Why Do I Need a Resume Cover Letter?
To put your best foot forward, you should write a cover letter. 83% of hiring staff look for a cover letter with the resume.
What is a cover letter you ask?
A cover letter is an additional one-page document that provides more information about you. As you hope to get the job that is an improvement on your current position, it gives you the extra opportunity to highlight your skills and explain why you want the job. It shows your prospective employer that you are serious and excited about the position and the company you are applying for.
Here are the sections of a cover letter with examples and explanations!
Heading - Name and Contact Information
Your Name
Your Email Address
(Area Code) Phone Number
Date
Salutation
Dear Hiring Manager, or Dear Hiring Representative,
It is important to have your salutation be genderless. You should not write Sir, Madam, Ms., Mrs., or Mr. because you do not know who is reading your cover letter.
Introduction Paragraph
The introduction is important because it is what is going to hook the employer to keep reading and learn why you are qualified for the position. A general template for an introduction is:
State the position name and how you found out about the role - To maintain professionalism, be sure to capitalize the position name. Example: I am excited to submit my application for the Line Cook position at Olive Garden as described on Indeed’s site.
Describe why you are qualified for the position Example: I am confident that my abilities to time manage and my organization skills make me a strong candidate for this role.
Write why you applied for a position at this specific company - This shows the employer that you did your research on the company and makes the letter more personal. Example: I am particularly drawn to Olive Garden’s value and commitment to giving back to local communities via its food drives.
Body Paragraph
The body paragraph is the section where you highlight how your past and/or current experience meet the job description. This paragraph demonstrates why you are qualified for the position and why they should hire you.
When writing about how your experiences and personality fit the job description, use similar language to the job posting.
If you have no experience, focus on how you have the ‘soft skills’ highlighted in the qualification section (being friendly, strong communication skills, organized, etc.).
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph is where you repeat why you are qualified for the role and that you are excited to work for the company. Remember to thank them for their time Example: I am calm under pressure, a quick learner, and possess a positive attitude. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a professional environment and contribute to your company’s mission and success. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to learn and excel in the role. Thank you for your time spent reading this letter and resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Generic Cover Letter Template:
[Your Name]
[Your Email address]
[(Area code) phone number]
[Date]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to submit my application for the [position] at [company] as described on [how you found the job]. I am particularly drawn to [company name] for its [specific value or something specific about the company you like]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role as well as align well with the company's mission and goals. I am excited at the prospect of contributing to [company name]'s success and growth.
I have gained relevant skills and knowledge through [specific experiences and situations]. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons in [specific skills or attributes relevant to the position]. I am confident that I can apply these skills to the [position] role at your company.
I am calm under pressure, a quick learner, and possess a positive attitude. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a professional environment and contribute to your company’s mission and success. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to learn and excel in the role.
Thank you for your time spent reading this letter and resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Line Cook Cover Letter:
John Doe
+1 (213)-555-5555
May 8, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to submit my application for the Line Cook position at Olive Garden as described on Indeed’s site. I am particularly drawn to Olive Garden’s value and commitment to giving back to local communities via its food drives. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role as well as align well with the company's mission and goals. I am excited at the prospect of contributing to Olive Garden's success and growth.
I have gained relevant skills and knowledge through growing up and honing my cooking skills through home cooking, cooking with family, following recipes, and experimenting with different ingredients. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons in understanding various cooking techniques, speed in executing meals, teamwork, and following directions. I am confident that I can apply these skills to the line cook role at your company.
I am calm under pressure, a quick learner, and possess a positive attitude. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a professional environment and contribute to your company’s mission and success. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to learn and excel in the role.
Thank you for your time spent reading this letter and resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
John Doe
Housekeeper Cover Letter:
Jane Doe
JaneDoe@gmail.com
+1 (213)-555-5555
May 8, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to submit my application for the Housekeeper position at Marriott Hotel as described on the company’s career site. I am particularly drawn to Marriott Hotel's values of putting people first and acting with integrity. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role as well as align well with the company's mission and goals. I am excited at the prospect of contributing to Marriott Hotel's success and growth.
I have gained relevant skills and knowledge by mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and doing laundry since a young age. By always being neat, I understand and value the importance of cleanliness and organization, attention to detail, and time management. I am confident that I can apply these skills to the housekeeper role at your company.
I am calm under pressure, a quick learner, and possess a positive attitude. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a professional environment and contribute to your company’s mission and success. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to learn and excel in the role.
Thank you for your time spent reading this letter and resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
Jane Doe
Waiter/Waitress/Server Cover Letter:
John Doe
+1 (213)-555-5555
May 8, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to submit my application for the Waitress position at IHop as described on Indeed's site. I am particularly drawn to IHop for its prioritization in protecting animal health and welfare through its council and committing to best practices. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role as well as align well with the company's mission and goals. I am excited at the prospect of contributing to IHop’s success and growth.
I have gained relevant skills and knowledge through my experience as a cashier at Ralph’s. Being a cashier has taught me valuable lessons in organization, multitasking, providing excellent customer service, and attention to detail. I am confident that I can apply these skills to the waitress role at your company.
I am calm under pressure, a quick learner, and possess a positive attitude. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a professional environment and contribute to your company’s mission and success. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to learn and excel in the role.
Thank you for your time spent reading this letter and resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
John Doe
