how to find saved cover letter on linkedin

How to Find My Cover Letter on Linkedin

Are you ready to enhance your professional presence on LinkedIn? Discovering and managing your cover letter on this dynamic networking platform can play a crucial role in showcasing your skills and expertise to potential employers, clients, and connections. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of LinkedIn cover letters, providing a step-by-step walkthrough on how to locate and optimize this essential component of your online professional profile. Whether you’re a job seeker aiming to impress recruiters, a freelancer seeking new clients, or a professional looking to expand your network, mastering the art of finding your LinkedIn cover letter is a valuable skill that can set you apart in the competitive landscape of online listings and connections. Join us as we explore how to take control of your professional branding on LinkedIn and unlock new opportunities.

• 1 How to Find Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Step by Step
• 2 What is a LinkedIn Cover Letter?
• 3 Why Locating Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Matters
• 4 Tips for an Effective LinkedIn Cover Letter

How to Find Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Step by Step

Unlocking the full potential of your LinkedIn profile involves knowing how to access and manage your cover letter effectively. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to locate your cover letter on LinkedIn:

• Access Your LinkedIn Profile : Begin by logging in to your LinkedIn account or creating one if you haven’t already. Ensure you’re on your profile’s homepage.
• Navigate to the “Featured” Section : On your LinkedIn profile, you’ll find a “Featured” section where you can showcase important content, including your cover letter. Click on this section to proceed.
• Locate Your Cover Letter : Within the “Featured” section, scroll through your listings to find your cover letter. It will be displayed alongside other media, such as articles, presentations, or links.
• Edit or Manage Your Cover Letter : If you need to make changes or updates to your cover letter, you can do so by clicking the “Edit” or “Manage” option within the “Featured” section. This allows you to keep your cover letter current and tailored to your professional goals.
• Make Your Cover Letter Public or Private : LinkedIn offers the option to control the visibility of your cover letter. You can choose to make it visible to your network or keep it private. Ensure you select the visibility setting that aligns with your goals.

By following these straightforward steps, you can effortlessly locate and manage your cover letter on LinkedIn. This process enhances your professional profile’s effectiveness, making it easier to impress potential employers, clients, and connections in the competitive world of online networking.

What is a LinkedIn Cover Letter?

A LinkedIn cover letter is a personalized document that complements your LinkedIn profile and serves as an introduction to potential employers, clients, and connections on the professional networking platform. Unlike a traditional cover letter submitted with a job application, a LinkedIn cover letter is displayed on your profile and allows you to highlight your qualifications, skills, and career objectives. It plays a pivotal role in showcasing your expertise and professionalism, making a positive impression on visitors to your LinkedIn profile and enhancing your networking and job-seeking efforts.

Why Locating Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Matters

Locating your cover letter on LinkedIn matters because it significantly enhances your professional presence and networking potential on the platform. By having a well-crafted cover letter readily available on your LinkedIn profile, you:

• Make a Strong First Impression : It allows you to make a memorable first impression on potential employers, clients, and connections who visit your profile. A well-written cover letter sets a positive tone for your professional brand.
• Highlight Your Qualifications : Your LinkedIn cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and career goals, reinforcing your expertise in your field.
• Stand Out Among Peers : Many LinkedIn users overlook the importance of a cover letter, so having one prominently displayed sets you apart and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism.
• Enhance Networking Opportunities : It increases your chances of connecting with like-minded professionals and engaging in meaningful conversations, whether you’re seeking job opportunities or new clients.
• Boost Job Search Success : If you’re actively job hunting, a LinkedIn cover letter can impress recruiters and potential employers who view your profile, potentially leading to more interview invitations and job offers.

In summary, locating and maintaining a well-crafted cover letter on LinkedIn matters as it plays a vital role in establishing your professional identity, attracting opportunities, and making a lasting impact on those who explore your profile.

Tips for an Effective LinkedIn Cover Letter

Creating a compelling LinkedIn cover letter is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and connections. Here are some expert tips to help you craft an impactful LinkedIn cover letter:

• Customize for Your Audience : Tailor your LinkedIn cover letter to your specific audience. For example, if you’re connecting with a potential employer, emphasize your relevant skills and experiences that align with their industry or job requirements. Example : If you’re in marketing and connecting with marketing professionals, highlight your achievements in the marketing field.
• Concise and Engaging Introduction : Start with a concise and engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state your purpose and what you bring to the table. Example : “As an experienced project manager with a track record of delivering high-impact results, I am excited to connect and explore potential opportunities in project management.”
• Highlight Key Achievements : Use specific examples to showcase your achievements and expertise. Mention projects you’ve successfully completed or results you’ve achieved in your previous roles. Example : “I led a cross-functional team that increased client satisfaction by 30% through the successful execution of a complex project.”
• Demonstrate Passion and Enthusiasm : Express your passion and enthusiasm for your field or industry. Share your vision and goals, demonstrating your commitment to growth and success. Example : “I’m dedicated to driving innovation in the technology sector and am excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals.”
• Use Keywords Strategically : Incorporate relevant keywords related to your industry or niche to make your cover letter more discoverable by those searching for specific skills or expertise. Example : If you’re in finance, include keywords like “financial analysis,” “budget management,” or “investment strategies.”
• Professional Tone : Maintain a professional and confident tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid jargon or overly casual language. Example : “I am confident that my skills and experience make me a valuable asset to any team, and I look forward to discussing potential collaborations.”
• Clear Call to Action (CTA) : Conclude your cover letter with a clear call to action, whether it’s an invitation to connect, a request for further discussion, or expressing your availability for networking. Example : “Feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn, and let’s explore how we can collaborate for mutual success.”

By following these tips, you can create a compelling LinkedIn cover letter that not only captures attention but also fosters meaningful connections and opportunities in your professional network.

Recent Posts

• The Best Skills to List on LinkedIn
• How to Write a New Job Announcement (Example + Tips)
• “Why Are You Suitable For This Job?” Sample Answers
• How to Answer “What are Your Weaknesses?” in an Interview
• Best Soft Skills for Your Resume

• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• Cover Letter

Writing a LinkedIn cover letter

LinkedIn is a popular professional social network that allows employers to post open positions and receive applications. In some cases, these applications require a cover letter submitted directly through the platform. While a LinkedIn cover letter is similar to a standard one, being on the platform allows you to leverage certain personalization features to impress recruiters and give you the best chance of landing the job you want.

How to make a cover letter on LinkedIn

When it comes to cover letter examples , LinkedIn doesn’t supply any. The platform has its own set of rules and expectations, and it's important that you follow them. Here are a few things you need to know about navigating the process and making sure your professionalism shines through.

Search for a job post

LinkedIn makes it easy for job hunters to search for roles they’d like to apply for. From your profile page, simply click on the “Jobs” icon at the top of the page. On the “Jobs” page, you’ll be able to see the top opportunities LinkedIn recommends based on the qualifications listed in your profile.

The site will also provide a plethora of other suggestions, including keywords to search, companies hiring for your skills, and jobs where you’re likely to be a top applicant.

Apply through the “Apply” or “Easy Apply” functions

When you choose a particular role, LinkedIn will show you a detailed job description, as well as the posting date, number of applicants, and current employees you may know. There will also be an option to either apply for the position or save the posting to come back to it later.

To apply for the position, click the “Apply” button. In some cases, this button will take you to the employer’s website to submit an application through their online system. If there’s an “Easy Apply” button, clicking it will usually take you to an on-platform application.

There, you’ll be asked to upload your resume as a file attachment, fill in your personal details, and possibly answer a few questions. There may also be a message box where you can type your cover letter.

Personalize your cover letter

Applying on LinkedIn provides added benefits for applicants. In many cases, you’ll have the unique ability to see who posted the job and what their role is. There’s often a button next to this feature that allows you to message that person to ask questions about the posting.

The bottom of the job description also usually includes a link to the company page. From there, you can sometimes see the profiles of employees in key roles.

You can also click the “People” tab on an employer’s LinkedIn page to search for the name of a hiring manager. This will help you personalize the cover letter templates you use so you can address them to the right person instead of simply including a generic greeting.

Highlight relevant skills and experience

Another benefit of using LinkedIn to apply is that employers can see the relevant skills and experience listed in your profile. Consequently, they’ll be able to cross-reference the skills you include in your cover letter and resume. 

Though many resume articles may tell you that this information is sufficient for your letter, keep in mind that LinkedIn doesn’t always provide adequate space to discuss your skills in context. Your profile won’t be able to align those skills with the employer’s posted job description. 

For that reason, it’s important to connect the dots for the employer in your LinkedIn cover letter, explaining how your background, skills, and experience have set you up for success and make you the best candidate for the position.

This tactic is crucial for differentiating yourself from other applicants on LinkedIn and is especially important for roles where the platform indicates that there are already many applicants.

Include a call to action

This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles .

Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or portfolios you’ve included on your profile or application.

Tell the hiring manager you’d love to set up an interview or a time to talk further about how you can help the company reach its goals. Let them know you’re available to chat through LinkedIn and provide another contact method in case they prefer an alternative venue.

Proofread and edit

LinkedIn makes writing a cover letter quite easy. That said, it’s important to remember that while social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.

To appear as professional as possible, make it a point to proofread and edit your LinkedIn cover letter and resume to confirm that they’re error-free. If you’ve used a cover letter or resume template , alter parts of it to reflect your unique skills and background.

Send your application

Once everything is complete, submit your job application on LinkedIn by clicking the appropriate button. You also have the option to save your application so you can finish and submit it later.

Remember that employers can’t see your application until it’s submitted. If you forget to take this step, you won’t be in the running for the position you’re interested in.

Expert Tip:

Consider using a typing assistant or online proofreading tool to help you edit your cover letter before you send it. That way, you can spot errors and make changes inside the LinkedIn message box as you type, so you won’t have to worry about coming across as unprofessional.

To-do’s after sending your application

You may wonder what happens next once your application package is in the employer’s hands. Unlike the company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) , which may or may not give updates about your application, you can track your applications on LinkedIn. 

Simply navigate to the “Jobs” tab on your profile, click “My Jobs” on the left-hand side, and choose “Applications” to see the jobs you’ve applied for. You can also adjust your notification settings to receive job application updates via email or the LinkedIn app, including recruiter views or resume downloads.

If you want to continue your job hunt and submit another resume and cover letter , LinkedIn makes it easy. If requested or given room to do so, including a LinkedIn cover letter in each of those applications can go a long way toward helping you stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Finally, if you haven’t heard back from the company within one to two weeks, consider sending a follow-up message via LinkedIn.

Remind the hiring manager or recruiter of your qualifications, highlight why you’re a great fit for the role, and let them know you’re enthusiastic about the possibility of an interview to discuss how you can be of value to the company.

“While social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.”

Use LinkedIn to your advantage in your search for the perfect role

As easy as it is to apply for a job on LinkedIn, it’s still important to ensure that your cover letter and application come across as poised and professional.

Before applying, familiarize yourself with the platform functions and use them to research the recruiter or hiring manager’s name. When you write your cover letter, personalize your greeting using that name instead of going with something more generic.

Additionally, give context to the experience and skills you’ve listed and explain why you’re a good fit for the role, using your LinkedIn profile as a resume example of sorts. Include a call to action at the end, and don’t forget to proofread your letter before sending it off.

If you’re coming up blank trying to compose your letter, consider using a LinkedIn cover letter example as your guide.

Reviewing cover letter and resume examples can help you determine the appropriate structure and maintain a professional tone throughout. With the right resources, you can draft a standout cover letter that gets your application moved to the top of the digital stack.

Get ahead of the competition

Make your job applications stand-out from other candidates.

Get Noticed With Powerful Cover Letter Keywords

Writing a Cover Letter for Internal Positions

Achieving the Ideal Cover Letter Length

Is AI transforming your daily work tasks and responsibilities?

Share your experience in our Salary & Hiring Trends survey.

• Log into My Hays
• Create Job Alert(s)
• My Saved Jobs
• View Account
• Create an account
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong SAR
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Common cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them | Hays US

Common cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them.

4 min | Alex Powell | Article | Job searching | Resumes & cover letters

In today's competitive job market, every detail counts when it comes to getting a job. Companies are increasingly demanding and looking for candidates who not only have the necessary technical skills, but also demonstrate a strong alignment with the organization's culture and values.

In this article, we will discuss the top cover letter mistakes and provide practical tips to help professionals craft an effective cover letter. If you are looking for a new job opportunity, check our vacancies .

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

The cover letter is a document that is sent together with the resume during a selection process. It serves to introduce the candidate to the recruiter, highlighting his or her qualifications, experiences and motivations for the vacancy in question. While the resume provides a general description of the candidate's qualifications and experiences, the cover letter allows for a more personal and detailed narrative, showing how these qualifications apply specifically to the desired position.

A cohesive narrative is essential when writing an effective cover letter. This means that the letter should have a logical flow, connecting your experiences and skills to the job requirements in a clear and compelling way. A good narrative helps the recruiter understand your career path and how your past experiences have prepared you for the desired position.

The importance of the cover letter cannot be underestimated. It provides an opportunity to grab the recruiter's attention early on, highlight strengths that may not be as evident in the resume, and demonstrate enthusiasm and knowledge about the company and the position. A well-written letter can be the deciding factor that leads to a candidate being invited for an interview .

Top mistakes when writing a cover letter and how to avoid them

Our experts have compiled the top mistakes candidates make when writing a cover letter:

• Lack of personalization:  One of the most common mistakes is sending a generic letter. Recruiters are quick to notice when a letter is not customized for the specific position and company. To avoid this, research the company, mention specific aspects of the vacancy and explain how your skills and experience align with the requirements. 
• Grammatical and spelling errors: Grammatical and spelling errors convey an image of carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Proofread your letter carefully, use proofreading tools and, if possible, ask someone else to proofread it as well. 
• Focusing too much on yourself: While it is important to talk about your qualifications, a cover letter should also show how you can contribute to the company. Avoid focusing exclusively on your wants and needs and highlight how your skills can solve company problems or help achieve specific goals. 
• Repetition of the resume: The cover letter should not be a repetition of the resume. Instead, use it to supplement the information by providing concrete examples of how your past experiences are relevant to the position. 
• Inadequate length: Letters that are too long can demotivate the reader, while letters that are too short can seem superficial. Keep your cover letter concise, usually around one page, focusing on the most important points.

If you need a jump start, download our free cover letter template!

Practical tips for writing an effective cover letter

Here are our top practical tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Research the company and the vacancy:  Understand the company's mission, values and recent projects. Mention these aspects in your letter to show that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested. 
• Start with an impactful introduction:  Instead of starting with generic phrases, use the introduction to grab the recruiter's attention by mentioning something specific about the company or position. 
• Be specific and relevant: Relate your experiences and skills directly to the job requirements. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your qualifications. 
• Show enthusiasm and motivation:  Make it clear why you want to work at that company and in that specific role. Show that you are excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. 
• Proofread and edit:  Never send a cover letter without proofreading it several times. Typos, grammatical and formatting errors can damage the impression you make. 

The cover letter is a powerful tool in the selection process

When prepared well, it can be the difference that makes a candidate stand out among many. Avoiding common mistakes, customizing the letter to the specific position and building a cohesive narrative are essential steps in creating an effective letter. 

At Hays, we recommend that candidates spend time and effort preparing their cover letters, as this investment can pay off big in their career. By following the practical advice provided, professionals can significantly increase their chances of success in the selection process, standing out as prepared, motivated and aligned with the company's objectives. 

Hays professionals are ready to support you and your company today and tomorrow. Get in touch with our experts today.

About this author

Alex Powell Executive Vice President 

Alex is responsible for the Construction & Property, Engineering, HR, and Life Sciences business streams across the U.S.. With 20 years recruitment experience, Alex has managed businesses in the UK, New Zealand, Canada & the U.S. having helped set-up Hays in the latter two countries. During his career he has successfully led multi-discipline recruitment teams in multiple locations specifically setting up IT, Construction & Property, Accounting & Finance, and Engineering in the U.S. His experience covers temp & perm and utilizing both 360 & 180 recruitment models. Alex is a graduate of Anglia University (UK) with a BA (Hons) in Business, and since 2012 Alex has lived in New York City with his wife & daughter.

Press Enter to search

What to Name Your Cover Letter and Resume Files

It may seem trivial, but file names matter. Here, we discuss naming conventions and best practices for saving and uploading your cover letter and resume.

3 years ago   •   9 min read

You finally finished creating your cover letter and resume — and you’re excited to send it off to prospective employers.

But wait — how should you save your files? Do you send them off as word documents or as PDFs? And how should you name them? Do you include your full name? What about the date?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to name and save cover letters and resume files. We’ll talk about naming conventions, discuss do's and don’ts, and offer other practical tips and tricks on how to upload your cover letter and resume so that your application is professional and easy to read. Let’s do this!

Naming a cover letter and resume file

Do's and don'ts for naming your resume and cover letter.

Here's what to include in your resume or cover letter file name:

• Your full name, first and last
• The words "resume" or "cover letter" (depending on which it is)
• The name of the position you're applying for
• Anything mentioned in the job ad — always follow instructions above all else

On the other hand, here's what not to include in your resume or cover letter file name:

• Company name
• Version number
• Random strings of numbers of letters
• Special characters

What to name your resume and cover letter

Here are some examples of good resume file names following the above conventions.

Resume file name examples:

JohnSmithResume.pdf JohnSmith_Resume_PositionTitle.pdf johnsmith_resume_salesmanager.pdf Resume_JohnSmith_JobID2346.pdf

Cover letter file name examples:

Jenny_Su_Cover_Letter.pdf Jenny_Su_CoverLetter_PositionTitle.pdf jennysu_accountant_coverletter.pdf UI_designer_00154_cover_letter_jenny_su.pdf

What not to name your resume and cover letter

Cover letter and resume file names like the following should be avoided:

“CompanyName_CoverLetter_v3.doc” “Resume06092021.docx” “CoverLetter_JohnSmith_CompanyName.pdf”,“John_Smith_December2019.doc”, and “John_Smith_Resume_Ver2.pdf”

How to name your resume and cover letter

Step-by-step guide to name your resume.

• In either Word or Google Docs, click File -> Save As / Export to PDF
• Type your full name.
• Add the word 'Resume'.
• Make sure you keep the '.pdf' file extension.
• Remove all spaces, and replace them with underscores (e.g. Jane_Brooke) or sentence case (e.g. JaneBrook) if necessary.
• Remove version numbers, dates or other irrelevant words.
• Remove special characters.
• Save your resume.

Step-by-step guide to name your cover letter

• Add the word 'CoverLetter'.
• Remove special characters, version numbers, dates or other irrelevant words that make your filename lengths unnecessarily long.
• Save your cover letter.

How to save your cover letter and resume

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to save your cover letter and resume, in several file formats .

Microsoft Word

To save your cover letter or resume as a Word document, follow these steps:

• Open up your cover letter or resume in Word
• Under “File”, hit “Save As…”
• A dialogue box will appear. Next to “Save As:” at the top, name your file.
• Next to “File Format:”, located near the bottom of the screen, check to see that your file is saved as a Word document (this should be selected by default).
• Once you have confirmed this, hit “Save”.

Google Docs

Google Docs is convenient because it auto-saves your files. However, you’ll need to do a bit of work in order to share it with your recruiter or hiring manager. Here’s how:

• Open your Google Doc. The filename is displayed in the top left-hand corner of the screen, next to the blue docs icon. Double click to edit.
• Go to “File”, then click “Share”.
• A dialogue box will appear. You can either:
• Share with people directly, under “Share with people and groups”, if you know their email
• Under “Get link”, hit “Copy link” for a sharing link, which you can send via your application

Export as a PDF in Word

Here’s how to save your Word Document as a PDF:

• Open up your cover letter or resume in Word.
• Go to “File”, and hit “Save As…”
• A dialogue box will appear. Name your cover letter or resume file in the field next to “Save As:” at the top.
• Click on the field next to “File Format:”, located near the bottom of the screen, and choose “PDF”.
• Once that has been selected, click “Export”.

Once you’ve chosen your resume file format and appropriate names for your cover letter and resume files, upload to the tool below — it’s a good way to check if your resume is readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It’ll also scan your resume and let you know if it checks all the boxes from a hiring manager’s perspective.

Other considerations

Here are some of the whys (and why nots) of resume file naming conventions.

Avoid generic resume file names

Avoid cover letters and resume files that aren’t clearly named — like those that are titled with a long string of numbers, or others that are just called “CoverLetter” or “Resume” with no other identifying information.

Poorly-named cover letters and resume files make it harder to tell at a glance what a file contains and who it belongs to, which means that you run the risk of having your cover letter and resume accidentally discarded and your application ignored for being incomplete.

Keep file names short

Long file names are difficult to read and hard to identify at a glance. Plus, file names (on both Mac and Windows) have a character limit of around 255 characters or so. Exceed that number, and you won’t even be able to save your file.

Leave out the date and version number

Generally, there’s no need to date your cover letter and resume — especially if you haven’t updated them for years. You don’t want an employer to know that you’re using the same old, basic cover letter specimen or resume template you’ve used since 2010.

The same principle applies to version numbers. You want your cover letter and resume to stand out on their own as final, definitive products, so leave out the “v3”. Remember, this is a job application, not a perpetually unfinished piece of software.

Don't use special characters

Use A-Z, 0-9, dashes, and underscores only. Ditch any special characters, symbols, or slashes. This includes accents. There's no need to get fancy with your file name — call it a “resume,” not a “résumé.”

Don’t touch the spacebar

Unfortunately, cover letter and resume file names with spaces in them will convert to “%20” symbols upon uploading to certain Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — so a seemingly well-titled “John Smith Resume.pdf” will become "John%20Smith%20Resume.pdf," which is awkward and hard to read. If you need to space out words, dashes and underscores are your friends.

Don't worry about capitalization

You can write your file names in either title case, sentence case, or in all lowercase. Most employers don’t care either way, so it’s not a big deal — though title case (capitalizing the first letter of words) is arguably easier to read and looks more polished than the other two options.

Order doesn't matter

When combining your name, job title, ID, "resume," or anything else into a file name, it doesn't matter which order you list them in. For example, “JohnSmith_Resume.pdf” or “CoverLetter_JohnSmith.pdf” would both be fine.

Follow instructions on the job posting

Any specific instructions on the job listing override any tips in this article. If the job ad specifies a specific file type (e.g., .docx over .pdf) or a particular naming convention (e.g., include your middle initial), then always name and upload your cover letter and resume in line with those directions instead.

You should also try to add skills and keywords included in the job posting on your resume. Use the skills search tool below to find some more hard skills and keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Resume file formats

So far, we’ve covered how to name a cover letter and resume file, but what file type should you save it as?

Use PDFs generated in Word or Google Docs

While you may be tempted to save it as a Word document for the sake of convenience and simplicity, you should try to avoid this when possible. Different versions of Word may mess with your cover letter and resume’s formatting options, like margin widths , fonts , or headers . This means that your nicely-formatted document may not look as neat on your recruiter’s screen — or, in the worst case scenario, may not even be readable at all.

To make sure your recruiter sees what you see, you should export both your cover letter and resume as PDFs instead. Saving your finished files as PDFs ensures that all text formatting will be preserved, no matter what application a recruiter or hiring manager uses to open your cover letter or resume files. If you need to make any changes to your cover letter or resume, just edit it in your word processor, export it as a PDF again, and write over the existing PDF.

Don't use PDFs generated in Photoshop or Canva

That said, make sure you generate your PDF of either your resume or cover letter in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Do not use an image editing software like Photoshop or Canva which will result in your resume not being readable by Applicant Tracking Systems .

Don't use other file formats

If you use a different word processing software — like Open Office, LibreOffice, or a plain text editor — that's fine, but you should convert your file to a more standard format before sending it in. Emailing your resume as a .txt, .odt, or .odf file risks a recruiter not being able to open it.

Frequently asked questions

Why do file names matter.

The short answer: It helps recruiters identify your resume more quickly. While the way you title your cover letter and resume’s file names won’t make or break your application, it’s still important to name them in a way that’s professional and informative.

In reality, it’s good practice simply because it makes recruiters’ lives easier. After all, yours is not the only application a hiring manager will read — they likely have hundreds more to sort through — and clear cover letter and resume file names will help them find and identify your application more quickly.

Should I put my first name or last name first?

Use the format First Name Last Name — for example, "JohnSmith_Resume.pdf" instead of "SmithJohn_Resume.pdf." Why? Mostly, it's just more intuitive. If you have a surname that could also be a given name — or vice versa — it also helps clarify which is which.

Should I use my middle name?

Not unless you're instructed to, or unless you usually go by that name. If you prefer to be called Kelly Sue, then by all means, use that name on your resume file (and in your resume itself). Otherwise, stick to your first name and last name.

Why shouldn't I include the company name?

The hiring manager already works at the company you’re applying to, so it doesn't add anything useful. Instead, it makes your file name unnecessarily long and difficult to read. Some people think that this is a good way to 'personalize' your application, but it isn't — it's the content of the documents that matter, not the file name.

Does it matter if I send my resume as a Word .doc file instead of a .pdf format?

Not really, no. If you’re not comfortable saving your file as a PDF, you can elect to send in your cover letter and resume as a Word document (or a Google Doc). Just be aware that you run the risk of formatting issues if you do so.

Do I combine my resume and cover letter or send them separately?

Unless specified, do not combine your resume and cover letter into one document. Upload them separately.

Get your resume right

Apart from getting your cover letter and resume’s file names and file types down, you’ll also need to make sure that the content within those documents — especially your resume — is well-written.

Resume Worded’s Score My Resume is an instant, AI-enabled resume scoring platform that audits your resume line by line, and gives you feedback on how to improve — helping you maximize your chances of landing a dream job.

Spread the word

How to list freelance work on linkedin, how many jobs should you list on your resume, keep reading, how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), oops what to do if there’s a mistake on your resume, getting the basics right: resume line spacing, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.

🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.

Please enter a valid email address

Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

How To Write a Cover Letter on LinkedIn

With the growing popularity of LinkedIn as the go-to for job seekers and recruiters, knowing how to write a cover letter is an excellent way of standing out in a job application. Sadly, most people fail regarding cover letters, not because they never created one but because they missed the key points of creating the cover letter. In this guide, we will see the correct way of writing a cover letter on LinkedIn.

A cover letter is excellent, depending on how well you write it. First, ensure you dig into the company and position you seek, then use those details to your advantage. Create a catchy headline that captures the reader, use the appropriate salutation, write a killer introduction, explain why you fit for the job and why the company fits for you, and ensure you have a strong finish.

We will start by covering the benefits of a cover letter on LinkedIn. Next, we will discuss the tips for creating a catchy and outstanding cover letter that ensures you increase your chances of getting hired.

Is a Cover Letter Necessary on LinkedIn?

Create a catchy headline, use appropriate salutation, create a killer introduction, explain your worth, explain why the company suits you, conclude in style.

While some recruiters don’t advocate attaching a cover letter, not adding one works against you in an application . The main issue is the cover letter’s content, but if you can work your magic when writing it, it will give you an upper hand in securing a job on LinkedIn.

A cover letter acts as a supplement to your resume. Unfortunately, many people fail to present themselves in the cover letter, and most recruiters avoid taking time to read the cover letters as they consider most of them to be “unfit” and unnecessary.

But here’s the thing, a cover letter is necessary on LinkedIn . It gives you room to highlight details you missed when writing your resume, and it’s an excellent platform to bring out your worth in applying for the job and give the recruiter a chance and reason to hire you.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter on LinkedIn

Before writing your cover letter, it’s worth noting the main reason for writing it, which is to help the recruiter decide whether you are fit for the available position or not . It’s a one-way ticket; you must give it your attention and best efforts.

Moreover, it would help if you researched the company you are applying to and the job position . Use LinkedIn, Twitter, Google , etc., to gather as much information about the job position as possible. Once you feel at home with the company, you can use the tips below to guide you in writing a killer cover letter.

The main thing that will catch the readers’ attention is your headline. A great headline should be specific, brief, and captivating. Ensure the headline sets you apart from other applicants and how to ensure that is by highlighting what you aim to do when hired.

For instance, if applying for a system administrator, you can use a headline such as “ 4 Reasons Why I Am the Best Fit for the Position of a Linux System Administrator for Your Company .” Such a headline will attract the recruiter, and they won’t snob your cover letter.

An incorrect greeting form can be a quick turn-off. People feel respected when you address them with the correct format, even in greetings. Again, it depends on the setting of your cover letter. Is it formal or informal ? If possible, try finding out the recruiter’s name and add it to the greeting.

The trick is to maximize the three sentences of your introduction by highlighting why the job fascinates you, complimenting the company, highlighting a mutual acquittance, and appreciating the chance to apply for the job. Any recruiter will easily fall for your cover letter and be more intrigued to read on.

It’s time to bring out your experience and skills. Here, the focus is to highlight why you stand out as the best person for the job. It involves answering questions like why does the company need you, what do you offer, and which skills do you have?

What do you stand to gain by getting hired by the company? Explain why getting hired will help you grow in experience, skills, and as a person . Explain factors like how your goals and those of the company align and how working with them will help you learn and advance career-wise

Ensure your conclusion is memorable and that the recruiter won’t forget your application. Recap how you are the best fit for the job in 2 sentences . Still, highlight how the company can reach out to you. Moreover, add a formal sign-off, such as “Best regards,” and your full name to give it a formal look.

That’s it. Your cover letter is ready to be sent if you’ve followed the six tips above. After sending it, be hopeful and wait for a positive response from the company.

We’ve seen why a cover letter matters when applying for a job on LinkedIn. Moreover, we’ve presented various tips that you should focus on when creating your cover letter to help you stand out and get a better chance of getting contacted back and hired by the company or job recruiters. All the best!

Related Posts

How To Stop Game Invites on Facebook?

How To Become a Public Figure Instagram

What Does “DSB” Mean on Snapchat?

How To Comment Nothing on Instagram

How To Post Private Story on Snapchat

How To Change Snapchat Sound

About the author, richard hebert, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Richard is a tech-savvy writer and blogger who loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge of the latest and greatest in information technology with others. His specialty is writing extremely detailed how-to guides that can be followed by even the most inexperienced person.

What Is Synacor YouTube TV?

Why Did Apbassing Quit YouTube?

How To Upload MP3 to YouTube

What Does "TM" Mean on Instagram?

How To Unsubscribe on Snapchat?

How To Enable Camera Access on Instagram

How to Format a Cover Letter That’ll Get You an Interview

Do you ever feel like your resume couldn’t possibly tell the whole story of who you are and why a company should hire you? That’s because it doesn’t. But a strong, well-written, and correctly formatted cover letter helps fill in some of the gaps.

“Cover letters are worth the time ,” says Muse coach Jennifer Smith. “They provide an opportunity to expand on key points from your resume, show off your personality, and solidify your interest.” Perhaps most importantly, “They show an employer you put the time and energy into applying.” And—luckily—they don’t need to be difficult to write.

Most cover letters have a similar format that make them much easier to write than you might think. And we’ve laid it out exactly—so you can get that application in already.

Read More: Cover Letters Are Hard to Write—But These Templates Make It a Breeze

How to format and organize your cover letter content

Here’s the format most hiring professionals that read your cover letter will be looking for:

Your heading goes at the top of the page and contains your contact info as well as some other basics that a hiring manager or recruiter might use to learn more about you once they’ve read your cover letter.

So this means:

• Phone number
• LinkedIn profile link (if you have one)
• Pronouns (if you’re comfortable including them)
• Personal website or portfolio link (optional)
• Relevant and professional social media profiles (optional)

Nowadays it’s very uncommon, but if you’re asked to mail a paper cover letter, you would also include in your heading the company’s information:

• Hiring manager’s name (or whomever the letter is addressed to)
• Company name
• Company street address
• Company city, state, zip code

But you’d be more likely to send your cover letter in the body of an email than by snail mail if you’re not applying through an online system. In this case, your heading info would go after your name at the end.

Start your salutation with “Hello,” “Dear,” or “Hi” for more casual companies.

Then, you’ll usually address your cover letter to the hiring manager. Alternatively, Muse coach Leto Papadopoulos recommends job seekers “open the letter with ‘Dear Hiring Team’ because even if you can uncover the name of the hiring manager, they are usually not the first to read the cover letter,” she says, and “I like to acknowledge the recruiting team!”

You can also address your cover letter to the team you’d be joining or “[Position] Hiring Manager.” But you should never start your cover letter with “ To Whom It May Concern .”

Read More: The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter

Your introduction should be one paragraph long, include the name of the position you’re applying to, and express why you’re applying and what excites you about the opportunity. But most importantly, you want to grab your reader. You can even “kick off with a brief but attention-grabbing anecdote,” Smith says. “Show off your personality.”

Read More: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Body paragraphs

Write two to three body paragraphs that sell you as a candidate. “Show, don’t tell,” Smith says. “Craft a narrative about how your experience led you to apply for the job you want.” Instead of regurgitating your resume, look at the job description and pull out a few skills you specialize in that the company is looking for. Then, elaborate on them by bringing up examples of how you’ve used these skills to help your past employers (and by extension will give the reader a preview of how you’ll help them).

Wrap everything up with your conclusion paragraph. Reiterate your interest in the company and your most important qualifications. Then, “Close with a statement about contributing your skills and experiences to the success of the company in the position you’re applying for,” Smith says.

Use a professional sign-off like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Thank you for your consideration,” then add your first and last name.

If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, add any info you would’ve included in your heading below your name.

Example cover letter

Check out this cover letter example, which follows the above cover letter format:

Curtis Chen [email protected] | 999-999-9999 linkedin.com/in/curtis-chen | he/him | Baltimore, MD

Hello Arianna,

When I saw the posting for the UX designer position at CloudCo, I was immediately drawn to it because of your unique approach to online storage. CloudCo is the only player in the space right now that has promised to keep their personal storage tiers under $10—and instead pass on the cost to the larger clients. I’d love to bring my dual experience as a front-end engineer and a UX researcher to make your interface more intuitive and keep individual customers renewing their contracts.

For the last two years, I’ve worked as a UX researcher for OnlineOffice Inc, where I was part of the team that launched the updated office suite. During the development process, I interviewed more than 50 users of both OOI’s and competitors’ products. I was able to translate their desires into actionable suggestions for the design and product teams, contributing to a product launch that has already grown OOI’s user base by 120% in the first year. Through these experiences, I learned to use both qualitative and quantitative data to advocate for users and make decisions about the most important product features. As your UX designer, I’d apply this knowledge to help boost the user experience for your personal-tier products.

I also spent three years as a front-end developer on a product team at TeckyCompany. In this role, I learned what it’s like for those actually building products, including what kinds of features take the most time and work. As your UX designer, I’d use this experience to weigh design decisions and collaborate with the product team. I’m used to working at startups where, as much as you’d like to, you can’t get everything done at once, so I’ll be able to prioritize features that will help users most while still making reasonable asks of the product team.

Cloud Co’s business model has shown me that not every tech startup prioritizes its larger clients over the individual user. I’d love to bring my development and UX experience to your team to help provide the very best experience for your subscribers.

Sincerely, Curtis Chen

Read More: 4 Cover Letter Examples That’ll Make Writing Yours Way Easier

Tips for formatting your document like a pro

When you’re formatting your cover letter, you want to prioritize readability and professionalism. But you should also keep in mind that many cover letters submitted online will be uploaded to an applicant tracking system or ATS , which is software that employers use to organize and search candidate application materials. ATSs are very advanced but there’s some formatting they have trouble with.

Follow these guidelines to format your cover letter correctly for both human and computer readers:

• Font : Stick to the default fonts that come with your word processor—classics like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri, and Georgia.
• Font size: The ideal size will vary based on which font you choose, but keep it between 10 and 12 pt. Any smaller and you’ll have recruiters squinting at their screens. Any larger and they’ll be wondering if you’re trying to compensate for not having a lot to write about.
• Margins : You can’t go wrong with the usual one-inch margins all around, but you can make some slight adjustments if needed. Papadopoulos suggests decreasing the header space first.
• Alignment: All your text should be left aligned and there’s no need to indent every paragraph.
• Line spacing: Single space your cover letter (1.15 spacing works if it looks too cramped). Include an extra line between each section and paragraph.
• Length : “A cover letter should comfortably fit on one page,” Papadopoulos says. Your cover letter should be at least three paragraphs long, but generally no more than five—unless the job description says otherwise. If it’s too long, check out this guide for cutting your cover letter down .
• File format : You can submit your cover letter within the body of an email or as a separate file. But if it’s a separate file you’re uploading to an online system, stick to docx or pdf only. ATs cannot reliably “read” other file types.
• File name : Always include your name and the phrase “cover letter,” and you can also include the name of the position. Just make sure it’s easy to read and follow any instructions in the job posting.

Formatted cover letter example

Here’s how the above example looks in a properly formatted cover letter document.

• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

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.

Related Posts

How to write a perfect resume objective (resume examples included), federal resume example: how to get a job at nasa or the fbi.

• 13 min read

Share this article

Join our newsletter.

Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?

• Social Media

How to View Your Resume on LinkedIn

Dave Johnson Dave Johnson is a dedicated writer with a strong focus on the ever-evolving social media landscape. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of these platforms, he breaks down the complexities of social media apps to provide engaging and insightful content. Read more June 20, 2022

LinkedIn now makes it simpler and faster than ever to apply to positions you are interested in with its “Easy Apply” option. You just have to upload your resume on LinkedIn, and you can leverage new opportunities.

But what if you don’t remember if you’ve already uploaded your resume? Or if you want to check that your resume on LinkedIn is still up-to-date? View your resume on LinkedIn by following this guide and stick around until the end for helpful upload tips.

To view your previously uploaded resume(s) on LinkedIn, you will need to go into your settings.

These are the resumes ready to be used with your job applications. To view the resume you want, click the three horizontal dots and select “Download.” You can also delete any outdated files.

How to View Your Resume for a Job Application on LinkedIn

You can also view the resume you’ve submitted for a job application on LinkedIn. This is a great way to check that you submitted the right file. Follow these steps:

• Select the application you want to view.
• You will find “Submitted resume” in the corner of the first card. Download your resume to view it.

How to View Your Resume Drafts on LinkedIn

LinkedIn also allows you to build your resume on-site. To access your previously created LinkedIn resumes or edit your drafts, do the following:

You can also access this option differently:

A new window will open to see a list of all the resumes you have previously uploaded in the Resume Builder. You can preview, edit, copy and delete them by pressing the three horizontal dots next to each draft.

How to Upload Your Resume on LinkedIn

If your resume list on LinkedIn is empty, you can fix this by uploading your resume.

To save your resume for future job applications, here’s what you should do:

• Browse your resume and open the file.

On the other hand, if you want to add your resume to your profile, a different method will be necessary:

The resume you upload to your profile this way will be visible to other users, but you won’t be able to use it for job applications.

How to Create a Resume on LinkedIn

If you have yet to create your resume, you can do that directly on LinkedIn.

If you already have a resume prepared in DOCX or PDF format, you’ll be able to upload and edit it later. You can also get started without uploading a document by clicking “Create from profile” and following the instructions on your screen.

Creating your resume directly on LinkedIn gives you access to several useful tools. For instance, you can get keyword suggestions to optimize your resume. You don’t have to worry about formatting either, as LinkedIn resumes are compatible with recruiters’ screening software.

Once you’re done, you can download your LinkedIn resume as a PDF by clicking “More” in the top right corner and then “Download as PDF.” Upload this PDF to your job application settings, and you’ll be able to use it for your future applications.

Additional FAQs

Is my resume public on linkedin.

There are two ways to upload a resume on LinkedIn: adding it to your profile and uploading it for job applications. The former method will make your resume visible to network members. The latter approach will store your resume privately, and only the recruiters you submit it to will be able to see it. Make sure you upload your resume correctly, depending on your goal.

Can I add more than one resume to my LinkedIn?

Yes, LinkedIn will allow you to store up to four resumes in your account.

Keep Your Resumes on LinkedIn Up-to-Date

Your LinkedIn profile is like a resume in itself, but you’ll want to put your best face forward when the time comes for a job application. Check your currently uploaded resumes and remove any that are no longer relevant. You can also upload a new document or create a professional resume directly on the website.

Which method of viewing your resume were you looking for? Did you already know you can also build your resume on LinkedIn? Tell us in the comments section below.

Related Posts

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.

Aman Kumar February 15, 2024

Aman Kumar January 24, 2024

Dave Johnson September 1, 2023

Send To Someone

Missing device.

Please enable JavaScript to submit this form.

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Customers Interviewed by:

Writing a cover letter can be a struggle. You want to check all the boxes on your job application. But, you also want to show what makes you a uniquely qualified candidate. One part of the process that often flies under the radar is how to end a cover letter.

Madeline Mann , an HR leader in the technology industry and creator of Self Made Millennial , says that while no conclusion will save a bad cover letter, it can distinguish you from another good candidate.

It’s all about enthusiasm, according to Madeline. “Companies want people who want them,” she says. If you can draw to the company’s values and show how interested in working with them you are, that’s a substantial advantage. You want to create a lasting impression for the hiring manager by incorporating that enthusiasm in your cover letter ending.

“Companies want people who want them.” – Madeline Mann, Career Coach & LinkedIn Learning Instructor

3 tips for ending a cover letter

Here are key tips to consider when you’re crafting the perfect ending to a cover letter.

Show enthusiasm for the role

Companies want people who are enthusiastic about working with them. Demonstrating this in your closing can create a positive impression. Express your excitement about the potential opportunity and how much you are looking forward to contributing to the team.

Include a call to action

Clearly state what you want to happen next, such as scheduling an interview. Be assertive but polite. Show eagerness to discuss how you can help the company. Also, provide your availability for a meeting.

Use a professional sign-off

End with a formal and polite closing phrase. Use a respectful, professional sign-off. “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” or “Kind regards” are good options. They will leave a positive final impression.

Ending your cover letter with a call to action

You may be tempted to write that “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” for your cover letter ending. That isn’t a call to action. For Madeline, the end of a cover letter “serves to give one last push and show interest and enthusiasm in a way that stands out.”

Likewise, Julia Reiter , a career coach based in Toronto, says, “now that the company knows you are aware of their current challenges and are equipped to solve those challenges for them, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them how they can make your skills and experiences a reality on their team. What number can they reach you at for an interview?”

Making the CTA short and sweet is important too.

“As a professional resume writer, I see a lot of poorly written cover letters,” says Ashley Britten, a senior resume writer and the founder of New Leaf Careers . “The cover letter is too long. A cover letter should be a maximum one page or 4-5 paragraphs long. A good way to keep a letter concise is to use bullets.”

Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

How to end a cover letter (examples)

• “I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about how I could join your team in its quest for XYZ value. I’m particularly thrilled about XYZ project and would love to know how I can contribute to it.”
• “I am keen on meeting with you to see what I can contribute to XYZ company as it moves on in its journey to XYZ goal. I am available at your convenience for a phone call or in-person meeting.”
• “I would love to get your thoughts on what I mentioned. I am happy to hop on a phone call at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help XYZ company with XYZ issue.”
• “I am eager to apply my project management skills at XYZ company. I want to help your innovative projects succeed. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
• “Joining the marketing team at XYZ company would be a remarkable opportunity for me to leverage my social media expertise. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can help drive your brand’s online presence to new heights.”

Read more : Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers in Any Field

17 cover letter closing examples

Depending on the energy of the business you are applying to, and your own personality, select one of the following 17 cover letter closing options.

• Best wishes,
• Sincere thanks,
• Many thanks,
• Thanks in advance,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Thank you for your time,
• Respectfully,
• Sincerely yours,
• Yours truly,
• Kind regards,
• With best regards,
• Looking forward to speaking with you,
• With gratitude,

Set up the end of your cover letter with a strategic middle section

If you want your cover letter ending to be effective, you first need to build momentum. Most recruiters and career coaches agree on this: Your cover letter must have three elements by the end.

• It tells a story about yourself
• It shows your value concretely
• It calls the recruiter to action

Julia Reiter suggests that you lead up to your cover letter ending by showing that you understand the company’s current challenges and are equipped to solve them. This will make your cover letter call to action all the more effective. 

The job description will show the company’s goals. But, it won’t help you stand out from other applicants. Research the key industry challenges and their specific issues, beyond the obvious ones. This will show the company you are willing to go the extra mile.

For example, read articles in industry publications. They have stats on the business areas your company is in. By being aware of the particular issues they are facing, you can more easily make your skillset and experiences relevant.

When you talk about your past experiences and accomplishments, make sure you mention the problems the company is facing. If you are applying for a customer success manager role at a SaaS company, a relevant issue might be high churn rates.

Mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter

The mistakes people make when they end their cover letter are often the same ones they made earlier in the piece. However, they can be particularly detrimental to your chances of landing an interview if they constitute the final impression a recruiter has of you.

When ending a cover letter, avoid:

Making it about yourself instead of the company

Use sentences that show the recruiter how the company will benefit from hiring you. For example, use “you” or “we” instead of “I.” Focus on the value you can bring to the organization. Align your skills with the company’s needs and goals. Showing how your work will solve specific problems can impress more. It will also support the company’s mission.

Sounding generic or robotic

We’ve all seen these cover letters that end with the same plain paragraph. If you write one, your last impression will be the same as all other applicants. To avoid this, personalize your closing. Reference something specific about the company or the role. This shows you’ve researched and care about this job, not just any job.

Selling yourself short

The conclusion is your last chance to show off the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize it and use it as a segue into your call to action. Highlight your key achievements and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Confidently assert your qualifications and readiness to help. This leaves a positive, lasting impression on the recruiter.

Saying thank you

It’s polite to express gratitude. But, saying “thank you” can be too generic. It may not add value to your closing. Instead, integrate your gratitude into a more dynamic closing statement. “I appreciate the chance to apply. “I’m excited to contribute to XYZ Company Name.” This thanks the recruiter and shows my enthusiasm for the role.

Read more about how to follow up on a job application here .

Watch: In-depth cover letter webinar

How to close a cover letter FAQ section

To end a cover letter, summarize your key qualifications. Then, show your enthusiasm for the role. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview. Thank the recruiter for considering your application. Use a professional sign-off to leave a positive final impression.

The best closing for a cover letter is to thank the reader, reiterate your interest in the position, and provide a clear call to action.

Here is an example of a cover letter conclusion: “I am eager to bring my project management experience to XYC Company and contribute to the ongoing success of your innovative initiatives. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to your team. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Sincerely, [Your Name].”

Conclude a cover letter with a dignified and courteous sentiment. Thank the recruiter for their time. Include a clear call to action. Use a formal sign-off, like “Sincerely,” or “Thank you for your consideration.” Ensure all statements are true, with no exaggeration.

At the end of a cover letter for an internship, show your eagerness to learn and grow at the company. Express gratitude for the chance to apply and include a call to action for an interview.

Content Writer at Jobscan.

Related Articles

August 2, 2024

July 8, 2024

June 27, 2024

November 8, 2023

April 3, 2023

March 28, 2023

June 10, 2021

Join 2 million job seekers who get bi-weekly job search tips

Get insider knowledge and ready-to-use job-seeking tips and hacks delivered to your inbox.

• Terms And Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Editorial Policy

13+ Best Linkedin Cover Letter Samples

There’s no doubt that a great LinkedIn profile can open doors for job seekers. But did you know that a well-written LinkedIn cover letter can be just as important?

A LinkedIn cover letter is a chance to capture the attention of potential employers and stand out from the competition. And with more and more employers using LinkedIn as a recruiting tool, it’s important to know how to write a cover letter that will get noticed.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some of the best LinkedIn cover letter samples to help you get started. From there, you can start tailoring your own cover letter to fit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

How To Write a Linkedin Cover Letter?

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for networking and job searching. Many employers use LinkedIn to post job openings and reach out to potential candidates. And while you don’t necessarily need a cover letter when applying for a job on LinkedIn, including one can help you to stand out from the competition.

Here are some tips for writing a LinkedIn cover letter:

• Keep it short and sweet. Just like with any other type of cover letter, you don’t want to ramble on or include unnecessary information. Be concise and to the point.
• Use keywords. Take a look at the job listing and include some of the same keywords in your cover letter. This will help your application to be found by recruiters using LinkedIn’s search function.
• Highlight your skills and experience. In your cover letter, be sure to mention any relevant skills or experience that make you a good fit for the position. If you have a personal connection to the company, this is also a great opportunity to mention it.
• Use rich media. LinkedIn allows you to include rich media in your cover letter, so take advantage of this! You can upload images, videos, or even presentations that showcase your skills and experience.
• Proofread carefully. As with any written communication, it’s important to proofread your cover letter carefully before hitting “send” or “apply.” A few typos could give the impression that you’re careless or not taking the application process seriously. following these simple tips, you can write a powerful LinkedIn cover letter that will help you get noticed by potential employers. So go ahead and give it a try!

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

Linkedin Easy Apply Cover Letter

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the position ofXYZ that I saw on LinkedIn. I believe that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this role.

As a XYZ professional, I have a deep understanding of the XYZ process. I am able to quickly identify areas of opportunity and work with teams to develop solutions that drive results. In addition, I have experience leading XYZ initiatives and projects. My strong communication and project management skills have helped me to successfully navigate complex organizations and deliver on objectives.

The confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to utilize my skills and experience to help your organization achieve its goals. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in further detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 07 Professional MBA Cover Letter Samples [Free]

Cover Letter Examples Linkedin

My name is ________ and I am a recent graduate of ___________. I am interested in obtaining a position as a ___________ in your company. I am attaching my resume for your review and would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further.

Related: 07 Best Networking Cover letter Samples

Cover Letter Template Linkedin

The writing to apply for the position of ___________ with your company. It is a ___________ with ___________ years of experience in the field. I am knowledgeable in ___________, ___________, and ___________. I have attached my resume and would appreciate if you could contact me for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.

Related: 9+ Best cover letter for retail job Samples & Templates

Cover Letter Sample Linkedin

I am writing to express my interest in the position of XYZ that you have posted on LinkedIn.

As a recent graduate of ABC University with a degree in XYZ, I believe that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for in a candidate. In addition to my academic achievements, I have also gained valuable experience through my internships with DEF Company and GHI Organization, where I developed my skills in XYZ.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and contribute to the success of your organization. I am eager to put my skills and experience to work in a professional setting, and I believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: Indeed Cover Letter: 07 Templates and Samples

Cover Letter For Job Application Linkedin

I am writing to apply for the job of ___________ that I saw advertised on LinkedIn.

I have _____ years of experience in this field and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for.

Some of my key strengths include:

• -Strong communication skills
• -Leadership qualities
• -Ability to work independently
• -Organizational skills
• -Creativity

I am a motivated individual who is always looking for new challenges. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team and I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow in this role.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ___________.

Related: Best Application Letter for Job Vacancy: 09 Examples & Sample

5 Things To Include In a Linkedin Cover Letter

Although your profile photo and headline are the first things people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, your cover letter is an important opportunity to make a good impression and stand out from the competition. So, what should you include in your cover letter? Here are five things to keep in mind:

• Your elevator pitch: Use your cover letter to briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position or company.
• Your key qualifications: Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that make you a good fit for the role.
• Your connection to the company: If you have any personal or professional connections to the company, be sure to mention them in your cover letter.
• Your call to action: End your cover letter with a strong call to action, such as asking for an interview or requesting additional information.
• Your contact information: Include your email address and phone number so the employer can easily get in touch with you.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your LinkedIn cover letter makes a great first impression and gives you the best chance of being noticed by employers.

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

LinkedIn is the perfect place to find a job, and your cover letter is the best way to introduce yourself to potential employers. We’ve provided over a dozen templates of high-quality cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own letter. We hope you found this blog helpful and that you will use these templates to write an amazing cover letter that stands out from the rest. Thanks for reading!

You may also like

Cover Letter for Ph.D. Application: 5 Template ideas

Customer Service Representative Cover Letter: 09...

Waitress Cover Letter: 07 Template Ideas

Computer Science Cover Letter: 05 Ready Template

9 Best Associate Cover Letter Samples [Free]

Creative Inspiring Cover Letters: 7+ Template

About the author.

Jessica William

Leave a comment x.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.