AskAManager Cover Letter: Email or Attached?
Ask a Manager is a website and blog that provides advice on workplace issues, including how to write a strong cover letter. In a recent post, Alison Green, the site’s founder and author, discusses the pros and cons of attaching your cover letter to your email or including it in the body of the email. She argues that there is no clear advantage to either method, but that there are some factors to consider when making your decision. These include the length of your cover letter, the file size, and the company’s hiring process.
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Cover Letter Submission: Email vs. Attachment
Whether to submit your cover letter as part of your email or as an attachment is a common question when applying for jobs. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the specific circumstances.
Email Body
- Pros:
- More convenient for both you and the employer.
- Less likely to get lost or separated from your other application materials.
- Cons:
- May be truncated or blocked by spam filters.
- Can make your email appear cluttered.
Attachment
- Pros:
- Provides a more polished and professional appearance.
- Ensures that your cover letter is formatted and presented as you intended.
- Cons:
- May not always be downloaded or opened by the employer.
- Can be time-consuming to create and attach.
Best Practices
To make the best decision for your situation, consider the following factors:
- Employer’s preferences: If the job posting specifies a preferred method of cover letter submission, follow those instructions.
- File size: If your cover letter is lengthy or includes graphics, it may be better to attach it as a PDF to avoid email size limits.
- Email composition: If your email is already long or contains multiple attachments, it may be best to include your cover letter in the body to avoid overwhelming the recipient.
- Formatting: If you want your cover letter to have a specific layout or formatting, attaching it as a PDF or Word document is recommended.
Ultimately, the best decision depends on the specific job and your preferences. By considering the factors above, you can choose the method that will present your cover letter professionally and effectively.
Sample Cover Letter Email Examples
Example 1: Application for a Specific Role
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my eager interest in the [Position Name] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [website or platform]. With my proven experience in [related skills and responsibilities], I am confident I have the right qualifications to excel in this role.</p>
<ul>
<li>Accomplishments in previous roles</li>
<li>Relevant certifications or training</li>
<li>Skills and expertise that align with the position requirements</li>
</ul>
<p>I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s mission and values, which strongly resonate with my own principles. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your team and make a meaningful impact within your organization.</p>
<p>Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon and discussing my qualifications further.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 2: Networking Introduction
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Contact Name],</p>
<p>I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to introduce myself as a [Your Profession]. I was impressed by your recent presentation at [Event Name] on the topic of [Topic Name].</p>
<p>I am particularly interested in the work that you are doing at [Company Name] in the field of [Company Interest]. I have been following your company's progress with great admiration, and I believe my skills and experience would make me a valuable asset to your team.</p>
<p>I would be grateful if you could spare some time to connect with me for a brief conversation about my background and how I could contribute to [Company Name]. I am available for a phone call or video meeting at your convenience.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 3: Follow-Up After Interview
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name] on [Date]. I enjoyed meeting with you and the team, and I was impressed by the company's culture and values.</p>
<p>During the interview, I was particularly excited to discuss my experience and skills in [related topics]. I am confident that my qualifications would enable me to make a significant contribution to your team and drive success for [Company Name].</p>
<p>I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process and am available for any additional discussions or presentations that may be required.</p>
<p>Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 4: Cover Letter for a Referral
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] position at [Company Name], as referred by [Referrer Name]. I have been working in the [Industry Name] industry for the past [Number] years, and I have a proven track record of success in [related areas].</p>
<p>I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work at [Company Name] because of your company's reputation for [Company Values or Accomplishments]. I believe that my skills and experience would make me a valuable asset to your team.</p>
<ul>
<li>Accomplishments in previous roles</li>
<li>Relevant certifications or training</li>
<li>Skills and expertise that align with the position requirements</li>
</ul>
<p>I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I am available for an interview at your convenience.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 5: Cover Letter for a New Graduate
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my eagerness to apply for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate of [University Name] with a degree in [Major], I am confident that my skills and enthusiasm would make me a valuable asset to your team.</p>
<p>During my studies, I excelled in [relevant coursework], and I have gained practical experience through [projects, internships, or extracurricular activities]. I am a self-starter with a strong work ethic, and I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills in a professional setting.</p>
<ul>
<li>Academic achievements</li>
<li>Relevant experience</li>
<li>Career goals and aspirations</li>
</ul>
<p>I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to [Company Values or Initiatives]. I am eager to contribute my passion and skills to your team and make a positive impact within your organization.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 6: Cover Letter for a Career Change
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. With my background in [Previous Industry or Role], I believe my skills and experience are transferable to the [New Industry or Role] sector.</p>
<p>Throughout my career, I have consistently exceeded expectations in [relevant areas]. I have a proven ability to [key skills and responsibilities]. I am confident that I can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your team.</p>
<ul>
<li>Accomplishments in previous roles</li>
<li>Relevant skills and experiences</li>
<li>Reasons for career change</li>
</ul>
<p>I am eager to learn more about the [Position Name] position and how I can contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Example 7: Cover Letter for a Long-Term Job Seeker
<section class="examples">
<p>Dear [Hiring Manager Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. Despite the challenges of the current job market, I have remained persistent in my search for a fulfilling and impactful role that aligns with my skills and experience.</p>
<p>Throughout my career, I have held positions of increasing responsibility in [relevant industries or roles]. I have consistently delivered exceptional results in [key areas], and I am confident that I have the qualifications and drive to succeed in this role.</p>
<ul>
<li>Accomplishments in previous roles</li>
<li>Skills and experience that align with the position requirements</li>
<li>Reasons for enduring job search</li>
</ul>
<p>I am eager to learn more about the [Position Name] position and how I can contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual, and I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</section>
Cover Letter Email or Attached
Should I email my cover letter or attach it separately to my resume?
It is generally recommended to attach your cover letter as a separate PDF file to your email.
Subject: Job Title – Your Name
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have been working as a [Your Job Title] for [Number] years at [Your Company Name], and I have a proven track record of success in [Your Relevant Skills].
In my previous role, I was responsible for [Your Responsibilities]. I have a strong track record of success in [Your Achievements].
I am confident that I have the skills and experience that you are looking for in a [Job Title]. I am a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
I am eager to learn more about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosed: Resume
What is the best way to format a cover letter?
The best way to format a cover letter is to use a standard business letter format.
Your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The name and title of the person you are writing to (if known)
- The name of the company you are applying to
- The address of the company you are applying to
- A salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”
- An introduction, in which you state the position you are applying for and how you learned about it
- A body paragraph, in which you explain your qualifications for the position
- A concluding paragraph, in which you express your interest in the position and request an interview
- Your signature (if you are sending a hard copy)
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should include the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The name and title of the person you are writing to (if known)
- The name of the company you are applying to
- The address of the company you are applying to
- A salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”
- An introduction, in which you state the position you are applying for and how you learned about it
- A body paragraph, in which you explain your qualifications for the position
- A concluding paragraph, in which you express your interest in the position and request an interview
- Your signature (if you are sending a hard copy)
And that’s all I got on whether to attach your cover letter or include it in the body of your email when applying to jobs. I hope this helps you get a job you love! Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you again soon.