creative cover letters that stand out

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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5 Secrets to Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out

As a career coach, I can tell you that there are plenty of things that make cover letters stand out in a bad way . But how do you move past mediocre and get it to catch the employer's eye in a good way?

That’s the burning question, when one sheet of paper stands in the way of your potential employer seeing your masterpiece of a resume . You’ve worked hard on editing and polishing it, after all, and even harder on earning the experience and accolades it boasts.

So, to avoid your resume landing in the circular file and to achieve your goal of getting an interview, follow these five guidelines—and the easiest-to-remember acronym ever: “C-O-V-E-R.”

Call out leadership positions, relevant awards, and advanced skill sets right at the beginning. This is the easiest way to catch someone’s eye as soon as he or she starts reading. “I am writing because I am interested in the Communications Manager position” doesn't say a lot, but “I believe that my experience securing international media coverage for high-profile tech clients make me the perfect match for the Communications Manager position” does.

Not sure which facets of your experience to include? Start with the points listed specifically in the job description. By proving you meet an employer’s top requirements, you’ll keep her attention to read on.

Offer stats to illustrate your impact on companies or associations you’ve worked for in the past. Employers love to see numbers—it shows them that you speak their language and that you understand what they’re looking for in an employee: results.

Show them that you’ve made your mark in your past positions and didn’t just follow your predecessor’s checklist, whether it was at an internship, your last job, a college club, or a team-building event you organized to boost company morale. Earned your division more money than the person before you? Share that monetary difference. Reeled in more vendors than your peers did to participate in a fundraiser? Show that outstanding work with something no one can argue with—math.

Verify the appropriate contact name to use in the greeting of the cover letter (you would be shocked at how many people don’t do this). If you can’t find it online, do some digging. Call the company and ask who the HR representative or the hiring manager is for the position. You should never have a general greeting like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear [Insert Company Name].” You want it to be as personalized as possible so that the employer sees that you’re resourceful and that you’re OK with doing your homework.

Exemplify your strengths . Avoid , at all costs , describing yourself as a “team player” or a “people-person.” It’s like a graphic designer using the font Comic Sans—it’s overused, oversimplified, and it underplays your unique attributes.

Instead, show off your skills with descriptive statements like “I’m an expert communicator with experience bringing together diverse departments to develop a cohesive program.” It’s longer—but it’s also stronger.

Then follow that point with an instance in which you displayed this skill, saying something like, “For example, when tasked with leading a marketing campaign for the rebranding of my company, I coordinated meetings with all divisions of the marketing department to ensure the promotion’s consistency in all channels of communication, including business-to-business messaging and media materials.”

Remember, too, that your cover letter itself should serve as an example of your skills. Meaning, if you’re an aspiring journalist, you’d better check that you used AP style correctly throughout your cover letter. If you’re applying for a graphic design position, then your cover letter should be a visual masterpiece .

Refrain from regurgitating all of the same information already detailed in your resume. Your cover letter should complement your resume, in that it delves into the high points and provides a fuller picture of who you are after the employer reads both.

In addition, while your resume language is pretty cut-and-dry, your cover letter should have a personal touch—almost like you’d write a letter to a friend or family member —expressing a tone and using language that is true to you. Also be sure to make your letter precise and punchy. You never, never need to go over one page—the goal here is to draw someone in and showcase your qualifications using as few words as possible.

Now, you’ve got a checklist that’s easy to remember and that ensures your cover letter will showcase why you’re right for the job. So, your final checkpoint to get your cover letter ready to go? Make sure the one thing you’d want to say to your dream employer—before the elevator door closes on your conversation —is in your letter. Then, my friend, you’ve done it.

Photo of typewriter courtesy of Shutterstock .

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out: 3 Steps

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

People have a love-hate relationship with cover letters. Most hate writing them. When it comes to hiring managers, some love them and some loathe them. But if you want to make a good impression, you NEED a cover letter that stands out.

In my experience, cover letters get read about half the time when they are not required and 100% of the time when they are.

So it’s definitely important to spend time writing a cover letter that stands out and gets you noticed.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through the 3 steps you need to write a cover letter that stands out.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out and Gets You Interviews

A stand-out cover letter contains 3 essential sections , designed to show the reader you’re ideally suited for the role.

Let’s start with the first section that you need in order to stand out:

Step 1: Verbalize the Pain

Use the cover letter to show the reader that you understand the company’s challenges, struggles, etc., and how you are the perfect candidate to solve these issues. In other words, show them that you understand the pain and can make it better.

Pain takes many shapes and forms, from seamless project execution in order to not disrupt business, to building or growing a team to capture market share, launching a new product or service to elevate the brand, to saving money by introducing process efficiencies and automation.

In order to do this, you’ll need to research the company and put yourself in their shoes. Read the job description and think about what they seem to need help with.

That leads us perfectly into the second step of how to write a stand-out cover letter…

Step 2: Examples that Show Pain Solving

Once you’ve effectively shown the reader you understand the challenge or the pain, the next step is to convince them that you are the person who can mitigate it.

If it says they need someone who can work in a fast-paced environment and handle a high workload, then they probably have too much work coming in and are stressed/overwhelmed. Show them that you can ease this burden.

If they say they need someone who can make a great impression on clients to help them grow their business, the best way to write a stand-out cover letter is talk about how you can do this – or better yet – how you’ve done this in the past for other employers.

This should NOT be accomplished by describing yourself with adjectives, but by sharing career highlights that quickly show how you’ve solved similar problems in past roles.

You need to give them real accomplishments, and the more detail, the better. Give facts, statistics, numbers, and results. This is really important when you get to the interview  too, so don’t forget this.

(If this is your first job search and you have no past accomplishments you can talk about, read this article on writing a cover letter with no experience ).

Step 3: Moving Past the Pain

Part 3 of a stand-out cover letter should recap your skills and how they can contribute to not just solving pain, but to moving forward to achieve a company’s higher mission, vision or goal.

You need to pull the two previous pieces of your argument together and make your conclusion.

Tell them how their company will improve by having you. What will happen when these problems are solved? Get them excited about a future with you as a part of the company… and show them you’re excited to do the work as well!

The “Secret Weapon” to End Your Stand-Out Cover Letter

After you’ve followed the 3 steps above, you have the main body of your cover letter, and you’ve written it in a way that will stand out to employers and get you interviewed.

But there’s one more thing you should do to stand out further…

You want to finish your cover letter by directly asking for the interview! This seems obvious, but more than 50% of job seekers don’t do this!

So give them your contact details and TELL them to contact you to set up a time to talk. Tell them you’re looking forward to sharing more detail and answering any questions they have about your background, and you’d like to schedule an interview with them to talk further.

This is the final essential piece for how to write a cover letter that will stand out.

Formatting Your Cover Letter Before Sending

So let’s walk through how to format your cover letter well for an electronic format like email:

#1 Contact Information

Unlike a printed cover letter where your contact details must appear at the top, on a digital version, this info should be located below your name in the form of an email signature. Make sure at the very least you include your full name, contact number, email, address, and a LinkedIn  URL.

#2 Screen v. Print Reads

Reading online is a whole different ballgame than print reading. In fact, it is much harder. This is in large part due to the fact that our eyes have a tough time digesting dense blocks of text (large paragraphs, long lists of bullets) on a screen.

To ensure smooth online reading of your electronic cover letter, aim for paragraphs that are two to three lines maximum.

Keep this in mind when you format your resume, too, if you expect it to be read in an online format.

A Stand-Out Cover Letter Can be the Difference Between an Interview and a Rejection

Not every hiring manager puts a lot of weight on cover letters, but some do! And when hiring managers require it, then there’s a high probability that they care a lot and use it to decide who to interview.

If you follow the steps above for how to write a cover letter that stands out to employers, you’ll get more interviews and find a job faster.

The following expert contributed to this post:

Virginia Franco is a multi-certified executive resume and LinkedIn writer and founder of Virginia Franco Resumes. She offers customized executive resume and LinkedIn profile writing services for the 21st century job seeker.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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• Internships
• Career Advice

3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

Published: Jan 05, 2021

It’s a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they’re looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here’s another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I’m rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I’ve organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,’ but I don’t like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I’ve attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I’ve opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you’ll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don’t have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone’s attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there’s a big difference between saying you’re a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don’t know me, so let me show you exactly why I’m completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

3 Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out (with Tips)

Crafting a memorable introduction.

When you’re writing a cover letter, you want to grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately. Your introduction is your first chance to show off your personality and give them a reason to keep reading. Start with a greeting that is polite yet shows you’ve done your homework—use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it.

Dive straight into why you’re excited about the company. Maybe you’re inspired by their mission statement or impressed by their rapid growth in the industry. Then, tie this enthusiasm back to your skills. For example:

“Having followed (…) Company’s evolution as a leader in sustainable practices, I am thrilled at the possibility of bringing my decade of experience in green technologies to your dynamic team.”

It’s important to tell a brief story that highlights your relevant achievements. Pick an accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements and show, don’t tell. Use numbers or outcomes to illustrate your impact. It could look something like this:

“After spearheading a successful social media campaign that increased online engagement by 30%, I am eager to apply my digital marketing expertise to elevate (…) Inc.’s brand presence.”

Close your introduction with a sentence that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Try to personalize your introduction for each job application. Generic intros are easy to spot and often don’t make it past the first read. Taking the time to craft a unique opening will help your cover letter stand out.

Showcasing Relevant Skills

When crafting your cover letter, highlighting your relevant skills is a key way to grab an employer’s attention. Make sure to tailor these skills to the job you are applying for by matching keywords and demonstrating transferable skills.

Matching Job Description Keywords

Review the job posting carefully and identify the keywords related to the skills and qualifications required .

Use these keywords in your cover letter to show that your experience and abilities align with what the employer is seeking.

This approach not only shows that you’ve paid attention to the details of the job description but also helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems that screen for these specific terms.

• “Experienced in social media management and content creation, as specified in the job description.”
• “Proficient in graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, aligning with your need for a creative professional.”

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Even if you’re changing industries or don’t have direct experience, showcase your transferable skills. These are abilities that can be applied across various jobs and sectors, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. Explain how these skills have contributed to your success in past roles and how they can be beneficial in the position you’re applying for.

• “Utilized exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met.”
• “Employed problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints quickly, increasing customer satisfaction by 35%.”

Incorporating Success Stories

When crafting your cover letter, including success stories can make a significant impact. Highlight your past achievements to show how you can bring value to the position you’re applying for.

Using Quantifiable Achievements

By using numbers and data, you make your contributions concrete. This gives hiring managers a clear picture of your potential impact on their company. For example, if you increased sales, specify by how much, such as “Boosted regional sales by 25% within one financial quarter.”

• Increased team productivity by 30% through strategic workflow redesign.
• Cut customer service response times by 50%, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Narrating Career Milestones

Connect the dots in your career by sharing key milestones. Tell the story of how you solved a difficult problem or took on new responsibilities. This paints a dynamic picture of your growth. Example: “Successfully managed a project that resulted in a patented product, becoming a top-seller for my company.”

• Led the development of a new tracking system that decreased shipping errors by 15%.
• Spearheaded a fundraiser event that raised $20,000 for local charities.

Cover letters that stand out contain specific components that highlight your suitability for a position.

Concluding with a Strong Call to Action

The closing of your cover letter is where you need to reel in the hiring manager with a compelling call to action (CTA). This means directly inviting them to contact you for an interview or further discussion. Here’s how you can effectively do this:

• First, express genuine enthusiasm about the position. You want to communicate your eagerness to take the next step. For example, “I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team and am eager to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organization.”
• Next, clearly state what you want to happen next. It’s important that there’s no ambiguity about your intentions. A straightforward request, like “I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how my skills and experience align with your needs,” can convey your confidence and desire for an interview.
• Make it easy for them to reach out. Include your contact information in the closing paragraph and invite them to call or email you. Phrases like “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience,” followed by a phone number or email address, demonstrate your openness and readiness for communication.
• End on a polite note. Thanking the reader for their time and consideration showcases your politeness and respect. A simple “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company,” can leave a positive final impression.
• “Please contact me at [your phone number] to discuss how I can bring value to your team.”
• “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [your email address].”
• “I look forward to the opportunity to share how I can make a difference in your company.”
• “I’m keen to discuss my fit for the role in greater detail.”
• “I am hopeful for the chance to further discuss my potential impact on your team.”
• “Eager to explore this opportunity with you, please reach out to me via [contact method].”

Template of a Strong Cover Letter

Dear [Employer’s Name or Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am interested in the [Job Title] job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in [Your Field/Industry] and have achieved [specific achievement or skill]. I am looking forward to helping [Company Name] reach its goals.

At my last job at [Previous Employer], I did [describe a relevant achievement or project] which improved my skills in [mention specific skills or areas of expertise] and showed I am good at [mention a quality or achievement that reflects the job requirements, such as problem-solving, innovation, or collaboration].

I like [Company Name] because [mention something specific about the company or its mission that aligns with your values or career goals]. I respect how your company [describe an aspect of the company’s work, culture, or values], and I want to use my [mention a key skill or experience] to help your company succeed.

I am excited to [mention how you would apply your skills in the role, aligning with the job description]. I believe my [mention a personal trait or professional attribute] and [another skill or experience] make me a good fit to help [Company Name] with [mention a goal or project relevant to the position].

I have attached my resume for more information about my qualifications. I would be happy to talk about how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for looking at my application. I am ready to discuss this job with you and join your team.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Dear (…),

I am interested in the Marketing Coordinator position at (…) Solutions that I saw listed on LinkedIn. With a background in marketing and a proven record of increasing customer engagement, I am looking forward to helping (…) Solutions reach its marketing objectives.

At my last job at (…), I led a campaign that increased social media engagement by 40%. This experience improved my skills in social media strategy and analytics and showed I am good at creative problem-solving and effective communication.

What draws me to (…) Solutions is your commitment to leveraging technology for environmental sustainability. I respect how your company integrates eco-friendly practices into its business model, and I want to use my expertise in digital marketing to help your company expand its reach.

I am excited about the chance to use my skills in this role, particularly aligning with your recent initiative to launch an online eco-conscious marketplace. I believe my proactive approach and experience in project management make me a good fit to help (…) Solutions successfully market this new platform.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides more details about my qualifications. I would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to the innovative work at (…) Solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss this opportunity with you and hope to join your dynamic team.

When using this template, customize each cover letter with specific details about the company and the role you are applying for . Personalization is key to making your application stand out.

Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out

Cover letters that stand out are tailored to the job and company, showcasing the candidate’s relevant achievements and expressing genuine interest in the specific role and organization.

Cover Letter Example for a Graphic Designer Position

Hello [Employer’s Name],

I’m interested in the Graphic Designer job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have a degree in Graphic Design and over five years of experience. I believe I can create great designs for you.

At my current job at [Current Employer], I led a rebranding for a big client that made their online presence grow by 30% in three months. I’m good with Adobe Creative Suite and always keep up with new design trends, so I make modern and attractive designs.

I’m excited about working at [Company Name] because you value creativity and innovation. I really liked your recent campaign for [specific project or client]. It stood out to me as a designer and a shopper.

I’m looking forward to using my skills and creativity at [Company Name]. I’ve attached my resume and a link to my portfolio for you to see. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards,

Cover Letter Example for a Marketing Manager Position

I am a marketing professional with over ten years of experience and I’m excited about the Marketing Manager job at [Company Name]. I’ve led campaigns that increased revenue by 20% each year and I’m looking forward to helping [Company Name] grow even more.

At my last job at [Former Employer], I ran a digital marketing campaign that raised online sales by 40% and got more people interacting with us on social media. My hands-on experience with SEO, PPC, and CRM systems, along with my ability to analyze market trends and adjust strategies accordingly, are skills I am eager to bring to your team.

I really admire [Company Name]’s fresh ways of marketing, like your recent [specific campaign or initiative]. I believe my experience with building brands and targeted marketing fits well with what you’re doing.

I’d love to talk about how I can be part of [Company Name]’s success. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time and I hope to speak with you soon.

Cover Letter Example for an Administrative Assistant

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am very interested in the Administrative Assistant job at [Company Name] that I found on [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in administrative work and I really enjoy making sure an office runs well. I’m looking forward to the chance to be part of your team.

In my last job at [Previous Employer], I gained skills like managing schedules, preparing documents quickly, and making sure the office works at its best. I work well with different teams and I’m good at using MS Office and CRM software, which has helped make things run more smoothly and helped the business grow.

I once reorganized the filing system at [Previous Employer], which made finding information 30% faster. I would like to do similar work at [Company Name] to help with the quick pace of your work.

I like [Company Name]’s focus on both helping employees grow and working together. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to a place that values hard work and commitment.

I hope we can talk about how I can help with [Company Name]’s administrative tasks. I am available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to support the team at [Company Name] and help with your success.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a standout cover letter.

A standout cover letter includes a personalized greeting, a compelling opening statement, evidence of your achievements, skills relevant to the job, enthusiasm for the role, and a professional closing.

Can you suggest a structure for an effective cover letter?

An effective cover letter typically starts with a header and salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph, 1-2 body paragraphs detailing your qualifications and fit for the role, and concludes with a call to action and formal sign-off. For instance, “I am excited to discuss how my experience as a digital marketer can drive growth for (…) Corp.”

How can I begin my cover letter to immediately grab the employer’s attention?

Begin your cover letter with an intriguing fact about yourself, a question, or a bold statement related to the job. You could start with, “Reducing customer churn by 30% at my last job makes me eager to apply these strategies to the Client Engagement Specialist position at your esteemed company.”

What are some innovative ways to showcase my personality in a cover letter?

You can showcase your personality by sharing a brief story that illustrates your passion for the field, using a conversational tone, or including an interest that aligns with the company’s culture. For example, “My passion for graphic design started when I redesigned a flyer for a local pet shelter and saw the impact it had on adoption rates.”

Could you provide a model of a concise yet impactful cover letter?

For example, “Dear Hiring Manager, your ad for a creative copywriter caught my eye. At (…) Agency, I increased client engagement for major brands through compelling copy—one campaign saw a 50% jump in CTR.”

What strategies can I use to tailor my cover letter for different job applications?

Research the company and position to include specific details in your cover letter. Use keywords from the job description and speak directly to how your skills and experience meet those needs.

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Find a Job You Really Want In

There’s a lot that goes into writing a cover letter . If you’re new on the job scene, you’ve got to scrounge up some experience to include, learn how to make your writing readable to someone other than yourself, and you have to find out which mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up looking like a job-hunting rookie. Ugh, when does it end? Here’s the deal: Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, there are many tips and tricks of the trade that can make your cover letter better than you ever thought possible. Lucky for you, we’ve got them all right here. You’re welcome. Here’s everything you need to make your cover letter stand out in 12 easy steps: 1 Address Your Cover Letter to a Specific Person

Do what you can to find the exact name of the person who’s going to be reading your letter. This will make your cover letter more personalized, and they’ll appreciate that you took the steps to learn about who you’re writing to.

If the person’s name isn’t available directly anywhere in the job listing or on the company website, call the company and ask who the HR representative or hiring manager is for the position.

Never use outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “ To Whom It May Concern .” Using phrases like these shows that you didn’t do your homework and that you’re probably 100 years old.

If you’ve tried your best but haven’t been able to find the recipient’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its better-sounding alternatives .

2 Keep It Simple and Concise

Yes, it can be a challenge to describe how awesome you are within one page , but try not to go overboard. Cover letters should be a page or less, and the longer your cover letter is, the more you risk losing the employer’s attention.

Most hiring managers and recruiters agree that the ideal cover letter length is closer to half a page — these are busy people, after all. If you can say everything you need to say in 200 words, that’s great; don’t feel pressured to add more just to fill up space. 400 words is an absolute maximum, but sub-300 is the sweet spot.

If your cover letter is too lengthy, cut out unnecessary information and just leave in only the most important information.

3 Leave Plenty of White Space

You don’t want your cover letter to look cramped or overcrowded with information — this makes you appear to be sloppy and unprofessional. Include spaces between your greeting, the body of your letter, and your signature, and make sure to have appropriate margins (the standard 1-inch margins are fine).

A cover letter that’s tidy and concise is much easier to read than one that’s overloaded with unnecessary details. The hiring manager will thank you for not wasting their time.

4 Use the Same Font as Your Resume

Using a cohesive font with your application materials will make it look like you really have your life together. Using a clean, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial for your cover letter and resume will look neat and professional.

Font sizes should generally be 12-point, and you should avoid busy or distracting visual elements like underlined, highlighted, colored, or capitalized text.

Bold or italics can be used to emphasize key information or separate bullet point entries, but choose one or the other; don’t include both bold and italic text in your cover letter.

5 Don’t Just Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume and specifically tell the employer how you meet their qualifications and what you can do for their company.

Regurgitating all of the information the hiring manager has already read on your resume is a huge waste of everyone’s time — including yours. Use your cover letter to focus on the specific skills that will benefit the company and provide a fuller picture of you as an employee.

Think of your resume as answering the “who, what, where, when” and your cover letter answering the “how” and “why.” That means your personality, work style , and unique perspective on how to get your job done should come through alongside your passion for the profession. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t find in a resume.

6 Open Strong

What better way to show off your candidacy than to highlight your most impressive skills from the very beginning? Describe your previous leadership positions, relevant achievements, and advanced skills in your first paragraph — this will ensure that you grab their attention as soon as they start reading.

If you’re not sure which of your many amazing experiences or skills to include , refer to the qualifications included in the job listing. When you show that you meet the employer’s top requirements, you’ll make them want to keep reading the rest of your cover letter.

7 Use Numbers and Statistics

Employers love to see numbers, and using statistics to illustrate the achievements you’ve earned with a company is a great way to show them that you’re focused on making an impact and getting results.

If you’ve improved employee participation in company fundraisers, include the percent increase. If you earned more money for your division than your predecessor, share the monetary difference. Using numbers will add value to your past work experiences, and make you seem more credible.

Numbers are your friend, even if you failed math repeatedly in college — we’ll just keep that our little secret.

8 Give Examples of Your Skills

Employers love stories — it helps them visualize you putting to use the skills you claim to have, and it makes you seem like you’re not just talking out of your ass.

Use a descriptive statement to show off a skill, like “I’m an expert maintenance technician with experience working on utility-scale solar fields,” and follow them up with a short anecdote:

“I have personally performed operations and maintenance on utility-scale, high voltage solar farms across the state, repairing and maintaining solar inverters and installing panels as needed.”

And just like that, you’ve made your cover letter more compelling. Way to go.

9 Customize Your Cover letter for Every Application

You should never use a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter for every job you apply for. Employers can tell, and it basically just says “I literally could not care less about your company or the position.” Ouch.

Customize your letter for the specific job you’re applying for. Mention the company name, the title of the position, and directly address any of your qualifications that match the job requirements.

Your cover letter is your sales pitch to get an interview, so you’ll want to show what you can do for their company specifically.

A good way to make sure you hit all of the employer’s needs is by reviewing the job description and highlighting action verbs in one color and skills or adjectives in a different color. Then, look for ways to naturally incorporate that same language into your cover letter.

10 Leave Out Unnecessary Information

If a sentence doesn’t directly show off your candidacy for the job at hand, it’s not worth including in your cover letter. Never include personal information, and leave out your salary requirements unless the employer specifically asks for them.

Leave out details about leaving your last job , particularly if you were fired, and never badmouth any of your former bosses. Keep your cover letter focused on your credentials and make sure it stays professional.

11 Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again

There’s nothing worse than sending in a cover letter and realizing five minutes later that you spelled the company name (or your own name) wrong. Yikes, that would just be embarrassing.

Carefully proofread your letter, and even read it out loud to pick up any mistakes in grammar or syntax. You could even ask a friend or relative to look over it for you. If you can’t find a helper , we recommend reading your cover letter backwards — seeing each sentence in a different order does wonders for recognizing awkward phrases.

Whatever you do, just make sure to proofread your cover letter to avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammar mistakes. You probably won’t get the job of your dreams if your letter is addressed to Walt Fisney World.

12 Include an Email Signature

When you send in your cover letter, include a signature with your name, email address, and phone number. It shows that you’re interested in following up and makes it easier for the employer to get in contact with you. Simple as that.

You can also include a hyperlink to an online portfolio , personal website, or LinkedIn profile . That way, the hiring manager has a ready way to find out more information about you if they’re interested. Just make sure that any extra info you include directs them to a page you’re proud of, not a LinkedIn page with nothing but a headshot and 2 connections.

Final Thoughts

Cover letters can be tricky. You have to learn how to sell yourself the specific wants and needs a particular company is looking for, and you have to do so in a way that’s believable and compelling.

It sounds tough, but it’s not as hard as it seems! Follow these 12 steps and you’re sure to impress employers and land an interview.

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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How to Write a Stand-Out Cover Letter

Contrary to popular belief, your cover letter is just as important as your resume (and yes, hiring managers do actually read them). But is your current cover letter following the best practices? Read on to learn how to write a cover letter that will make a lasting impression.

What exactly is a cover letter?

Definitions abound, but here's our take: A concise single-page letter that introduces you, illuminates your pertinent experiences and skills, clearly manifests your interest in a specific job, and offers you the chance to extend gratitude to your potential interviewer. It accompanies your resume when applying for a job, adding a personal touch.

In essence, it showcases respect for the company and position, showcases your unique tone, and may even unveil a personal narrative.

Do I really need one?

The answer resides in the gray area, but if uncertain, veer toward yes. Typically, white-collar roles (think office environments) often demand a cover letter, while blue-collar positions (think manufacturing facilities) may not.

However, the core takeaway is this: Even when an employer doesn't explicitly request a cover letter, it's still advisable to draft and send one. Why? Because while a resume delineates your chronological journey and technical expertise, a cover letter delves deeper into your personality, enthusiasm for the opportunity, and intangible skills like communication, ambition, and leadership. It's a testament to how earnestly you regard the job prospect, something discernible to perceptive hiring managers.

Is my cover letter too long?

Human attention spans, shorter than even that of a goldfish, often lead us to flit between tasks and screens. In a world where time is a precious commodity, especially for hiring managers, the art of crafting a well-composed, easily digestible letter is crucial. Everything you need to convey should fit within one page. (Refer to our sample cover letter at the conclusion of this piece.)

Should I include personal information?

When it comes to injecting your personal sentiments, be candid. Embrace transparency in expressing your excitement for the role. If a story or a particular reason underscores your enthusiasm for the job, share it! Strive for naturalness without descending into unprofessionalism. This genuineness resonates well with hiring managers, who are not only assessing your suitability for the position but also your compatibility with the company's culture.

Is it ok to brag?

Confident boasting is the name of the game, staying clear of arrogance. Don't simply state, "I'm Adam" or "I'm Jessica." Delve deeper. Share an aspect of your work journey that's distinctive and aligns with the role. Is there a relevant project you've successfully undertaken? Expressing passion for the industry or the company's mission is also a great avenue to explore. If executed well, this self-assured showcase could linger in the hiring manager's memory and prompt thoughts like, "Nicole could be a remarkable fit."

Do I need to thank the hiring manager?

Absolutely! Including a line of gratitude is always a good move. You might want to begin and conclude your letter with a "Thank you for your time" or "I appreciate this opportunity." Placing it at the outset is particularly beneficial in case the hiring manager's attention spans aren't conducive to reading the entire letter. Yes, it's a reality, but don't take offense – attribute it to the attention span quirk we highlighted. The essential aspect is to genuinely convey your appreciation. While you may have expressed thanks via email or plan to do so during an interview, incorporating it into your cover letter won't hurt.

OK, my cover letter is ready to go.

Hold on! Prior to finalizing your cover letter (or resume), it's wise to enlist a trusted friend or colleague for proofreading. Task them with identifying any spelling or grammar errors. Once that's squared away, it's time to start exploring job opportunities.

Already have your cover letter perfected? Take a look at our current job opportunities   and see if any align with your aspirations.

Cover Letters That Stand Out in 2024 [6+ Examples]

Cover Letter Examples That Helps You Get Hired

Picture this:

You've found the perfect job, hit the "apply" button, and started the writing process with your engines revved and roaring to go.

But wait! Slam the brakes!

They want a cover letter first. Oh no. Have no fear - help is near!

We'll show you some great examples, to overcome you're writing fears, because that's what you are here for, right?

We love examples. It’s so much easier to follow a recipe, build an IKEA bookcase, or even write a cover letter when you know what the end product should look like.

All our cover letter examples are carefully crafted to match real job listings found around the web, and you can even go check out the accompanying resume examples over here as well.

All right, so, what is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one page document, which you attach to your resume . When applying for a job, it is usually required to apply with both a resume and a cover letter. Thus, the cover letter cannot stand alone.

Your cover letter should complement and reflect your resume. In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying for but also the company you’re applying to.

It helps you explain your value proposition, stand out from the crowd, and create the connection between you and the company. Basically, why you’re a great fit for each other.

It’s crucial that you tailor each cover letter to every job listing you’re applying to. Do not be generic and just send the same copy over and over again. Each company values different skills , experiences and responsibilities. You’ll want to show exactly how you fit in, and that you are the best candidate around.

Sounds easy eh? Well, for some. But if you need that tiny bit of inspiration to get going, look no further.

What do I include in a cover letter?

Start by dividing your cover letter into a few sections.

The purpose of this is to make it comfortable and easily understable for the reader. The goal is to make them remember what you’re actually trying to tell them and how the company you are applying to can benefit from hiring you.

Imagine you have a piece of paper in front of you, then here's a quick go-to build:

• Name, phone, address, date
• The hiring manager’s name and the company you are applying to
• Ie. Dear Melanie
• Opening lines where you intend to hook the reader
• Why you are a great fit for the company
• Why the company is a great fit for you
• Make yourself available to any further discussions and say thank you for their time

Good, now you are familiar with the overall concept of a cover letter and the format , so let's see it put to use and land you a job interview .

#1 - Internship Cover Letter Example

Eventhough our Intern shows hes got decent experience already, you usually don't need a lot. The most important factor here is motivation.

What are you motivated about, and does that fit the role?

In our Internship cover letter example the motivational emphasis lies on the thrill and excitement of building products at scale. The applying intern describes it as addictive. Who doesn't find that intriguing?

#2 - Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example

Let's be honest, you probably don't need to write a cover letter if you are applying for a job as a marketing manager . This role is often headhuntet or hired through the individuals network. Although, we have seen a few listings around the web, and even had some user's create their resume and cover letter with our templates.

The creative space is always fun, did you notice how this marketing manager connected the dots from the opening paragraph and the closing line?

No matter what industry you're in, attention grapping lines are always a good thing. But don't overdue it!

#3 - Cashier Cover Letter Example

As a cashier , you are the frontline personal of the store. This cashier told the reader right away, that she is a smiling, easy going and an enthusiastic individual. Sounds like the perfect type of person for this role?

Further she provides quantifiable examples of her achievements and experiences, which are all great selling points.

Lastly she even dares the reader to contact her former employers, to build an even greater case for herself. If you emphasize some of your core skills like this, you better be worthwhile.

#4 - Content Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example

A content marketing manager is a word smith. Writing comes naturally to you, and you use it everyday, both on and off your work.

Right out of the gates she hooks the reader and start blending achieved results with the insinuation of improving the companys brand. It oozes of self confidence and makes a strong case for an interview, since a content marketing manager's greatest performance indicators would be; how many reads did my blog post have? how many shares did it get? what's the total reach and how many new engagements?

We would take her in for an interview.

#5 - Sales Associate Cover Letter Example

This sales associate takes a more polite approach. Well, we can't blame her, since being polite and out going are core skills of a sales associate. As most jobs in the sales industry focus on results, it's a good approach to tell about your key quantifiable results, Laura does it wonderfully as she bullets her 3 most key performance indicators and achievements.

#6 - Nursing Cover Letter Example

This clinical nurse is very good at making sure her interpersonal skills and motivation for applying to the position is very clear. She also makes sure that there's no doubt about her professional qualifications. 

Create Your Cover Letter

And check out our blog if you want to know more about utilizing ChatGPT and AI for your cover letters .

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5 Unique Cover Letter Formats and Designs to Impress Employers

This article will discuss five unique cover letter formats and designs that can help job seekers make a great first impression on potential employers. From the traditional cover letter to the creative and unexpected, these five examples will show job seekers how to stand out from the competition and make their application materials shine.

In this blog post, you will learn:

• How to craft a traditional cover letter format
• Creative ways to format your cover letter
• How to create an eye-catching infographic cover letter
• Tips for creating a unique video cover letter
• Essential advice for crafting the perfect unique cover letter design
• Final thoughts on unique cover letter formats

Introduction to Unique Cover Letter Formats

Writing a cover letter that stands out can be a challenge. However, there are many unique cover letter formats that you can use to make your letter stand out from the crowd. Here, we'll explore the different types of cover letter formats, from traditional to creative and even video cover letters.

The Traditional Cover Letter Format

The traditional cover letter format includes a professional introduction, a summary of your qualifications and experience, and a closing statement. You can also include [a paragraph about](https://rephrasely.com/blog/persuasive-essay) why you are interested in the role and why you'd be a great fit for the position.

Creative Cover Letter Layout

If you're looking to stand out from the competition, you may want to consider using a creative cover letter layout. This could include using a visually appealing design, modern fonts, and creative word choice.

Infographic Cover Letters

An infographic cover letter is a great way to show off your design and presentation skills. You can use this type of letter to graphically explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Video Cover Letters

Video cover letters are becoming increasingly popular. With this type of letter, you can show off your personality and enthusiasm for the role in an engaging and creative way.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Unique Cover Letter Design

When crafting a unique cover letter design, make sure to include the following: a professional font and font size, relevant keywords, a strong introduction, a well-structured body, and a conclusion that wraps up your letter.

Final Thoughts on Unique Cover Letter Formats

It's important to remember that a unique cover letter format can make all the difference in your job search. The right cover letter design can help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Spend some time exploring the different types of cover letter formats, and see which one works best for you. Below we answer common questions entrepreneurs have about these topics.

1. Introduction to Unique Cover Letter Formats

What are the benefits of using a unique cover letter format.

In answering the question, "What are the benefits of using a unique cover letter format?," a writer should emphasize that a unique cover letter format can help them stand out from the crowd. A cover letter is often the first impression a potential employer has of a candidate, so it's important that it be well-written and professional. A unique cover letter format can help give your writing a fresh, professional look that will catch the employer's attention and make you stand out from the crowd.

What types of unique cover letter formats are available?

Keep it short, simple, and to the point. In the cover letter, you only have a few moments to capture the attention of the hiring manager and convey your enthusiasm for the job and your qualifications. Focus on your experience and the value you bring to the company in the first two paragraphs. The rest of the cover letter can be used to explain your timeline and availability.

2. The Traditional Cover Letter Format

What is the standard structure of a traditional cover letter.

It's been my experience that employers appreciate it when candidates take the time to learn about the company and its culture before applying for a job. One of the best ways to do this is to research the company online and learn about their mission, values, and recent news. In your cover letter, you can reference some of the things you learned about the company, mention how your skills or experiences align with their goals, and request an opportunity to interview.

How long should a traditional cover letter typically be?

The length of a cover letter should be in direct proportion to the importance of the position for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires great communication skills, such as a writer, editor, or reporter, you should make your cover letter as long as it needs to be to convey your message. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job that requires little communication, such as a janitor, your cover letter should be short and to the point.

3. Creative Cover Letter Layout

What unique elements can i include in my cover letter to make it stand out.

The cover letter is a great chance to educate the hiring manager on how you can help achieve the company's goals. It's a chance to demonstrate how your skills and experience are the perfect fit for the role and how your unique perspective can add value to the organization.

Use the cover letter to show how your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the role.

First, highlight the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role. Then, go a step further and explain how you can add value to the organization. For example, if you're applying for a marketing position, explain how you have experience creating content that has reached a large audience and helped increase sales.

How can I use formatting to make my cover letter more visually appealing?

When answering the question, "How can I use formatting to make my cover letter more visually appealing?" the first thing to consider is to make sure your cover letter is eye-catching. In most cases, the person reading your cover letter will only be spending a few seconds on each page of your document. They want to make sure they don't overlook anything important, so they're looking for specific keywords.

So, in addition to using formatting to make your cover letter seem visually appealing, it's also important to make sure your document is easy to read. Try to make your document concise, [using bullet points](https://rephrasely.com/blog/ understanding-semicolon/) and subheadings to break up long paragraphs. It will make your cover letter easier to read and digest.

4. Infographic Cover Letters

What key elements should be included in an infographic cover letter.

As someone who has written infographic cover letters, my number one tip is to include a link to your portfolio. When a potential client looks at your cover letter, highlight and explain the parts of your portfolio that are most relevant to the infographic they're looking to hire for. That way when they look you up and see what you contributed to other clients, it's a no-brainer for them to reach out.

What are some tips for creating an effective infographic cover letter?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of an effective infographic cover letter is the ability to tell a story. I believe that all good stories have a beginning, middle, and end, and that's what your infographic cover letter should follow.

The beginning should introduce you, your skills and experiences, as well as the company you're applying to. Next, you should focus on highlighting the skills you possess that make you a good fit for the role (the middle) and finish with a call to action (the end). Make it easy for the hiring manager to see how you're the perfect candidate for the job by telling them your story!

5. Video Cover Letters

What kinds of content should be included in a video cover letter.

Including examples from your portfolio can help the hiring manager get a better idea of your writing style and voice. You can use a video cover letter to highlight some of your best work and explain your process for how you go about creating content for your clients. Including examples from your portfolio can help the hiring manager get a better idea of your writing style and voice. You can use a video cover letter to highlight some of your best work and explain your process for how you go about creating content for your clients.

If you're not able to include examples in your video cover letter, consider including a link to your portfolio on your resume or in the body of your email.

How long should a video cover letter be?

I always advise candidates to cover every aspect of their professional journey in the video letter. It doesn't matter if you have 15 seconds or a minute to tell your story. You have to make sure you tell the recruiter about every single relevant detail about yourself that could be of interest.

This includes your professional experience, achievements, current job and any other relevant experience you have. Your video should answer all the recruiter's potential questions about your professional journey and present you as a candidate with as much value as possible.

6. Tips for Crafting the Perfect Unique Cover Letter Design

How can i personalize my cover letter to make it stand out.

Many people think a cover letter is just a simple add-on to a CV, something to be written in a matter of minutes and forgotten. Not true! A cover letter is a letter of introduction, where you get a chance to showcase your writing skills. So, in order to personalize your cover letter, focus on describing why you are a good fit for the position and how you will be able to contribute to the company's mission and values.

Make sure you mention the company's mission, values, and the position you are applying for in your cover letter. Then, write a few sentences that highlight your relevant skills, experience, and abilities that make you a great fit for the position. Finally, tell the story of how you got here and how you are motivated to help the company achieve its goals — all this in your cover letter.

What tips can I use to create a visually appealing cover letter design?

A writer should think about how they want their cover letter to be perceived before they even begin writing it. For example, if you are applying for a creative position, it would be best to use a creative cover letter design that highlights your creativity. If you are applying for a more structured position, a more traditional cover letter design would be best.

7. Final Thoughts on Unique Cover Letter Formats

What have been your most successful experiences with unique cover letter formats.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, use a work experience summary section in your cover letter. This will help you start off on the right foot with a potential employer. You can use this section to highlight your most important and relevant work experience and skills. This will show the employer that you know what you're doing from the get-go and can help you stand out from the crowd.

What advice would you give to those considering a unique format for their cover letter?

Be sure to demonstrate your creativity and imagination when answering this question, but also include concrete examples. For example, you could say something like: "I'd like to stand out by writing my cover letter in the form of a short story, chronicling my journey from the mundane world of accounting to the exciting world of advertising. Along the way, I'd highlight the various skills and attributes that make me the perfect candidate for the job. I'd also finish off the story with a call to action, asking the hiring manager to think back on the story, and why they should hire me. To support this logic, I'd include links to my portfolio and social media profiles."

Key Takeaways:

• There are various unique cover letter formats available to use, including the traditional, creative layout, infographic, and video formats.
• Each format should be tailored to the specific job application and give the reader a good impression of the applicant.
• Infographic cover letters use visuals to make the letter stand out and are great for creative roles.
• Video cover letters are an innovative way to showcase the applicant's personality and unique skills.
• Crafting the perfect unique cover letter design requires research, creativity, and attention to detail.

In conclusion, crafting the perfect unique cover letter format is an important part of the job search process. With the right creative approach, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether it's in the form of a traditional cover letter, an infographic, or a video, making sure that your cover letter stands out from the crowd is a great way to get your foot in the door. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression – make it count!

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From keywords to paragraphs

Generating paragraphs with unique ideas can be challenging, and too often writers get stuck at this stage of the writing process. With our paragraph tool, you can enter keywords and let our AI generate paragraphs for you, so that you can have something to work with, refine the output, and become more engaged in your writing.

A paragraph generator creates links between your ideas, such that the output is sensible, unique, and stimulating, very close to what you would expect a thoughtful human paragraph writer to produce.

Paragraph makers are nice, but what about a short story generator? Because our AI is generalized, it serves a story generator, an essay generator, a poem generator, and much more. To generate compelling stories, you should provide the story generator with useful keywords from which it can develop plot elements, including characters, setting details, and any situational information. To generate reasonably good essays, you should likewise provide the essay maker with details around argumentative positions and any other pertinent ideas. If you more specifically want an introduction paragraph generator or conclusion paragraph generator, you can provide starter text and keywords that will best enable our essay creator to produce them.

You may well ask, “is this essay generator free?” Everything on this site is free within a 3-day trial, so you can test and develop confidence in our products. You may also be wondering where this is an essay automatic writer or if it will take a while to get results. All results appear within a matter of seconds, so you can move through your work as quickly as possible.

You may have professional needs for creating paragraphs as well, such as those needed for cover letter. Most of the time a cover letter template includes information that is not relevant to you; by using your own keywords, we can produce cover letter examples that are relevant to your use case and often require very little editing. By using this service, you can also learn how to write a cover letter and achieve the cover letter format you need.

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8+ Best Cover Letters That Stand Out Samples

Want to write a Cover Letters That Stand Out A great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. If you’re looking for how to write the best cover letter possible, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our free, downloadable sample cover letters below. Just click on the link to get started.Cover Letters That Stand Out

When it comes to writing a winning cover letter it company specific is all about taking the time to tailor your experience and skills to each individual job opportunity. In order to do this effectively, you should start by doing some research into the company culture and values as well as the specific role you’re applying for. Once you have a good understanding of what they’re looking for, you can craft a cover letter that will really stand out.

How To write a Cover Letters That Stand Out?

A cover letter is an important tool to sell yourself to your next employer. Crafting a well-written and thoughtful cover letter can be the key to landing an interview. However, with so many different opinions out there on how to write a cover letter, it can be difficult to know where to start. The following tips will help you write a cover letter that stands out from the rest.

First, make sure to do your research. Each cover letter should be tailored specifically to the company and position you are applying for. This means taking the time to learn about the company’s culture, values, and what they are looking for in a candidate. When you have a good understanding of the organization, you can highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

Second, avoid using generic or overused phrases. Your goal is to stand out from the other candidates, so use language that is specific and engaging. Avoid using clichés or hackneyed phrases such as “I’m a people person” or “I have a go-getter attitude.” Instead, focus on describing your unique skills and experiences in a way that will resonate with the reader.

Finally, don’t be afraid to show some personality. The cover letter is an opportunity to give the hiring manager a sense of who you are as a person, so don’t be afraid to let your voice shine through. Be sincere, enthusiastic, and positive, and let your personality come through in your writing. By following these tips, you can write acover letter that will grab the attention of employers and help you land the job you want.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Stand Out Cover Letter Examples

To Whom Concern Is,

I am writing in hopes to obtain the position that you have available. After carefully reviewing the job posting, I feel confident that my skills and experience are a perfect match for what you are looking for.

Please find attached a copy of my resume for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss with you how I can be an asset to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Enclosure: resume

Related: 07 Best General Manager Cover Letter Samples

Stand Out Receptionist Cover Letter

I am writing to apply for the receptionist position at your company. Based on the job description, I believe that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for in a candidate.

As a receptionist, I am responsible for greeting visitors and clients, answering phone calls, and managing scheduling. Have experience with handling customer inquiries, managing office supplies, and providing administrative support. I am a quick learner and have the ability to work well under pressure.

The confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to utilize my skills and experience in a role where I can make a positive contribution to your company.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Receptionist Cover Letter: 09 Sample & Examples

Cover Letter Ideas To Stand Out

I am writing in regards to the open position for _ . I saw your job posting on and feel confident that I am a qualified candidate.

In my previous role as , I was responsible for . This experience has given me the skills necessary to excel in this position. I am a motivated self-starter with a proven track record of success.

Also I am confident that I can be an asset to your team. I am eager to put my skills and experience to work for you. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position further with you.

Related: 109+ Creative Career Objective for Video Editor ideas & Examples

Cover Letter To Stand Out

My name is and I am writing this letter to apply for the job that you have open. Based on what I have read and my research, I think that I would be a great candidate for this job.

I have attached my resume for your convenience.

In addition, based on what I know about the company and the job, I think that I could be a valuable asset to your team.

I am knowledgeable in the area of and I have a lot of experience with . In addition, I am also proficient in .Confident that I can use my skills to benefit your company.

The would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person. I will contact you next week to schedule an appointment. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 7+ Professional Product Owner Cover Letter Samples

5 Things To Include In a Cover Letters That Stand Out

A great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. When writing a cover letter, it’s important to include information that will grab the employer’s attention and show them why you’re a good fit for the job. Here are five things to include in a cover letter that will make you stand out:

• A brief introduction. Include your name, the position you’re applying for, and how you learned about the opening.
• A sentence or two about why you’re interested in the position. This is your chance to show that you’ve done your research and know what the company is all about.
• A brief overview of your qualifications. Include your relevant skills and experience, and how they match up with the job requirements.
• A closing paragraph. Thank the employer for their time, and let them know how they can reach you if they have any questions.
• Your signature. Include a handwritten or digital signature at the bottom of your letter.

By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will make a strong impression on potential employers.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found helpful this blog. As we mentioned before, a well-written cover letter is your opportunity to show an employer who you are and what makes you unique. It’s also the best way to start making a good impression and increase your chances of getting an interview. If you need more help putting together a great cover letter, be sure to check out our other resources or contact us for assistance. Thanks for reading!

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CVs & Résumés

• Dec 6, 2015

7 Most Funniest Cover Letters (Real Examples)

When applying for a job, we always try to impress, but some try too hard or too little. See those which made our list of the funniest cover letters.

Katarina Milovanovic

When applying for a job, we always try to write a killer cover letter , so that we can look professional, show a bit of our personality and show the employer why we are the perfect candidate for the job. However, as there are many people with similar skill set and experience, or even with more experience than we have,  it’s important to think outside the box and create a cover letter that will stand out and catch the hiring manager’s eye. So, we turn to writing something funny, which will show our originality and uniqueness. But, is it really funny? Before submitting your cover letter , you should get some feedback from your friends and family because something you wrote might seem hilarious to you, but it very well might be plain awkward or embarrassing. There is a thin line between being funny and being awkwardly dim-witted. Depending on the job position, you can choose to be a bit creative, but just remember not to try and sound too awesome. Some people really failed when they tried to be funny, but they certainly grabbed our attention. Let’s see what not to do when writing a cover letter, and let’s just hope that these people weren’t being serious and thought that their cover letter rocked .

1. Attended the employer’s funeral: So, the position is open, right?

Searching for a job, level: expert. This cover letter really made me laugh, and I’ve never seen a person more determined to get a job at a company than this guy. He really lives by the motto “Patience is a virtue”, and now there is no reason for the company not to hire him, as he clearly has proof that there is an opening – a death certificate. What do you have to say in your defense, hiring manager? The man is clearly determined, patient, ambitious and detail-oriented, a person who will always provide you with cold hard facts. He possesses the skills of a Technical Manager, but let’s just hope he didn’t watch “How to Get Away with Murder”.

2. He’s definitely seen and done it all

This guy is the embodiment of “been there, done that, bought a T-shirt”. It seems like it was only yesterday that he was a mere skateboarder, and today he is a professional genious. The spelling is definitely wrong, but there is a much bigger problem – what does a professional genius actually do? Judging by his cover letter, good spelling isn’t one of the skills required for attaining this glamorous title. However, he is a sociable person, a gentleman and a scholar, so he is perfect for a friendly work environment. Besides, this guy can hook you up with some nasty merchandise, so who knows when he will come in handy. And what about aliens? He definitely goes beyond the limits of science and logic that our simple terrestrial brains can comprehend.

3. Cock, food prep, pizza maker. Wait, what?

This cook, or let’s call him a chef, definitely has experience, but experience in cocking pastas – is that a thing nowadays? To be honest, this looks more like a name of a video on Porn Hub (maybe there’s an actress called Pasta). Okay, the first thing that comes to our minds is a male reproductive organ, or in the best case scenario a rooster. But, let’s have a grammar lesson as well. Cocking is a gerund of an actual verb, “to cock”, and it means tilting. Therefore, tilting pastas may be the real deal. However, as you are probably imagining a man making pasta with a rooster, let’s not go into that. We have all learned a valuable lesson – always check your spelling.

4. He just wants to feel again

Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t want to hire this guy? Because, he’s “A best”, and obviously approved by Koreans. Besides, his qualifications indicate that he might be a new member of the Avengers (lifting a bear is a huge deal, and not only in Russia). As far as trains are concerned, I think he only outran the ones from Serbia, since they all move at a snail’s pace. Although his cover letter looks like something that would end up in your spam folder, helping someone feel again is a noble deed, and thus a reward in itself. As we should never make fun of someone who speaks broken English, because it means they know another language, I think this guy definitely deserves a chance to prove himself.

5. You got Caged

Although there is nothing wrong with this email, the attachment is rather disturbing. What does this picture mean? Did Nicolas Cage intercept this email? Is Nicolas Cage a metaphor for accepting any role? Is the author of this email Nicolas Cage himself or did he simply approve it? Honestly, the picture of Nicolas Cage as a cover letter is definitely the only way to say “I would do anything to get a job,” without coming off as desperate. Always check what you have attached before clicking the send button. However, this person should be happy it is Nicholas Cage, because it could have been worse. It could have been a picture of Justin Bieber.

6. Mike aka Da-Bomb

Upon first reading this cover letter, I thought it was really funny, as it sounds a bit like Cartman (South Park), and I laughed out loud when I got to the end, where he tells the employer to call him and ask for “Liam.” Why Liam, and why use apostrophes? The best thing you can do with this cover letter, except for deleting it forever, is make a rap song out of it. This guy shouldn’t be a developer; he should be a project manager as he can evidently clone great workers like Larry from a single hair. However, when you read it again, you realize just how stupid it is. Cramming as many swear words as you can into a sentence can only be funny and acceptable in movies directed by Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie.

7. Words are overrated

According to this person, there is no need to tell someone about your experience – it’s better to stay mysterious. No need to write anything down, the person is obviously incredibly popular and fabulous. If you take a look at the previous cover letters, this is probably the smartest move, as it is better to stay silent, than to make a total fool of yourself.   I don’t think someone ever called this person, but unless you are Richard Branson, don’t just write your name on the cover letter. A little more information is always needed.

These cover letters are hilarious, but I guess that we are all wondering whether these people were joking or being serious. If they were serious, then I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. These job seekers probably didn’t get the job, except for maybe Larry, aka Lars, as he got a pretty good recommendation from the credible Mike “Da-bomb”. Don’t try this, because a small joke can ruin your reputation , unless you are Richard Branson, of course. What is the strangest cover letter you have ever seen or written? Your thoughts or comments below please...

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3 tips for including internship experience in a cover letter.

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How to stand out from the crowd as a new grad with internship experience

If you are a fresh graduate looking for a new job, a cover letter can help paint a helpful context of who you are and why you would be an excellent fit for the company. For seasoned professionals with considerable career milestones, resumes are often adequate to show their skillsets and how they would perform at a new job. Indicators like the type of company, pace of promotion, and scope of responsibilities paint a picture for the hiring managers of how they can expect the candidate to perform even before the interviews.

The good news for new graduates is that they are on an even playing field as they embark on a new career path with their peers. The downside is the need for additional information for the candidate to stand out from the crowd. Internship experience can be an advantage if leveraged and narrated correctly. When a company hires a new graduate, it knows the lack of experience and proof points to consider in the candidate. They are therefore looking for genuine interest, willingness to learn, and potential in new grads. If you have internship experience, including them in your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to feature these qualities. Here are a few tips on how to do this best.

Showcase Your Decision-making Process

One risk of hiring new graduates is that they may quit quickly if they find that the industry or the job function is not what they expected. If you have interned at a similar company, you can explain how that experience solidified your interest in the field and helped you narrow down the jobs you are genuinely interested in. By discussing your decision-making process and how the internship provided real-life perspective, you can demonstrate that you are a knowledgeable decision-maker rather than someone who is simply influenced by outside perspectives.

On the other hand, if you interned in an entirely different industry and position, you can use this experience to demonstrate that you discovered what you truly want to pursue. Highlight the positive lessons learned during the internship and avoid speaking negatively about past opportunities. The crucial point is to showcase what you gained from the experience and how it has strengthened your interest in the current company and role.

Be Truthful About The Scope Of Your Experience

Internship experiences can vary widely depending on the company, from simply shadowing an employee to conducting in-depth analysis or participating in structured rotational programs. However, it's important to note that internships typically don't involve holding leadership positions or having significant decision-making authority. It's essential to be honest about your role and responsibilities during an internship, as exaggerating or misrepresenting your experience will likely be noticed by hiring managers.

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In addition, you should not disclose any confidential information about the company at any time. Keep your account of the experience brief and truthful.

Highlight Relevant Skillsets And Potential

If your previous internship provided you with the skills described in the job requirements for the position you are applying for, be sure to emphasize this and explain how you used those skills, as well as your eagerness to further develop them. For example, if you gained experience in analyzing complex datasets during your internship, highlight how you enhanced the company's training through your independent learning efforts, express your enthusiasm for the skill, and illustrate how it contributed to the team's goals to demonstrate your understanding of the practical application of your work. This can show your potential for growth, desire to learn, and proactive orientation towards your job, attributes all hiring managers seek.

When hiring recent graduates, hiring managers are aware that the candidates do not have extensive pre-existing skill sets or decision-making experience. They are hired with the expectation to learn quickly, contribute enough to offset the onboarding and training efforts, and hopefully grow within the company. Including an internship experience in your cover letter can help alleviate any concerns the hiring manager may have about your genuine interest in the company and role, and your desire to learn. It also provides a context for the kind of employee you will be, in ways a resume cannot for new grads.

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ChatGPT cover letter hack — 7 prompts to make your job application stand out

Struggling with cover letters? Here's how ChatGPT can help you land that job interview

Crafting a compelling cover letter in today's competitive job market can be daunting. Enter ChatGPT , the popular AI language model that's revolutionizing how we approach writing tasks. While many know how to use ChatGPT to help you write a resume , its potential for creating standout cover letters is equally impressive. By harnessing AI's language processing capabilities, you can refine your writing, tailor your message, and effectively highlight your key qualifications. But ChatGPT's usefulness doesn't stop there. Did you know it can also analyze PDFs for free —making industry research so much easier. And to streamline the job application process, you can even connect Google Drive to ChatGPT for easy document access. This guide will show you how to leverage ChatGPT to create impressive cover letters while maintaining your authentic voice. Remember, AI is here to enhance not to replace your personal touch. Let's dive in and discover how to make ChatGPT your secret weapon in landing your dream job! 

1. Analyze the job description

Log in or sign up to ChatGPT . Begin by pasting the job description into the prompt box and asking it to identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. This analysis will help you understand exactly what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate.

You can use a prompt like: Analyze this job description and list the top 5 skills and qualifications the employer is seeking . Then , hit Enter. 

2. Outline your cover letter

Once you have a clear understanding of the job requirements, ask ChatGPT to create a basic outline for your cover letter based on the job description analysis . This will provide a structure for your letter and ensure you address all the key points.

Try using a prompt such as: Create an outline for a cover letter addressing these top 5 skills and qualifications.

3. Craft your opening paragraph

Use ChatGPT to generate ideas for an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that expresses your enthusiasm for the position. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so consider asking for multiple options. 

You might use a prompt like: Generate three engaging opening paragraphs for a cover letter applying for [job title] at [company name] .

4. Highlight your relevant experience

Provide ChatGPT with bullet points from your resume. Then, ask it to transform them into compelling sentences that align with the job requirements . This step helps you tailor your experience to the specific role. A useful prompt could be: Turn these resume bullet points into persuasive sentences for a cover letter, focusing on how they relate to [specific job requirements].

5. Create a strong closing

Ask ChatGPT to suggest impactful closing paragraphs that reiterate your interest and qualifications. A strong closing can leave a lasting impression on your prospective employer.

Try a prompt like: Write a closing paragraph for my cover letter that summarizes my fit for the role and expresses enthusiasm for an interview.

6. Refine and personalize

Ask ChatGPT to combine all the elements to create your cover letter. Then use it to help you fine-tune your language and add a personal touch to the cover letter. This step ensures your letter doesn't sound generic or AI-generated.

A good prompt for this could be: Review the cover letter generated and suggest ways to make it more personalized and engaging. If you're happy with the suggestions, ask ChatGPT to apply them.

7. Proofread and edit

Finally, ask ChatGPT to proofread your cover letter and suggest any improvements in grammar, style, or clarity. While ChatGPT is excellent at catching errors, always review its suggestions yourself. 

You can use a prompt like: Please proofread the cover letter and suggest any improvements in grammar, style, or clarity. Once you're happy with the cover letter letter, copy and paste into a document to send. Happy job hunting! 

So that's it! If you're curious about what else is happening in AI right now, OpenAI has knocked Gemini off the top of chatbot leaderboard with its new model, thanks to some rapid advancements. These include extending beyond text, as evidenced by recent experiences with voice AI. Read what happened when our AI editor spent the weekend with GPT-4o Advanced Voice . Finally, big things are undoubtedly coming, with news from OpenAI that ChatGPT got a secret upgrade , so make sure you check Tom's Guide regularly for the best guides on how to utilize AI to help with your everyday tasks.

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Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

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How to get ChatGPT to write your cover letter: step-by-step guide with exact prompts

• When applying for jobs, ChatGPT-4 can make the cover-letter writing process more manageable.
• An AI consultant shares tips for writing an effective cover letter using ChatGPT.
• Here's a step-by-step guide, including writing prompts and navigating ChatGPT's limitations. 

Generative AI can be an effective tool for time-consuming tasks like writing cover letters, but only if you know how to use it effectively.

As an AI consultant , marketing and design companies come to me when they need help learning to use AI tools like ChatGPT. I also help companies review potential employees for AI-specific roles by evaluating their understanding of current tools and trends.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get AI to write you a great cover letter that doesn't sound AI-generated. 

Learn the basics

ChatGPT works best with specific directions, so learn what makes a good cover letter before directing ChatGPT to write one. 

Isimemen Aladejobi, a career strategist, outlines three components of an effective cover letter. 

•  A strong introduction that demonstrates company or industry knowledge. Highlight something in the news that's relevant to your prospective department. Use this topical event to segue into why you're interested in this specific position.  Aladejobi recommends always referring to the job title and company by name.
• The body of the cover letter should convey why your skills and experience make you a perfect fit. Highlight what you brought to the table at your last job and connect it to the requirements of the role you're applying for. Even suggest initiatives you could start at the company.
• The sign-off should be simple. Aladejobi suggests, "I'm excited and looking forward to hearing from you," which she says demonstrates enthusiasm without being too wordy. 

With this in mind, you can now start prompting ChatGPT with confidence. 

Writing your cover letter in ChatGPT-4

Be aware of the token limit.

The token limit is ChatGPT's limit on recall and comprehension during a single session. ChatGPT has a token limit of 4,096, and according to OpenAI , 100 tokens are about 75 words.

If ChatGPT starts responding to prompts illogically, you've probably hit the limit. This message to help ChatGPT refocus:

" Please search this chat for the word strawberry and reread that message and provide me a summary of what you think we need to do. We're at step [#] of that message. Tell me if you want a recap of the previous steps, and I'll provide a summary. "

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Having this marker will keep ChatGPT on task and ensure an accurate end product. 

Step 1: Onboard ChatGPT to the task

ChatGPT needs very explicit instructions to complete tasks successfully. Below is the exact prompt to copy and paste into the chatbot. 

To apply for a job within your industry use this prompt: 

"Hi ChatGPT. You're now the best cover letter writer on earth. You and I will write a cover letter together for [job title] at [company]. I have [#] years of experience. Here's what we're going to do:

•  You will ask me at least 15 questions about my work history and vision for the role. Make at least one of the questions "What initiatives would you implement in this role?"
• I'm going to give you sections of the job description to read and you're going to generate a strategic plan for the cover letter based on my answers from step one and the job description for me to approve.
• I'm going to give you a news item about the company. Read it and tell me how you plan to connect it to my cover letter application.
• Use this format to write the cover letter:
• Begin with the news item based on my approval of your strategy. Conclude paragraph one: "When I came across this role, I knew it was the role for me. Let me tell you why."
• The next two to three paragraphs should be my career history with clear connections to the position requirements and desired skills. Make sure to say somewhere, "As your [position title], I'll," and include some of the initiatives.
• Wrap up with the following sentence, "I'm excited and looking forward to hearing from you."

If we exceed your token limit, let's use "strawberry" as our focus word so you can get reoriented. 

Please begin by summarizing what you think I want you to do."

If you're making a pivot in your career, remove this line from the prompt: " I have [#] years of experience ," and replace it with " I'm making a career transition from [industry] to [industry] so the cover letter needs to heavily showcase how my previous experience is an asset to [Company]. "

And add this to the first task: "Make another question about how I think my previous experience is an asset to this new industry."

Step 2: Check for understanding

ChatGPT should create a summary of this plan. Check that the summary is accurate. If it is, reply with " next step " or " yes ."

Ashley Couto

If ChatGPT gets confused, open a new chat and repaste the prompt.

Step 3: Answer the career questions and have ChatGPT generate a career summary

The bot should provide you with the 15 career questions. Each answer should be two or three sentences long. You can go over for one or two questions, but be wary of potentially hitting the token limit. 

Once you've answered all the questions, add this sentence and press enter:

" Please create a detailed summary of my responses that I can paste into ChatGPT so I don't have to answer all these questions again if I need to generate another cover letter. "

Copy and paste the summary into another document to use for other applications. 

Step 4: Input no more than 2,500 characters of the job description

Copy and paste only the pertinent details from the description into ChatGPT and delete the fluff. Keep skills and competencies, responsibilities, the role overview, and a little about the company if you think it would be helpful.

Step 5: Paste in a company press release or industry-specific news story

Once ChatGPT gives you its plan, decide whether you agree with its intent. If you do, indicate that you want to move forward and press return or make a change. 

With any AI tool, you must be an editor and strategic advisor. Do not assume that what it's generated is the right path. Exercise critical judgment and get ChatGPT to refine.

For example, after I provided the article, ChatGPT presented me with a summary that didn't highlight key issues on how Canadian media companies think about content. I gave it instructions to refine it.

Step 6: Generate the cover letter and revise it with ChatGPT

Once you've approved its strategic approach, ChatGPT will generate the cover letter. 

It will generate a first draft but probably won't be ready for use yet. It's your job now to go back in and revise using specific instructions.

For example, I felt that the third paragraph ChatGPT generated was weak.

Direct it with specific changes to adjust particular paragraphs and go back and forth for a few rounds until you're happy.

And it generated a much stronger attempt.

Step 7: Put it into a text editor

ChatGPT has a suboptimal understanding of grammar and syntax. Once you're happy with the content, put your text through Grammarly to help tighten up the language and avoid problems like using the passive voice.

Step 8: Rinse and repeat with modifications

You can use the same root prompt for future cover letters, but replace step one with this:

"I'm going to paste in a summary of my work experience. Please write me a three-sentence summary of what type of work I do and what you see as my top accomplishment so I can check for understanding."

Based on the previously generated summary, you'll double-check that ChatGPT has a good idea of what you do. If it's missing a few key details, fill it in on those or tell it which summary you want it to prioritize before you move through the rest of the prompt.

Watch: The 3 key words to use on your résumé to land the interview

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