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Journalism Cover Letter: Examples & Templates to Use in 2023

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Journalism Cover Letter Examples

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Cover Letter Examples for All Job Applications in 2023

Paired with your resume, a well-written cover letter will help you land the job you want. We have nearly 200 cover letter examples by type and industry to help you make your cover letter persuasive.

five cover letter examples stacked on top of each other — internal position, career change, relocation, entry-level, and professional cover letter samples together

The best way to start writing a cover letter for a job in 2023 is to check out examples of good cover letters.

Our extensive list of cover letter samples is perfect for all job seekers, whether you need to write one for a specific life situation (like a career change) or you’re looking for the best cover letter format to use in your industry.

Table of Contents

Cover Letter Examples by Industry

What should a great cover letter say.

Not sure what a cover letter is or what it should include? A killer cover letter is made of the following four parts:

The cover letter template below describes how to write each of these key sections:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Opening Paragraph (Introduction)

Your cover letter opening should contain a self introduction. Write about who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job posting, and why you want to apply for the job.

Body Paragraphs

The second paragraph of your cover letter should respond directly to the job description written by the hiring manager. Describe how your previous job experiences, skills, and abilities will help you meet the company’s needs. To make that easier, you should include exact words and phrases from the job descriptions in your cover letter.

Do some research about the company and find out what their current activities and goals are. Explain how you can help them achieve those goals.

Closing Paragraph

Your cover letter closing is the call-to-action portion of your cover letter. Inform the hiring manager that you’d love to go in for an interview. Provide your email address or other contact information and tell them that you’ll reach out in a week if you don’t hear back. Thank them for spending their time reading your cover letter.

1. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

This entry-level cover letter was written by a recent graduate who only has a little part-time work experience.

In our example, the candidate is applying for an entry-level IT technician position. She quickly establishes her enthusiasm about the opportunity, and then highlights her relevant skills to show she can do the job:

The cover letter example

Want a closer look at this cover letter example? Here’s a text version that you can scan through:

Entry-level cover letter example (text version)

Dear Mr. Jacobson,

As a long-term admirer of the work done by the team at Mayflower Technologies, I’m delighted to submit my application for the entry-level IT technician position posted on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Computer Science, I’m confident that my knowledge of Linux systems, experience in backend coding, and precise attention to detail would make me an asset to the team at Mayflower.

In my former role as a student worker at the University of Rochester’s Technical Services department, I was responsible for troubleshooting a variety of technical issues for staff, assisting with server maintenance, and installing a wide range of equipment. While employed there, I assisted in the development and rollout of new department practices, and helped improve our ticket response time by 12%. I’m sure that this experience will help me pick up new skills and quickly excel as a technician at Mayflower.

I also understand that Mayflower is seeking to expand their cloud computing services. While at the University of Rochester, I specialized in and completed my thesis on cloud computing. The IT technician position at Mayflower would be an exciting opportunity for me to bring my educational background to the table, and learn more about a growing industry.

I’ve attached my resume, which further details my skills and educational background. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my background. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further; thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

What makes this a good cover letter

This entry-level cover letter sample stands out because the applicant emphasizes her enthusiasm about the opportunity from the very first sentence.

Beyond her enthusiasm, the candidate also shows she’s qualified . She quickly (and convincingly) markets her professional strengths , including relevant hard skills (Linux, backend coding) and soft skills (precision, attention to detail).

By the end of her cover letter, the candidate has even demonstrated that she’s researched the position, and is passionate about the work the company is doing. Overall, this is an effective way to make a positive impression as an entry-level job seeker because it shows the employer that you’re energetic and ready to learn.

2. Professional Cover Letter Example

Are you a senior-level professional or experienced manager trying to highlight your professionalism in a cover letter?

The restaurant manager cover letter example below will show you how to come off as a qualified veteran:

An example of a professional cover letter

Download This Free Example

Here’s a text version of this cover letter sample so you can go through line-by-line:

Professional cover letter example (text version)

I’m writing to apply for the Restaurant Manager opening at MOD Sequel. I have more than five years of experience managing restaurants and bars, and my professional expertise aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in your job advertisement.

In my role as Restaurant Manager for Bar Louie, I proved to be an efficient, enthusiastic, and strong leader. My value quickly became apparent to Bar Louie’s shareholders after I single-handedly trained and prepared the entire waitstaff for opening night and beyond. Not only did our team meet sales goals each month for the first year, but the down payment for the property was even paid back after the first six months of operating.

MOD Sequel would benefit from my skills in the following areas:

• Eye for excellence and high level of standards • Strong work ethic and leadership skills • Positive attitude even under pressure

I believe MOD Sequel will be a great success for many years to come, and my extensive expertise will help ensure your establishment succeeds well into the future. My time spent in this industry has prepared me for such an opportunity, and I sincerely hope I can contribute soon as a member of your team.

It would be a privilege to discuss your Restaurant Manager position in more detail. I’m happy to come by whenever it’s most convenient for you. Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Why this is a good cover letter

Right from the start, this applicant showcases the managerial skills they developed while working in the service industry. They then highlight how they’ll apply those skills to make an immediate impact on the company.

Additionally, the applicant mentions the company by name three times. It’s clear that they’re familiar with the business, have an interest in joining this specific team, and understand how they’d fit on the team if hired.

Lastly, our applicant’s cover letter includes their address to highlight how close they live to the restaurant . Pointing out where you live can be helpful if you’re applying for a non-remote job because it shows the employer that you won’t need to move or even commute very far if hired.

3. General Cover Letter Example

This general cover letter was written by a candidate with two years of work experience.

In the example, the candidate is applying for a mid-level digital marketing position. In the first paragraph, the applicant:

Here’s a text version of this cover letter sample in case you want a closer look at each paragraph:

General cover letter example (text version)

Dear Ms. Doe,

I was excited to see your job listing for the Senior Digital Marketing position at Westward Strategies on Indeed.com. As a dynamic email marketing specialist with over two years of professional experience executing market research, analyzing consumer data, and running A/B tests to drive successful marketing campaigns, I’m confident that I would be a valuable asset to the team at Westward.

Your job listing mentions a need for someone who is experienced in email segmentation and campaign development, both of which are areas I have extensive experience in. I’m currently employed at Marketed Inc., where I’ve honed my skills by running numerous successful email marketing campaigns. While employed here, I’ve spearheaded a digital promotion campaign for the company’s new line of sandals that successfully raised our total online engagement by an impressive 13% over the course of six months, contributing substantially to the department’s annual goals.

I’m confident that my proven track record of excellent work ethic, unparalleled attention to detail, and high-performing email marketing campaigns will make me an immediate asset at Westward Strategies, and allow me to contribute to the team’s success.

I look forward to discussing the Senior Digital Marketing position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your convenience. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up and to make sure you’ve received my application.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Why this is a good example of a cover letter

In the cover letter example above, the candidate is concise and direct . She conveys much of what a cover letter should say in the opening paragraph, like her amount and type of experience, plus where she found the job.

Then the candidate lists specific responsibilities from the job description, and mentions her experience handling similar work. She even gives an example of how her efforts have benefited her current employer.

At this point, the candidate’s cover letter has already helped the hiring manager better understand her value as a hire. But she’s not done yet.

Finally, the candidate signs off by mentioning how she’ll reach out if she doesn’t hear back from the hiring manager. This call to action is a key part of a general cover letter, because it highlights the writer’s interest in the job, and willingness to go further than other candidates for the opportunity.

4. Creative Cover Letter Example

A creative cover letter makes you stand out by adding a bit of personality and flair to your application.

In our creative cover letter example, the candidate is applying for a senior-level social media manager position. By the second paragraph, she has the reader’s attention. Then, she establishes her qualifications:

Take a more detailed look at this cover letter sample by reading through the plain text version:

Creative cover letter example (text version)

As a quick-thinking online native who’s obsessed (yes, obsessed) with the Scatterplot app, I was thrilled to see your listing for the Social Media Manager position at Scatterplot Entertainment Co.

With over three years of professional experience as an online brand manager under my belt, I’ve analyzed user metrics, run A/B tests, and spearheaded viral social media campaigns. You name it, I’ve clocked an embarrassing number of hours online working on it. I’m confident my adaptability, hands-on branding experience, and encyclopedic meme knowledge would make me a perfect fit for the team at Scatterplot.

Currently, in my role at DotMap as a Social Media Manager, I manage and execute highly successful online branding campaigns. I regularly produce viral content, getting several of our branded Tweets featured on major websites. In one such instance, I tweeted a thread of adorable corgis using the DotMap iOS app — receiving over 60 thousand interactions and earning a spot on Buzzfeed’s front page.

I’m fiercely competitive in my approach, up-to-date on all the latest trends, and can clean up even the messiest social media disasters. I’m positive my knack for creating clickable content will make me an immediate asset to the Social Media team at Scatterplot.

I look forward to discussing the Social Media Manager position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your soonest convenience, and I’ll be in touch next week to follow up, just to make sure you’ve received my application!

Warm regards,

First, the candidate doesn’t waste the reader’s time . She immediately states her interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and specific skills. Hiring managers are busy, so it’s crucial to be direct in both your cover letter and resume.

Next, she presents her information in a casual, fun tone . A personal touch in your cover letter helps you present yourself as a creative, enthusiastic job seeker. It also makes your application more memorable.

Finally, the candidate lists specific accomplishments from her previous job, and explains how these accomplishments are relevant to the position.

Elaborating on your professional achievements is essential to writing a great cover letter. Your achievements show the hiring manager what they will gain by hiring you, and emphasize your worth as a potential employee.

5. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a job in your current industry is pretty straightforward. But writing a career change cover letter requires a slightly different approach.

The sample cover letter below includes the three elements you need to persuade a hiring manager you’re ready to transfer industries, such as:

An example of a cover letter for career change

Want a closer look at this cover letter example? Here’s a text version that you can read more carefully:

Career change cover letter example (text version)

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved transforming people through the art of makeup. My proudest accomplishment was preparing my younger sister for her prom night — she was voted prom queen that evening. Because of my passion for this art form, I’m applying for the makeup artist position at Studio 96.

I’ve worked in several customer service positions since I graduated high school, through which I’ve honed my people skills and improved my ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations. In fact, in my current position at Zara I’ve increased sales by 17% this month.

However, I’ve found that customer service doesn’t satisfy my creative side. Thus, I’m eager to join Studio 96, a company I’ve been a fan of since I learned about the avant-garde approach to makeup application developed under your founder Bianca Del Vanjie.

To meet Studio 96’s needs, I’ve completed the 150-hour course in Makeup Artistry offered by the Los Angeles-based Sonique Academy in my spare time. I’ve also volunteered for the Look Good, Feel Better organization, where I boosted the self-esteem of cancer patients by giving them makeovers.

I am looking forward to hearing back from you. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email]. Thank you for considering my application.

The first reason this is a great cover letter example is that it’s sincere . The applicant is sincerely passionate about her target industry — she even provides a relatable story to emphasize this sincerity.

This cover letter is also great because it directly addresses the reason for the applicant’s career change . Letting the hiring manager know why you’re looking for employment in a different industry is necessary if you’re changing careers, because they’ll want to know why you’re making the change.

Finally, it’s clear the writer of this cover letter is committed to the new job . She’s even worked on her skill-set to prepare her for this change in professions.

6. Cover Letter for Promotion Example

Have you been with your current company for a while and want to take on more responsibility ? You’ll likely need to write an internal cover letter for promotion to convince your boss that you’re ready to move up the corporate ladder.

A cover letter for promotion differs from a regular cover letter in two ways:

In the following example, the candidate is writing to the marketing director of their company to apply for an open senior-level sales manager position:

A sample cover letter for an internal promotion

If you’re having trouble reading this cover letter sample, take a look at the text version below:

Cover letter for promotion example (text version)

Dear Mrs. Lasker,

As a loyal employee of Peabody, I’m excited to formally apply for the Sales Manager position in the Marketing Department. Since starting as a Sales Representative at Peabody four years ago, I quickly mastered the requisite skills for the role, and have helped our department regularly exceed sales goals.

From the beginning I’ve demonstrated an ability to learn quickly and exceed expectations. During my tenure, I’ve developed excellent sales skills, honed my interpersonal abilities, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter. Additionally, this year has given me the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills — having successfully onboarded 4 new employees and assumed management over a small direct sales team.

I’ve read the requirements for the Sales Management position thoroughly, and I’m confident that the skills I’ve refined during my time working here paired with my passion for customers and making direct sales make me an ideal fit.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. My supervisor is also happy to meet with you to elaborate on my performance in the Sales Department, and will attest to my qualifications. Please let me know if there’s any other information I can provide that would help with this process, and I’d be happy to provide it to you.

This candidate’s cover letter stands out because it’s direct and highlights specific accomplishments expected of a managerial-level employee.

In the introduction of this cover letter, the candidate emphasizes his loyalty to the company, and quickly moves on to talk about the contributions he’s made to his team.

Then, the candidate provides examples of his leadership and management experience to demonstrate that he’s ready to take on a more significant role.

By the end of this cover letter, this candidate has shown his boss that he’s not only made an impact in his current role, but is already exceeding expectations. More importantly, he has the skills needed to keep up with the demands of a more senior position.

Cover Letter Examples by Application Type

The following guides will show you how to write a variety of different cover letter formats and types:

Our robust collection of industry-specific cover letter examples is sure to have a cover letter for your unique situation. You can download all of these sample cover letters for free and customize them to fit your needs.

Click your industry below to find examples for different jobs:

Accounting & Finance

Administration & office support, business & management, business development, construction & maintenance, customer service & retail, customer service & retail, customer support & sales, digital art & production, education & human services, emergency services, engineering, finance & banking, fine arts & aesthetics, food service, healthcare & wellbeing, healthcare & wellbeing, human resources (hr), information technology (it), law & legal, life situation, maintenance, marketing & sales, personal & child care, public safety & security, resume: yes, science & research, spa & salon, transportation & travel, warehouse & logistics, web development & design, writing & media.

Once you’ve found a cover letter example for your target position, use a matching resume sample to help you write a resume and complete your job application.

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

Still have questions? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about cover letters:

What are 3 things you should include in a cover letter?

Three things you should include in a cover letter are:

Combined, these three elements make for a compelling cover letter that communicates why you’re the ideal person for the job.

How do you write a simple cover letter?

Here’s how to write a simple cover letter in six steps:

How important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is very important because it not only shows off your professional qualifications, it also gives you an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the position and explain why you’re the ideal person for the job.

A well-written cover letter is often the difference between being offered an interview or being outright rejected for a job, so why not write one to improve your odds on the job hunt?

How do you build a cover letter?

There are three ways you build a cover letter:

Use a professional cover letter generator tool

The fastest (and easiest) way to build a cover letter is by using an online cover letter builder .

These tools use AI to automatically write a strong cover letter for you based on a few bits of information that you provide for the tool.

However, most cover letter generators aren’t free, so if you need to save money you may want to build a resume the old-fashioned way.

Write it from scratch

Writing your cover letter yourself is the highest effort and most time-consuming way to make your cover letter. However, it’s also free and you have complete control over the content.

If you’re applying for a job that requires writing skills, it’s a good idea to write your cover letter from scratch because it gives you an opportunity to highlight your writing abilities.

Use a cover letter template

A simple cover letter template is a good starting point from which to make your cover letter. Most cover letter templates provide a general format that you can quickly fill in with your information, so you don’t need to use as much energy as you would writing your letter from scratch.

Using a template is a good way to make your cover letter if you’re unsure where to start and need some guidance. However, the end result is that your cover letter might come across as generic or awkward if you’re not careful, so it’s not always the best method.

Additional cover letter FAQs

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Written by Conrad Benz

Conrad Benz is a Digital Media Specialist & Resume Expert at Resume Genius, where he helps countless job-seekers craft standout resumes and launch their careers. His... more

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Home » CV Examples » Journalism CV

Journalism CV Example

31 August 2022 | By Eva Chan, CPRW | Reviewed by the CV Genius CPRW Team

Wondering how you can create the perfect journalism CV to land your dream job? Use our downloadable CV example and tips to hook employers into reading your journalism CV.

Looking for another CV template? Choose a different CV template from our library of free designs.

Related Cover Letter & CVs

Journalism cover letter, architecture cv.

Graphic Design CV

Journalism CV Template (Text Format)

Ensure your CV layout is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Personal Statement

Creative, self-motivated Journalist with 7+ years of writing experience. Possess a dogged determination to provide the public with authentic information and compelling stories. Seeking a position as a Journalist at [Company Name] to create top-notch content for magazines, blogs, newspapers, and social media platforms.

Work Experience

SHOUTVOX, Glasgow June 2021–Present

GLOBAL, London July 2019–June 2021

CATERS MEDIA, Birmingham October 2016–June 2019

Journalist Intern

THE INDEPENDENT, London October 2015–May 2016

University of Bolton, Greater Manchester

BA (Hons) Creative Writing Upper second–class honours (2:1) September 2012–October 2016

Gosforth High School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

A-Levels : Business Studies (B), History (C), Maths (B) GCSEs : 10 A*-C, including English, Maths, and ICT September 2005–October 2012

Hobbies & Interests

How to write a journalism CV

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

You know what it takes as a journalist to gather information and report it in an engaging way, and now it’s time to write a CV highlighting your top skills and qualifications.

With your strong foundation and our helpful tips, you’ll be all set to present a compelling journalism CV to employers.

1. Format your journalism CV professionally

It takes just 7 seconds for recruiters to get a lasting impression from your CV and decide whether they’re going to carry on reading.

So make your journalist CV layout readable and pleasing to the eyes.

Here’s how to layout your CV properly:

2. Begin with a captivating journalist CV personal statement

Your CV personal statement is one of the first sections employers read, so use it to make a good impression and demonstrate your excellent writing skills.

First, start with an impactful description of yourself, followed by an outline of your work experience as a journalist.

Next, highlight your greatest skills and motivations for applying.

Stating your career objective and what you hope to contribute to the company also helps make a good impression. For example, if the company you’re applying to seeks more social media presence, tell them how you can help them achieve this goal.

Also, ensure your personal statement stays between 2 and 4 sentences so your target employer stays engaged all the way through.

Here’s an example of a short but compelling personal statement for a journalist:

A journalism CV personal statement example using three descriptive sentences to write a concise introduction to the candidate's years of experience, top skills, and motivations for applying to their target company

3. Highlight your journalist CV skills

Writing and grammar skills aren’t the only things that make an exceptional journalist. You’ll need to prove you have well-rounded abilities with the skills on your CV to convince your target employer you’re the right person for the position.

Hard skills (also called technical skills ) are specific abilities, knowledge, and experience that make you an effective journalist. Your journalism hard skills help you collect information from your sources, manage your projects, and publish the final results.

You also need to be familiar with technical requirements and standards for doing research and making reports. So, list the tools of your trade that you’re experienced in, such as using audio and video recorders, editing software, and word processors.

Here are some journalism hard skills you can include in your CV:

Soft skills are a mix of character traits and social skills showing how you relate to others in professional settings.

Here are some essential soft skills to include on your journalism CV:

In addition to your skills section, incorporate your soft skills in your work experience section with examples to show employers how your abilities contribute to your work success.

Here are some examples of a journalist’s communication skills and decision-making abilities shown in their work experience bullet points:

Examples of soft skills in a journalist CV's work experience section

4. Highlight your work experience

Unless you’re writing a recent graduate CV , your work experience section will take up the most space. Employers spend the most time going over your work history to find out what you’ve accomplished and what you can contribute to the company if you get the job.

Use the work experience section on your CV to showcase how your skills helped you perform your duties and responsibilities in your past roles and what you achieved.

Rather than over-using the terms “responsible for” and “tasked with”, use impactful action words such as ‘investigated’, ‘won’, ‘supervised’, or ‘achieved’.

Starting each bullet point in your journalism’s work experience section with good CV action verbs also adds energy to your CV and shows the reader you’re proactive and a leader in your field.

Here are some examples of how you can highlight accomplishments from your journalism career:

Conducted interviews of foreign delegates, which was used for 2 international broadcasts Covered the oath-taking ceremony of the new city mayor which was nominated for two university awards Won “Best Reporting” in Free Media Awards

Hard numbers help quantify your accomplishments, whether that’s a percentage increase in readership, the reach of your social media content, or the number of articles or posts you’ve created.

For example, instead of just saying you publish articles on social media, show the exact number of how many views and interactions your posts have generated.

Here are three examples of hard numbers in your work experience section:

Led the research for an investigative documentary on YouTube about combating fake news, which garnered 1M+ views Published 3 social media news posts each day, generating 500 average shares across different platforms Supervised the training for 4 batches of interns each year

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Cover Letters:

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Cover Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

12 CV cover letter examples

A cover letter for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

Guide contents

CV templates

Anatomy of a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide, sales assistant cover letter example and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our CV builder

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

More cover letters

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send an email.

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

Round off your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

Proofread before sending, cover letter template, cover letter sample, sending an email cover letter, more cover letter examples.

When you apply for a job with a curriculum vitae (CV), it's important to include a cover letter, also known as a covering letter. This letter allows you to make a favorable first impression, using narrative in your own tone of voice to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to seriously review your attached CV.

Like a resume, a CV summarizes your skills and experience. The difference between a CV and a resume is length, the focus on credentials, and what the documents are used for. Typically, a CV is required to apply for roles in academia, scientific research, and medical fields.

While your CV provides a detailed—and often lengthy—look at your experience and credentials, the cover letter is an opportunity to call out your most important qualifications and make a compelling case for your candidacy for the role at hand. Here's what you need to know to write a successful curriculum vitae cover letter.

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organization

The CV cover letter should be tailored to respond to the unique and specific requirements requested by each organization you are approaching.

Do not use the same cover letter for every job you apply to, even though it may seem like a timesaver.

Each letter needs to provide detailed information about why are you are qualified for the specific job in question, and it should outline the reasons for your interest in the company or organization. Being specific is advantageous. Even if you're applying for two similar roles in two different hospitals, the two hospitals may serve different populations or require slightly different responsibilities for people in the role. Your letters to each hospital should reflect that.

Use your cover letter to identify the skills or experiences most specific to the job, rather than copying directly the information in your CV.

What to Include

As a candidate, it's tempting to feel like the cover letter is unnecessary, since it is likely that all the pertinent information is included in your CV. Still, as you can see, the cover letter is a helpful tool in your application. Here's what to keep in mind as you write a cover letter.

Format Matters

The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter. Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam” if possible.

If the letter recipient's name isn't provided, try these tips to determine the correct contact person .

Start With an Introduction

Typically, the first paragraph will be an introduction—if you are applying to a job ad, mention it here. Mention the job title, any reference number, and where and when you saw it. The first paragraph is also where you should mention if someone referred you to the position.

The Body of the Cover Letter

The body of the letter—the second and third paragraphs—should highlight your relevant skills and experience. Highlight your transferable skills , achievements, and versatility. Explain what you can contribute and what makes you stand out from your competition. Include mention of your current or last job, qualifications, and professional and academic training, tailoring your information to make it as relevant as possible to the organization or job applied for.

In the body of the cover letter, you can mention personality traits relevant to the role at hand. You can also use this space to call out why you're interested in this specific role, at this specific company. Potential employers and hiring managers will appreciate it if you can show you've read the job ad and researched the company.

Avoid lengthy repetition of information covered in your CV. Unlike a CV, it is acceptable to write a cover letter in the first person.

Conclude the letter by succinctly summarizing why an employer may want to meet and employ you. Include a polite expression of interest in further dialogue with the recruiter. Do mention that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further in a personal interview and that you await a response in due course.

Follow Instructions

In some cases, an advertisement will indicate that a more substantial letter is required.

Always follow specific instructions and include any information if it is specifically requested. For instance, some employers may ask you to include your current salary or your desired salary range.

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well

Ensure that your CV cover letter flows freely. You do not need to precisely match every point on the job description. The reader should be left with an overall impression that you are a potentially valuable addition to the workforce.

The letter should be readable and engaging.

Negative information of any sort should be avoided in your cover letter, as well as on your CV.

You'll want to be sure your letter is free from grammar or spelling errors. It should also be clearly presented—that means using standard formatting, and common readable fonts (such as Times New Roman or Verdana) in an appropriate size.

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Depending on the employer's submission requirements, cover letters can be submitted online with your CV, uploaded online, or mailed. Be sure to follow the application instructions and follow the directions on how to apply. Consider this template for how to structure your letter:

Belinda Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 belinda.applicant@gmail.com

October 25, 2021

Clark Lee, PhD Biology Department Chair Northwestern University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Dr, Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of assistant professor in the Biology department, as described in the Northern University website. The opportunity to teach biology appeals to me, and I believe I can be an asset to the department due to my experience as a field biologist, as well as my work as an adjunct professor at Southern State University. In accordance with your job description, I have the following skills:

• Experience lecturing to large audiences

• Experience with learning management systems and course design

• Ability to assist with labs for other professors

• Experience with grant writing and research

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae so you may examine my work and research experience, the papers I’ve published, and my educational background.

I can be reached anytime by email at Belinda.applicant@gmail.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this position.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Belinda Applicant

When you are sending your cover letter by email, list your contact information in your signature rather than at the top of the letter. List your name and the job title in the subject line of the message.

Here are more examples of cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

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Journalism Resume Examples (with Skills & Duties)

You can turn any event into a moving story. Use that talent to write a journalism resume that will move recruiters to hire you.

As seen in:

You’ve got a mean pen, fast fingers, and a voice as smooth as butter. There’s no topic or event that you can’t cover. You’ve got your eyes on that dream journalism job.

The thing is, so do thousands of other candidates just as confident as you.

And with hiring managers spending less time than a stop set on your resume, what can you do to not get overlooked like a tiny news snippet?

An impressive journalism resume. I’m talking Anderson Cooper impressive.

The great thing is that it’s not as hard as you may think. Just write a journalism resume as great as the one below:

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Check out our other articles centered around media:

Journalism Resume Example

Creative and driven journalist with 5+ years of experience. Great storytelling skills and a nose for the truth as well as an excellent track record as a staff reporter in print and digital media with circulation about 250K. Seeking to leverage skills and experience to contribute to high quality journalism at The New Yorker .

Work Experience

Writer/Editor

Association for Talent Development

Dec 2016- Dec 2019

Key achievement

Introduced a new website layout that rose subscription rates by 15%.

Morning News Anchor

Blooomsfield Broadcast Group

Sept 2015-Dec 2016

News Reporter

Bloomsfield Broadcast Group

July 2014-Sept 2015

Key Achievement

Earned four commendations from Editor-in-Chief for excellence in journalism.

2011-2014, B.A. in Journalism

University of Montana

Run a blog called “Green Now” that focuses on the environmental impact of proposed local and federal legislation.

This is how to write a job-winning journalism resume:

1. Use the Best Format for Your Journalism Resume

Journalists are the world’s storytellers, reporting on everything that goes on around us from politics to sports to social issues to entertainment. You name it, a journalist can write about it.

The purpose of your journalism resume is to show that you have the skills and experience it takes to bring people the news they want.

But journalism is a wide field. And that means a lot of competition.

To top it off, you have less time than it takes to display poll numbers to impress the recruiter with your resume.

To get the recruiter hooked on what you have to say, you need to create a clean resume template :

At this point you might also be wondering how long your resume should be . If you have several years in journalism under your belt, go for two pages. Otherwise, one-page resume template should do the trick.

OK, so let’s do a fact check, section by section.

2. Write a Journalism Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Introduce yourself through your resume profile , or more specifically, a resume objective or summary.

It’s a short and sweet paragraph at the top of your journalist resume that lays down the groundwork of why you’re the person for the job. Think of it as the attention-grabbing headline of your application.

Use a career summary if you’ve been learning the journalism ropes for more than a couple of years:

If you’re an entry level journalist or writing a journalism internship resume, opt for the career objective :

There’s no need to drown this section in a ton of information. Keep it 3-4 sentences long max and tailor it to the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Use resume keywords to pass the ATS scan. Check: What are Resume Keywords?

3. Create the Perfect Journalism Resume Job Description

Plain and simple, your resume experience section needs to be shouting “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”:

It’s a little like stacking—there’s no room for irrelevant info here.

4. Make Your Journalism Resume Education Section Shine

Who cares about your education? Well, actually a lot of people do and it could make or break your chances of getting to the cutting room floor.

Here’s how to nail your education section:

If you’re a graduate hot off the presses, consider putting your work experience below your education section. It’ll help you start off your resume with no experience with a bang.

Studied abroad? Check how to put it on your journalist resume: Studying Abroad on a Resume

5. Highlight Your Journalism Skills

This is where you go tight on the media skills that make you an excellent journalist so you need to get it right:

Journalism Resume Skills

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

6. Add Extra Sections to Your Journalist Resume

The hiring manager may be tuning in, but you’re not out of the woods just yet. Show them that you’re the candidate to watch. Think of this resume section as a kicker and make sure it’s exactly that.

Pro Tip : The internet really makes things easier than back in the day. There are tons of opportunities to rack up exp points by blogging or submitting articles to platforms such as Medium or HubPages. Showing up for an entry-level position with nothing at all in your journalism portfolio makes you dead in the water before you even get your swimsuit on.

7. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Journalism Resume

If you’re thinking if you should include a cover letter , then let’s make it super clear—yes, you do.

Write the best journalism cover letter this side of Rupert Murdoch with the following tips:

It’s easy to, but don’t go overboard and write a novel. The ideal length of an effective cover letter should have a TRT of 1-2 pages.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

And once you have all that sent, remember to follow up on your job application ! If you’re going to sit there and wait for things to happen then how will they believe you have what it takes to find and report breaking news?!

That’s the rundown of a successful journalism resume.

Thanks for reading. Have any insider tips or tricks to share about creating the perfect journalism resume? Share them in the comments below!

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Resume Design Templates: 15+ Ideas & How-to

Lacking inspiration while the clock’s ticking? Find 15+ resume design ideas to help you craft your perfect resume in no time.

How to List References on a Resume (Reference Page)

Should you put “references available upon request” on a resume? Learn how to list references and how to format a references page. See reference page samples.

Best Extracurricular Activities in a Resume (List of Examples)

Extracurricular activities don’t just make school more fun, they prepare you for life. See what extracurriculars to put on your resume and how to do it right.

Types of cover letter for job and studying

Self-presentation is important part of lives of modern people. With growing numbers of competition and rivals it's sometimes hard to earn place in good school, university or even company. Since early childhood we are told to be better, to develop our skills and talents, to do plenty of projects, to participate in numerous events, festivals and activities. All these work is not for nothing, as in future it can be represented in cover letter for resume to support your candidacy. And even earlier! Connecting your life with medicine you will need to prove you're worth working with qualified specialists. To get a place in hospital and learn from best doctors a medical student encloses internship cover letter and it should be different than the same paper for manager, for example. Every profession requires unique traits and characteristics, it won't be same for school teacher and head of corporate. That's why it's vital to pay attention to sample cover letter for resume related to desired position in company. Web is full of examples, and after thorough search you can find something to help you to compose job-winning piece of writing.

How to find useful cover letter tips

Getting ready to amaze employee with outstanding cover letter you have to spend several hours while doing research. Analyzing and comparing are two major factors of success. Resume cover letter should persuade employer that you are not a common person who can be hired to perform working duties, but a true gem they were looking for. First, you need to persuade yourself. Sometimes people don't believe in all those high praises they write about themselves. Have your students or pupils achieved success in school competitions? Did you invent a brand-new way of helping them succeed with homework? Include all this information in your teacher cover letter. Every single detail can play an important role. Do plenty of notes. Correct and rewrite. Think of job cover letter as of piece of art. Help employees understand your nature and soul. Imagine various ways you can improve working process in new organization and share your thoughts. In nursing cover letter reflect what influenced desire to become doctor, reveal story that's worth accepting you. To be honest, it's important part of resume but doing it is not that complicated. It should have several logical paragraphs to summarize your personality. Job letter outline can help in making it right.

What to avoid in writing

Your goal is to impress potential employer but there are some frames within which proper cover letter should be written. First of all, personal stuff and sentimental stories won't do any good. Try not to put many information, be brief and precise. Don't include slang or the words you don't know how to use correctly. Be polite and professional. A company is looking for worker, not a friend.

Online resume help for a new career

The first step of getting a new job is to show your interest in it. Before dreaming of a big office and mutual lunches with colleagues, it’s necessary to apply for a position. The competition is quite high in the modern world, so some people might never get that call for a potential boss. Sending CV to different companies is an essential part of the process, but how to make it outstanding? With the help of resume services, of course! They can turn the list of your skills and achievements into an impressive CV. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about anything – the team of experts will find a way to highlight your best traits and qualities. Getting help of professional CV creator is better than scrolling through the Internet in search of suitable templates and examples. First, it saves your time (which you can spend on choosing the better position of company). Second, it’s a chance to get a truly winning resume that emphasize all the essential qualities necessary for the job. Third, it’s an online service that gives you a chance to get resume help from any town or city. And the most important part – you will be able to look at the list of your achievements and increase your self-esteem and confidence. These two qualities can play a crucial role in each interview.

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VMock Instructions & Resume Writing Tips

Sample Resumes

Alternative Resumes

Cover letter writing tips, sample cover letter, infographic: robots reading your resume.

The VMock platform will analyze your resume from EVERY possible angle and help you arrive at a perfect version of yourself!

VMock, is a 24-7 online resume-review tool, that leverages data-science, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. VMock is designed to work with resumes from many different fields across various industries.

How VMock Works? Sign up on VMock using your UNA Portal username and password, upload ( PDF only ) or create a resume, and VMock will:

Once you receive the detailed feedback, use the in-built SMART Editor to convert your resume into a university complaint template and continue improving your bullets.

You can also send a feedback request to your counselor via the Network Feedback module from within the platform.

Please visit the following links for assistance navigating VMock: VMock Introductory Video , VMock Product Video , and Customized Student Guide .

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] in case of questions.

Each job duty on a résumé needs to begin with an action verb. Use past tense action verbs for previous jobs and present tense action verbs for current positions.

. Sample Résumés

The sample résumés listed below are to be used as a guide when creating your résumé. If we do not have a specific sample for your major, you may use any of the samples listed below.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you need a resume sample in accessible format.

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Creative Resumes —No matter how clever the design, a résumé will still need to convey to the employer your potential to bring value to the organization. If you put all your effort into the style of your résumé, you may neglect to develop the substance. Focus first on the content of your résumé. Think of creative projects you have done as a volunteer, organization member, employee, or intern that demonstrates your talents. Employers recommend promoting creativity through a portfolio. Research the organization to which you’re applying and try to determine if a more cutting-edge résumé design is your best bet. If the organization receives hundreds of résumés for each position, you might go with a design that will positively stand out from the rest. If using a more creative style, be mindful of the fact that some Applicant Tracking systems may not be able to read the graphics, textboxes, etc.

Resumes for Government Jobs — Résumés for federal jobs include more details than those written for jobs in private industries. You can begin building a résumé for federal employment in the same way you build any résumé--by listing jobs, skills, accomplishments, projects, leadership positions, and activities. After generating this list, visit www.federaljobresume.com or www.usajobs.gov to learn how to put your information into the required format.

International Resumes —If you are interested in working in another country, be sure to research guidelines for writing an appropriate résumé for your desired location. A resource that may help you is www.transitionsabroad.com .

The Military-to-Civilian Résumé —Military experience provides opportunities to develop a range of skills, many of which transfer to civilian jobs. When you review potential job descriptions, you may quickly identify specific responsibilities in the military that allowed you to learn or strengthen those skills and abilities. Once you begin targeting jobs, you’ll want to write a résumé that includes your military experience described in terms readily understood by someone without a military background. Avoid using military jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. Focus on the skills you developed in leadership, communication, teamwork, management, supervision, training, translating, coordinating, planning, monitoring, and organizing. A resource to help you translate your military experience and job titles into terms familiar to civilian employers is the Veterans’ Employment & Training Service Transition Assistance Program: www.dol.gov/vets/programs .

Once you’ve identified positions to apply for, it’s time to prepare your application materials. You should include a cover letter each time you submit your résumé for a position. The cover letter is your opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications and to explain why those experiences make you a good candidate for the job. Do not just reiterate your résumé. Instead, focus on several key areas and go into detail including what you did and what you learned.

Remember, the cover letter is a sample of your writing ability. Employers will assume that the quality of your letter is indicative of the quality of your work. Proofread and spell check carefully!

Salutation – Never address your letter "To Whom it May Concern.” If you don't know whom to send the letter to, call and request the name of the person who is responsible for hiring entry-level professionals in your area. You can also check the company’s website directory to find names of people to contact. Be certain to get the name and title (and correct spelling). Whenever possible, avoid sending your letter to the personnel department as it generally does not have the power to hire - only the power to screen you out.

Section I – Your opening sentence should state the purpose of your letter (your objective). Mention a name if you have permission (e.g., John Smith recommended I contact you.). You should also mention how you heard about the job and why it interests you. Try to make the first paragraph interesting to get the reader’s attention.

Section II – Address the particular strengths you have which qualify you for the job, but do not repeat information word-for-word from your résumé. Highlight coursework, skills, or experiences that will be of greatest interest to the organization. Reference actual job duties from the job description. This section can be more than one paragraph and should answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” Match your skills and experience to the job description.

Section III – Thank the reader for their consideration. Indicate your desire for a personal interview and state how the employer should contact you (phone, email). Offer any assistance to help in a speedy response.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you need a Cover Letter sample in accessible format.

Contact us if you need ASSISTANCE in WRITING a RESUME or a COVER LETTER.

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Journalism cover letter

As a journalist, you know the importance of exceptional writing and storytelling. To be considered for top journalism jobs, your cover letter must demonstrate your skills and experience, as well as your passion for your work—you can be sure hiring managers are paying extra-close attention. For writing tips, view this sample cover letter for a journalist, or download the journalism cover letter template in Word.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you'll find the highest level of employment for this job in the following states: New York , California , Florida , Texas , and the District of Columbia ; and in the following metropolitan areas: New York City , Washington D.C. , Los Angeles , Chicago , and Boston .

As a journalist, you can expect to earn a median wage of $40,910 per year, or $19.67 per hour, according to the BLS.

Additionally, you can learn more about media careers and editorial careers , as well as look for journalism jobs on Monster.

Journalism cover letter template

TAYLOR DANIELS Sometown, MA 55555 | (555) 555-5555 | [email protected] | Portfolio URL

October 4, 2017

Mr. Chad Dallas Editorial Director ABC Company 4350 West Ave. Sometown, MA 55555

Dear Mr. Dallas:

As a journalism and mass communications major at XYZ University preparing to graduate next month, I am eager to launch my career in newspaper journalism. Your news reporter opening advertised on Monster is an excellent match to my qualifications.

While studying at XYZ, I gained experience as a:

In both classroom and work settings, I earned a reputation as a dedicated journalist with a passion for accurately covering important issues and events, engaging readers and helping fuel positive change.

It would be an honor to report for your award-winning newspaper and work with your talented team of writers and editors. I am confident that my experience publishing and promoting content on social media and delivering on multiple platforms would benefit your newspaper as you move to digital delivery.

You may review my résumé and news clips at somedomain.com. Thank you!

Taylor Daniels Enclosure: Résumé

How's your resume looking?

A solid cover letter should be complimented by a resume that is as well-crafted and error-free as the copy you turn in. But resume writing isn't the same as a news story. Could you use some help with it? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service . You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. Think of it as a line edit for your resume, which will help you land a front-page career.

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Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters: Q&A with Janet Albert

The Bridgespan Group receives numerous questions from job-seekers about the importance of resumes and cover letters, such as “How should I organize my resume? How can I make it really stand out? Do people actually read cover letters? How long should they be? What do I need to highlight if I’m trying to transition into the nonprofit sector?”

We sat down with Janet Albert, Bridgespan’s former regional director of executive search, to discuss these and other questions. With over 15 years of experience in executive search, Janet has reviewed thousands of resumes and cover letters. We hope her insights will help you draft, refine, and finalize yours.

What are the key things you look for when you’re reviewing resumes?

Janet Albert: The first thing that catches my eye is whether or not the resume is laid out clearly (see Sample Nonprofit Resumes ). It sounds simple, but I want to be able to scan a resume quickly and say “I get what this person is about.”

The visual appeal of the resume is very important. Does your resume look clean and consistent? Is there a balance of text and white space? Do you use bold and italics well so that the appropriate things jump off the page? And are the formatting and structure consistent throughout?

My preference is for resumes organized in reverse chronological order. This gives me a sense of your career track record, trajectory, and accomplishments. In contrast, functional resumes can make it difficult to understand your career progression, which is a key part of assessing fit. I also tend to worry that a candidate is using a functional format to mask a less-than-stellar career progression.

From a more content-focused perspective, I look for a focus on accomplishments rather than activities, responsibilities, or educational background. For the first few years of your career it’s reasonable to use terms like “responsible for” or “part of a team that.” Likewise, it’s fine for new graduates to list their educational background first. But by the time you’re applying for senior management positions, the focus of your resume should be on professional accomplishments—for example “Doubled size of endowment in two years,” or “Put in place centralized resources to increase efficiency and cut costs by 10%,” or “Instituted performance management plan and reduced turnover of field staff,” or something else that shows what you have accomplished for the organization.

Do people really read cover letters? Or is it just a matter of making sure there are no typos?

Albert: Everyone values them differently. I do read cover letters and find them to be very helpful. This is especially true if you are making a transition from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit sector: I’ll look to your cover letter to help tell me why this move makes sense for you and for the organization. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to position yourself, to show that you have done research on the organization and thought about what you will bring to the table. A good cover letter sets me up to read the resume with this context in mind.

In my experience, the cover letter is more important to nonprofit clients than to those in the for-profit world. Especially at smaller nonprofits, clients look for applicants’ ability to write well. Because resources are often scarce, senior nonprofit managers have less support, leaving them responsible for a great deal of writing. A cover letter with a grammatical or punctuation error will definitely raise red flags even for the most accomplished applicant. Of course, this is true in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors alike!

What makes a good cover letter?

Albert: The basics are simple—your cover letter should be well-written, concise, and free of typos. Overly wordy or flowery cover letters are not helpful. Your cover letter should also make it clear why you are interested in the position and why you are a good candidate. The best ones let a bit of personality shine through, without being over-the-top. Avoid mentioning arcane interests. They may give a potential employer a sense of your personality, but you really want to stick with how your experience lends itself to the job you’re applying for.

If you are a bridger—an individual who is making a shift into the nonprofit sector for the first time—it will be particularly important for you to emphasize how your prior experience will translate to the sector, which will help direct me to the relevant parts of your resume when I get there. The most compelling cover letters articulate a candidate’s strong passion for an organization’s mission and can point to specific experiences that demonstrate that passion.

How long should cover letters and resumes be?

Albert: Cover letters should be one page, maximum. Resumes should be two pages, maybe three, not longer. If you have a long list of publications or speaking engagements that you want to share, you can create that list as an addendum to the resume, rather than giving me a six-page resume. It’s also important to use a font size that is easy to read. If you have to reduce your font size (e.g., below a 10 point font) to limit the number of pages of your resume or cover letter, you may want to go back and revise to be more concise.

How can those transitioning from the for-profit sector customize their resumes for a nonprofit job search?

Albert: There are several things you can do to ensure that your resume encourages nonprofit organizations to consider you for the job. The biggest thing is this “translation” piece I mentioned. Articulate your experiences and skills in a way that emphasizes their transferability to the specific job you are pursuing. For example, highlight functional expertise such as marketing, technology, or accounting. Or emphasize having managed individuals from different backgrounds and departments (e.g., engineering and product development) or across multiple geographies.

In addition, make sure to highlight all of your relevant nonprofit involvement and the skills you have developed through that work. People often include formal positions, such as treasurer of the board of a local nonprofit, but make the mistake of omitting less formal involvement such as developing brochures to help market their child’s preschool, or fundraising or recruiting volunteers they did for a local political candidate. Having a specific section of the resume dedicated to community involvement or nonprofit work can help make this experience more visible to the resume reader.

Finally, avoid jargon. Remember that people reading your resume—especially hiring managers, as opposed to professional recruiters—may not be very familiar with the specifics of your current field and may get turned off by the use of too much jargon. For example, industry jargon, terms, and acronyms such as “cycle time, turnkey, bandwidth, quick ratio, JIT, CBA, JCAHO” and others may leave enough questions for a nonprofit manager that they set your resume aside until they have more time to absorb and think through the language. In the same vein, nonprofit leaders may not know companies in your industry. Consider having a one-line description for each employer that would include the organization’s area of focus, revenue or budget size, number of employees, and geography.

What are some of the worst mistakes people make?

Albert: Typos and grammatical errors are the worst. If I see them I have to think one of two things: either you have poor attention to detail, which is not what I want in an employee, or you didn’t care enough about this opportunity to take the time to edit your resume or cover letter thoroughly. Making errors on employment dates and/or leaving jobs off your resume can also raise red flags.

Another big mistake is applying to something totally irrelevant. As a recruiter, if I see your resume come in for a number of jobs that aren’t really relevant to your skill set, it will be hard for me to take you seriously, even for a job that does fit. I want to see that you are consciously thinking through each opportunity, rather than sending out a batch of resumes to cover every opportunity that comes up.

Any other tips?

Albert: First, if you have broad, cross-functional experience, do tailor your resume when applying for jobs. If you are applying for a director of operations role that has a finance emphasis, ensure that the version of your resume that you submit emphasizes your finance experience. For a director of operations opportunity with more of a strategy focus, you might want to emphasize your strategic planning experience instead.

Second, keep your resume updated. If you’re going to take the time to apply for a job, you need to give a potential employer or recruiter your most recent information. This will make the recruiting process more efficient.

Finally, remember that sometimes you can do everything right on your resume and cover letter and still get no responses for a while. The job search process can be long, tedious, and frustrating. My advice would be not to lose heart; eventually the right opportunity will surface and the end result will be well worth the wait.

Ceo perspectives: brac usa's donella rapier on transitioning to the ceo role, the case for a generalist: a nonprofit’s mvp, building a new foundation: patty stonesifer shares her experiences as ceo of the bill & melinda gates foundation.

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from training.npr.org: https://training.npr.org/2021/03/05/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-a-public-media-job-or-internship/

Style Guide

How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship

My letterhead doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to exist!

Dear Specific Person Whose Name I Obtained, Showing I Have Reporting Skills,*

I am starting this cover letter with literally ANYTHING other than “I am applying for [job].” Also I’m not telling you how I found the job listing, unless someone influential told me to apply. Yes, I am defying the advice of my career center, professor and/or friend who is applying to law/automotive/sales jobs. And my name’s in the letterhead so I don’t need to mention it again.

Instead, I will use my first 100 words or less to tell you something interesting — yet relevant to the job — that will make you want to talk to me. Because that’s what this is all about: Scoring an interview so I can dazzle you! Maybe that thing will not be how I reported on a Sad Person and learned a Valuable Lesson About Journalism, though, because everyone is doing that and also this isn’t a college admissions essay.

Now, instead of listing ALL my awesome experiences and achievements, since they are already on my resume, I will look at the job requirements and curate accordingly. I will make clear how my experiences/achievements prepare me for this particular job , which I researched extensively to see what, exactly, it is! Because I’m definitely not applying for all 20 openings at your organization. Or maybe I am (Wait, you can see that in your recruitment software?!), but THIS is the job I REALLY want. And it’s not because I’m PERFECT for the position (pobody’s nerfect! haha) or a great fit (because what am I, jeans?).

Next I’ll tell you what I can do for your organization besides work hard and utilize my strong track record in communication skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Word! I will skip the part about how this will advance my goals, which are to grow in my career, master new skills and have health insurance. Rather, I’ll tell you how I will advance your goals.

I will not make this paragraph about how I love [station/show/podcast] because I grew up listening to it in the backseat of my parents’ car, nor will I remind you that your organization is an esteemed news outlet with high standards that serves the public. I will give examples of work you do that I liked (and why), preferably at least two. Oh yeah, and I def won’t tell you how much I love a podcast your competitor produces. (That would be silly, I say as I delete a reference to The Daily .) Nor will I confuse Idaho Matters and Talk of Iowa . Thank goodness I always ask someone to proofread my letters and they caught that embarrassing mistake!

After reviewing your job description, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with this role, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. What? I’d never cut and paste a paragraph I found in a random template ! You must have me confused with 40% of your applicant pool.

Finally, I will not use words more suited for accepting a marriage proposal to express my excitement about this job! Yes I would love it, be honored to have it and be passionate about every aspect of it! But I will use normal words. And, because I am not a free online career personality test, my ability to craft phrases like “successfully utilize my core competencies and soft skills in the workspace” will remain implied. In conclusion, I bet you’re aware I’m available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

P.S. I saved this as a PDF so it will open in your browser, instead of a .docx file that will download and pollute your already-overflowing desktop. You’re welcome! Did you know I’m proficient in Microsoft Word?

How to make all-purpose letterhead

How to add your signature

There are several phone apps that will “scan” a document:

Notes instructions (iOS) Dropbox instructions (iOS, Android) Any free scanning app in either app store

You don’t need photo editing software to crop your “scan.” Do this:

*Or team name (updated 1/18/2022).

Holly J. Morris is the NPR Training team's Digital Journalism Trainer.

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Cover letter example 1

Richard Anderson, 1234, West 67 Street, Carlisle, MA 01741, (123)-456 7890.

Mr. John Smith, Human Resources Manager The Bergen Gazette 257, Park Avenue South, New York, NY 12345-6789.

Dear Mr. Smith:

I am very interested in your entry-level reporting job. Crime, politics, corruption, poverty – I’ve covered them all and want to keep doing it at the Anyplace Tribune. I am graduating next month from the master’s journalism program at New York University.

Throughout my school years I have held internships at daily newspapers, most recently at the New York Daily News. As a reporter on the Daily News city desk, I covered the gamut of stories that make up city life. I have also worked in smaller markets: At The (Nashua, NH) Telegraph, I pitched an idea for a profile of a New Hampshire working family on the verge of becoming homeless. I wrote the story and it wound up on the front page. I would bring the same strong work ethic and passion for reporting to the Anyplace Tribune. I know that your paper has been pushing for excellence in recent years, and I would love to be part of that drive.

Please find enclosed my resume, references and clips. I will call you next week to see whether we might set up a personal interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Richard Anderson. Create Cover Letter -->

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Cover letter example 2

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am currently a student at Northeastern University entering my junior year as a journalism major concentrating in TV/Radio. Northeastern University offers the cooperative plan of education, which allows students to incorporate work experience with academic studies.

Through this program, I will be available for full-time employment from June 16, 1997 to January 2, 1998. If you plan to hire additional personnel to help at your station, I would greatly appreciate being considered.

As you can see from the enclosed resume, I have always had an interest in broadcasting, and have experience working in a TV environment as an intern at New England Cable News. At NECN, I wrote stories for newscasts, worked the Teleprompter, and assisted the producer. I now look forward to the possibility of working at WVXZ and developing expertise in the field I intend to pursue upon graduation.

During the week of May 5, 1997, I will call to arrange an interview. In the meantime, should you have any questions, you can reach me at (617) 555-1331. Thank you for your consideration.

Richard Anderson Create Cover Letter -->

Cover letter example 3

Ms. Sally Rogers, a freelance writer with your publication, suggested that I write to you concerning my qualifications for a cooperative education at Baystate Magazine. Ms. RogersÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ description of the philosophy and mission of your company, especially in regards to environmental issues, has made me very enthusiastic about the possibility of working for Baystate Magazine.

I will graduate from Northeastern Universities 5-year Cooperative Education program with a Bachelor of Science Degree in journalism with a concentration in print in June 1999. The Co-op program is based on an alternating work/study program so that professional experience becomes an integral part of the educational process.

Enclosed is my resume which highlights my prior co-op work experiences, primarily in print media environments. At my last co-op job with The Patriot Ledger, I wrote stories and obituaries, answered phones and compiled community columns. I feel this experience would be an asset to your publication.

I will be available from January 5, 1998 through March 21, 1998. I look forward to discussing possible employment opportunities with you and will call you next week. If you should have any questions, please call me at (617) 442-1111. Thank you for your consideration.

Cover letter example 4

Dear Ms. Smith:

Please accept this as a letter of interest in a summer internship position at The Bergen Gazette. Prior to my senior year at The Colorado College, I would like the opportunity to further develop and hone the journalism skills I have acquired over the past three years. As a native of Bergen, I would enjoy gaining this experience at the Gazette.

As the News Editor, and then Features Editor of the Catalyst, The Colorado College’s weekly student newspaper, I have been able to develop practical journalism knowledge. I have found the deadlines and responsibilities associated with these positions challenging and rewarding. During my term as a staff writer for the Catalyst, I acquired hands-on interviewing and writing skills. By assuming the position of Distribution Manager for Cutler Publications, I have experienced a side of journalism indirectly related to the newsroom. Prior to attending college, I was the Executive Editor of the Bergen Senior High School newspaper, The Highwaymen.

In addition to my practical experiences, my minor in Journalism has taught me the basic tenets of the trade. A supervised position on a citywide publication will allow me to apply what I have learned thus far in the field and in the classroom. My future plans include working for a newspaper for several years before attending graduate school. A summer internship at the Gazette would help round out my undergraduate journalistic experiences. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I plan to arrive in Bergen the first week in May. If I can provide you with any additional information, please feel free to contact me at (719) 555-1111. I will look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Richard Anderson

Enclosure Create Cover Letter -->

Your Complete Guide to Writing a Cover Letter (Plus Bonus Tips and Examples)

Hot jobs on the muse.

person sitting at a kitchen table, typing on a laptop, with a Golden Retriever standing next to them, putting its nose against their face

Ah yes, the familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking something to the effect of: Does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First off: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read . To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application . And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love, what do examples of cover letters look like, bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition, cover letter faqs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters).

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials. Done well , a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique.

Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have if you learn how to do cover letters right.

OK, you’re sold on how important cover letters are. Here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template).

Yes, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company ” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info.

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order you might include it in) is:

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough.

So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already).

So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234 https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name.

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title, or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine. And if “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader.

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (the hiring manager may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs), and yes, you could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company . Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

For instance, say you’re applying for a marketing job with a company known for its incredible pies and baked goods. You might want to use your opening to mention how you love pie so much that when you were in the 4th grade, you took the blue ribbon in the National Cherry Festival pie-eating contest. Or take a look at this cover letter hook by a client of career coach and Muse writer Jenny Foss , who was working to land a leadership role at a nonprofit specializing in fire prevention:

“I have a personal interest in fire prevention that dates back to my youth. As the daughter of a nurse who worked in a hospital burns unit for many years, I grew up with significant exposure to those impacted by fire. I’d spend hours thinking about my mom’s patients, wishing there were some way to better protect people from fire.”

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job.

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you . Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position. Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

Select the three to five important qualifications that you feel you exemplify best. For instance, maybe you’re looking for an account executive role and come across a posting that excites you. You might pull out these details that match you well:

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths, here’s a quick trick : What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers.

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. And go beyond your resume . Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere. Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

Having trouble figuring out how to do this? Try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

Going back to the example from the last step. How could you prove that you’ll meet and exceed sales quotas if they hire you? Try something like:

“ I’ve always been very goal-oriented—whether that goal was hitting a new personal best on the swim team in college or smashing my quotas as a sales development rep for ZZZ Inc. As an SDR, I break my quarterly sales goals down month-by-month and then week-by-week—so that I always know whether I’m ahead, behind, or on-track. I also take an hour every Friday to reflect on what I could’ve done better in the previous week—so that I’m always improving. With these strategies, I’ve met my goals for meetings set 10 out of the last 10 quarters and actually averaged 114% to goal for finding leads that eventually turned into sales over every quarter last year. As an account executive for your company, I’d bring that same drive and systematic approach for meeting longer-term targets to my sales quotas. ”

Do this for each of the qualifications you want to focus on, and feel free to connect your accomplishments directly to the company. Pro tip: Use your space wisely. For more important qualifications, you might dedicate an entire paragraph, while others may only need a sentence or two.

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion.

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Some advice might tell you to go with a hard close: Boldly insist that you’re the one, and that you’re going to call them within a week to set up a meeting. But with over 10 years of experience as a recruiter, Foss finds this annoying. It’s one thing to be proactive and confident but, to her, this approach feels like a cheesy tactic stripped out of an old school “How to sell yourself” textbook.

Instead, try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name.

Step 8: Reread and revise.

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

person kneeling on floor in front of orange pillows, writing in a notebook while looking at open laptop

Here’s an example cover letter that follows this advice:

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Looking for more cover letter examples? Check out these from across our site:

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Regina Borsellino and Jenny Foss contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

Putting a little extra effort into these materials can help you make a good first impression with potential employers.

SARINA SCHRAGER, MD, MS

Fam Pract Manag. 2021;28(5):4-5

Applying for jobs can be exciting — and stressful. Business experts recommend diligent attention to developing your resume or CV (curriculum vitae) and writing a cover letter as these are the first things that any future employer will see about you. The CV and cover letter are concise ways to share details about your skills and accomplishments. A good CV and cover letter do not get you the job, but they may make you more likely to get an interview. A CV is basically a list of your education, accomplishments, and specific skills. It is normally accompanied by a cover letter that tells potential employers more about you, what you are looking for in a new job, and why you are the right person for the job they have advertised.

A CV for medical professionals includes several different sections. It should start with your full name and contact information. In the business world, most CVs include a concise, descriptive statement about your skills, but this is not always included on medical CVs.

The next section describes your education and training. Include your undergraduate degree, any graduate studies, medical school, residency, and fellowship. Extra training can be inserted here as well (for example, competency in obstetric ultrasound or colonoscopy, or extra training in evidence-based medicine or quality improvement).

The CV continues with descriptions of previous related jobs (it's OK to leave out your bartending stint in college), any presentations or publications, substantive committee work (e.g., if you chaired a committee, contributed to a significant change in practice, or spent a lot of time on a project), and relevant volunteer work. CVs feature very little narrative except to provide brief explanations where a bulleted list does not suffice.

Most physician employers are relatively conservative, so experts recommend using a simple font and limited color in your CV. Physician CVs can be as long as they need to be, but be careful to avoid including facts that are not relevant to medicine.

COVER LETTER TIPS

A cover letter allows you to expand on the bulleted list of accomplishments included in your CV. The cover letter is a place where you can be specific about why you are interested in a particular position and why your skills would be a good fit. While the CV lists all your accomplishments, the cover letter highlights unique skills that make you a good candidate for the job. It is important to do your homework, make sure you address the letter to the person doing the hiring, and demonstrate that you have read about the position and the organization by making specific statements about them.

Cover letters have three main components: 1) an introduction, 2) a short list of relevant work that highlights one or two positions or accomplishments, and 3) a conclusion. They should be no longer than one page. If you are applying for your first job out of residency, you can talk about the skills you have gained during your training and how they would be a good match for the job. You should write different cover letters for each job and not use a standard template. Each letter should include a specific detail about the particular practice, whether it is the patient population, the job description, or the location. You want to make sure the hiring manager knows that you are interested in that specific job.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Writing effective CVs and cover letters allows you to present yourself and your accomplishments in a professional and clear light. Putting a little extra time into these materials may make all the difference in getting the job you desire.

To help you write an effective CV:

Creating a standout CV . American Medical Association.

How to write a curriculum vitae . American Academy of Family Physicians.

How to write a medical CV . International Journal of Surgery Oncology .

What makes a good CV? FPM .

To help you write an effective cover letter:

Everything that physicians need to know about cover letters . Physicians Thrive.

How to write a cover letter . Harvard Business Review .

Physician cover letters: why writing a good one is as important as ever . NEJM CareerCenter.

Continue Reading

More in FPM

10 Best Cover Letter Generator Tools to Help With Your Job Hunt

By Julia Jenkins

February 28, 2023

When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Are you ready to make a career move but don't know where to start? Are you crafting your job hunt, writing resumes and wondering how to best focus your energy into getting a foot in the door? Don’t worry: You are not alone! Many fantastic professionals just like you want their next career step to be successful and meaningful.

A cover letter generator is a powerful and efficient tool that can take away all the stress of writing an effective job application - it could just be the secret weapon for launching your dream career.

In this article, we look at the best cover letter generators so you can easily create professional-looking documents in no time! Find out how the best cover letter generators can help jumpstart your next career move.

Resume Genius

My perfect resume, cover letter now, steps to writing an effective cover letter, is it okay to use a cover letter generator, how long should my cover letter be, what is the ideal format for a cover letter, which file format is best to use for my cover letter, are cover letters still necessary, do i need a separate cover letter for every job application, which online tool offers the best cover letter generator.

Our first recommendation for help writing your cover letter is the big hitter in the AI writer space - Jasper.

Customize your document according to your job requirements using the personal bio template . Jasper's powerful AI-driven content creation engine quickly generates a customized cover letter highlighting your qualifications and work experience in the best possible light.

Play with different tones of voice to capture the company's style, and let Jasper's AI-driven software suggest synonyms, phrases and sentences to customize your cover letter further. Jasper can provide helpful tips on writing an effective cover letter to ensure your document stands out from the competition.

With Jasper's user-friendly AI-backed content creation system, it's now a breeze for anyone to generate an expert cover letter in no time! Get started now with Jasper to create a professional document that catches the attention of recruiters.

Try Jasper today for free!

Check out our full Jasper AI review here.

Rytr's cover letter maker is an AI-powered tool designed to help users craft professional and engaging cover letters quickly and easily.

It provides pre-written content tailored specifically to the job role and skills needed and natural language processing technology to tailor it further.

With its intuitive user interface and free forever pricing, Rytr makes creating great cover letters easy and accessible.

For a full run through of all its capabilities, check out our Rytr review .

Zety's cover letter generator is the ideal tool for job seekers to create professional and persuasive cover letters.

It offers a user-friendly interface with numerous features and cover letter template options matching various industries and professions.

There's a real-time checker with improvement suggestions and easy downloading options. These features make Zety perfect for any job seeker who needs a great cover letter quickly!

Resume.io provides users the tools to write an effective cover letter, including HR-approved professional cover letter template examples and customizable features tailored to specific industries.

It offers a comprehensive guide on ensuring users present themselves in the best possible light, giving them the highest chances of landing their dream job.

With resume.io, users can ensure they have the highest chances of landing the job of their dreams.

Resume Genius' tool is an easy to use professional template that provides users with a step-by-step guide for creating a strong and engaging cover letter.

It also offers cover letter example specimens created by professionals in different industries, all reviewed by experienced career experts.

This ensures users have access to high quality content when crafting their own unique cover letter.

Resume Lab's cover letter creator is ideal for job seekers to quickly and easily create a professional cover letter.

It includes all necessary forms, sections, and even helpful tips and advice on how to write a great cover letter.

The powerful spellchecker helps identify typos or grammar mistakes that could otherwise cost potential job opportunities.

LiveCareer’s cover letter builder is a helpful tool that provides job seekers with customizable templates, tips on how to write a successful cover letter, and advice on what to include. It also features resume building tools for an all-in-one resource.

With its user-friendly design, this generator makes it easy to create a powerful cover letter to showcase your experience and qualifications.

JobHero's cover letter maker is an easy-to-use tool for creating a professional, high-impact cover letter that stands out from the competition.

It provides customizable design options and keyword optimization to tailor your letter to the job you're applying for, and it will help you to meet deadlines.

With this helpful resource, you can quickly create a standout cover letter highlighting your work experience and increasing your chances of getting hired.

MyPerfectResume's cover letter generator offers step-by-step guidance and ATS-friendly cover letter templates to help create an eye-catching, professional document.

It also provides customizable design tools, a savings option, and optimization for ATS systems to maximize chances of getting an interview.

MyPerfectResume can help you create a compelling and effective cover letter with its easy-to-use features.

my perfect resume - cover letter generator

Cover Letter Now's cover letter builder provides a convenient and efficient way to create personalized, professional-looking cover letters.

Their templates are easy to modify, and their formatting tools make it simple to produce a mistake-free document.

Pre-written examples and tips help highlight relevant skills and experiences for employers so they can recognize quickly how you will contribute to their team.

cover letter now - cover letter generator

No matter which tool you choose to create your cover letter, the most important thing is to ensure that it reflects who you are and shows the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.

Here’s a quick guide for crafting a well written cover letter:

The best cover letter maker tools can help you easily create an effective document. With the right combination of research, customization and creative thinking, you can craft a great cover letter that will land you your dream job!

Here are some important answers to common questions about cover letter generators.

Yes, it is perfectly alright to use a cover letter generator. Using a cover letter builder can help you create an effective, professional-looking document in no time at all!

Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should clearly convey your interest in the job and provide a highlight of your relevant skills and experience.

The ideal format for a cover letter includes the following:

The ideal file format for your cover letter is a PDF (Portable Document Format). This ensures that your document will remain readable and consistent across all devices.

Yes, cover letters are still an important part of the job application process. A personalized cover letter allows you to provide more context and detail than a resume, which can help your application stand out from the crowd and help you get that all important job interview.

To ensure your cover letter stands out to a recruiter, ensure it is tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to and is free of typos or grammatical errors. Also, include industry-specific language and showcase your professional experience clearly and concisely to a potential employer.

In conclusion, a good cover letter is a vital component of any job application; an effective one can make all the difference.

If you're looking for a great job to make you rich , a professional cover letter generator can be the secret weapon to help you create a strong document that reflects your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments.

Writing an impressive cover letter can be daunting, but with the help of online letter templates and the AI tools mentioned in this article, you can craft the perfect cover letter that will give you the edge you need to land your dream job.

Good luck with your job search!

Julia Jenkins is an “information junkie”, who loves nothing more than helping blog owners create and manage content as the founder of Bloggbuddy.

When she’s not working on her next big project, you’ll find Julia looking for new ways to learn and grow with her nose buried in a book or exploring the great outdoors with her family and their two dogs.

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Writing your résumé with AI makes it easier to find a job, a study finds. But this edge could vanish once everybody's doing it.

Using an artificial intelligence tool to write your résumé could help you land a job , but this edge might not last for long.

That's according to a recent working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, based on the findings of a field experiment with nearly 500,000 job seekers in 2021. Participants in the study who received "algorithmic writing assistance" to help craft their résumés — which included feedback about spelling, grammar, and word usage — were 8% more likely to get hired than those who didn't use this tool, the researchers found.

Emma van Inwegen, PhD Candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management and one of the paper's authors, told Insider that if one of two people "with identical skill sets, with identical histories" have "better writing on their résumé, they're more likely to get hired." Meaning, van Inwegen said, that employers "do care about" résumé writing.

The researchers, van Inwegen, Zanele T. Munyikwa, and John J. Horton, said the AI assistance was particularly helpful for job seekers "at the bottom of the spelling distribution," or those with more misspellings.

While the researchers didn't study ChatGPT specifically, the paper's findings suggest that using AI in the job application process could give some candidates an advantage. Since launching in November, the OpenAI-owned chatbot has taken the world by storm, reaching over 100 million users by the end of January. While some workers have fretted about how emerging AI technologies could impact their job security, others are exploring ways they can make their lives easier — like by assisting with résumés and cover letters writing.

But if AI tools like ChatGPT proliferate — and millions of job seekers begin using AI tools to craft their résumé, it might get harder to stand out .

"If everyone starts to use ChatGPT on their cover letters, on their résumés, if you are an employer looking at résumés, you will no longer be able to use writing quality to try and understand something about the worker who applied," van Inwegen said, who also noted that the tool for this experiment was "sort of evening the playing field for people with different levels of writing ability."

"Everyone's résumé will have gone through some sort of algorithmic checker," van Inwegen said. "And so it has the potential to sort of homogenize writing in cover letters and on résumés for better or for worse."

Mass use of AI could make writing a weaker signal of a job candidate's quality

In the short-term, while many of these tools are still developing, the best writers may continue to have an edge in their applications. But as these technologies improve, and if more people begin to adopt them, AI writing assistance like the one in the experiment could ultimately "'ruin' writing as a signal" of job performance, the researchers said, meaning that companies may begin to value strong writing skills less when parsing through candidates.

"Our results suggest that instead of signaling whether or not a job seeker would be a good worker, better writing on résumés simply makes it clearer what skills and abilities the job seekers have, making it easier for employers to ascertain which workers would be a good fit," van Inwegen told Insider.

While this new AI-assisted world may make things more difficult for job seekers, the researchers found that employers may not be any worse off when it comes to hiring right now. Even though the use of AI tools may have obscured some candidates' writing abilities, they found "no evidence that employers were less satisfied" with the candidates they ultimately hired.

This suggests that some companies may be limiting their candidate pool more than they need to, and that the wider use of AI tools could help businesses that are experiencing hiring woes and need help finding talent .

"Our results definitely suggest that the pool of applicants that employers are considering should expand if the problem is that you're reading these résumés and you aren't able to understand exactly if they're a good fit, if you increase the quality of the writing in them, that then the employers should be able to find more workers who can do the job they're looking to be done," van Inwegen said.

The employees have spoken. See the Best Places to Work 2023!

Resume & Cover Letter

How to write a cover letter in 2022 (6 tips and 3 templates).

Posted by Dominique Fluker

Content Marketing Manager, Editorial

Last Updated June 9, 2022

Guide Overview

A guide to writing a cover letter that impresses your reader.

The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. A well-crafted cover letter goes over information on your resume and expands this information for the reader, taking them on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements . Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume while infusing your personality. Unlike a resume, a cover letter lets you introduce yourself to the hiring manager, provide context for your achievements and qualifications, and explain your motivation for joining the company. So how do you pique the interest of your future employer and hiring manager all while highlighting your truest self?

When starting to write any cover letter, it is always best to plan the content of your letter based on the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

We’re here to help you! This guide will cover:

What is a Cover Letter?

Your resume is intended to lay out the facts, but your cover letter is meant to convey more personality. The cover letter is your first introduction to the person who may hire you, and its goal should be to make you as memorable as possible , in a good way.

That means writing a unique cover letter for every job you apply to. No templates. No pre-written nonsense. The format of your cover letter should also match the company and the industry you’re applying to.

There is no “official format” for your cover letter or the information you include in it, but your cover letter should be visually organized , and orderly in its presentation of information.

Successful cover letters go something like this:

The rest is up to you. As we’ll go over in the next section, “What to Include in Your Cover Letter,” successful cover letters prove that you are qualified for the job by telling stories that demonstrate your skills and experience .

What to Include in Your Cover Letter?

You shouldn’t try to fit your whole career and life into the space of a cover letter.

Your cover letter should be a carefully curated selection of stories f rom your career that gives the reader a clear idea of who you are and how you can add value to their company.

The Society for Human Resources surveyed organizations on resumes , cover letters , and interviews and found the top three things that must be included in a cover letter are:

Your cover letter needs to provide this information and leave the reader convinced that you are the right person for the job .

To accomplish this, you should be using the requirements of the job to dictate the content of your cover letter and following these best practices.

Show how you can solve specific problems

Saying you’re a ‘problem-solver’ is about as helpful as explaining your preference for chocolate croissants over regular croissants. Don’t tell them about your amazing problem-solving skills . Explain the details of a particular problem you were key in solving and how exactly you employed your skills to solve it. Better yet, if you know the company has a particular problem you could help solve, outline how you can help solve it.

Pick an appropriate voice and tone

You should write like yourself, but you should also pick the appropriate voice and tone for the company you’re applying to.

Researching the company will help dictate the tone you want to use, which may differ greatly, depending on where you apply. For example, the tone of your letter for a legal consulting firm will likely differ from a tech startup .

Tell your story

Telling stories from your career is a great way to demonstrate your skills and give hiring managers some insight into your personality and work style .

When looking for the right stories to tell, always look to the requirements for the position in the job description .

It is also helpful to research the company further online to get a sense for the company’s culture. Before drafting your cover letter, compare your skills with the requirements for the position.

It can be helpful to use Venn diagrams to brainstorm and find what competencies you want to highlight and what specific experiences you want to share. After you create this diagram and identify what falls into both circles, overlapping subjects will direct and inspire the content of your cover letter.

Let’s say you’re applying for a marketing director position. Among other aspects in the description, the job requires several years of marketing experience, a deep knowledge of lead generation, and strong communication skills . Describe how, in your previous role as a marketing manager, you ran several campaigns for your clients and exceeded their expectations of lead generation (with specific numbers, if possible), and how you also trained and mentored new associates on how to manage their own accounts, which improved client retention rates.

Your anecdote is accomplishing a lot at once—it’s demonstrating one of your top hard skills, lead nurturing, and showcasing how you can collaborate with trainees, communicate effectively , and educate new employees on processes and client relations. You’re proving that you can meet the communication standards and marketing knowledge they’re seeking.

Honesty is the only policy

Dishonesty on your cover letter isn’t in your best interest.

Implying or stating that you have a skill that you don’t actually have will come back to bite you upon being asked to use that skill in the interview or on the job.

Don’t sound like everyone else

“Hi, I’m ___. I’m a detail-oriented, multi-tasking, natural-born leader and I am perfect for your company.”

Hiring managers are going to read the same basic cover letter repeatedly, and you don’t want to be the last template email the hiring manager discounts before lunch. Adding a little word variation helps you stand out against other applicants .

Instead of describing yourself as creative, try imaginative. You’re inventive, not innovative. You’re not determined, you’re tenacious. These word variations at least show that you can think beyond what the average applicant is willing to do.

End with a call to action

End your letter with a reason for them to contact you . But don’t add remarks like, “I’ll call to schedule an interview.” This doesn’t make you a go-getter, it crosses a boundary.

Instead, let the call to action be polite and open ended, suggesting that you are excited to offer more information and that you’re looking forward to talking with them.

Proof your cover letter

Always proofread your cover letter for errors and have friends and family read through the cover letter.

How to Make Your Cover Letter Unique?

When thinking about how to make your cover letter unique , keep the following statements in mind:

These might sound like opposing statements, but they’re equally important for writing a successful cover letter.

Your cover letter needs to be highly related to the job you’re applying to, but the way that you prove your qualifications should show who you are as an individual.

Tell a compelling story

Everyone loves a good story, and recruiters and hiring managers are no exception. Telling compelling stories from your career will make your cover letter unique and memorable for whoever reads it.

Just be sure that the stories you choose demonstrate proficiency with the skills, tools and concepts that are required by the job you’re applying for.

What makes this company your go-to choice? Why is this company special to you? Perhaps you’re attracted to the workplace culture , or perhaps you’ve always admired the business philosophy that the company lives by.

Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name

Now it’s fine to just use “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” when addressing the recruiter. In fact, I can tell you from experience that most people use precisely these words. However, I can also tell you that most people don’t get the job. If you want to make a strong impression, take time to research who you’re addressing .

You may have to make a few phone calls or try several searches before you find the right name, but, the harder they are to find, the less likely other applicants are to do it and the more impressed they will be with you.

Give your cover letter a unique visual format

A unique visual format for your cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates in a positive way. Just be sure that the unique format you use is appropriate for the company you’re applying to and their industry.

Here’s a good example of an eye-catching cover letter format :

What to Leave Off a Cover Letter?

Recruiters and hiring managers read thousands of cover letters and resumes, so make sure that you avoid these cover letter errors :

Avoid overused phrases

The average cover letter is going to be extremely generic and contain overused expressions such as “Thank you for taking the time to look at my resume” or “I believe that my set of skills make me a great fit for the job.” While none of these lines hurt your chance of getting the job, they certainly don’t help either.

Career coach Angela Copeland says, “stay away from phrases that are known to annoy hiring managers, such as ‘heavy lifting’ or ‘think outside the box’ or ‘game-changer.’”

Here are some more phrases that make recruiters and hiring managers groan :

Recruiters and hiring managers go through hundreds of cover letters and get tired of these clichés . They’re waiting for something new and refreshing to come along and it’s in your best interest to do so.

Never include irrelevant information

Never include irrelevant information in your cover letter. Irrelevant information can confuse or bore the reader, causing them to miss important points in your cover letter.

How to Submit a Cover Letter?

The longer you “sit on” a cover letter to edit and re-write it , the longer you prolong the opportunity for someone else to get the attention of the hiring manager you want to impress.

You should submit your cover letter as soon as you are certain that:

Submitting your cover letter

Always follow the submission instructions laid out in the job description when submitting your cover letter.

If you are submitting the letter though a website with fillable fields, be sure that no formatting or content errors have occurred.

Be Very Specific

Do not send a generic cover letter. Repeat: DO NOT send a generic cover letter. They can be spotted a mile away and are as fun to read as they are to write. Try your very best to find a name you can address your letter to. A name is one of the most effective ways to make the letter feel more personal.

Visually Match Your Resumé

The heading of your letter should correlate with your resumé, the font should be the same and the paper (if you’re printing it) should also be the same. Along with your resume, your cover letter is part of a pair, and this pair should be visually consistent.

Consider Using a Template

This is an especially good idea if you’re already using a template for your resume. In fact, if your resume is templated, your cover letter absolutely should be too. A template is a great way to get some structure going. It can help make a big, blank, white page a little less intimidating.

Learn More!

If you have any more questions about how to write a successful cover letter, here are some related articles we’ve written on crafting cover letters that make you stand out from other applicants.

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Should ChatGPT write your resume?

Applying to jobs can often feel like a full-time job. Reading up on a company, tailoring a resume for a specific position within that organization, and writing a cover letter for just one role can take hours. By contrast, the average recruiter spends just seven seconds scanning a resume, according to one estimate .

Enter one tool that could change job applications entirely: ChatGPT , the AI-powered chatbot launched by OpenAI in November. Using a chatbot like ChatGPT (along with emerging competitors like Microsoft’s Bing AI and Google’s Bard) could give job-seekers an edge by substantially speeding up the application process. But is it the best solution?

On social media, it’s not uncommon these days to see a career influencer extol the value of ChatGPT, which they say can help you write a cover letter in two minutes, become “insanely prepared” for your next job interview, or submit 200 job applications in two days. At the very least, it can take an old resume and rewrite it fairly quickly so it’s relevant to a certain job description. Teal, a personal career growth platform, has been promoting ChatGPT for cover letters and resumes .

The new tool is great for a job-seeker, said Todd Mitchem, executive vice president of AMP Learning and Development, who advises HR professionals on using technologies like AI in their work. “They’ve got 15 different resumes that they had ChatGPT write within seconds,” he said.

If you’re concerned that using ChatGPT to write your resume feels a bit like cheating, consider that similar tools have been put to work on the recruiting side for years. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan resumes for certain keywords, ranking candidates based on the content in their CV. Now that applicants are using ChatGPT to tailor their job applications, the two systems are basically “talking to each other,” said Mitchem.

Research suggests AI can be an effective tool for job applicants. A recent study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed, found job candidates who used algorithmic writing assistance to help write their resumes had an 8% higher probability of getting hired than those who didn’t.

Still, career coaches and human resources consultants stress ChatGPT is just a tool, and there are limits to what it can do for job-seekers.

“If you want a draft of something really fast, that is a good head start, it’s really amazing at that,” said Rania Stewart, an analyst with the consulting firm Gartner who advises clients on recruiting technologies. But she cautioned that while ChatGPT will give you a decent resume, it’s liable to stretch the truth, and should be carefully edited. What’s more, she added, the privacy implications of the chatbot aren’t yet clear: Candidates should be wary of giving too much personal information to ChatGPT.

As candidates and companies alike examine the benefits—and limitations—of using AI in the hiring process, it may be worth exploring what chatbots can do for your next application. Here’s how you can experiment with ChatGPT as you apply and interview for jobs.

How to use ChatGPT to tailor your resume

The success of any conversation with ChatGPT will hinge on the prompts you provide, according to Michael Dillon, a data analyst based in Manchester, England, who has been sharing tips for using the tool on LinkedIn.

“You have to be very good at giving instructions,” said Dillon of the prompts, which essentially tell ChatGPT what to do. “The more specific you are and the more information you give it,” he added, the better it will perform.

Dillon, who recently published a guide on the subject, recommends taking a job description on LinkedIn, then prompting ChatGPT to summarize the job role by entering a prompt like, “Summarize this job role. Explain the top 5 skills and top 5 experience required.” You can even dictate the way you want ChatGPT to format the summary by entering, “use line breaks and bullet points.”

From there, you can give ChatGPT your resume and ask it to identify how your skills and experience align with those listed in the job description. You can then prompt ChatGPT to expand on these skills and experiences in bullet points that could easily be inserted into a re-tailored resume. A simple search on TikTok or LinkedIn is likely to turn up plenty of similar prompts for job-seekers who want to use ChatGPT for their resumes.

Again, be wary of allowing ChatGPT to insert errors into your resume, Dillon cautioned (currently, its data ends at 2021), or turning in a job application that reads as if it was written by a bot . Still, ChatGPT can provide you with a launching point for crafting a resume that has a good chance of catching the eye of recruiters—or the systems tracking candidates for them.

How AI chatbots can help write your cover letter

ChatGPT also lends itself well to drafting a cover letter for a job. A candidate can enter a job description and their resume, then tell ChatGPT to write a cover letter using those two pieces of information.

On Instagram Jerry Lee, co-founder of the job search service Wonsulting, shared prompts for creating a cover letter in just 45 seconds using ChatGPT. Lee has said such tips might allow applicants to apply for as many as 200 jobs in just two days.

But while applying to jobs at a breakneck pace with the help of ChatGPT may be tempting for job-seekers looking to land something quickly, Lynda Spiegel, a resume coach based in New York City, is skeptical this is the best approach. She said she typically recommends people on the hunt for a job apply to no more than three open roles each week. A “ spray and pray ” method, she added, can hurt a candidate strategically. If a job-seeker is focused on applying to as many jobs as possible, they might not take the time to connect with the hiring manager for a position, or find a second-degree connection who can open the door for them more quickly at the company. What’s more, it’s unclear how many recruiters read cover letters carefully, so if there’s something about your career background you want potential employers to know, you should make sure it’s included in your resume as well, Spiegel said.

As tools like ChatGPT make it quicker and easier to apply for jobs, companies could see a “sharp increase” in the volume of applications, said Stewart, of Gartner.

The likelihood your application is competing against a bigger pool of candidates makes it all the more important to submit a resume and cover letter that stands out from the rest, Dillon said. Your best bet, he added, is to use ChatGPT to jumpstart your thinking process, and get straight to writing job applications that “sound like you.”

How ChatGPT can help you prepare for an interview

Experts say ChatGPT can also be helpful in preparing for interviews. When testing out ChatGPT, Dillon asked the bot to take a job description and create 10 potential interview questions, sorted by competencies required for the role. Even if it doesn’t predict exactly what a recruiter will ask , “it gives you a lot to think about,” Dillon said.

If you prompt ChatGPT to act as a recruiter, “it’s basically gonna put you through a verbal written mock interview, and it’s very good at that,” Mitchem said.

Don’t be surprised if you start to notice companies’ approach to interviewing change in the coming years thanks to AI. HR professionals will be challenged to rethink the way they evaluate candidates with the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT, Mitchem predicted. “Where we’re headed is, how does HR and recruitment get more personalized?” he said. Recruiters will need to focus more on identifying skills that differentiate candidates, and Mitchem said he wouldn’t be surprised if more companies start asking for video resumes in the future.

Even as ChatGPT greatly speeds up the job application process, don’t discount the value of good old-fashioned networking, Spiegel and Dillon said. If you reach out to a secondhand connection at a company you’re applying for, or email a recruiter directly, these human interactions can help bypass any sort of automated tracking system where your resume might still get lost.

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CV summary examples and writing tips

If a great CV is the key to grabbing the hiring manager’s attention, a good CV summary is your ticket to convince them to keep reading. So how do you make sure that your CV summary example optimises your chances of making it to the next round of your job application?

The summary for your CV is an insight into your professional achievements and what you might be like to work with. Both will ultimately determine whether or not you land the role. However, for now, all you have to focus on is drumming up enough intrigue for the hiring manager to invite you to an interview. In this blog post, we will cover the following:

What is a CV summary?

Your CV summary is the first paragraph of your CV. It is sometimes also called the professional summary or profile. As the name suggests, these are the three to four sentences that summarise your professional profile. Your goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention.

A good CV summary example builds a case from the outset as to why you are the best suited candidate for the job you are applying for. That’s just one reason why your CV summary should be tweaked for each job application.

The objective of your CV summary is to convince the hiring manager to keep reading. Since the CV summary is the first thing they will see after your CV header, you can expect your CV summary to be used to assess how pertinent they think your profile is. A great CV summary example has the power to reel them in. On the other hand, a poorly written one could turn them off and result in your entire application being thrown in the “no” pile.

How to write a professional summary

You should prepare three to four phrases about your professional experience that correspond to the job you are applying to. If you are asking yourself “‘does my CV need a summary?” then the short answer is yes. It is a non-negotiable expectation for most hiring managers.

One of the most important elements of writing a great CV is making sure that the hiring manager can quickly and easily digest its content. Part of that involves meeting their expectations when it comes to the structure of your CV. Not to mention, the CV summary is one of the only parts of your CV where you write in a freeform style. This is an opportunity to communicate aspects that you are unable to fit into the bullet points that make up much of a CV.

How do you introduce yourself in a CV summary?

Luckily for you, nobody is expecting you to condense your entire personality into this short space. Frame the writing of your CV summary instead as creating a snapshot of your professional profile. For instance, how does it correspond to the job vacancy at hand? Our top tips and CV summary examples below should get you started!

What makes a good CV summary?

As previously discussed, a great CV summary example should capture the attention of the hiring manager and convince them to read on. Think of this as your professional first impression. In order to get things started on the right foot, here are three things to include in your CV summary example:

Most excellent CV summaries will possess all of these qualities. However, a job-winning CV is a marathon and not a sprint. Remember to take into account how your CV delivers as a whole before you dot Is and cross the Ts on your CV summary.

The next sections will expand on how to put these top three tips in practice. If you would like to see them in action, check out some of our CV summary examples in the corresponding section below:

Powerful use of language

Your best chance at capturing the hiring manager’s attention is knowing how to frame your content in the right way. Language choice is a great tool to do this. So, make sure your CV summary example contains carefully considered word choice. This will give you the power to make the story you’re building more precise and perhaps even match the tone of your potential employer.

We recommend active verbs as a sure-fire way to make your writing even more engaging. For instance, instead of “changing the system database” you could say that you “optimised data storage”. Rather than “writing sales reports“ you “communicated financial data with stakeholders and successfully forecast future sales results”

There’s no “I” in CV summary

The format of a CV summary usually does not include personal pronouns like “I”. Simply write each phrase in short past tense statements. This can really help with the word count! Check out the CV summary examples below to see how it’s done.

Illustrate your value

Proving yourself as a candidate worth hiring comes down to more than having the right skills. You should certainly mention those skills in your CV summary, but illustrating them will go a step further.

For instance, would you be more likely to hire the waitress who says they have “serving experience”? Or the one who writes about “successfully managing timely food service at large-scale events”? Communication is an important skill in any role. If you can show your role-specific skills while demonstrating how you articulate your ideas well, all the better.

Other ways to include some highlights of your profile include mentioning pertinent qualifications, impressive stats from your work, and other career achievements. Of course, always remember to make them relevant to the job role that you’re applying for.

Strategise for the ATS

A multitude of organisations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter their job applications. This means that only the ones ranked as most relevant make it in front of the hiring manager. If you want to make sure that your CV isn’t thrown out, you need to make sure the keywords that the ATS will be looking for are present.

In order to do this, you need to figure out which keywords the ATS is looking for. These are likely the most prevalent words in the job description. So make sure you read it carefully. Now you need to make sure these keywords are included throughout your CV.

The presence of these keywords early in the document via your CV summary gives you a strategic advantage for human decisions as well as algorithmic ones. Not only is the CV summary a great spot to include keywords for the ATS, but once it’s in front of the hiring manager they will know at a glance that your profile is pertinent.

CV summary examples

Now that you know what goes into a top CV summary example, let’s see some in action. Your CV summary example will vary depending on your expertise, your level, and your industry. Here are a range of examples to get your communicative juices flowing.

Teacher CV summary example

This teacher CV summary example demonstrates how to include highlights from your career. Plus, they’ve even managed to mention their most relevant qualification.

Qualified Science Teacher with experience teaching at a variety of schools and academies. Experienced in creating comprehensive curricula for KS3 and KS4. Passionate about engaging children of all abilities in the sciences and leading inter-departmental collaborations aimed at supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social development.

Waitress CV summary example

Mentioning any professional accolades or awards you have can be a great way to stand out in your CV summary.

Professional and enthusiastic waitress with several years of experience serving food in busy dining establishments. Committed to adhering to health and safety standards, while serving as a helpful and positive team member. Awarded for motivated attitude and the ability to multitask and work well under pressure.

Sales assistant CV summary example

This sales assistant CV summary proves that both creative language choice and some evidence of your past successes can be worked into your CV summary in a natural way.

Attentive and dedicated sales assistant with 8 years of experience in retail companies. Positive and friendly individual with a passion for ensuring customers receive the highest quality of customer service. Strong communication skills with the ability to upsell products and deliver an outstanding service that keeps customers returning time and again. Seeking role within a company that values their employees and offers a challenging but progressive environment.

Accountant CV summary example

In certain roles your qualifications will be more important than others and should be highlighted early on in your CV summary example. This accountant CV summary example makes sure it’s the first thing that is mentioned.

Qualified, and experienced accountant who has also led a team of 5 accounts assistants. Highly motivated individual, with experience in preparation of monthly journals, and balance sheet reconciliations. A dedicated leader seeking new role in challenging, high paced environment.

Office manager CV summary example

In this office manager CV summary example you can see how evidence of skills and inclusion of keywords can be done at the same time. This is a great way to save on the precious word count in your CV summary example.

Dedicated Office Manager with a proven history of ensuring streamlined operations. Strong organisational talents, able to co-ordinate day-to-day employment and business processes, including payroll, communications, reporting, and supply maintenance. Keen talent for fostering efficient, effective work environments.

Key takeaways

IMAGES

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Cover Letter For Journalism Internship
Entry Level Journalism Cover Letter in 2021
Journalism Cover Letter: Examples & Templates to Use in 2022
Resume Example for Journalism jobs in Media 2020

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COMMENTS

Journalism Cover Letter Example
Journalism Cover Letter September 6, 2021 | By the Resume Genius Team | Reviewed by Samuel Johns, CPRW As a journalist, it's your job to craft a narrative that will grab a hiring manager's attention, and your cover letter is an opportunity to do just that. Use our journalist cover letter example below to get inspired. Build My Cover Letter Now!
Journalism Cover Letter: Examples & Templates to Use in 2023
How to Write a Journalism Cover Letter 1. Square Up The Cover Letter Format Your whole career you might have dealt with publishers that sorted out the formatting for you. Your words were good enough. Still, you don't wish somebody saw your first draft. Or perhaps even the thing you sent to the publisher.
Journalism Cover Letter Example & Guide [10+ Tips]
How to Write a Journalism Cover Letter 1. Use a good journalism cover letter format Margins should be one-inch on all 4 sides. Go for 1 or 1.15 line spacing. Use an elegant, respectable typeface —digital hasn't killed the print star yet. Keep your font size between 11pt and 12pt. Read more: Cover Letter Formatting and Layout 2.
Journalism Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide · Resume.io
This cover letter example for a journalism application will give you a starting point for your own letter: Adaptable cover letter example Dear Mr. Hatherley, Receiving my Story of the Year award from Dawson Heckham at the Sports News Awards made me understand just how much impact our words have on the soccer industry and its fan base.
Journalist Cover Letter Examples and Templates
Writing a great Journalist Cover Letter cover letter is an important step in your job search journey. When writing a cover letter, be sure to reference the requirements listed in the job description. ... Thank you for taking the time to review my attached resume and writing samples. I am confident that I can hit the ground running as a ...
Entry Level Journalism Cover Letter Example
The following Entry Level Journalism cover letter template offers step-by-step guidance to writing a cover letter that will move your application to the top of the pile! Create Cover Letter Christopher Anderson 123 Main Street, Stateland, ST, 99999 (555) 123-9876 [email protected] NBC RE: Show Production Assistant Dear Hiring Manager,
Professional Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers in 2023
The cover letter template below describes how to write each of these key sections: Salutation Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], Opening Paragraph (Introduction) Your cover letter opening should contain a self introduction. Write about who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job posting, and why you want to apply for the job.
Journalism CV
Examples of soft skills in a journalist CV's work experience section Decide which reports will be on live broadcasts Coordinated with 3 researchers, 2 writers, and 2 cameraman teams with live reports Conducted 10 interviews with high-ranking government officials 4. Highlight your work experience
12 CV cover letter examples
This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate's core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with - a great high-level intro. More cover letters
How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)
The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter. Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid "Sir" or "Madam" if possible. Note
Journalism Resume Examples (with Skills & Duties)
7. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Journalism Resume . If you're thinking if you should include a cover letter, then let's make it super clear—yes, you do. Write the best journalism cover letter this side of Rupert Murdoch with the following tips: Use a sleek, modern cover letter format. Use a "hook" to start your cover letter right.
Professional Cover Letter online
In nursing cover letter reflect what influenced desire to become doctor, reveal story that's worth accepting you. To be honest, it's important part of resume but doing it is not that complicated. It should have several logical paragraphs to summarize your personality. Job letter outline can help in making it right. What to avoid in writing
Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
The heading of your cover letter should match the heading of your résumé. The letter should be 3 or 4 paragraphs and should not exceed one page in length. Remember, the cover letter is a sample of your writing ability. Employers will assume that the quality of your letter is indicative of the quality of your work.
Journalism Cover Letter Sample
To be considered for top journalism jobs, your cover letter must demonstrate your skills and experience, as well as your passion for your work—you can be sure hiring managers are paying extra-close attention. For writing tips, view this sample cover letter for a journalist, or download the journalism cover letter template in Word.
Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters: Q&A with Janet Albert
Albert: Cover letters should be one page, maximum. Resumes should be two pages, maybe three, not longer. If you have a long list of publications or speaking engagements that you want to share, you can create that list as an addendum to the resume, rather than giving me a six-page resume. It's also important to use a font size that is easy to ...
How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship
Maybe that thing will not be how I reported on a Sad Person and learned a Valuable Lesson About Journalism, though, because everyone is doing that and also this isn't a college admissions essay. Now, instead of listing ALL my awesome experiences and achievements, since they are already on my resume, I will look at the job requirements and ...
How To Write a Journalism Resume (With Example)
3. Create a professional summary. Write a professional summary to summarize your background and goals in journalism. Since your professional summary is the first thing a recruiter reads on your resume, it's important you use this section to capture their attention. Using the information you gathered earlier when you reviewed the job description ...
Journalist Cover Letter Examples
Journalist Cover Letter Examples. (123)-456 7890. New York, NY 12345-6789. I am very interested in your entry-level reporting job. Crime, politics, corruption, poverty - I've covered them all and want to keep doing it at the Anyplace Tribune.
Your Complete Guide to Writing a Cover Letter (Plus Bonus Tips and
The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person's first and last name, including "Mr." or "Ms." (for example, "Dear Ms. Jane Smith" or just "Dear Ms. Smith"). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title, or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
Salutation or greeting. Opening paragraph. Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins.
Tips for Writing Effective CVs and Cover Letters
The cover letter is a place where you can be specific about why you are interested in a particular position and why your skills would be a good fit. While the CV lists all your...
Resumes & Cover Letters
When writing a cover letter or resume, choose a simple format and font. Lead with your accomplishments, rather than just the things you've done. Include details of the work that's related to what you want to do next, and always proofread your resume and cover letter before submitting a job application.
10 Best Cover Letter Generator Tools to Help With Your Job Hunt
Resume.io. Resume.io provides users the tools to write an effective cover letter, including HR-approved professional cover letter template examples and customizable features tailored to specific industries.. It offers a comprehensive guide on ensuring users present themselves in the best possible light, giving them the highest chances of landing their dream job.
Writing your résumé with AI makes it easier to find a job, a study
Using AI to help write your résumé improves your odds of landing a job, a study found. While the study didn't use ChatGPT, it points to AI's potential to help job seekers. But if everyone begins ...
Glassdoor Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is written in a way that balances professionalism with personality. Your cover letter catches the reader's interest from the first sentence and maintains it throughout. Your cover letter uses the requirements for the job and information on the company as a guide for its content.
How ChatGPT could help write your resume and apply to jobs
Applying to jobs can often feel like a full-time job. Reading up on a company, tailoring a resume for a specific position within that organization, and writing a cover letter for just one role can ...
CV summary examples and writing tips · Resume.io
This accountant CV summary example makes sure it's the first thing that is mentioned. Example. Qualified, and experienced accountant who has also led a team of 5 accounts assistants. Highly motivated individual, with experience in preparation of monthly journals, and balance sheet reconciliations.
How To Write An Optometrist Cover Letter (With Example)
Cover Letter Template For An Optometrist Role. Examine the following cover letter for an optometrist role you can use to guide you: Dear [ Hiring manager's first name] [ Hiring manager's last name], [ Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.]
A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Teacher Cover Letter
A cover letter enables you to address any employment gaps or ambiguous details on your resume. A well-written cover letter can help you distinguish yourself from other candidates and secure the job. Related: 9 Qualities of a Good Teacher (With Tips to Develop Them) Find teacher jobs. How to write a cover letter for a teaching position