Create an Impressive Cover Letter in English with These 6 Useful Tips and Free Examples
Writing an impressive cover letter in English is an additional advantage for applicants when they apply for a job at a specific company. A neat and nice-looking cover letter is one factor that most employers look at when hiring new employees.
When you apply for a job, you are sometimes anxious about the content of your cover letter and how it would appear to an interviewer. A cover letter in English is an important element of a job application, along with a well-detailed curriculum vitae. Employers usually hire applicants who have remarkable cover letters and CVs.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page letter that contains a summary of your qualifications, job experiences, and some skills related to the job you are applying for. It usually contains three to four paragraphs. Generally, a cover letter is written in English.
A cover letter in English is important because most hiring managers refer to the information written on it before reviewing your whole application. You just have to make sure that what is written on your cover letter coincides with the details on your resume.
Cover Letter vs Application Letter
You might wonder why there is a so-called application letter and cover letter. These two are sometimes confusing and you don’t know when to use them. They have slight differences in content and length, but they share the same purpose: introducing yourself, summarizing your qualifications and skills, and stating your interest in something.
Below are some important differences between an application letter and a cover letter.
Format of a Cover Letter in English
Cover letters have specific formats to follow. It actually depends on how you write it. Remember that a cover letter in English is a formal letter you send to employers. When you are sending a hard copy of your cover letter, check the details as well as the indentions and all information must fit on the letter page.
Here is an example of a cover letter in English.
Sections of a Cover Letter
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- Contact Information – This includes your address information as well as your name. You can also include here your position if you want to use your company address. You can also include your email address here. For example:
MAGGIE WILSON
Executive Assistant
Princeling Holdings Incorporated
8815 N. Linden Street
El Monte, CA 91732
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- Date – this is the actual date of your letter.
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- Addressee Information – This section contains the information about your recipient. You can also include the position of the person you are sending the letter to as well as their company address.
- Salutation – in this part, you write the title of the person you are writing to. For example: you write Mr. Smith, Ms. Jones, etc. If you know the name of your recipient. If not, you can write Madam, Ma’am, or Sir.
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- Body – this is the most important part of the letter because it contains your details such as your qualifications, skills, and experiences, as well as your training certificates.
- Closing / Complimentary Clause – this is the end of the letter. You can use the most formal closing statements like Sincerely, Respectfully Yours, Very truly yours, etc.
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- Name and Signature – this contains your name and signature. Your name must be capitalized and bold.
Tips to Write an Impressive Cover Letter in English
Are you ready to write your cover letter? This next section of our article focuses on some tips on how to write an impressive cover letter in English.
- Research the job and the company
Before you write your cover letter, read and understand thoroughly the job description posted. Consider your qualifications and check if you are fit for the position. At the same time, research the background of the company to know more about it.
- Write a draft, edit, and proofread.
It’s not easy to write a cover letter in English. You write more drafts before finalizing your letter. You edit it many times and proofread it. See to it that the information you stated is correct, especially the name of your recipient and the company. In addition, give yourself time to double-check the organization of the content as well as its coherence.
If you are not good at proofreading your cover letter in English, seek professional help from experts. Don’t be too confident. Remember your goal is to impress hiring personnel.
- Discuss your qualifications briefly and concisely.
You are writing your cover letter because you are interested in applying for a job vacancy and you think you are qualified. To achieve it, make sure the summary of your qualifications is briefly discussed. Impress the hiring manager by highlighting the most relevant experience and skills you have. Explain why you are the best choice for the job.
- Use appropriate font style, and font size, and observe proper indention.
When writing your cover letter in English, you have to follow the standard font style and size. The font size must be 12. Indentions must be strictly followed as well. All sides must have a 1-inch indention and use Letter size (8.5 x 11) paper. Each section must be single-spaced, while the space between two sections must be double-spaced.
- Show your enthusiasm and appreciation.
To win the heart of the hiring manager, set a positive and excited tone in your cover letter. Your tone will determine your willingness to join the company and that you are extremely delighted to be interviewed if given the opportunity. Mention things that interest you the most when working.
Don’t forget to thank the recipient for considering your letter. You acknowledge and appreciate their time reading it. Mention that you look forward to meeting the hiring manager and you see your future in their company.
- Stay formal throughout the letter.
A cover letter is a formal letter so you have to think about the appropriate words you use when writing it. Although you set an excited tone to your letter, still consider its formality. The most commonly used formal approach is “Sincerely”, but if you want to have other options, you can use “Kind regards,” “Best regards,” “Respectfully yours,” etc.
Writing an impressive cover letter in English is crucial when applying for a job. Remember, the goal of a cover letter is to showcase your suitability for the position and pique an employer’s interest in your resume. Be authentic, showcase your achievements, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s success.
Examples of a Cover Letter in English
Sample Cover Letter for a Linguistic Advisor Position
BRENT KIAN S. BENNET
December 7, 2023
MR. JOHN ROBERTS
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Linguistics Advisor position advertised on your Facebook page dated December 5, 2023. I am a graduate of Linguistics from Cambridge University in London. As a passionate and experienced linguist with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student support, I am confident that my qualifications and skills align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description. I have six years of experience teaching undergraduate linguistics courses such as Phonetics, Morphology, and Syntax. In my previous role at English and Me Incorporated, I served as a dedicated academic advisor for linguistics majors, providing guidance on course selection, academic progress, and career development. My research and academic expertise lies in the areas of Sociolinguistics and Applied Linguistics. I have presented my study at research conferences in Indonesia and Singapore. My researches are now published in the International Journal of Linguistics. I am eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you and how they would benefit your school. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I am available for an interview anytime at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely yours,
BRENT KIAN S. BENNET |
Sample Cover Letter for Cashier Position (No Experience)
GEORGINA A. DAVIDSON December 7, 2023 ABIGAIL MCLENNON Dear Ms. McLennon, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the cashier position currently open at [Store Name]. Although I may not have formal cashier experience, I am a highly motivated and quick learner with a strong work ethic and a passion for customer service. While I haven’t yet worked in a retail setting, I possess several transferable skills that will make me a valuable asset to your team. I have strong customer service skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, detail-oriented and accurate, a fast learner and eager to learn, and highly motivated and reliable. I am confident that I can quickly learn the ropes and become a valuable member of your team. I am a fast learner and eager to contribute to the positive and welcoming atmosphere at Patty’s Restaurant. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Very truly yours, GEORGINA A. DAVIDSON |
Sample Cover Letter for an Internal Position
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JOHNNY A. DEPP RAINEE S. COLLINS Dear Ms. Collins, Good day! I am writing to express my keen interest in applying for the recently vacated Accounting Manager position in our company. As a dedicated and results-oriented Accounting Supervisor in our company for the past eight years, I am confident that I possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in this new role. My passion for finance, coupled with my proven track record of success in a similar internal environment, makes me confident in my ability to seamlessly transition into the Accounting Manager role. I am adept at leading and motivating teams, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring the integrity of our financial systems. I am confident I can effectively manage the department’s day-to-day operations while providing strategic financial insights to support informed decision-making and optimize profitability. Furthermore, my deep understanding of our company’s culture, internal controls, and financial systems allows me to hit the ground running and contribute meaningfully from day one. I am eager to leverage my expertise to further strengthen the Finance Department and contribute to the continued financial health of XYZ Holdings Limited. Attached to this letter is my updated resume for your reference. I look forward to hearing from you. I would love to discuss everything about my application with you soon. Respectfully yours, JOHNNY A. DEPP |
Now you’re ready to write your cover letter in English. The above examples are for your reference only. You can get some insights from these examples, but if you want to have a more appealing and creative cover letter, you can check some free templates here.
Next time you look for a job, you are ready to write an impressive cover letter in English. Follow the tips mentioned in this article and give your best shot!
