How to write a cover letter that gets noticed

We know no one loves writing cover letters. But crafting a cover letter is a means to an end if you want to get ahead in your job search. According to Forbes, 56% of employers prefer candidates who submit a cover letter, making it an important part of your application. Read on to find out what a cover letter is, read tips to create a professional one, and explore helpful resources on writing a cover letter that gets noticed.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a professional document that explains why you're applying for a specific role, highlights your best qualities, and introduces you to the hiring manager. Typically one page long, a cover letter gives you more space to detail your skills, goals, and work experience than your resume.

Writing a strong cover letter is a great way to make a good first impression and let hiring managers know who you are on a more personal level. If you're applying for a creative role, it can also be a great opportunity to showcase your storytelling abilities.

Tips to write a cover letter

Although more than a cover letter is usually needed to impress the hiring manager, including the right information can help you stand out. Use these expert-approved tips to help you craft an eye-catching cover letter. And remember to upload a resume on CareerBuilder so you're ready to apply (and submit your cover letter) when the perfect job pops up.

Include your professional contact information

Before your cover letter's intro, include your full name and contact information at the top of the page. If you have multiple phone numbers, choose the one you are most likely to answer if a hiring manager calls. Add a professional email address that you check often and that's easy for the hiring manager to remember.

Consider your greeting

The salutation you choose can affect whether the person continues reading. If the hiring manager's name is Terry, and you address them as “sir” or “madam” incorrectly, they may take offense. These terms are also quite formal and not used frequently in modern speech. The same is true of “whom,” used in “to whom it may concern.” Stick to something gender-neutral and simple, such as "Dear hiring manager" or "Dear [name]."

Provide a solution

According to Deborah Ostreicher, CEO of Distinguished Communications, "99.9% of cover letters start with, "Dear X, I'm writing about the ABC position." Creating a unique opening line in the intro of your cover letter can help you stand out among applicants. Use the beginning of your letter to emphasize what you can bring to the organization. For example, if you're an engineer, highlight your skills and abilities that can benefit the company, such as team leadership or experience in multiple industries. You can use this section to grab the hiring manager's attention and show your value.

"Creating a unique opening line in the intro of your cover letter can help you stand out among applicants."

Look to the future

A resume provides a look back at your experience and accomplishments, but a cover letter focuses on the future and your professional goals. Think about it as the bridge between your professional past and future, explaining what you hope to accomplish next and why it matters. Many people are making career changes, so if you're in this boat, rethink how your skills might apply to a different industry or role.

Avoid jargon

Ann Thariani, President of Gilden Tree Inc., says only a small fraction of the resumes she reviews when hiring are in “simple English.” The rest included generic business terms, long and complex sentences, and business jargon. Her best advice is to write a cover letter that reflects how you talk so the person reading it can understand who you are and whether you'd be a good fit with the company.

Keep it simple

Less is more when it comes to your cover letter, says Jackie Dube, Chief People Officer at The Predictive Index: "Job seekers should use their cover letters to give a few reasons why they are applying and not reiterate what's already in their resume." An ideal cover letter should be a few paragraphs long, explaining why you're excited about the job and describing the experience and skills that make you a good fit.

Know your audience

Sometimes, you can say something that makes a hiring manager remember you, but not in a good way. For DeeAnn Sims, founder of SPBX, curse words are major turnoffs. "I don't care how 'cool' you think the company is — that will always be considered extremely unprofessional," she says. Think of other ways to let your personality show, and incorporate fun and modern language without resorting to profanity. Sims recalls one memorable candidate who opened his cover letter with a thank you to his parents and student loans for getting him to this point.

Include testimonials with your cover letter

"If you have quotes or words from a reference letter that you could copy and paste and include the contact info of the reference, awesome," says Valerie Streif, formerly a senior advisor at The Mentat. "Sometimes, it's better to let others speak on your behalf, and this could carry a lot of weight in your favor."

Do your research

"Generic cover letters are a turnoff simply because it tells you the candidates aren't willing to sacrifice their time for your time," says Judy Tan, a hiring manager for Age Brilliantly. Tan reviews thousands of applications monthly and says the key to standing out is customizing the letter to the specific company. "I had a marketing intern apply, and she clearly did her research. How did I know? She gave me three ways to boost our business with a clear analysis of why it's worth it."

Proofread your cover letter

Before you submit your cover letter, take the time to proofread it carefully. Try reading it aloud to see how the words flow together, or use a speech-to-text app to read the document. Having a friend or family member review your cover letter and provide feedback can be helpful to ensure it's polished and error-free.

Now that you know how to write a cover letter, create a profile on CareerBuilder so employers can find you easily. You can also turn on email alerts to receive notifications when new jobs that meet your criteria become available.