What You Should Include in Your Cover Letter

The Structure of a Generic Cover Letter

No matter what information you include in your cover letter, it should have this basic structure, as shown in our general cover letter examples article:

• Header and salutation

  At the top of your cover letter, you should have a header that includes your full name, address, phone number, and contact information. You can also include your professional portfolio link (such as LinkedIn) if you feel it will be helpful.

  Directly below your header, you should include a professional salutation. Ideally, this should greet a specific person. You should aim to use the hiring manager’s name, but if you cannot find it or the hiring manager is a team of human resources professionals, you can use a general professional greeting such as:

  - Dear Hiring Manager
  - Dear HR
  - Dear Hiring Team

  If you choose to refer to the name of the hiring manager with the “Dear Mr./Dear Mrs.” format, you should name the right person. It is better to err on the side of caution and use a professional, general greeting if you are unsure of the recruiter’s name or gender.

• Introduction

  Your first paragraph should provide an introduction to you as a job seeker. Provide information that shows you are qualified and capable. For example, if you were writing a project management cover letter you might say:

  I’m a Yale graduate with a double major in project management and graphic design. This dual focus has proven invaluable in my 10-year career as it allows me to bring clients’ creative visions to life more effectively.

  This example does three things right: it shows the job seeker has formal qualifications, indicates their unique selling point, and underlines how their experience can be valuable in a practical sense. You should also state which job posting you are applying for and use the company name in your opening paragraph. This will help you to rank well in applicant tracking systems (ATS).

• Key experience and achievements

  Your second paragraph, and potentially your third paragraph, should include information about some of your most notable achievements and relevant experiences. Think about what will be most relevant to the job posting you are applying for. You don’t have to limit yourself to work experience, however, you can also discuss volunteer work, relevant coursework, and even internships.

• Elements that will help you fit into the company culture

  Look at the company website when writing your middle paragraphs and show that you are the kind of person who can fit in with the wider company culture. This is the perfect point to reiterate soft skills, such as active listening and conflict resolution.

• Call to action and closing

  Your final paragraph should bring the cover letter to a tidy close and include a call to action that prompts the hiring manager to reach out and arrange an interview (e.g., “I look forward to speaking with you)”). Once you have done this, use a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” and sign your full name. If applicable, consider an enclosure - check our guide: what does enclosure mean on a cover letter.

  Remember to proofread your cover letter before sending it. Typos are an easy way to lose a hiring manager's interest. Finally, consider using matching resume and cover letter templates to give your application a professional appearance.