First and last name Address Phone number Email address Personal website and/or portfolio link (if you have one)
If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, search the company’s website or refer to the name of the individual who originally posted the job opening. If you’re in doubt about who to address your letter to, use “[Department] Hiring Manager. ”
If you don’t have the employer or hiring manager’s name, use a general but professional opening, “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear [Department] Hiring Manager. ”
Be short and specific in this opening paragraph—save those details for later. Think of your first paragraph as a sales pitch. What can you say that’ll grab their attention immediately? Is there something you have that other candidates don’t that make you more qualified for the position? Show the employer that you’re familiar with the company and job application by noting keywords and characteristics valued by the company. For example: “I write to apply for the Office Manager position at Acme Investments, Inc. I am an excellent fit for this position, as demonstrated by my extensive background in management and proven success as a corporate administrator. ”
Companies appreciate when job candidates include this information because it lets them know where people are searching for jobs. Only include a company contact or friend’s name if you have their permission. This way, they’ll be ready to answer any questions about you and your character later. You may write something like: “John Smith recommended that I get in touch with you about the general manager position at EnviroRent,” or “I came across the available position on LinkedIn and believe I am a strong candidate. ”
For instance, if the company needs someone who can lead a team and handle multiple projects at once, note what team projects you’ve led in previous positions and how you improved overall productivity. If you have numerical data or stats to back up your accomplishments, include them! This is your time to brag about your achievements and show how you’ve excelled in the workplace.
Scan the job application for keywords like leadership, communication, management, and detail-oriented. Then, highlight in your letter how you have these characteristics or skills. Avoid embellishing any of your qualifications. Remember, an employer can always double-check the facts. If you’re not sure what to write, refer to your resume or CV. What have you done that matches the job description best, and how can you elaborate on it? For example: “In my previous role, I successfully supported an office of 100 personnel and honed my management and interpersonal skills through customer service and clerical responsibilities. ”
For instance, you could express how the company has impacted you personally and why that’s driven you to apply for the position. Although you want to provide details, keep it short. Stick to a 1 to 2-sentence description rather than a full-length story. Your letter should stay under 3 paragraphs. Here’s an example: “My passion for teaching began the summer of my sophomore year of high school when I was a camp counselor. I was given the opportunity to teach a class focusing on local plant life, and the campers’ enthusiasm cultivated my love for teaching and conservation.
For instance, you could write, “I am excited about the possibility of working for you and your company. I would be more than happy to discuss my qualifications and Acme’s future direction in person or via video conference. ” Keep your call to action brief and open, or provide specific dates you’d be available to meet with the employer.
For instance, sign off with, “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you,” or “Thank you for considering me for this position. If you have any further questions or require additional documentation, please don’t hesitate to contact me. ”[13] X Research source
If you’re sending your letter via email, import your signature into the document as an image or . png file.
