What Sections Does a Cover Letter Have? [Guide for 2024]

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a personalized document that’s part of your job application and that you submit along with your CV or resume.

Writing a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you're the ideal candidate for the position in your own words.

While your resume gives an overview of your professional history, a cover letter lets you focus on the specific experiences and skills that make you stand out from other candidates.

Typically, cover letters are about 250 to 400 words long.

Knowing how to write a cover letter is crucial because it can set the tone for your application and show the hiring manager that you put in extra effort. You’re not just throwing your resume left and right - you’re interested in this specific job, and you’re ready to explain why.

Here’s all you need to know:

#1. Header

Your cover letter should always include a header that visually separates your contact information from the main body of your text, just like on your resume.

Make sure the contact information in your cover letter matches that of your resume, such as:

• Full Name. Place your full name prominently at the top.
• Job Title. Match your professional title to the job you’re applying for, word for word.
• Email Address. Use a professional email address. We recommend something that combines your first and last name, like alex.smith@novoresume.com, instead of quirky handles like partyplanner101@hotmail.com.
• Phone Number. If you’re applying internationally, include the dialing code in front of your phone number.
• Location. Mention your city and state/country. If you’re looking for remote work or you’re open to relocating, be sure to mention that somewhere in your cover letter.
• Relevant links (optional). Add any links that might be relevant to your application, such as a LinkedIn profile, your GitHub account, or a portfolio website.

Next up, you need to add the hiring manager’s contact information.

Here’s what to include:

• Company Name. Add the name of the company or organization you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. A little research can go a long way. Check the job ad or the company's website to find out who’s hiring for the position you want. Addressing the hiring manager by name can also add a personal touch and establish a connection.
• Hiring Manager’s Title. If you find that the hiring manager is the head of their department or the CEO, you can include their professional title underneath their name. Otherwise, “Hiring Manager” is perfectly fine.
• Location. The city and country are usually enough information. If it’s a large company with multiple offices in the same city, you can add the street address.
• Date of Writing (optional). Including the exact date is a nice professional detail that can also help the hiring manager keep track of when you applied.

Double-check all the contact details you’ve provided. It doesn’t matter how amazing your cover letter is if the hiring manager can’t contact you, which means a single typo could mean a missed opportunity.

#2. Opening Line

Before you write anything else, you first need to address your cover letter.

Forget the old “To Whom It May Concern.” Your opening line sets the tone for your cover letter, and you want it to immediately impress.

So, instead of using outdated greetings, address the hiring manager by name. Do some digging on the job ad, company's LinkedIn, or the official website, and find their full name.

We recommend using the formal Ms. or Mr., followed by their last name, since it’s respectful. If you want a more inclusive approach, you can also use their full name instead of honorifics.

But if you can’t find any information on the hiring manager, you can simply address them by their job title or even the company itself also works.

Here are some examples:

#3. Introductory Paragraph

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your first chance to grab the hiring manager's attention.

Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through job applications before deciding if they’re worth reading in-depth, so the first few lines of your cover letter are crucial. As such, you want to make a compelling impression so that the hiring manager is curious to learn more about you.

Start your cover letter by explaining why you’re writing and why you’re interested in the role. It could be because of your passion for the industry or because you’re familiar with the company and eager to join their team.

Then, make sure to showcase some of your expertise. You can mention relevant skills, qualifications, or an impressive achievement that matches what the job is looking for.

The opening paragraph of your cover letter works similarly to your resume summary. You want to give the employer a taste of what you bring to the table to make them read your application in depth.

Just remember to keep this section brief and make every word count. It’s meant to be a personal elevator pitch, not your life story. You’ll have the opportunity to dive into more details in the next section.

#4. Main Body

The body of your cover letter is where you get to make your mark and show the hiring manager why you're the ideal candidate for the job. This section is your opportunity to go beyond the bullet points of your resume and add depth and nuance to your professional background.

It’s also the ideal place to explain any employment gaps or talk about what led to a career change.

Above all, the body of your cover letter is where you can describe your career in your own words and connect your unique experiences directly to the job you’re applying for.

This section should be between two and four paragraphs long and cover hiring managers’ two main questions: why are you a good fit for the role, and why are you a good fit for the company?

Focus on Skills and Experience

To show you’re a good fit for the role, focus on how your skills and experiences align with the job description.

That said, this isn't the place to rehash your resume. The hiring manager has already read that, and you won’t impress them.

Instead, share the details behind your most relevant achievements and skills. Give examples of projects you’ve led that exceeded their goals, and be as specific as possible. Use concrete data to quantify your achievements and give them more credibility.

In addition, you can also explain how you developed skills that are especially useful for the position you’re applying for. Give specific examples of when those crucial skills have helped you, and use them to illustrate how your background matches what the company needs.

This part of your cover letter bridges a gap between your resume and the job description. It lets you dig into what makes you the most qualified candidate and shows how you can address the employer’s needs and contribute to the company.

Show Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit

Employers aren't just looking for someone who can do the job. According to recruitment statistics, cultural fit is often a determining factor in hiring decisions.

Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their workplace culture and believe in their mission. So, this part of your cover letter body is where you have to express your genuine enthusiasm for the position, the company, or the industry in general.

Before you get down to writing, do some homework; research the company in depth to understand its goals, values, and culture.

Find out what you genuinely like about the company. Maybe their mission of sustainability resonates with you. Or your passion for the tech industry aligns with their company mission.

Whatever the case, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. This can help you build a compelling case for why you're not just looking for any job - you’re interested in this job.

Showing that you’re a candidate who can thrive in the environment of the company you’re targeting puts you a step ahead of candidates who only talk about their technical qualifications.

#5. Conclusion

Once you’ve made your case, it’s time to end your cover letter.

This is where you should remind the hiring manager what makes you the right candidate for the role.

Use the final paragraph of your cover letter to recap your top skills and qualifications and reiterate how you’re confident they can help you contribute to their company.

Be sure to express your genuine excitement at the possibility of joining their team and thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application.

Finally, add a call to action. You can mention looking forward to discussing how you can help in more detail over the phone or encourage the hiring manager to contact you and arrange an interview.

This shows you’re eager to move forward with the hiring process, and it makes it more likely that the hiring manager will contact you.

#6. Closing line and signature

The final touch on your cover letter is a professional closing line.

This might seem like a small detail, but skipping it can make your cover letter look unfinished and diminish your professionalism.

Just choose a respectful closing line, like “Best regards” or “Respectfully,” and leave space for your signature.

But if those closing lines don’t quite match your tone, you have alternatives to choose from, such as:

• Sincerely,
• With best wishes,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Looking forward to your response,

At the very end, include your full name underneath the closing line. This is enough for digital submissions, but if you plan on submitting a printed cover letter, you should include a handwritten signature underneath your typed name.

Cover Letter Examples

When it comes to cover letters, design can be just as important as the contents when making a lasting impression.

You want your cover letter to be easy on the eyes and a good match for your resume.

Just use our resume builder and choose one of the matching cover letter templates to create a matching set of documents for your job application.

Here are some examples of cover letters you can use for inspiration:

#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 Example

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 Example

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

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter Example

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

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

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.

#11. Customer Service Cover Letter Example

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

#12. Retail Cover Letter Example

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

#13. College Cover Letter Example

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

Key Takeaways

And there you have it!

After walking through each of the cover letter sections, you're now fully equipped to perfect your job application.

Before you go, let's quickly recap what we've covered so far:

• Choose a cover letter template that matches your resume so your entire application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Use our resume builder and available templates to get started.
• Kick off your cover letter by clearly stating your interest in the role and why you're the ideal candidate. Along with the opening line, your introduction sets the tone for your application.
• Research the company thoroughly and tailor your skills and experiences to meet the job requirements. Demonstrating that you understand their needs shows that you’re a candidate who’s gone the extra mile, not just a random applicant.
• In the main body of your cover letter, delve into the stories behind your relevant experiences, achievements, and skills. This is your best chance to stand out from other candidates by showing you have what it takes to excel at the job.
• Conclude your cover letter with a proactive call to action. Expressing your eagerness to discuss your application in more detail shows your enthusiasm and initiative.
• Wrap it up with a courteous and professional closing line to leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring manager.