Q&A for How to Write a Cover Letter

Use the body paragraphs to really get into why YOU are the best choice for this job because of your proven track record in your previous work experiences. Whenever possible, use numbers to give concrete examples of the scope, frequency, and scale of the work you’ve done. For example, include metrics that show how you saved the company money, increased efficiency, increased sales, retained customers/clients and/or grew your team. Be specific, memorable, and concise.

Address any skills you don’t have by saying something like, “Although I may not have spent as many years as a sales associate as some candidates, I am a fast learner." Keep the focus on the strengths and transferable skills you do have.

No. Do not send it as an attachment unless that is how it was requested.

They are very similar, but an application letter is usually sent by itself to apply for a job. A cover letter is often used as the introduction to yourself followed by the details in your attached documents: resume, references, letters of recommendation, work portfolio, etc. So a cover letter is kept short and sweet while an application letter may go into a bit more detail about why you are a good fit for the position.

It can be, but it depends on the job. Usually having even a little experience is good.

It should be at least 4 paragraphs. The opening paragraph is where you mention the position being applied for; two short body paragraphs are where you outline your skill set for the job in question and why you'd be a good fit or asset to the company; and the closing paragraph is where you reference the resume or other document included and thank them for their time.

No, because unless it is mentioned in the job ad they are looking for a specific age range, employers are not allowed to discriminate due to age. Therefore, mentioning your age is irrelevant.

"Dear Sir or Madam" is appropriate.

Just address it to whom it may concern. If applying to a larger facility, find out if they have a human resources division.

In general, you should avoid making it that long. It should be short and concise, emphasizing why you would be suitable for the position you're applying for.

You should first try to find out the name of the hiring manager, even going as far as calling the company (or contacting them in any way) asking for the name of that person. If you do not have a name, even after that, you should write "Dear (Name of Company):" or "Dear (Name of Company) Team:", but only as a last resort. Do NOT write: "To whom it may concern:", or "Dear Sir or Madam:", or "Dear Hiring Manager:"

Unless the disability would pretty well disqualify you from doing the job well (in which case you probably shouldn't be applying for the position), you'll have a better chance of getting an interview if you omit mention of it in the cover letter. In the interview, once you've had the chance to showcase your strengths, honestly explaining how it might impact some portions of your job -- but be ready with ways you plan to work around your issues, too.

You should write each cover letter tailor-made for each company, since, in the cover letter, you have to mention the name of the company, the name of the hiring manager (if at all possible), where you found the job posting, and how you are an excellent fit for the position. You should not be able to use the same cover letter twice.

Use formal language appropriate to the location where you are applying. In the United States, for example, English is the dominant language, and typically that is the language to use in a cover letter. If in doubt, use the language used in the posting.

Both should be made into a PDF and attached. Your email can be the exact same as your cover letter or it can just be a brief note to say what you are doing--Dear--I am applying for---please see cover letter and CV attached. If you have any problems opening them please .... Kind Regards,. Do not send them as Word docs because these are prone to formatting changes on different systems. Do not send them as links to Google Docs or something like that, because they will need to sign in or sign up to see them or they might not view it as professional or convenient. Do not use an open source doc--same problems. PDF is the only way.