How to Write a Great Cover Letter (with free examples)
So your dream job is hiring, and you would fit the role so perfectly. You’ve written a great resume, but they’re also asking for a cover letter as part of the application. You think to yourself, “Is a cover letter really that important?”
Answer: Yes. Yes it is.
Recruiters expect you to include a cover letter, and they won’t be impressed if you leave that out. Plus, cover letters give you a unique opportunity to really sell yourself.
With a great cover letter, you can:
- Introduce yourself and show your personality
- Bring what’s on your resume to life
- And show why you’d be an awesome fit for the role.
But how do you write a great cover letter?
In this writing guide we are going to share with you 6 valuable tips for how to write the perfect cover letter. We’re including some excellent examples, plus you’ll also find free cover letter templates that are ready to use.
1. Grab Their Attention
Your cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowd. You want to grab the recruiter’s attention straight away. You can do this by writing a great first paragraph.
In the first paragraph of your cover letter, write about why you’re excited to be applying for this particular job.
- Have you always admired the company?
- Do your past achievements fit perfectly with this role?
- Does this job match up with something you are passionate about?
Here’s an example of what we mean:
“Dear Judith,
As a highly motivated Customer Care Team Leader with more than 3 years of supervisory experience in a call center environment, I was excited to find your listing for Customer Service Lead. I have lots of valuable experience in providing great customer service in the healthcare industry, which would make me an asset to your team.”
2. Highlight Your Achievements
Your cover letter is your time to show off what you can do. Don’t be afraid of seeming arrogant. Let the recruiter know about how well you’ve done at your previous job.
The way to do this is by highlighting your achievements. Don’t just talk about what your job description was. Talk about what you achieved in that role.
- Try to use exact figures and numbers whenever possible (be specific)
- Include any awards you won
- Show how you made a real difference at that company.
Here’s an example:
“In my most recent role of Call Center Supervisor, I managed and motivated a customer service team that won the team of the month award for 6 straight months. I also contributed a new conversation format that was used company-wide and resulted in a 14% increase in sales.”
3. Show That You’d Be a Great Fit
Here’s a cover letter tip that will really get you noticed: Write about why you would be a perfect fit with their company culture.
Don’t know anything about the company culture? Just look it up. Oh, the wonders of the internet.
On most company websites you’ll be able to find the company’s mission statement, values, and other information about their company culture.
Find something that you agree with strongly, and include that in your cover letter.
- Does the company have a value of being kind and honest with customers?
- Does their product make a difference in the lives of their customers that you admire?
- Do they have a reputation of only selling the best quality items?
Take a look at this example:
“I admire that your company has a core value of being kind and honest with all of your customers. I feel certain that my own commitment to being compassionate towards both customers and co-workers would fit very well with your company culture.”
4. Pay Attention to the Job Description
It’s time to pull up that job description again, because you’re going to take a few notes.
Recruiters don’t put words in their job descriptions just to fill up space. They are making it clear what you’d be doing in the job, what kinds of skills they need someone to have, and what kind of an attitude they would like them to have.
Those are your clues to how you can frame yourself as the perfect person for the job. Take a pen and paper and take notes on what they’re looking for in their perfect employee.
- What are some of the most important responsibilities this job has?
- What skills and experience do they want their new employee to have?
- What kind of personality or qualities do they want in their new employee?
Now, tell them how you fit those requirements, like this:
“My experience in using XYZ software in a high volume call center, as well as my skill level in helping customers in crisis situations, would make me an ideal candidate for this position.”
5. Emphasize Your Value
Think about it from the recruiter’s point of view for a moment. Why should their company hire you, rather than other candidates? What’s in it for them?
That’s where your value comes in. Make it clear in your cover letter that your skills and experience would help their company in some way.
A great place to do this is in the final paragraph of your cover letter.
Think about these things:
- What is it that the company wants to achieve?
- How can you help them to achieve that?
- What specific skills and knowledge do you have that could make that happen?
Here’s a good example:
“I would love to have the opportunity to speak with you about your customer service needs, and how my success as a call center team leader can contribute to your company’s reputation as the best help desk in the country.”
6. Apply To Multiple Jobs
A successful job search is a bit of a numbers game - you want to apply for as many suitable jobs as possible. This increases your likelihood of finding the perfect position for you.
You’ll of course need a cover letter for every application you submit. We know what you’re thinking: wow, that’s a lot of cover letters!
If you want your cover letters to stand out, they need to be high quality and to seem anything but generic.
Text Blaze is the perfect solution for creating awesome cover letter templates super quickly.
With Text Blaze you can put together multiple personalized and high-quality cover letters in a flash.
5 Examples of Awesome Cover Letters
Sally Davis
Customer Care Team Leader
Phone: 123-456-7890
Email: sallydavis@gmail.com
Judith Thompkins
Hiring Manager
Sunshine Happiness Corporation
321 Sunshine Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Dear Ms. Thompkins,
As a highly motivated Customer Care Team Leader with more than 3 years of supervisory experience in a call center environment, I was excited to find your listing for Customer Service Lead. I have lots of valuable experience in providing great customer service in the healthcare industry, which would make me an asset to your team.
In my most recent role of Call Center Supervisor, I managed and motivated a customer service team that won the team of the month award for 6 straight months. I also contributed a new conversation format that was used company-wide and resulted in a 14% increase in sales.
My experience in using XYZ software in a high volume call center, as well as my skill level in helping customers in crisis situations, would make me an ideal candidate for this position. I admire that Sunshine Happiness Corporation has a core value of being kind and honest with all of your customers. I feel certain that my own commitment to being compassionate towards both customers and co-workers would fit very well with your company culture.
I would love to have the opportunity to speak with you about your customer service needs, and how my success as a call center team leader can contribute to Sunshine Happiness Corporation’s reputation as the best help desk in the country.
Sincerely,
Sally Davis
John Smith
Phone: 123-456-7890
Email: Jsmith@gmail.com
{formtext: name=First name} {formtext: name=Last name}
Hiring Manager
{formtext: name=Company name}
{formparagraph: name=Company address}
Dear {formmenu: name=Title; default=Ms.; Mr.; Dr.} {formtext: name=Last name},
As a talented and ambitious Customer Service Professional with 2 years of experience providing excellent customer care, I was thrilled to find your listing for the role of Customer Service Agent. I feel certain that the skills and experience that I have gained in my current role of Customer Care Associate for XYZ Corporation would make me an asset to your team.
In my current role, I consistently exceed company standards for delivering courteous customer service, and have been awarded agent of the year. I recently ranked number one in a customer survey challenge, with a 97% customer satisfaction score.
My experience in delivering great customer service in the Transportation industry, as well as my team-player attitude, would make me an ideal candidate for this position. I know that Fabricated Solutions has a reputation of excellence in this industry, and would be proud to be given the opportunity to contribute to that reputation.
I would love to have the chance to speak with you about your customer service needs, and how my dedication and drive as an agent can bring success to your company.
Sincerely,
John Smith.
Betty Boop
Staffing Recruiter
Phone: 123-456-7890
Email: bettyboop123@gmail.com
{formtext: name=First name} {formtext: name=Last name}
Hiring Manager
{formtext: name=Company name}
{formparagraph: name=Company address}
Dear {formmenu: name=Title; default=Ms.; Mr.; Dr.} {formtext: name=Last name},
I am excited to apply for the position of Staffing Recruiter at Sable & Sable, Inc. because of how perfectly the role matches my current skillset and experience. As a dedicated Staffing Recruiter with more than 5 years of experience in corporate recruitment, I feel certain that the level of skill I bring to the table would make me a perfect candidate for this role.
In my current position as Staffing Recruiter for James Associates, I have personally overseen the corporate recruiting department of a prestigious law firm, which has required me to work with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. These qualities would allow me to hit the ground running if given this opportunity.
My in-depth experience in sourcing top candidates, as well as overseeing the application processes for a respected firm, would make me a great fit for this position. In addition, my values of transparency and authenticity would fit well with your company culture.
I would love to have a conversation with you about Sable & Sable’s recruiting needs, and how my success as a Staffing Recruiter can contribute to your company’s growth.
Sincerely,
Betty Boop.
Janice Piper
Phone: 123-456-7890
Email: peterpiper@gmail.com
{formtext: name=First name} {formtext: name=Last name}
Hiring Manager
{formtext: name=Company name}
{formparagraph: name=Company address}
Dear {formtext: name=First name},
I am writing to apply for the position of Retail Sales Assistant for Salon Select. After carefully reviewing the job description, I feel certain that I have the skills and experience to make me a perfect candidate for this role. I bring to the table more than 3 years of experience as a high-achieving retail salesperson in the beauty industry, which would make me a valuable member of your sales team if given the opportunity.
In my current role at BeautyCo, I have consistently held a reputation as being the store’s top salesperson. In 2021 so far I have broken monthly sales records every month, with an average of 9% increase in revenue from last year. I have no doubt that my skillset would translate to similarly impressive results at Salon Select.
I love your products and have been an avid customer of your company, so my enthusiasm would definitely be contagious when selling your products. I also love your commitment to being eco-friendly, because I am passionate about that issue myself.
I would love to have a chat with you about your upcoming sales goals, and how my success in retail sales can contribute to your store’s growth.
Sincerely,
Janice Piper
Daniel Davis
Sales Associate
Phone: 123-456-7890
Email: danieldavis@gmail.com
{formtext: name=First name} {formtext: name=Last name}
Hiring Manager
{formtext: name=Company name}
{formparagraph: name=Company address}
Dear {formmenu: name=Title; default=Ms.; Mr.; Dr.} {formtext: name=Last name},
I am writing to apply for the position of Call Center Sales Associate at Silver Star Hospitality. After reading your job description thoroughly, I feel certain that my skills and experience would make me a perfect candidate for this role. In my 3 years of experience in hospitality sales, I have developed a skillset that would allow me to hit the ground running at your company, if given the opportunity.
In my current role of Call Center Sales Agent at Destiny Holidays, I reached and surpassed company-wide sales goals consistently. In March of 2021, I was the top salesperson in our 200 person call center, bringing in $22,000 in closed sales.
I have years of valuable experience using Opera software for making, changing and canceling room reservations, as well as knowledge of how to use the software for rooms control operations and membership services. This expansive knowledge of the software would make me an asset to your sales team.
I would love to have the opportunity to speak with you about Silver Star Hospitality’s sales goals, and how my success as a call center salesperson can contribute to your company’s growth.
Sincerely,
Daniel Davis.
Good Luck in Your Job Search!
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