, and failing to compose a readable cover letter will certainly not inspire confidence in your abilities. On the other hand, a cover letter that is saved correctly and uses sufficient white space, a simple, reasonably sized font, and an appropriate salutation and closing will make a positive impression on your potential employers.
Here's information on cover letter formatting guidelines including setting page margins, choosing a font style and size, paragraph and section spacing, and more tips on how to format cover letters for employment.
Cover Letter Format Example
Your Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Name
Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Employer Contact Information (if you have it)
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code
Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,
- Cover Letter Greeting Examples: Note: If you do not have a contact name, you can skip the salutation entirely. Or, you can use Dear Hiring Manager, To Whom It May Concern, or one of the other examples listed in the link. Ideally, you will be able to address your cover letter to a specific person. Doing research can help you figure out who is the most appropriate person to receive the letter. Note: If you do not know the gender of your contact, you can write out the person's full name, e.g., 'Dear Cory Smith'or 'Dear Jordan Parish.'
Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. Organize the body of your cover letter into the following paragraphs:
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. Organize the body of your cover letter into the following paragraphs:
- First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. - Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Think of this section of the cover letter as where you're making a pitch for your fit as an employee and show what makes you a great candidate.
Keep in mind that employers will be more interested in what you can do for them over a list of your work experience.
- Make the connection between your qualifications and the job requirements clear. Use this section to interpret your resume—don't repeat from it verbatim.
- Final Paragraph
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Optionally, you can briefly restate why you would be a good fit for the position.
Complimentary Close
Respectfully yours,
Respectfully yours,
Signature
Handwritten Signature (for a hard copy letter)
Typed Signature
The Easiest Way to Format a Cover Letter
The easiest way to format a letter is to write the letter first, then format it. Once you have all the content (contact information, why you are applying and qualified, signature, etc.) on the page, you can then easily adjust the margins, font, and alignment. Here's an overview of each section.
- Contact Section: How you include your contact information will vary based on how you are sending your cover letter. If you are uploading or mailing a letter, put the information at the top of the page. With an email cover letter, your contact information should be below your signature.
- Employer Address: How you address the cover letter will depend on how much information you have about the employer.
- Salutation: A salutation is the greeting you include at the beginning of a cover letter. Here's how to write a salutation, including what to use if you don't have the name of a contact person to list.
- Body: The body of a cover letter includes the sections where you explain why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying. Here's what to include in each section or your letter.
- Paragraphs and Bulleted Lists: A more traditional cover letter contains written paragraphs describing your qualifications.
Of course, if you have worked in a service industry, it’s best to recount a personal time when you were able to provide service above and beyond what the customer expected.
- Closings: When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your cover letter in a professional manner. Here's how to close your letter with class.
Formatting Options for Cover Letters
Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind when you are writing your letter:
- Email versus hard copy: The example letter above is formatted for a printed out hard copy. If you are emailing your cover letter, you'll need to pay particular attention to the subject line of your email. See more tips for formatting your email cover letter.
- Font choices: The details count when it comes to cover letters, so choose a professional font in a 10 or 12 point size. This is no time to break out emoticons or emojis!
- Spacing: Your letter should be single-spaced. Include a space between every paragraph, and in general, a space between each section of the letter. (That is, there should be a space between the address and the date, and then again between the date and the salutation.) In an email cover letter, where many sections are left off, you will want to include a space between the salutation and between each paragraph, and another space before your complimentary close.
- Proofreading: Remember that note about details counting in cover letters? Make sure to avoid errors by carefully proofreading your letter. Use your word processor's spell check to catch common errors, and then consider reading your letter aloud—or having a friend review it—to catch additional errors. Here are guidelines for proofreading your cover letter.
Sample Cover Letter
This is a cover letter sample. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.
Download the Word Template
Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)
August 1, 2018
John Brown
Sales Manager
Acme Corp.
321 Main Street
Anycity, NY 12000
Sales Manager
Acme Corp.
321 Main Street
Anycity, NY 12000
Dear Mr. Brown,
I wish to apply for the sales position advertised on Monster.com. Terry Johnson suggested that I contact you directly, as we have worked together, and he felt that I would be a good fit with your team.
For the past two years I have been working in sales for Goodman & Co.. I have consistently exceeded my targets and I was recognized last quarter for outstanding service. As an avid cyclist and user of many of your products, I'm aware that Acme Corp. is a company with tremendous potential. I am confident that my experience, communication skills, and ability to convey product benefits effectively would enable me to excel in the sales role.
I would be delighted to discuss with you how I might be an asset to the Acme Corp. sales team. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully yours,
Molly Smith
Also review more cover letter templates and examples of cover letters for a variety of different types of jobs, types of job seekers, and types of job applications. Then get started writing your cover letter in five easy steps.
All of us are in need of jobs. The first step towards getting a job is by applying for it through a letter called cover letter enclosed with the resume. Submitting a poor cover letter can increase the chances of losing that particular job. You need to create an eye-catching Professional Cover Letter to win the job faster. It plays a crucial role in creating the first impression, as it forms the first contact with a potential employer. Professional cover letters are of different types like professional resume cover letter, administrative professional cover letter, sales professional cover letter, cover letter for experienced professional, and so on.
Related:
The Sample Cover Letter is, in other words, a mean to market yourself and raise your brand in the eyes of the employers. The cover letter presents you and your resume to the employers. Cover letters need to be simple, accurate, free of errors, clear and concise. Following a professional cover letter format will help you to gain the attention of the reader. The professional cover letter should not be more than one page.
Professional Resume Cover Letter Sample
Resume cover letter should be written when you are going to apply for a new job. This letter brings in a personal touch that compliments the factual data written in the resume. It specifies whether one is writing in response to a job, enquiring about vacancies or requesting details of a particular opening. The basic structure follows: why are you writing, what you have to offer the organization and how will you follow-up.
Sample Administrative Professional Cover Letter
The administrative professional cover letter is written particularly when you apply for the administrative jobs. The intention behind writing this is to target the position of employment and the employer in a very particular way.
Sample Cover Letter For Experienced Professionals
Cover letter for the experienced professionals is written along with a resume while applying for any wide range of jobs or position available in a company. This letter is usually written in the view to get a job by people who have prior work experience. They may not be professionally trained by any institutions or examinations.
Sales Professional Cover Letter Sample
Sales professional cover letter is written along with the resume when applying for sales and marketing related jobs. This letter is useful for people having experience in selling, advertising, client management, handling marketing campaigns, and other positions and skills possessed in the field of sales and marketing.
Professional Cover Letter Format
A professional cover letter format follows left alignment of your name, address and contact details, date, recipient’s name and address, greetings, opening paragraph introducing you and stating the reasons for writing the letter, the middle paragraph should focus on your experience and previous position, closing paragraph, gratitude and your signature.
Professional Cover Letter For Job Application
Professional Internship Cover Letter Example
Professional Cover Letter For Employment
Who Can Write Professional Cover Letters?
Anyone seeking and applying for a job can write a cover letter to the employer along with the resume. It is suggested to compulsorily write a cover letter to get the job and to catch the attention of the employers and the people conducting the selection process for a particular job. When a job-seeker writes a cover letter, it helps him/her stand out among others. Students seeking for internships and people willing to join various research teams can also write cover letters for increasing the rate of the selection process and also help him/her to get the internship quickly. You may also see the Sample Cover Letter Formats.
What Are The Benefits Of Writing A Cover Letter?
Cover letters are as important as a resume. There are many benefits gained by writing a cover letter. It helps in catching the attention of the employers on your resume from a heap of other resumes. It builds an interest and entices the employers to go through your resume and create a positive image about you. This acts as a marketing tool and increases the chance of getting selected for the job. Cover letters also give you an opportunity to explain your objectives, interests and contributions you can make for the company. Ideally, professional cover letters help you in standing out in the group.
The above Example Cover Letter samples will help you in getting new jobs by providing information on various types and ways to be professional. Writing a cover letter is a good habit. It impacts your selection chances. Therefore, do make a habit of writing a simple, formal, and appropriate cover letter when you seek a job for better results.
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