Application Covering Example Job Letter
The cover letter accompanying a resume creates a first impression of an applicant and motivates the employer to read the applicant’s resume. It is vital that job applicants write a strong, clear and concise cover letter that stands out and ensures the applicant is noticed and is granted an interview.
The Function of a Cover Letter
Many applicants are confused about the difference between a cover letter and a resume. While a resume lays out an applicant’s work and education history, the cover letter is a space where the applicant can explain how these will benefit the employer, as well as how these fit the specific position and company. The cover letter therefore functions like a persuasive sales letter to convince the employer the applicant is the best person for the job.
Top Ten Tips for Cover Letters
- Before writing the cover letter, the applicant should make a copy of the job ad and go through it carefully, highlighting any key words, specific qualifications and duties that the job involves.
- The applicant should then research the employer and the specific position, and determine the needs of the company.
- In the planning stage, the applicant should also review hir or her own qualifications, try and match these to the key words in the ad, and identify what benefits these qualifications can have for the employer.
- The applicant should begin the cover letter with a “hook”. The employer will be receiving a lot of applications so the applicant needs to ensure that his or her attention-grabbing opening will capture the employer’s interest. The best way is to immediately indicate key qualifications for the position. Avoid “I am applying for the ... position” or “Please accept the enclosed resume in application for the ... position” as these are common cover letter openings.
- In the body of the cover letter, the applicant should expand on the qualifications stated in the opening and demonstrate how these can benefit the employer, using strong examples. The applicant can divide the letter up to include a paragraph on educational experience and one on work experience. The applicant can also add examples that highlight, for example, leadership skills, initiative, problem solving skills and team work.
- The applicant must give solid, relevant evidence and measurable achievements – for example: “While I worked as a Sales Manager at X Company, I increased our profits by 35% in the first quarter”. The applicant should remember that he or she is not repeating his or her resume, but supporting his or her experience with brief “stories”.
- The cover letter should end with a strong request for an interview, and the applicant should make it easy for the reader by providing clear contact details.
- The cover letter should be roughly 4-5 paragraphs long – no more than a page. The applicant should ensure that he or she writes in a concise, clear manner, with logical transitions between paragraphs and no unnecessary or repetitive information.
- The applicant must proof read the cover letter carefully. If the employer asks for the application to be submitted by email, then the applicant should write the cover letter in a word processor, use a spell check program and proofread for any grammatical errors, before sending.
- The applicant should follow up on his or her application once the deadline has been reached by sending a polite, short email inquiring if the application process has begun.
Final Tips for Cover Letters
The biggest mistake job applicants make is not to tailor make each cover letter to the specific position. This is essential to getting an interview, as the employer can see that the applicant has taken the time and effort to research the company and the position. Another important step is to follow up after the application to show continued interest in the position.

