what are cover letters supposed to say

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 13 min read

Oh, the dreaded cover letter. Job seekers hate writing it and nobody knows if anybody even reads cover letters anymore. And yet, not attaching one to your application would be a terrible mistake. This cover letter guide will tell you not only why to write one, but also how to write a really good one.

But first , why does everyone hate writing cover letters so much?   After all, a cover letter gives you a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from others.

In comparison with a resume, the cover letter allows you to provide details that didn’t fit in on your resume and demonstrate your passion.

All the negativity that surrounds the cover letter probably comes down to the fact that good cover letters require a bit of alchemy. They also take time to write.

This guide will help you avoid any mistakes and write a strong cover letter that will catch the recruiter’s attention. We also include cover letter examples.

Generally speaking, you want to make your cover letter:

• easy to read for the recruiter;
• well-structured;
• max 4 paragraphs/1 page long;
• professional in both tone and greetings;
• tailored for the specific opening.

Let's get to it!

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Why should you write a cover letter?

How do recruiters read cover letters, how to write a great cover letter in 9 simple steps.

• What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Final cover letter tips and hacks

Cover letter examples.

So, how exactly is the cover letter important for your job application? 

Some may argue that the cover letter in 2024 isn't really relevant anymore. In fact, one study stated that only 18 percent of hiring managers think cover letters are a key part of an application.

However, don’t get fooled by these statistics. While your resume may be considered more important during the hiring process, including a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job. 

For instance, 83% of hiring managers would be convinced by a really good cover letter — even if the resume wasn’t good enough, according to this study .

And there's more to it.

Some of the key advantages of the cover letter are:

• It’s much less structured than the resume and lets you develop a story. 
• It gives you space to get a little more creative. 
• Your personality can shine through thanks to it.
• You can elaborate on key achievements mentioned in your resume.
• It helps explain a lack of experience, career change, or an employment gap.

In other words, the cover letter is a perfect chance to bridge the distance between you and a recruiter even before the actual job interview . 

Pro tip: Before writing a cover letter, make sure that you have a powerful resume that matches the job description. Because if your resume doesn’t fit a desired profile, your cover letter probably won’t get read at all. To learn more, you may want to check out our  Ultimate Resume Guide .

First, they read them to decide if you’re the right fit for a position. For this reason, avoid generic write-ups at all costs. What recruiters love to see is a short persuasive argument of why you fit the role and the company. Something like this: 

“I was happy to hear about this job opening from my former manager, Jane Anne. She and I have worked together on many projects throughout the years and she thought that I would be the perfect match for this position.“

Second, recruiters are looking for inconsistencies . For instance, if your resume shows attention to detail but your cover letter is addressed to the wrong person, wrong company, and is filled with typos, it's inconsistent. You want to ensure the number of inconsistencies is kept to a minimum.

Third, they're trying to get a hint of your personality . Cultural fit is important to many companies.

So, throughout the process of cover letter writing, it's essential to keep in mind the recruiter who's going to be the recipient of your letter. 

Because at the end of a day, a good cover letter shouldn't be solely about you — it's supposed to be written with the hiring manager in mind. 

So ask yourself:  

• Is my cover letter easy to read?
• Have I addressed the right person in the opening?  
• Will it help them decide if I'm the right fit?
• Did I use the right tone of voice that fits their company culture?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, our cover letter guide is exactly for you.

Writing a cover letter may seem like a challenging task at first but if you know a few key cover letter rules, the process can become much easier. 

Before you start writing your cover letter, find out more about the company you're applying for. Look at their website and LinkedIn . The research also includes looking at the job description very closely and identifying any recurring keywords. Also, search for specific cover letter examples for the role online.

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is where you include your contact information (i.e. your full name, email address, phone number) and the company's contact information (i.e. the manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, department, the name of the company, company’s address). 

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise.  The result can look something like this: 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. Then, greet them by saying "Dear [first name]" . If, however, the company culture is very formal, go for the classic "Dear Hiring Manager" .

The first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it .  You can also compliment the company or name a mutual acquaintance who referred you.

Try to answer these questions: 1. What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience?  2. How could this experience help the new company grow? 3. Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business? 4. Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position?  5. Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

The following questions should help you : What excites you about the idea of working at this company? How do the company goals align with your own? What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

In the cover letter closing paragraph : reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate, add a confident call to action, express gratitude, and always use a formal sign-off.

You can either attach the cover letter as a separate document in the email when sending your resume , or send it directly in the body of the email (that way they can't ignore it).

In the following chapters we look at each step more closely and include specific examples you can copy and paste.

Step 1: Prepare and do some research 

Knowledge is power. Before you begin writing:

• Find out more about the company and the position you're applying for. Spend some time on the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. It will also help you decide on the tone of your cover letter. For example, if it’s a company like Kickresume , you can easily get away with more unusual approaches. But if it’s a conservative institution, like a bank or a lawyer's office, you should probably keep it formal.
• Search for specific cover letter examples for your role online . Pick some examples that fit your role and use these for inspiration. (By the way, that link just now will take you to our database of successful cover letters from real people who got hired. Totally worth checking out.)
• Look at the job descriptions of the roles you’re applying for . Identify major experience and hard skill keywords, so you can insert them in your letter in the relevant sections.

Once you've done this basic research, you can finally start thinking about the structure of your cover letter. 

This short infographic will show you that writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might have thought: 

Step 2: Include a header with basic info rmation

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is the place where you should include your contact information and the contact information of the company. 

A cover letter is still a letter, after all. 

At the left side of the page include the information based on which you can be reached by the recruiter. 

Here, make sure to include: 

• your full name
• your email address
• phone number

Optionally, you can also add:

• your professional title
• address (if it vaguely matches the location of the job offer)
• current date
• personal website/LinkedIn

The top right side of the page is reserved for company-related information. Here, you should put: 

• the manager’s or recruiter’s name (if available)
• job title 
• the name of the company
• company’s address

Not a fan of writing?

Our AI writer will write the first draft of your cover letter for you.

Step 3: Write a strong cover letter headline

When you’re browsing the web, what articles usually catch your attention? Those with great headlines, of course! 

The same applies to cover letter headlines.

Start by paying attention to the headlines around you — especially in tabloids and websites like Buzzfeed (Is Buzzfeed still a thing? How very 2010s of me). These are usually designed to stir up your interest and make it impossible to not click through. 

Notice how they use numbers, questions, and interesting adjectives to promise the reader to learn something valuable.

And you can do the same in your cover letter.

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise. 

The result can look something like this: 

• 3 Reasons Why I’m An Excellent Fit For [Job Position]
• Are You Still Looking To Fill The Position Of [Job Position]? This Is Why I Believe I’m Exactly Who You’re Looking For
• 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

Finally, don’t forget to adjust your header to the company’s level of formality and put your headline in the subject of the email.

Step 4: Use the correct form of greeting

In this time and age, there’s no excuse for using “To Whom It May Concern.”  

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, you’re expected to research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. 

Once you have their name, feel free to go for a personalized greeting: 

“Dear [first name]” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name]” 

Honorifics (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms .) are more appropriate if the company’s culture is formal. 

And if you cannot find the recruiter’s name, it's okay to go for a generic: 

“Dear Hiring Manager”, or “Dear Recruitment Officer”

Alternatively, you can address the letter to the whole company team or the HR department. In this case, your greeting should look like this: 

“Dear [name of the company/department] Team” or “Dear Human Resources”

Step 5: First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a BANG!

The best way to start a cover letter is to open strong. The first impression matters the most and busy recruiters often have a chance to properly dive into only a few selected cover letters. 

So if you make your first paragraph captivating, chances are that your letter will be one of the lucky ones that actually end up being read. 

In fact, the first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it. 

While most people begin their letters with “I’m applying for the position X I saw in Y place,” it's a waste of space. 

Instead, open with a sentence like this:

“I’m a content marketing professional with more than 5 years of experience and I’d love to bring my ability and passion to your team.”

In the first paragraph, you can also:

• Compliment the company. Show that you know details about the company and you’re approaching it for a reason. For example, demonstrate appreciation for what the company does. Not only will this flatter them, but it will also provide them with insight into who you are.
• Name a mutual acquaintance if you can. This is sometimes called a “magic bullet,” as it’s the one thing that will assure the hiring manager reads your cover letter until the end. 

However, limit the introduction to 1-3 sentences. This isn’t the place to go into detail about what makes you ideal for the role — save that for the second and third paragraphs. 

Step 6: Second paragraph: Explain why you’re a great fit for the company

The second paragraph is the place where you should sell yourself and your experience.  

Here, write a short summary of your career, skills and accomplishments, tailored to fit what the company is looking for. 

You already did your research, so now it's time to ask yourself these questions and try to address them in your cover letter:

• What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience? 
• How could this experience help the new company grow?
• Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business?
• Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position? 
• Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

After you’ve picked the most relevant accomplishments, put them at the start of your letter. 

However, when talking about them, avoid sounding like you’re bragging. The best way of doing this is to focus on your experiences rather than yourself . Ideally, support your claims with concrete examples.

Also, mention any other additional relevant hard skills or knowledge areas they’re looking for, as well as any qualifications.

Finally, the second paragraph is the perfect place for showing that you’ve done your research. Demonstrate that you’re familiar with some of the challenges that the company faces and present how you can help them.

Pro tip: Don’t simply repeat the same things you’ve already put on your resume. You want to go beyond that (this applies to every other section of your cover letter). 

Step 7: Third paragraph: Explain why the company is a great fit for you 

In this paragraph, you want to show that you’re serious about developing your career at this new company. And good companies want to know why they appeal to you and how will your professional relationship be mutually beneficial. 

Consider addressing the following questions:

• What excites you about the idea of working at this company?
• How do the company goals align with your own?
• What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

For example, you can say something like this: “I've seen on your website that you heavily focus on cryptocurrency projects. As a cryptocurrency enthusiast, I would love to join your team”.  

However, don’t go overboard with flattery and stay professional. 

Also, don’t say anything that isn't true or you don’t mean it, as it will probably come up again in the later stages of the application process.

Step 8: Closing paragraph: Finish strong and stay in touch

Now that you’ve nailed the main part of your cover letter, you also want to finish strong. This way, the recruiter will remember you in a good light. But how do you achieve that? 

• Reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate. This is to emphasize the two main points from the previous paragraphs. Do this in one or two sentences, not more. 
• Add a confident call to action. In a sentence or two, you should suggest the next steps. Something like “ I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value I can bring to [company]."
• Express gratitude. Simply thank them for their time and for considering your application.
• Always use a formal sign-off. Something like “ Sincerely , Best wishes , or Respectfully” . Finish by typing out your full name. 

Step 9: How do you send a cover letter?

I can’t stress this enough — unless it's specifically required to attach the cover letter to the body of the email,  consider not sending your cover letter as a document attached to your email. 

Instead, put it inside the body of the email . The email itself is now your cover letter! This way the recruiter won't ignore it.

However, remember that hiring managers receive hundreds of emails a day. So if you want your email to get read, it's the subject line that's likely to play the most important part. 

As we've advised before, if you have a good resume headline, simply put it in the email subject. 

However, if you’re unhappy with the result, you have other options, too. 

For instance, if you have a reference, include it already in your email subject line: 

Referral from Jose Nachos: Pedro Tacos, candidate for a senior software analyst position

If you don't have a reference or a catchy headline, check out more tips on how to write the best subject line for your email .

Finished writing your cover letter?

Make it stand out with an eye-catching design.

What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Today, many companies are using online application systems that discourage applicants from attaching a cover letter. 

Instead, they have their own application systems where in different sections you're required to fill in the information you would normally place in your cover letter.  

If this is the case, just work with the format they gave you.

In other words, include the same information that you'd normally have in your cover letter but place it in the correct sections. 

And don’t forget to follow the cover letter principles: 

• explain why you're the right candidate;
• make it clear that you've researched the company well;
• indicate in what way you'd be an asset;
• mention your biggest past achievements.

Because no matter the format, you're still expected to present your skills and convey enthusiasm about the job.

Alternatively, you can also try to find a relevant manager or a recruiter online (either on the company pages or LinkedIn) to whom you can send a brief follow-up email with an attached cover letter. 

Now that we've covered the basics, there are several other tips that you should keep in mind to elevate your cover letter to the next level: 

• Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to three to four paragraphs and a maximum of one page. Hiring managers are busy people who often don't have time for reading long texts.
• Keep it clean and easy on the eye. Take a look at how this article is written. It’s replete with short paragraphs, sentences typed in bold letters, bullet points, and numbers. All of these make reading and searching for specific information easier. So, never send a letter that looks like an unreadable wall of text. The easiest way to achieve a sleek cover letter design is to use a pre-formatted cover letter template . 
• Don’t risk being funny if it ’ s a company with a formal work culture. Poorly executed humor will hurt your chances rather than help. Being direct and dynamic is a much surer way to catch the recruiter’s attention than a number of jokes. On the other, if the company is smaller or known for its creative products, being original may in fact help your chances! 
• Show, don’t tell. Usually, there’s no point in saying you’re “a dependable hard worker” or “a creative thinker.” Why should anyone believe such generic statements? Instead, offer an example of how these qualities helped you achieve something in the past.
• Never write the same letter twice. A cover letter should always be tailored to a specific job application. Remember the previous sections? You’ve made a great effort to research the company and its hiring managers, so you’ve written your cover letter accordingly. This is a process you need to repeat with every application (ugh, I know). 
• Check for typos. This goes without saying but make 100% sure your cover letter is without typos. There’s no reason to believe you're competent if you can't even type without errors. Moreover, typos automatically reveal almost criminal carelessness on your part, since every text editor nowadays has a spellchecking feature. 
• Don't use any buzzwords. Your cover letter needs to be authentic and persuasive — and buzzwords are neither. If anything, they simply give the impression of you being someone who's just trying to fit a skewed idea of what an ideal corporate employee should be. Instead, focus on using relevant keywords from job descriptions.

Now, if you have no experience yet because you're just starting out or you're changing careers, writing a cover letter can be scary. However, a well-written letter can actually be your best friend.

And this is how you write the perfect cover letter with no experience .

In the end, there are many different ways to write a great cover letter. And even if you follow the cover letter guide above, you’ll end up with a cover letter that's invariably your own. 

It all depends on your own personality, the position you’re applying for, and the hiring manager’s preferences. 

And that's good, actually! 

Still, there's a lot to learn from cover letters written by other people. That's why we've selected five cover letter samples that deserve your attention. 

Each of these helped real job seekers find real jobs in real companies. They'll teach you valuable lessons you can use in your own cover letter.

1. Norwegian — Cabin Crew Cover Letter Example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

2. Volvo — Machine Learning Intern Cover Letter Example

3. tory burch — account executive cover letter example, 4. lush — sales associate cover letter example, 5. romeo — social media officer cover letter example.

Do you still need some more inspiration? You can find more examples in our cover letter library

FAQ: How to write a cover letter

250 to 400 words is the standard cover letter length range. A cover letter should never exceed one page.

Yes! Show that you can go that extra mile and stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Ideally, use a pre-formatted cover letter template. Then use a simple and professional font, such as Times New Roman. The font size should be between 10-12.

If you have the name of the hiring manager, try to find their contact on the company page or LinkedIn. If you still can't find the right person, you can address it to the whole team or HR.

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Martin Poduska in 201 7.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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What To Include In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

Cover letters are the first introduction to you as a person and potential employee. While resumes cover your work experience and skills, the cover letter explains why you, specifically, should get the job. It’s where you can showcase your writing skills, why you want the position, and highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. If you’re looking to write up a cover letter for a job you’re applying to, or if you want to see if your letter checks all the boxes, then this article will help you out. While a hiring manager may not select you entirely because of your cover letter, giving it that extra bit of shine could push you into the top candidate slot. Key Takeaways Your cover letter should include: Your contact information and the date The employer’s contact information A greeting Body paragraphs A closing paragraph A sign-off You should customize your cover letter to every position you apply to. Focus on what you can add to the company in your cover letter. Work keywords from the job description into your cover letter. In This Article    Skip to section What to include in a cover letter Example cover letter Cover letter tips What not to put in a cover letter Final thoughts Cover letter FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What to include in a cover letter

Cover letters, like every business communication, have a set of rules that you’re expected to follow. They should be short, confident, and include information relevant to the job. The format of a cover letter determines what goes where, meaning that you won’t have to spend long organizing your letter.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to include in each part of your cover letter :

Your Contact Information and the Date

The very first key element your cover letter is going to be a header that includes your contact information. You’re going to list your name, your address, your phone number, and your email address. Feel free to include your LinkedIn contact information or a link to your online portfolio .

Make sure you create a professional email address if you don’t already have one. Something like [email protected]. It’s another way to make a good first impression on the hiring manager.

Lulu Paige 333 First Street Los Angeles, CA , 90001 (000) 111-2222 [email protected] January 1, 2023

Employer’s Contact Information

Even though most cover letters are submitted online nowadays, it’s still a rule of thumb to include the company’s contact information. Google the company to find their local address and list it beneath your own contact information.

If you can’t find out the company’s local address, don’t sweat it — but if you can find it, include it just for tradition’s sake.

Adam Smith Recruiter TopNotch Company 111 West Street Los Angeles, CA 90001

How you address your cover letter is more important than you might think. Try to avoid greetings like “ To Whom It May Concern ” or “ Dear Sir or Madam. ” While there’s nothing inherently wrong with either, they’re seen as out of date and impersonal.

Hiring managers value it if you show you’re willing to put in the extra effort to find out who to address the letter to. Put effort into finding out the name of the person who’s going to be reading your cover letter. Call the company’s front office or review their website to find their hiring manager’s name.

Acceptable addresses include:

Dear Chris Rogers, Dear Mr. Rogers, Dear Mr. Chris Rogers, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager,

While conventional wisdom states that using the person’s title (in this case “Mr.”) is preferable and more polite, be very careful about assuming someone’s gender. If their honorific is Dr., then it’s safe to include, but unless you know what the hiring manager’s preferred pronouns are, it’s best to just use their full name.

Body Paragraphs

The body of your cover letter is the most important part. It tells the employer what job you’re applying for, why they should bring you in for an interview , and how you’re going to follow up.

First paragraph. This is your cover letter introduction . It’s where you’re going to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read the rest of your cover letter.

Let’s not waste any time in this paragraph — go ahead and tell them which position you’re applying for and how it relates to your background, and show them that you’re excited about the opportunity.

I am interested in applying for your Social Media Manager position that I saw advertised on Zippia .com. After contributing to the growth and success of my last employer’s presence on Facebook and Instagram, I am seeking new challenges with a company that is looking for someone with exceptional leadership and management abilities.

Second paragraph. This is where you’re going to tell the hiring manager what you have to offer. Use this paragraph to list your qualifications, give examples from your work experience , and quantify any of your achieved results.

I know my proven leadership skills, strong commitment to growing a social media base, and flexibility with regard to assignments would allow me to make a significant contribution to TopNotch Company. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications could benefit your company’s continued success.

Pro tip: Go into more depth on your relevant qualifications, but make sure not to copy your resume word for word. Use your cover letter to highlight the most important reasons why you’re the ideal candidate.

Third paragraph. Discuss what you know (and like) about the company. This is your chance to impress the employers even further by showing them that you care enough to do some background research on the company , and how you can contribute to their mission.

TopNotch’s commitment to a sustainable future aligns with and inspires my own values of environmental consciousness and stewardship. Even as a digital marketer , I found ways to reduce my office’s carbon emissions by 11%, and I’d be thrilled to work for a company that values and prioritizes such changes.

Feel free to mention any current events, information about the company’s history, their core values, or their mission statement.

Closing Line

The final paragraph is where you’re going to close your cover letter . Summarize what you could bring to the position and request an interview or a phone call.

I’d like to thank you again for taking the time to review my application and resume, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in detail.

Picking an appropriate and successful sign-off is trickier than you might think. A cover letter is a professional document, so you have to be strategic with everything you write.

With that in mind, here are some sign-offs to choose from that hiring managers respond well to:

Best regards

Respectfully

Thanks in advance

And here are some sign-offs you should avoid at all costs:

Best wishes

Affectionately

Sent from my iPhone

You get the idea. Pick an appropriate sign-off, sign your name, and then you’ve got yourself a cover letter!

Example cover letter

Lulu Paige 333 First Street Los Angeles, CA, 90001 (000) 111-2222 [email protected] January 1, 2020 Adam Smith Recruiter TopNotch Company 111 West Street Los Angeles, CA 90001 Dear Mr. Smith, I am interested in applying for your Social Media Manager position that I saw advertised on Zippia.com. After contributing to the growth and success of my last employer’s presence on Facebook and Instagram, I am seeking new challenges with a company that is looking for someone with exceptional leadership and management abilities. As you will see in my enclosed resume, while serving as a Social Media Intern, I was tasked with onboarding new employees and managing their publishing schedules as well as coming up with content for my own calendar. My ability to juggle these different tasks reinforced my desire to advance in my career and step into a management role. I know my proven leadership skills, strong commitment to growing a social media base, and flexibility with regard to assignments would allow me to make a significant contribution to TopNotch Company. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications could benefit your company’s continued success. I’d like to thank you again for taking the time to review my application and resume, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in detail. Sincerely, Lulu Paige

Cover letter tips

Knowing all the parts of a cover letter is essential, but that’s not the only trick to writing an excellent cover letter. Putting in a bit of extra effort will make your cover letter stand out from the rest, and will therefore make you more likely to get an interview.

Customize each cover letter. When you’re sending out applications to multiple companies, it’s essential to tailor each cover letter and resume for the job. Your resume customization may just take a few strategic keyword changes and emphasizing different parts of your experience.

Your cover letter customization, however, should be much more thorough. Hiring managers and recruiters can spot a generic cover letter a mile away, so be sure to talk specifically about why you’re interested in the company and what particular value you’d have for the company.

Find the hiring manager. In the spirit of customization, try your best to find the hiring manager or recipient’s name. Review the job posting for contact info, research the company’s website, and look on LinkedIn if you’re stuck. Or just call the company’s HR department and ask.

If you’re still stuck, “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its alternatives will work.

Don’t copy your resume. Instead of repeating every point from your resume, pick one or two bullet points to really emphasize. Think about what accomplishments you can quantify since those are the most compelling evidence of your past success.

Also, your cover letter should answer the “how” and “why” of your career, so discuss how you achieved those awesome results and why you enjoy doing things your way.

Always focus on the company. A cover letter is your chance to sell yourself, but that mostly means highlighting how the company will benefit from your skills , methodologies, and contributions.

Steal keywords from the job description. Highlight keywords from the job description like skills, qualifications, and attributes, and then incorporate some of those words throughout your resume and cover letter. That way, it’s super easy for a recruiter or hiring manager to see how your experience matches up with the job requirements.

Match the company culture. Spend some time researching the company on their website and scouting employees on LinkedIn. If you can match the tone of the company’s written communications, you’ll be in good shape for presenting as a solid cultural fit.

Let your personality shine. Resumes are boring, but cover letters are your chance to showcase who you are as a person as well as a professional. Don’t go overly formal (unless you’re applying to a conservative firm).

Hiring managers want to know what kind of person you’re like to work with, and while the interview will inform them more fully, your cover letter is meant to whet the reader’s appetite so they want to call you in for an interview in the first place.

Open and finish strong. Cover letters are generally skimmed, so you really want to make your opening and closing lines count. Open with an attention grabber and finish with a strong call-to-action and reminder of your awesomeness and enthusiasm.

Keep it short . Cover letters should never be more than 400 words, but we recommend aiming for a 200-300 word count. As we said, recruiters usually skim these things, so make it easy for them.

Review and edit. Never send a cover letter without a proofread, a spellcheck program, and, if possible, a trusted confidant to read it over. Another pair of eyes might catch things you didn’t notice re-reading it over and over again.

Email cover letters. If you’re emailing your cover letter directly (as opposed to attaching it or mailing it physically), be sure to include a descriptive subject line.

Often, employers will tell you how to label your email in the job posting, so follow any directions there. If not, a subject line that includes your name and the position you’re applying for is a safe bet.

For an email cover letter, don’t include contact information at the start. Instead, put your contact information after your signature (you can skip your physical address) and leave out the company’s contact information entirely.

What not to put in a cover letter

Knowing what to avoid putting in your cover letter can be just as helpful as knowing what to put in it. Here are a few items you should leave out:

Lies (even little white ones or stretched truths).

Anything about salary.

Negativity about your current job.

Information about your personal life.

Long-winded paragraphs.

Unneccessary or irrelevant information.

Grammatical errors.

Misspelled words (including names).

Unprofessional email addresses or file names.

Polarizing or controversial hobbies or opinions.

Final thoughts

Cover letters are one of your most valuable tools when it comes to applying for jobs. They let you go into detail about your qualifications, demonstrate your communication skills , and show that you’re interested in a specific company.

When you write your cover letter, make sure to include your professional contact information, go into detail about your relevant skills, and show that you’re motivated to help the company achieve its goals. Show the hiring manager why you’re the best person for the position, and you’re on your way to getting the job of your dreams .

Cover letter FAQ

Do you need a cover letter?

Whether or not you need a cover letter will depend on the application’s requirements, but they’re highly recommended. Unless the instructions explicitly state not to send in a cover letter, it’s recommended to include one.

Cover letters allow you to focus on skills relevant to the job that may not fit into your resume. It also lets you show that you’ve looked into the company by mentioning something about its culture, knowing the hiring manager’s name, or mentioning key skills.

What should you include in a cover letter?

A cover letter should include:

Your contact information. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Company’s contact information. This should include the name of the company, their phone number, email address, and physical address if you can find it.

Salutation. Do your best to address this directly to the hiring manager that will be reviewing your application.

Introduction. This is the part where you say who you are and why you’re applying.

Body. This should be one to two paragraphs that cover your relevant skills, why you think you’d be a good fit for the job, and show your interest.

Closing line. Make sure to thank the hiring manager for their time. It’s also recommended to include a call to action, such as saying “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Sign off. Make sure to end with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” and then your full name.

How do you format a cover letter?


Cover letters should be formatted in standard business format. That means that it should use a 10 or 12-point legible font, such as Times New Roman, have double spacing between paragraphs, and be no longer than a page .

Harvard Business Review — How to Write a Cover Letter

National Careers Service — How to Write a Cover Letter

University of Wisconsin-Madison — Writing Cover Letters

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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.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Write a Cover Letter

Advice for tackling one of the toughest parts of the job-hunting process.

Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.

No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews  — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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What Should A Cover Letter Say? Here's What You Need to Know

In This Guide:

What should I say in a cover letter? It's all about the reader

The purpose of using a cover letter

Cover letter vs resume, what's the difference?

What are the cover letter sections you need to include?

Do generic statements spoil your otherwise potential great cover letter, how unique should a cover letter be, how can your cover letter sound confident without being cocky, how long should a cover letter be.

Okay, you’ve built your resume and you’ve managed to avoid the top resume mistakes.

Now you’ve realized you need a cover letter.

If you’ve made your resume using Enhancv’s resume builder , you know your cover letter needs to be just as good. But with jobs and the industry constantly changing, you’re probably asking the golden question:

What should your cover letter say?

While there are several areas that need to be covered, don’t fret.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people have about cover letters and explained everything you need to know. After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what you need to put on a cover letter and how to write one that leaves a positive impact.

Are you ready? Let’s get straight to it!

What should I say in a cover letter? It's all about the reader

Truth is, many companies tend to be impressed by different styles and approaches .

The art of getting one step ahead of competitors when writing a cover letter CANNOT, and SHOULD NOT be limited to simply following a set of rules.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of your job application depends on the “taste” of the hiring company.

That being said, it’s important you understand the company you’re writing for.

Every company has different values and missions. The goal is to not tell them you’re a perfect fit but to show them why you’re a perfect fit.

The most effective way to do this is by understanding your reader and relating everything back to what they’re looking for. It’s one reason why we stress doing the background research to understand the company so you can apply these ideas on your cover letter to keep them engaged.

Your cover letter is sent alongside your resume or CV. There are two main reasons why they’re needed:

• Recruiters have asked you to send a cover letter
• To give recruiters a more detailed and tailored application for what you can do for their company

In essence, you’re giving the employers a better idea and understanding of the value you bring to the industry. If you can convey enthusiasm, experience, and unique benefits that make you a valuable asset for their team, you’ll have the recipe for a game-winning cover letter.

Like resumes, cover letters have their own sections that need to be covered too. At the same time, your cover letter shouldn’t be completely identical to your resume.

In fact, it should be complimenting your resume.

You do this by adding further depths of description and personalization to what’s already been mentioned.

To make sure you’re not mixed up with what to say in a cover letter to what you should put on a resume, we’ll take a look at the key differences.

Cover letter vs resume, what's the difference?

At first glance, the answer might seem obvious .

But it’s actually more complex and important than you realize…

A cover letter that resembles your resume content-wise is bad by definition.

If you’re blatantly stating facts about your education and previous job occupations throughout the whole thing, you’re missing the whole point. Quoting from your resume verbatim on your cover letter will have the reverse effects.

It’s misleading.

And it can lead to the wrong ideas or impressions than what you initially planned.

When printing out your resume, it’s most likely going to be stapled to your cover letter. It’s useless to make them twins and exactly the same as one another.

It’s a mistake .

You’re saying the same thing twice if you do – talk about being boring and redundant…

So, don’t do it.

Here’s what you can do instead, it’s simple:

Think of these three things when thinking about what to include in your cover letter:

• Write about who you are: what are your passions? Why are you curious about this job posting?
• Tell the reader a story about yourself that emphasizes your compatibility with the position
• Consider tasteful humor – it adds more personal thought and making your reader smile can give you a competitive edge

Here’s an example of what a cover letter SHOULD NOT say:

“My name is James. I graduated from Intellectual Property in 2009, then I had an internship in Scotland. I then had an internship in Scotland, I then got hired at this and that company where I worked for a period of 2 years. I don’t work there anymore (obviously), and here I am – a perfect fit for your job opening. I deserve the position, are you interested?”

That’s no good.

The candidate sounds robotic, and there’s no taste for personalization or aspects that make them sound unique.

On the other hand, here’s what a cover letter SHOULD include:

“I worked (or studied) Psychology (or whatever it is that you’ve studied). This experience taught me how to understand and approach difficult people in a way that nurtures effective communication and minimizes conflicts. It also fortified my ability to give the best I am capable of even under stressful and perplexing circumstances.”

Now, that sounds a lot better.

Rather than the systematic approach, you’re talking about how one of your experiences has helped you grow and develop skills that are going to be useful. Notice that the description will match the job demands for the job vacancy being applied for.

By matching the job requirements, employers will instantly see you as qualified for the role.

Bear in mind it’s not just about listing valuable things out. But, by showing the hows and whys through a specific, detailed explanation.

What are the main cover letter sections? Which ones do I need to include?

These are the main parts you need that make up your cover letter:

• Cover letter header
• The opening paragraph

For the full cover letter checklist, check out our guide by clicking here.

Before seeing how it looks in action, let’s first ensure you’re familiar with the cover letter header.

Take a look at Alvin’s retail cover letter example below:

Like the resume header , it contains your contact details so recruiters will know how to reach out to you. He’s also included his LinkedIn profile so employers can learn more about him without having to ask for more information.

Now, here’s what he put on his cover letter:

Dear Kylie,

I am applying for the position of Senior Retail Leasing Executive as advertised.

My professional background includes as a Director in a multi-outlet haircare and skincare business, as an operator where I leased, fitted out, and ran my own business, and as the General Manager of a gourmet grocer where I coordinated the operations and offer of five separate departments.

I am passionate about retail and have devoted interstate and international travel to identify the style, process, and offers of high-quality, high-turnover retailers. Recently I visited Sydney to look at the best practice in gourmet grocers and was impressed by the scale of Harris Farm Markets, the industrial chic of the Tramsheds food precinct, and the fine hand-crafted offering of the Victor Churchills butchery.

Whilst my background is in retail operations, the skills that I have gained in these positions are directly translatable into retail leasing operations – the ability to identify talented operators, understand contemporary trends, and negotiate to achieve a win:win outcome according to the terms of the landlord.

I am adept at picking up new skills quickly, becoming fluent in the language, and quickly understanding the parameters set, to ensure I hit the ground runnings.

I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the role.

Alvin Baker

Why did Alvin's cover letter work?

There are multiple things to notice – we’ll look at each one step by step.

First, is the salutation . This is how he greets the hiring manager and he does this professionally in a formal manner – “Dear Kylie.”

If you know the name of your employer, don’t be afraid to namedrop. It’s not a problem as long as you’re doing it appropriately. If it’s not professional and you’re greeting your recruiter by saying “Hey Kylie” or “Yo Kylie”, it’s a big no.

Next, the opening paragraph.

Alvin gets straight into it by stating his experiences working in retail. He summarised his skills and expertise through that short paragraph and one reason why it was effective is because of how specific and relevant his responsibilities are.

Remember, your opening paragraph needs to grab the reader’s interests. If it doesn’t, your cover letter won’t get the attention you want.

After the introduction, it leads to the main body of the cover letter. This is where he goes into more detail not just about his experiences but his personality.

You’ve shown what you’re capable of.

Now you need to show employers the reasons why. Bear in mind that the purpose of your cover letter is to give employers insight to what makes you the best candidate to hire. If you want to get called in for that interview, this is what you need to dig deeper on in your cover letter.

Your resume has already stated the facts.

The reason why Alvin managed to do this successfully is that he made it into a short story where it’s easy for him to highlight key information. Above all, he’s made it easier for us to understand his perspective.

Lastly, the disclosure .

To finish, use a professional signoff and review. Here are some synonyms that you can include at the end of your cover letter:

• Thank you for your consideration,

So you don’t get a blank the next time you’re thinking about what to include on a cover letter, consider the questions below that’ll help you find the answers you need:

Why is it an ideal job? How is there mutual benefit for the company & yourself?

Throughout your cover letter, you need to be answering the employer’s question:

What makes you the candidate our company needs? Why should we hire you?

Talk about exactly why you would be a benefit to their team and how it’s going to benefit both of you.

Don’t just answer what you can do for them, but also answer why you want to.

What are your passions, skills, and motivations?

How will all of this be helpful?

This all needs to relate back to the company’s best interests.

Other than the necessary hard skills required, bring up any transferable skills or relevant background that puts you one step ahead of the curve.

There’s more to consider for hiring a potential worker not just for what they can do. But to see if they’re strongly compatible with the company’s cultural values.

What keywords do you need to use?

Resume or cover letter, background research is a must.

However, when you’re describing things it shouldn’t be 100% identical to your resume.

To avoid this, you need to shift your perspective and change your approach when using the keywords for your cover letter. But just by including them, it demonstrates that you have a good understanding of what it takes to get the job done.

Try to remember this:

If recruiters feel that you understand what you need to do better than how they can explain it to you without coming off as arrogant, your chances of landing that job opportunity will be higher.

What this does is sets their mind at ease and positions you as an expert. In order to do this, you need to include the right keywords. When you’re describing something, buzzwords work well in amplifying the meaning and perceived value.

Don’t forget to use the terms they want to see in your cover letter. Explain in their line of thinking why you’re a valuable asset.

Generic statements can kill an otherwise promising cover letter.

A catchy declaration of what you excel at should be based on specifics and not general assumptions.

For instance, when you want to highlight your ability to overcome challenges, refrain from writing, “I usually overcome challenges bravely.”

Instead, you want to illustrate your statement by using real examples or a story (preferably a one- or two-sentenced story).

Who doesn’t love a good story?

Give numbers, name places, and companies, be concrete and clear.

Stories are memorable. On top of that, they’re effective when it comes to helping someone understand an idea or concept.

Not only that, but it makes you stand out as a candidate.

By using stories, the recruiter will also consider your statements more legit. What you say won’t seem like a stretched out truth since the storytelling will make you sound confident in yourself.

Those are the three of the most important things a cover letter can do.

This is what a cover letter SHOULD NOT include:

“My previous occupation involved working closely with the Legal Department. I participated in various processes and activities. I was also responsible for the proofreading and editing of their documentation.”

Here’s the alternative for what a cover letter should include:

“For 3 years I worked as a marketing specialist – I had to write, proofread, and edit legal, pharmaceutical, and marketing-related documentation. In addition, I participated in the development of 4 marketing campaigns that tripled our monthly revenue (quote any relevant number that you can). It was my responsibility to write and edit site contents for the official website of the company (give a link to the website).”

Did you know that hiring managers have to read through piles of cover letters all the time?

Because of this, standing out and showing your personality is necessary.

To be clear, your personality is not what or where you studied. Nor is it based on how much your previous employer fancied your punctuality and diligence.

It’s deeper than that.

Your personality is engraved in your passions and what you love to do most.

In other words, what a hiring manager really wants to see in a never-ending pile of redundantly polite, monotonous, personality-free cover letters is YOU.

Tell them who you are and why you like them.

Be sincere, concise, and passionate. Leave a link to your portfolio, blog, website, or whatever there is that proves you’re savvy, resourceful, and unique.

Remember, you’re not a robot.

You’re a human being with certain hobbies and interests that makes you who you are today. These are the things employers want to see from you, not just rigid work, work, work.

What a cover letter should NOT say:

“I am a huge fan of your company. I’ve always liked you because your commercials are entertaining, your services – flawless, and your CEO is a friend of my mother’s third cousin.”

What a cover letter should say:

“I really loved the marketing campaign you launched last April. I was impressed to see the subtle way you presented [their product] as a tool for people to give their best to the ones they love and treasure. I want to be part of the development of such ideas because they have liveliness, beauty, and that extraordinary ordinariness we can find everywhere, in everything – if we only looked with our heart and not with eyes only.”

Confidence is classy, self-promotion is not.

Confidence is being sure without being arrogant, and cockiness is being defiant because you’re afraid of being beaten. It points to having unstable self-esteem.

Here’s another way to see the difference between the two.

Arrogance: “I’m the best at what I do. Everyone is simply not as good as I am – no one else out there is near my level.”

Confidence: “I’m the best at what I do. I’ve worked harder than everyone else and no one’s better than me at my craft.”

There’s a slight difference between the two.

The first example leans more towards arrogance because that mindset steps down on others.

Whereas, the second example leans more towards confidence because there’s a sense of humility. More importantly, this perspective doesn’t look down on others. Instead, it states that no one is better because of how hard they’ve worked. This exudes confidence in their ability over insecurity.

It might be useful to remember that suggestion when you feel tempted to boldly declare your awesomeness.

“Ever since I first started school I’ve been a high achiever. In the fourth grade, I was voted “most likely to succeed”. Today, not much has changed. I’ve been a star employee at my last two positions and want to advance my career even more.”

“In the course of recent years, I had the chance to live and work in various cultural environments, an experience which has helped me to better understand how people communicate. Even working in environments where I did not speak the language, I was able to effectively build professional networks. I believe these skills will greatly contribute to your team.”

What’s the best length for your cover letter?

You’ve heard it before – size matters.

The motion of the ocean is just as important, but in the end, the size itself has a role. And just to make sure we stay on the right topic, you should know that sometimes smaller can be better.

Hopefully, we’re not getting any wrong ideas here…

At Enhancv , we encourage you to keep your cover letter one-page long. This way, it’s more concise and specific, which leaves a bigger impact on the recruiter.

On our top 5 successful cover letter examples , you’ll notice that each example is a one-page cover letter.

Anywhere more than that can be a sign of inefficiency since you’re not capable of putting everything together on a single page. It could also put employers off because it’s pretty much a college dissertation which they don’t have time to fully analyze.

Great cover letters have one feature in common:

They briefly present relevant information.

What this means is you should tell the truth. And, tell it very briefly in an engaging way.

Save yourself the effort of filling your cover letter with ambiguous sweet talk and lengthy references to previous endeavors (remember, that should all be in your resume).

Skip the exposition and jump right into what’s essential about you.

If you want to get started on the right foot, have a go with Enhancv’s cover letter templates. They’re designed to leave an impact on your reader and our content analyzer feature will give you ideas so you won’t be stuck thinking about what you should write!

“Enhancv is an easy way for me and my coaching clients to transform their unique and seemingly unrelated work experiences into a compelling story.” – Michele

Now that we’ve answered the common questions floating in the air, it’s time to make sure your cover letter is just as polished and prepared as your resume.

Here’s a quick rundown of the elements of a successful cover letter:

• Compelling hook right from the get-go of your opening paragraph – pique your reader’s interests by getting them engaged in the beginning.
• Tinder match – like Tinder, you want to match with the company you’re applying for. So through the body of your cover letter, give the recruiter all the points that make it obvious you’re a perfect match.
• Don’t be generic – it’s vital you stand out, otherwise, your cover letter will be skipped. Reveal your personality through a story that demonstrates your passions and motivations.

It’s all about the reader.

Simultaneously, the recruiter will want to know more about yourself too. So, don’t be afraid to add personal elements that reveal your personality.

• Cover Letter Guides

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3 Quick Tricks to Make Writing a "Conversational" Cover Letter Easy

Cover letter writing is challenging. For a lot of us, it’s really hard. It feels unnatural, unnecessary, and uncomfortable.

Cover letters can also be super confusing. What, even, are you supposed to say in a one? Do reviewers actually read the things? (Yes, we do.) And, an important question: Are you supposed to be all business, or is it OK to use a conversational tone?

I’m going to answer that last question right away: Heck, yes it’s OK. In fact, your best shot at making it strong, engaging, and memorable (ingredients you surely want in this thing) is going to be by making it captivating and conversational.

Always remember there are actual people at the receiving end of this game (unless, of course, you apply online and your materials first channel through an applicant tracking system). And people like to chat. They like to be drawn into the story. They like to be entertained. So why not share who you are, what you specialize in, and why they should stop in their tracks and pay attention to you in a way that sounds like a person wrote it, not a robot.

Have you been conditioned to believe that there’s one “right” way to do these things? Are you afraid that if you don’t speak in high-level business babble that they’ll discount your qualifications, or throw your application into the “no” pile? It’s just not going to happen if you do this in a way that’s relevant, tells them right away what you can walk through their doors and deliver (in that specific role), and holds their attention.

So, how do you pull it off? Here are three quick tricks that’ll help make the process feel more natural:

1. Write it Like You’d Say it

When people who know my professional brand ( JobJenny.com ) meet me in person for the first time, they often tell me, “Oh my gosh. You’re exactly like your voice on the website.”

This is very complimentary, and most definitely intentional. As a business owner, I work hard to make a serious topic (careers and job search) engaging, enjoyable, and—dare I say—fun. I achieve this in large part by writing just like I’d say it if we were face-to-face in a conversation.

Do that with your cover letter.

Heck, maybe even record your voice first, before you start fumbling around trying to put the words to paper. Based on what you know about this job and this organization’s needs, how would you describe who you are, and why you’re a good fit for this role? In addition, if you can think of any personal stories to share that’ll engage the reader and (at the same time) tie into the story about why you’d be a great fit? By all means.

It’s almost always easier to spill it out vocally—off the top of your head—first, and then fine-tune it on paper after you’ve got your “why you should hire me” speech down.

2. Make Your Lead a Story

Do you have any idea how many cover letters I’ve read that begin with “I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position advertised on November 14, 2016, on The Muse” (or something equally formulaic and boring)? Probably a thousand or more. Why? Why do we do this? We do this because somewhere along the line, we’ve been led to believe this is “proper.”

But “proper” is very often also “boring,” or “meaningless,” or “just like every other application in the pile.” How about, instead, drawing the reader in right away by kicking off with a story?

Come again? That’s right. Consider leading with a brief example that spells out swiftly, and in a memorable way, why you’re interested in that organization—before heading into the “Here are the specific things I can do for you” section of the letter. (This second part is essential, too.)

How do you pull this off? Here’s an example. Say you’re applying to be a chef at a popular new restaurant. Perhaps your lead looks like this:

“As the son of a chemistry teacher, the kitchen always seemed to be where my family gathered … to watch whatever latest experiment my dad had up his sleeve. This was the room of the house that gave me the most comfort, the most joy and, frankly, the most entertainment. So captivated was I by the kitchen (and my dad’s fearlessness in mixing chemicals), that I decided to build my entire career around it.”

(And then you segue into precisely how your qualifications line up with this role.)

3. Have That Glass of Wine

This is a figure of speech, unless of course you are a wine drinker (in which case, I’m speaking quite literally). To be clear, I am not recklessly suggesting you toss back piles of alcohol in preparation for crafting your masterpiece. Instead, I’m strongly suggesting that you use whatever method you find most useful to get to that relaxed spot before you start toiling away at this thing.

Stress and tension may very well breed stress and tension in your tone. If you can create some space and release your paranoia about saying the wrong things, you’ll likely produce something that’s more conversational, more genuine to you, and more impactful.

Give yourself every possible advantage so that you can work in a relaxed state, and craft something that naturally flows from you. (Just be sure and edit the thing when you’re 100% sober.)

Job seekers seem to get so knotted up about cover letters. And, while they’re definitely not a piece of cake for a lot of people, they surely shouldn’t unravel you.

The more genuine, engaging and on-point you can be, the better.

Strive to be the one they can’t stop talking about, for all the right reasons. Do that, and you’ll be picking out your interview outfit in no time at all.

Photo of person writing courtesy of andresr/Getty Images.

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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Should You Use AI to Write Your Cover Letter?

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You may be tempted to have ChatGPT or another AI tool write your cover letter for you. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Article originally written by Molly M. Kruse and published by USC Online

It’s more common than ever to use AI tools in everyday life to streamline complicated or time-consuming tasks. Whether you’re pivoting careers,  stepping back into the professional world after a break  or searching for a job after a layoff, writing dozens of cover letters can be daunting. So, you may be asking yourself: Should you use AI to write your cover letter for you? 

USC Online spoke to USC Career Center expert  Lori Shreve Blake  to find out when it’s appropriate to use AI in a cover letter — and when this tool should take a backseat. 

Do: Use AI to Understand the Job Description  

Writing a great cover letter  takes time, especially if you’re out of practice. While it’s important that your cover letter is written in your authentic voice, Shreve Blake said AI assistants can help you tailor it to the job you want.  

Shreve Blake suggests using an AI assistant like ChatGPT to generate keywords from a job description, which you can incorporate into your cover letter. You can also save time by asking AI to read a job description and summarize the key functions of the role.  

You can also ask AI tools like ChatGPT to write a first draft of the cover letter. But there are some important details that AI won’t be able to add. 

“You’re not going to state day-to-day duties in [your] cover letter,” Shreve Blake said. “You should emphasize your best accomplishments, share your unique qualifications, and demonstrate your professional fit for the role, your values and the organization’s alignment. Should you add quantifiers? Add numbers, percentages, [things] like that.” 

Job seekers might be tempted to cut corners with AI to save time, but Shreve Blake emphasized that there are other ways to speed up the process of writing a cover letter. Once you have a template of your cover letter with an introduction, middle paragraph and summary paragraph, you can customize sentences, interchange keywords, and add examples based on the job you’re applying to. You can also customize the formatting of the document.  

“I give an analogy of a house: Once you have that foundation of the cover letter completed with AI, then you can incorporate job-specific sentences as you see fit,” Shreve Blake said.  

Many people also find writing a cover letter becomes quicker and easier over time. 

“Writing cover letters is a skill, like other skills in life,” Shreve Blake said. “So, the more you do it, the faster and more confident you’re going to get.” 

Don’t: Neglect Your Research  

Researching your target employer is an integral step in the cover letter writing process. Applicants should visit the company’s website, read the mission statement and consider which of the company’s values resonates with them most. This research will help you put together an argument about why you’d make a great candidate — something an AI-generated cover letter can’t do, Shreve Blake said. 

“The cover letter is also a persuasive piece,” Shreve Blake said. “So, it’s almost like that interview question[s]: ‘Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this job? What unique skills and experience makes you the best person for the job?’”

Making these connections early in the application process prepares you for interviews later. This “process of self-reflection” helps you identify what the organization is looking for and which key achievements make you stand out, Shreve Blake said. 

Don’t: Forego Your Authentic Voice  

Although recruiters can’t always tell whether a cover letter was written by AI or a human, there are sophisticated tools that can detect it, Shreve Blake said. Recruiters have also told her that they don’t like the generic cover letters they see when reviewing applications and Shreve Blake challenges job seekers to ask the question: “What do you want your first impression to be with a potential employer?” 

“[If] the recruiter receives [a] generic, AI-written cover letter [and] one that is more custom to the job, which one do you think the recruiter is going to pick?” Shreve Blake said. “You must show integrity, you must show thought and care … It’s a test to see how you’ll be as an employee.” 

Whether or not you choose to use AI, be sure to inject your authentic voice into your cover letter and use it to showcase your writing skills. (If you’re at a loss for verbs, check out the USC Career Center’s  resume and cover letter booklet  for a helpful list of action words to incorporate.) Employers use cover letters to judge whether applicants will be the right fit for email- and communication-heavy jobs, Shreve Blake said. 

“I would say … [your] cover letter can be seen as a form of a work sample,” Shreve Blake said. “And it shows your future employer that you have skills in writing, that you possess attention to detail in submitting a cover letter that is grammatically correct and free of typos, that you have skills in communication, that you have skills in persuasion and strategic thinking.” 

Do: Use AI to Check Your Grammar  

Although you can speed up the process, writing a good cover letter takes time. So, you want to make sure your finished product is concise and easy to read. 

“[Recruiters] spend about 15–30 seconds [reading] the resume. They may spend even less time on the cover letter and many employers do not require a cover letter,” Shreve Blake said. 

This is where AI comes in. Shreve Blake  recommended using Grammarly  or a similar AI-powered writing assistant to give your cover letter a once-over after you are finished writing it. This ensures that your spelling and grammar are up to par and that there are no filler words clogging up your precious cover letter real estate.  

“Grammarly is a good tool to use to edit your cover letter,” Shreve Blake said. “Twenty years ago, it was common to write a cover letter and then let a friend or family member double-check it for meaning and typos before submitting it to a potential employer. … Well, now you don’t have to ask a friend or family member. … [You] can use Grammarly and do that.” 

Just remember to double-check your cover letter one more time after using a tool like Grammarly. Sometimes, AI takes your writing out of context, Shreve Blake warned. 

Don’t: Limit Your Focus to Just the Cover Letter  

Unfortunately, even writing a perfect cover letter sometimes won’t land you the job you want. Shreve Blake advised that people find additional ways to express their interest in a role or company, including  networking  and conducting informational interviews. 

“At the end of the day, AI doesn’t hire people. Humans hire humans. People hire people,” Shreve Blake said. 

Similarly, if someone at the company you are applying to is vouching for you, make sure not to make them look bad by submitting a generic, AI-written cover letter. After all, they are putting their reputations on the line for you, Shreve Blake said. 

In the end, securing your dream job is  all about going the extra mile . No matter what balance you choose to strike between using AI and writing the old-fashioned way, the goal remains the same: to create a cover letter that is tailored to the position you want and sells you well to your future employer.  

“And, let’s face it, cover letter writing is not easy.” Shreve Blake said. “So, not taking the easy way out and doing your research on the organization, addressing the right person, and going through the process of customizing the cover letter after using AI gives you a competitive edge.” 

Access more  career advice  from USC Online today.  

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• What We Know About the Trump Campaign’s Arlington National Cemetery Incident

Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Monday to commemorate 13 American servicemembers killed in Afghanistan three years ago. But reporting soon emerged about an altercation between his campaign staff and a cemetery official over photography in a restricted section, sparking a backlash that has only grown stronger. Although Trump’s team has cited the support of the Gold Star family members accompanying him on the visit, critics allege that the Republican candidate has run afoul of federal law that forbids campaign activity at the site. Here, what we know so far.

What happened at Arlington National Cemetery?

Trump was at the cemetery to take part in a ceremony honoring the 13 U.S. servicemembers who were killed in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate during the chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan. During his visit, he laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and stopped by the burial sites of several servicemembers alongside their relatives and loved ones.

But NPR reported that an altercation occurred between Trump campaign staff and an Arlington employee. It took place as members of Trump’s team attempted to take photographs and record videos in Section 60, an area of the cemetery largely reserved for members of the military who died while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A source told NPR that a cemetery employee tried to prevent those staffers from entering that section but that they then “verbally abused and pushed the official aside.”

Arlington National Cemetery confirmed in a statement to NPR that the incident took place and that a report had been filed, indicating that the campaign’s actions might have been illegal. “Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the statement said. “Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants.”

An Army spokesman issued a statement on Thursday, again confirming the incident without mentioning Trump or his campaign directly. They said that the people involved had been advised of the federal rules barring political activity at the cemetery. “An ANC employee who attempted to ensure adherence to these rules was abruptly pushed aside. Consistent with the decorum expected at ANC, this employee acted with professionalism and avoided further disruption,” the statement read. The spokesman confirmed that a report was made to the police but that the employee opted against pressing charges. The employee reportedly feared retaliation from Trump’s supporters if she pursued charges, military officials told the New York Times .

Before the cemetery visit, Trump was already under increased scrutiny for his rhetoric about the military, following recent comments in which he said the Presidential Medal of Freedom , a civilian honor, was better than receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. In 2020, The Atlantic published a story alleging that then-President Trump had referred to American WWI veterans buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris as “losers” and “suckers” in 2018 when explaining his reasoning for canceling a trip to the site, citing sources familiar with the conversation.

What has the Trump campaign’s response been?

Trump’s campaign immediately took a defensive posture after the incident was reported, largely blaming the individual cemetery official. In a statement to NPR, which first broke the story, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung denied that a physical altercation occurred and said Trump’s team was prepared to release its own footage to combat the “defamatory claims.”

“The fact is that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and for whatever reason an unnamed individual, clearly suffering from a mental health episode, decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony,” he said.

The campaign has also circulated a statement signed by relatives of two of the fallen servicemembers, Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover and Sergeant Nicole Gee, saying they gave permission for Trump’s official photographer and videographer to attend the ceremony and that the Republican candidate and his team “conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity.”

Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance , dismissed the controversy as a media-led creation during a Wednesday campaign stop and took a shot at Vice-President Kamala Harris , blaming her for the 2021 attack that occurred under the Biden administration. “Three years ago, 13 brave, innocent Americans died, and they died because Kamala Harris refused to do her job, and there hasn’t been a single investigation or a single firing,” he said.

Vance then accused Harris of trying to criticize Trump for the Arlington visit, though the vice-president herself had yet to comment publicly on the incident at that time. “And she wants to yell at Donald Trump because he showed up? She can — she can go to hell,” he said.

Trump discussed the visit during a campaign stop Thursday, claiming that the relatives of the fallen service members invited him to Arlington and denounced the controversy as coming “from Washington.”

“So, I go there, they ask me to have a picture and they say I was campaigning,” he said . “The one thing I get is plenty of publicity. I don’t need that. I don’t need the publicity.”

Did Trump’s visit to Section 60 violate federal law?

Arlington National Cemetery is a frequent location for official visits by American leaders with presidents often marking Memorial Day and Veterans Day with remarks and a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic site. Generally, the cemetery allows photography by members of the public within its grounds with more specific rules for the media. But Trump’s visit might be in conflict with 32 CFR 553 , a federal regulation that states, “Memorial services and ceremonies at Army National Military Cemeteries will not include partisan political activities.”

The campaign’s use of the footage taken on Monday so far appears to be political in nature. Dan Scavino Jr., a senior campaign adviser whose social-media feeds largely consist of ads and clips of campaign rallies, shared a video of Trump at the grave of one servicemember with members of their family.

Trump later shared a video on TikTok featuring footage taken from his Arlington visit, including him visiting graves located in Section 60 with Gold Star family members. The accompanying audio left no doubt that the video was intended as a political message. It featured a voice-over of Trump condemning the Biden administration for its handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal: “We didn’t lose one person in 18 months and then they took over that disaster, the leaving of Afghanistan.”

Although the legal questions surrounding the incident remain open, Trump’s visit has upset at least one Gold Star family. The Times reported that relatives of Master Sergeant Andrew Marckesano have expressed concerns that Trump filmed at his grave site without permission. Marckesano’s headstone can be seen in videos of Trump laying flowers in Section 60 next to the grave of Sergeant Hoover, whose family accompanied the former president to the site.

In a statement to the Times , Marckesano’s sister, Michele, said that their family supports Hoover’s family and others in their quest for more information surrounding the Afghanistan bombing. “However, according to our conversation with Arlington National Cemetery, the Trump campaign staffers did not adhere to the rules that were set in place for this visit to Staff Sergeant Hoover’s gravesite in Section 60, which lays directly next to my brother’s grave,” she said.

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Five takeaways from Harris' first major interview as the Democratic nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday gave her first sit-down interview since she became the Democratic presidential nominee, touching on her agenda for 2025 and a series of topics that she has so far avoided — and drawing instant criticism from Republican rival Donald Trump.

Harris presented herself as a pragmatist in the long-anticipated interview, given to CNN's Dana Bash alongside her running mate, Tim Walz. Harris sought to strike a balance between defending the Biden-Harris administration's legacy and charting her own path if she is elected president while taking questions about how some of her policy positions have changed since the last time she ran for president.

"I believe it is important to build consensus and it is important to find a common place of understanding of where we can actually solve problems," Harris said.

Here are five takeaways from the interview.

Defending her shifting stances

Harris has changed her position on some major issues since 2019, when she ran for president and sought to win over progressive Democratic primary voters by co-sponsoring “Medicare for All,” supporting a Green New Deal, calling for decriminalizing migration and opposing hydraulic fracturing, a method of harvesting natural gas or oil known as “fracking.”

“The most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said, adding that she continues to believe that “the climate crisis is real” and that the White House made strides to address it with the Inflation Reduction Act.

On fracking, Harris said she promised during the 2020 vice presidential debate that she wouldn't seek to ban fracking, “nor will I going forward.” She continued, “I cast the tiebreaking vote that actually increased leases for fracking as vice president.”

(Harris said in her 2020 debate against Mike Pence that “Joe Biden will not ban fracking.”)

Harris added that there can be “a thriving clean energy economy without banning fracking.”

On those who cross the border unlawfully, she said: “I believe there should be consequence. We have laws that have to be followed and enforced that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally.” She also criticized Trump for pushing Republicans to kill a bipartisan border security bill.

“My value around what we need to do to secure our border — that value has not changed. I spent two terms as the attorney general of California prosecuting transnational criminal organizations,” she said.

Brushing off Trump's rhetoric about her race

Trump has sought to attack Harris’ racial identity, falsely claiming she previously identified as Indian American and started identifying as Black only recently.

Harris didn’t engage.

“Same old, tired playbook,” she said. “Next question, please.”

Harris cast Trump as a politician of the past, calling him “someone who has really been pushing an agenda and an environment that is about diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans, really dividing our nation.”

“And I think people are ready to turn the page on that,” she continued.

It reflects Harris’ approach to the campaign since she took the baton from Biden last month: running her own race as opposed to focusing on what Trump has said day to day.

Her 'Day One' agenda

Harris said her “Day One” agenda as president would be to start “implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy,” citing her recent economic proposals to lower costs.

“Prices, in particular for groceries, are still too high. The American people know it. I know it," she said. "Which is why my agenda includes what we need to do to bring down the price of groceries — for example, dealing with an issue like price gouging."

She continued: “What we need to do is to extend the child tax credit to help young families be able to take care of their children in their most formative years. What we need to do to bring down the cost of housing — my proposal includes what would be a tax credit of $25,000 for first-time homebuyers.”

Asked why she hasn’t already done those things as vice president, Harris defended Biden’s record but said, “There’s more to do.” She also said she doesn’t regret her remarks after the late June debate that Biden could ably serve another four-year term. (Biden bowed to pressure mounting in his party and withdrew from the presidential race on July 21, less than a month later.)

Trump lashes out at Harris' answers

Trump responded on his social media platform ahead of the interview after having watched a clip of Harris defending her new stances.

“I just saw Comrade Kamala Harris’ answer to a very weakly-phrased question ... her answer rambled incoherently, and declared her ‘values haven’t changed.’ On that I agree, her values haven’t changed — The Border is going to remain open, not closed, there will be Free Healthcare for Illegal Aliens, Sanctuary Cities, No Cash Bail, Gun Confiscation, Zero Fracking, a Ban on Gasoline-Powered Cars, Private Healthcare will be abolished, a 70-80% tax rate will be put in place, and she will Defund the Police,” he wrote . “America will become a WASTELAND!”

Walz: 'I wear my emotions on my sleeves'

Walz defended his previous characterizations of his service in the National Guard, including suggesting while discussing gun policy that he served in combat situations. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, himself a military veteran, accused him of “stolen valor.”

Walz — who has said through a spokesperson that he “misspoke” when he was talking about handling weapons “in war” — elaborated on his remarks, blaming that and other misstatements on a habit of speaking "passionately."

“First of all, I’m incredibly proud. I’ve done 24 years of wearing the uniform of this country,” Walz said in the interview. “I wear my emotions on my sleeves, and I speak especially passionately about our children being shot in schools and around guns. So I think people know me. They know who I am. They know where my heart is.”

“If it’s not this, it’s an attack on my children for showing love for me, or it’s an attack on my dog,” he said. “The one thing I’ll never do is I’ll never demean another member’s service in any way.”

Sahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

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FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants

FDA News Release

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with this formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

In early June, the FDA advised manufacturers of licensed and authorized COVID-19 vaccines that the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) should be monovalent JN.1 vaccines. Based on the further evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and a rise in cases of COVID-19, the agency subsequently determined and advised manufacturers that the preferred JN.1-lineage for the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) is the KP.2 strain, if feasible.

“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”

The updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines include Comirnaty and Spikevax, both of which are approved for individuals 12 years of age and older, and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, both of which are authorized for emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age.

What You Need to Know

• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated, authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
• Individuals 5 years through 11 years of age regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines; if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least 2 months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, approved Comirnaty or the updated, approved Spikevax; if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Additional doses are authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years of age as described in the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheets.

Individuals who receive an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who previously received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets. The updated vaccines are expected to provide protection against COVID-19 caused by the currently circulating variants. Barring the emergence of a markedly more infectious variant of SARS-CoV-2, the FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines will need to be assessed annually, as occurs for seasonal influenza vaccines.

For today’s approvals and authorizations of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the FDA assessed manufacturing and nonclinical data to support the change to include the 2024-2025 formula in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The updated mRNA vaccines are manufactured using a similar process as previous formulas of these vaccines. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people in the U.S., and the benefits of these vaccines continue to outweigh their risks.

On an ongoing basis, the FDA will review any additional COVID-19 vaccine applications submitted to the agency and take appropriate regulatory action.

The approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula) was granted to BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH. The EUA amendment for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) was issued to Pfizer Inc.

The approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula) was granted to ModernaTX Inc. and the EUA amendment for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) was issued to ModernaTX Inc.

Related Information

• Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula)
• Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula)
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula)
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula)
• FDA Resources for the Fall Respiratory Illness Season
• Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Use in the United States Beginning in Fall 2024
• June 5, 2024, Meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

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These Republicans denounced Trump and endorsed Harris at the DNC. Here's what they said.

By Kathryn Watson

Updated on: August 23, 2024 / 12:18 AM EDT / CBS News

Several prominent Republicans — some of whom worked for former President Donald Trump — took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan; Olivia Troye, who was homeland security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence; former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and former Rep.  Adam Kinzinger have all thrown their support behind the Democratic nominee and suggested Trump lacks the moral character to lead the nation again. 

They all had one message to their fellow Republicans and independents: Do the right thing and vote for Harris in November. 

"To my fellow Republicans at home that want to pivot back toward policy, empathy and tone, you know the right thing to do, now let's have the courage to do it in November," said Duncan, summarizing the other Republican speakers' speeches as well as his own. 

Duncan knows what courage requires. Defending the election results in Georgia after the 2020 presidential election, when Trump narrowly lost in the state, Duncan faced such serious threats from Trump supporters that law enforcement had to protect his home. 

"In our family, my wife, Brooke, and I are raising three boys and we have a family motto," Duncan said Wednesday night at the DNC. "And it says, 'Doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing.' During 2020, during just the lowest of lows when we had armed officers outside our house protecting us from other Republicans, Donald Trump had targeted us. My son came downstairs and he handed me this coaster that I had given him years before at a father-son retreat for our church. And he said, 'Hey dad, doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing. Stay strong.'"

Troye, the former Pence adviser, said she "grew up in the kind of working family that Trump pretends to care about." 

"Conservative. Catholic. Texan," she said. "July 4th was our most sacred holiday. Those values made me a Republican. And they're the same values that make me proud to support Kamala Harris." 

Troye described working inside Trump's White House as "terrifying." 

"But what keeps me up at night is what'll happen if he gets back there," she said. "The guardrails are gone, the few adults in the room the first time resigned or were fired."

Grisham, who was criticized for never holding a press briefing during her tenure, resigned on Jan. 6, 2021, as rioters assaulted the Capitol and Trump said nothing to stop them. 

"I wasn't just a Trump supporter, I was a true believer," Grisham told the DNC crowd. "I was one of his closest advisers. The Trump family became my family. I spent Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's all at Mar-a-Lago. I saw him when the cameras were off. Behind closed doors, Trump mocks his supporters. He calls them basement dwellers."

Grisham recalled a hospital visit when Americans were dying at the ICU and she said he was upset the cameras weren't on him. 

"He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth," she said. "He used to tell me, 'It doesn't matter what you say, Stephanie — say it enough and people will believe you.' But it does matter. What you say matters. And what you don't say matters. On January 6th, I asked Melania if we could at least tweet that while peaceful protest is the right of every American, there's no place for lawlessness or violence. She replied with one word: 'No.'" 

Grisham said she "couldn't be part of the insanity any longer." 

"When I was press secretary, I got skewered for never holding a White House briefing," she said. "It's because, unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie. Now here I am, behind a podium, advocating for a Democrat. And that's because I love my country more than I love my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. And she has my vote." 

Former Republican Anna Navarro, a Nicaraguan-born political commentator and co-host of "The View," also spoke out against Trump on stage at the DNC. She stopped supporting Republicans in 2016, partly over the "Access Hollywood" tape. Navarro blasted Trump for calling Harris a "communist." 

"Let's be serious," Navarro said. "Donald Trump and his minions call Kamala a communist. I know communism. I fled communism from Nicaragua when I was 8 years old. I don't take it lightly." 

Kinzinger, a Republican former congressman from Illinois who left office in 2023 and has long been critical of Trump, spoke on the  final night of the DNC  and said the Republican Party has lost its way. 

"Donald Trump has suffocated the soul of the Republican Party," Kinzinger said. "His fundamental weakness has coursed through my party like an illness."

He said the Republican Party has "switched its allegiance" to "a man whose only purpose is himself." 

"Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong. A small man pretending to be big. A faithless man pretending to be righteous. A perpetrator who can't stop playing the victim. He puts on quite a show. But there's no real strength there."

Kinzinger said he never thought he'd be speaking at a Democratic convention.

"But I've learned something about the Democratic Party. And I want to let my fellow Republicans in on the secret. The Democrats are as patriotic as us," he said to loud applause. "They love this country just as much as we do. And they are as eager to defend American values at home and abroad as we conservatives have ever been. I was relieved to discover that." 

• Kamala Harris
• Democratic National Convention
• Republican Party

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.

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