When you send a cover letter for a job along with the resume it allows the hiring manager to know more information which you want them to focus on. A cover letter acts as a screening process for employers to use while hiring candidates. Having to know the purpose of a cover letter helps you to become a candidate with a professional background which can help you have a secure position for a job.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter for a job application is a document that is formally set with a resume when you are applying for a job. It contains the details of the candidate like work experience, skills, achievements, and determination for the specific role you are applying for. While the resume contains the qualifications of the candidate, the cover letter for a job allows you to show why you are fit for the job role and how your work aligns with the needs of the company.
Types of Cover Letter
There are different types of cover letters for a job, it is categorized based on the purpose of the application you are applying for and the type of context in which the cover letter is used. There are mainly these types of cover letters present:
1. Cover letter for a job application
When you are applying for a specific job attach the cover letter along with your resume. The cover letter should be customized to the description of the job. Focus on writing about the skills, qualifications, and work experience that will align with the needs of the company. Highlight the accomplishments you have made so you can help the company to fulfill its needs.
2. Cover letter for Inquiry
An inquiry cover letter for a job is used when you are interested in knowing about a job role that is not advertised. In this letter, express the knowledge which you have about the industry or company. Make sure to highlight your skills which will be beneficial for the company in and out. Ask about the openings the company has which will suit your work background.
3. Cover letter for Networking
A networking cover letter is sent to the company when you are asking for advice or assistance when you are finding an opening for a job role through your networks. In the letter, introduce yourself and express your concerns about the opening of the job role and how your work experience aligns you with the recipient. Highlight your goals about the career and the type of opening you are looking for. Ask for advice, guidance, or potential opportunities about the leads.
4. Cover letter for change in career
A cover letter for a career change is written when you are applying for a job role that is different from your previous or current one. In this letter, explain why you are changing your career field and mark your skills that are relevant to the new work. Express how your previous background will help you to bring new values to the role you are applying for.
5. Cover letter for referral
A cover letter for referral is written when you have been referred by a person who is a mutual contact between the company and the candidate. Mention the name of the referrer and the connection with the company. Highlight the facts like your skills and experiences which make you the perfect fit for the job.
Each of these cover letters for a job has a different purpose and it should always be customized to the situation. Tailoring the letter to a specific situation makes sure that the letter makes certain about your thoughts and reasons effectively.
Why is a Cover Letter for a Job essential?
A cover letter for a job is important as it showcases the tailored introduction of a candidate which highlights the potential and qualifications for the job role.
1. Personalized job application
A cover letter for a job helps you to introduce yourself to the employer directly in your own way. It helps you to add a human touch that compliments your application and increases its factual tone.
2. Showcases that you are the right fit
The cover letter helps you to highlight your experience, skills, and accomplishments which align with the description of the job. You can express the key statements in your cover letter which will make you the right fit for the role.
3. Express your enthusiasm
A cover letter for a job helps you to demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the job role and the organization which shows that you have researched about the company and you are motivated to get a job.
4. How you are different
Submitting a cover letter might be optional and candidates often seem to skip it. So, when you submit a cover letter for a job it makes you different and you can let the hiring manager know the tailored version of your career which your resume might not convey.
5. Call to action
A cover letter will help you get further chances in the hiring process as you can express your desire for an interview round which will leave the hiring manager in a clear sense that you are available to contribute to the organization.
A cover letter for a job is essential as it helps you to offer a first positive impression, showcase your enthusiasm, and connect you to the qualification that will fulfill the description of the job. A strong and well-structured cover letter will help increase the chances of you getting to the next round of the hiring process.
How is a Cover Letter different from a Resume?
A cover letter and resume for a job serve different purposes but they are both complementary for the job application. They serve different purposes, formats, and content.
A resume is a content which contains your skills, work experience, accomplishments, and educational background. It has sections and bullet points that let you present the information in a structural way that makes it easy for the hiring managers to scan the candidate’s information.
Whereas, a cover letter is a customized narrative that explains that you are applying for a job role and how you are fit for the role. It suits your resume and shows how your background aligns with the description of the company. It showcases the potential you have for the resume and your iconic circumstances.
Your cover letter is customized to your job role, conversational, and highlights your enthusiasm while your resume is fact-driven and standardized. Together they will help you to have a great application that showcases your personality and boosts your chances of having a secured interview.
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Here are some tips for writing a cover letter for a job that will help you catch the eye of the employer.
1. Have an appropriate tone and voice
Research the organization and figure out the tone and voice you have to use. Different roles have different tones like a legal consulting firm will have a different voice from a marketing design company.
2. Have the right format
Having a simple format for your cover letter will help you to write professionally which makes your writing easier to scan. Use neutral colors which will avoid distracting the hiring manager while reading.
3. Read the description
Knowing about the description of the job role before writing will help you to understand what the employer is looking for in a perfect candidate. Use relevant keywords that will help you to highlight your experience and skills that are beneficial for the company.
4. Focus on the instructions
Some employers specify some questions or information in their descriptions. Make sure to read them carefully and answer them in your cover letter.
5. Make sure to keep the letter short and simple
Provide information but make sure to not lengthen it, be as concise and clear as possible. Demonstrate your skills, and qualifications, and make sure that your cover letter for a job is a presentation of yourself and not a renewal of your resume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Cover Letter
Having an attached cover letter to your job application is important for having a positive first impression but some candidates make common mistakes that undermine their efforts.
1. General content
Using one letter that fits all the cover letters for a job without customizing it according to the needs of the specific role is a common mistake made by the candidates. Instead, tailor the cover letter and address it according to the needs of the employer and refer it to the description of the job.
2. Too long or short
Writing a cover letter for a job that is either too long or too long makes it unattractive. Instead, keep it concise and details should be to the point which is keeping it to one page.
3. Focusing on introduction
Focusing on how the job can benefit you instead of what you can do to contribute to the company or organization. Instead, highlight your work experience and skills which will help the company to grow in and out.
4. Repeating the content in the resume
Briefing your resume rather than adding values to the letter. Instead, use the cover letter for a job to explain your accomplishments, and transitions or highlight your potential and passion for the job role.
5. Ignoring the needs and values of the company
Not to mention how you can help grow with the goals and cultures of the company. Rather do your search about the company in and out and mention the relevant details in your cover letter which will help you to catch the eye of the employer.
Format of Cover Letter
This template will help you to write a formal cover letter:
(First name) (Last name)
(contact number) (email address) (city), (state)
(Date)
(Name of the company)
Dear(Hiring manager),
(Highlight your excitement for this job role with the title and name of the company). (Introduce yourself, explain why you are applying, how the job helps with your career, and what are your interests in the company).
(Your work experience and qualifications without having to write what’s already written in your resume). (Mark your accomplishments made and data). (Tell why you are a perfect fit for the job role).
(Express gratitude towards the employer). (Restate why you are interested in the role). (mention your availability, contact information, and call to action).
(Closing salutation),
(Signature).
When to Use a Cover Letter?
Use a cover letter for a job when it is asked for or if you want to increase your chances of having a positive first impression. Submit a cover letter when you have to explain why and how you are the right fit for the role or what your qualifications match the description of the company. It is mainly valuable when you are marking a change in career, some unique qualifications, or any gap in employment that is not mentioned in your resume.
A cover letter is helpful when you are grabbing opportunities at any company that has not opened their advertisement. Even if it is optional, it is suggested to have a well-customized cover letter that shows your potential, tailor your job application, and set your way different from other candidates out there.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Make sure you have mentioned all the relevant points which are not covered in your resume, to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and mark why you are a perfect fit for the role.
- How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be short and simple. Sum it off in one page with 3 to 4 paragraphs, having it around 300 to 400 words.
- Do all jobs require a cover letter?
No, not all companies require a cover letter but it is always recommended to submit one as it can improve your chances of having a secured interview round and let you have a good first impression.
- Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?
No, it is important to customize a cover letter for a job according to the job description and role at the company. This will benefit you if it is mentioned how you can align with the values and needs of the company.