CV Cover Letter Template (Examples + Guidance)

Employers frequently need both a CV and a cover letter when you submit a job application. Your cover letter ought to be at least three paragraphs long and must showcase what makes you a good match for this position to persuade the prospective employer to schedule an interview. Here is a short rundown as to what should be included in a cover letter before we get into how to construct one: 

1. Your name

2. Contact information

3. Greetings 

4. Three body paragraphs

5. Call to action and closing signature 

All five of these should be included in the correct cover letter format. Section and subsection arrangement, typefaces, borders, spacing, and readability should also be followed in the structure of your cover letter. Here are three main things to keep in mind when writing your cover letter:

• Identify yourself and explain how you are a good fit for the position and company. 

• Name any active and retired co-workers who recommended you for the job. 

• Link the essential abilities for the role to your prior achievements.

Cover letters generally maintain the same standard pattern, which comprises five fundamental elements, whether you're searching for a position, seeking an initial consultation, or marketing. You will have completed the first job of structuring a cover letter by drafting these parts in the correct sequence and also including the necessary information. We'll go over all you really need to understand about CV cover letter templates next.

Step 1: Header and contact details

Your updated contact details, as well as a hyperlink to your professional network pages, website, or digital portfolio, should be included in the heading of your cover letter. Based on if you're sending a virtual or printed copy of your cover letter, there will be two methods to provide your contact details and write the header.

Digital

If you're sending a digital version of your cover letter, you may skip the precise location and simply include your town, state, mobile number, and email address. Do not include contact details for the firm or the recruiting manager here. The format will be as follows:

Date

Your Name

Your City and State

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Traditional

Even though it's becoming quite rare, you may well be told to send a print copy of your cover letter at some point. The following items should be included in the upper left corner of your cover letter in this situation.

Date

Your Name

Your Address

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Hiring Manager’s Name

Company’s Name

Company’s Address

Step 2: Greetings and salutation

The greeting is where you address your cover letter's primary recipient. Make a good impression by attempting to address your cover letter to the recruiting manager. Obtain the name of the company's recruiting manager for the position you're wanting to apply for if possible. Review the position description or the corporate website to see whether it's mentioned. Calling the employer company and asking for the name of the recruiting manager is also a good option. Mention that you are looking for a job and would really like your cover letter addressed to the appropriate individual. Mr., Mrs., or Ms. is optional because they may entail some speculation on your side regarding gender as well as their marital status. Thus, include their first and last names only. If at all feasible, avoid using the nonspecific, "To whomsoever, it may concern" salutation.

Step 3: Introduction/opening paragraph

The first few lines are your chance to grab the interest of the prospective employer. Introduce yourself, and excitedly explain why you should be considered for the position in their respective company. Make a solid initial impression with this area, though make it brief as four to five sentences will be enough. 

This paragraph should be tailored as per each role you seek. Mention why you're interested in the position and the organisation, as well as how it aligns with your professional ambitions. Include buzzwords from the given job description, and relate your expertise to the company's criteria to refrain from making this section appear conventional. If you were sent to this position by somebody who recognizes the prospective employer or is working there, you may also want to highlight that in your first paragraph.

Step 4: Body

One or two paragraphs would make up the body of your cover letter template, highlighting the practical qualifications that a recruiter will obtain on your cover letter. Use statistics and relevant metrics to demonstrate the influence of your efforts on a previous company. If you want to reduce the length of this portion, utilise bullet pointers or headings and subheadings. This also enhances readability.

Establish a professional connection across your prior successes and your preparation for this new job in these few paragraphs. Consider these lines as an opportunity to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. Examine your greatest relevant work experiences and discuss the precise abilities and talents that distinguish you as the ideal candidate. Recruiters are likely to have previously reviewed your resume, so don't rehash the key points. Alternatively, offer information that expands on those aspects.

Step 5: Closing lines, call to action, and sign off

The primary purpose of your ending lines would be to express gratitude for the recruiter's attention and request a follow up. You always have the choice of clarifying anything. You may also use this section to summarise your credentials for the position and indicate you want to move along to the next step of the recruitment and selection process. Finally, express your gratitude to the company for taking the time to review your credentials and your plan to follow up through a call to action.

Pick a polite yet official complimenting ending, accompanied by your full name. Try and avoid using closings like: 

• Cheers

• Warm regards

• Thanks a ton

• See you soon

• Yours truly

These phrases may be perceived as overly casual or loving, thus displaying unprofessionalism. Instead, use phrases like: 

• Sincerely

• Regards

• Respectfully

• Thanking you

If you're sending a printed copy of the cover letter, be sure to close it with your complete name and signature. 

Adding a cover letter to your CV when you are applying for a job helps give a recruiter a reason to consider your application above all of the other candidates. Use this straightforward cover letter template to structure your cover letter so that it includes all of the important elements. 

Get started with Coursera

Practise your cover letter and resume-writing skills in the Guided Project Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs on Coursera. Continue preparing for your next career move with The Art of the Job Interview to hone your interview skills through practise questions and other exercises.