Why cover letters are important

By Dimitrios Shistohilis

A cover letter is the first impression that lodges in the mind of an employer, making it one of the most critical components for getting noticed. Research suggests that employers favour CVs that are accompanied by a cover letter.

A well written cover letter is an opportunity to show the reader you encompass the following attributes. 

Valuable

Sell your key strengths confidently to grab the reader’s attention. This will increase the likelihood of progression through the selection process.

Literate

There’s nothing worse than a glaring spelling error on your cover letter. A mistake in your letter shows you not only lack attention to detail but you don’t care enough to take the time to proof read. A cover letter that has not been proof-read will go in the bin immediately. Therefore, make sure you check it over and have a friend do so as well before submitting. A fresh pair of eyes could go a long way in securing an interview.

A unique candidate

Use your cover letter to display your unique combination of skills and experience that relate to the job selection criteria of the role. Provide examples that will demonstrate a clear link between your knowledge, experience and abilities and the needs of the employer.

Experience

While soft skills as well as academic skill are critical to securing an interview, it’s also important to demonstrate your experience in relation to the job description. Use your cover letter to give examples of relevant experience.

Enthusiasm

A tailored, compelling cover letter shows you have taken the time to research the company and understand the employer’s needs and job requirements. It is an opportunity to express that you are enthusiastic about the role and demonstrate what value you would add to the company.

Cover letter examples & tips

Stumped on how to write a cover letter that will catch an employer's attention? Get ideas from this sample below.

A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! And just like with your resume, you should make a customized version that talks about how your skills will benefit the particular company that you want to work for, and demonstrate how you have done some research into what the organization's pain points are. Remember: You're selling yourself in a resume and a cover letter, but the employer has to want to buy.

Check out the sample cover letter below (or download the template as a Word doc) to get some inspiration to craft your own.

And we've got you covered as well if you're looking for a cover letter in a specific industry.

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[Date]

Ms. Rhonda West
Customer Service Manager
Acme Inc.
123 Corporate Blvd.
Sometown, CO 50802

Re: Customer Service Representative Opening (Ref. ID: CS300-Denver)

Dear Ms. West:

I was excited to see your opening for a customer service rep, and I hope to be invited for an interview.

My background includes serving as a customer service associate within both call-center and retail environments. Most recently, I worked on the customer service desk for Discount-Mart, where my responsibilities included handling customer merchandise returns, issuing refunds/store credits, flagging damaged merchandise for shipment back to vendors and providing back-up cashiering during busy periods.

Previously, I worked within two high-volume customer-support call centers for a major telecommunications carrier and a satellite television services provider. In these positions, I demonstrated the ability to resolve a variety of issues and complaints (such as billing disputes, service interruptions or cutoffs, repair technician delays/no-shows and equipment malfunctions). I consistently met my call-volume goals, handling an average of 56 to 60 calls per day.

In addition to this experience, I gained considerable customer service skills during my part-time employment as a waitress and restaurant hostess while in high school.

I also bring to the table strong computer proficiencies in MS Word, MS Excel and CRM database applications and a year of college (business major). Please see the accompanying resume for details of my experience and education.

I am confident that I can offer you the customer service, communication and problem-solving skills you are seeking. Feel free to call me at 555-555-5555 (home) or 555-555-5500 (cell) to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time—I look forward to learning more about this opportunity!

Sincerely,



Sue Ling

Enclosure: Resume

The basic elements of a cover letter

1.    Greeting: Address your cover letter to the proper person.

2.    Opening: Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that highlights how your skills are a perfect fit to the job.

3.    Hook: Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you're applying for.

4.    Skills: Highlight additional relevant skills, such as computer languages or certifications.

5.    Close: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, and include your contact information.

Sell yourself! 

Impress employers with a high-impact resume and cover letter