Printable Cover Letters (2024)

FAQs

Should you PDF your cover letter? ›

Notably, sending your cover letter as a PDF has some widely accepted pros over using the Word document format: PDFs are thought to look more professional. PDFs won't present font or formatting issues.

JobHero features sleek and elegant cover letter templates that you can customize and download free of charge.

Without getting too personal, relate something about the job to your own interests or experiences to show the employer that you have a genuine interest. Do not focus on what this job will do for you unless you are directly asked to answer that question. Instead, focus on what you can contribute to the company.

Repeating information from your resume. Using the wrong tone or style. Failing to include a strong call-to-action in your closing. Forgetting to proofread before submitting your cover letter.

Do employers really read cover letters? The simple answer is, yes ‒ most of the time. Many employers like to see a cover letter because it shows two important things: that the candidate has gone the extra mile and that the candidate is serious about their application.

In 98% of cases, you should include a cover letter in your job application. Although the rumor is recruiters might not always read it, they expect candidates to submit one. A cover letter will considerably boost your chances and set you apart from other candidates with similar backgrounds and resumes.

The best cover letter template is one that will allow you to write your personal details and list your strongest skills, while looking professional and simple. To pick the best cover letter template, focus on what will look perfect based on your industry, experience level, and preferences.

Yes, you should use a template for a cover letter. Hiring managers appreciate cover letters that are clearly laid out and easy to read, and a cover letter template will allow you to quickly create a properly formatted, professional-looking cover letter.

Open strong.

“People typically write themselves into the letter with 'I'm applying for X job that I saw in Y place.' That's a waste,” says Lees. Instead, lead with a strong opening sentence. “Start with the punch line — why this job is exciting to you and what you bring to the table,” says Glickman.

What are 2 things you should do when completing a cover letter? ›

Your cover letter does this by touching on four points about your career: your yesterday, your today, your tomorrow, and your enthusiasm. One great sentence for each of these points is all you'll need. And it should invite response by making it very clear what you're looking to do next and why.

For you, the worst part about writing a cover letter is that you have to talk about yourself the whole time. You're not generally one to brag, so detailing all of your accomplishments in a letter feels unnatural and uncomfortable.

Bad cover letters may have excess information that doesn't relate to the job posting. This information can be distracting for employers and may take them longer to review your application.

Yes, you should introduce yourself in a cover letter. Introduce yourself by stating your name, the position you're applying for, and where you found the job opening. For example: My name is [Your Name], and I'm applying for the open Account Manager position listed on Indeed.

As a general rule, you should try to avoid it wherever possible. Since resumes and cover letters serve two very different roles in the job search process, they should be treated as separate documents. The only time you should even consider combining these two documents is when the company has instructed you to do so.

Short answer: yes, you should submit a cover letter alongside your resume. Here's why: Most job openings require you to submit a cover letter. Recruiters might not have the time to read ALL the cover letters they receive, but they will definitely read cover letters if they're on the fence for a candidate.

The best format for most cover letters is the same as a standard one-page business letter. It should contain the following sections: a header with the applicant and hiring manager's contact information, a salutation, an opening paragraph, one or two short body paragraphs, a closing paragraph and a signoff.