Cover Letter Email Body or Attachment: Which is Right for You?
Cover letters are integral to a job application. They offer an opportunity to formally introduce yourself, provide a brief summary of your skills, and explain why you’re interested in the role. You can choose to include your cover letter in the body of the email or attach it as a separate document. But which option is more effective? In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of each approach, considering factors such as email deliverability, readability, and visual formatting. By analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of both email body cover letters and attached cover letters, we’ll help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.
Best Structure for Cover Letter Email Body or Attachment
Crafting an effective cover letter is crucial in capturing the attention of potential employers. Whether you choose to include it in the email body or attach it as a separate document, it’s essential to adhere to a well-structured format. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a compelling cover letter:
Cover Letter Email Body
- Opening Paragraph: Begin with a strong opening statement that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly express your interest in the position and company, highlighting how your skills and experience align with the requirements.
- Body Paragraph 1: Explain how your specific skills and accomplishments demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use concrete examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss your motivations for applying and how the position aligns with your career goals. Show enthusiasm for the company’s mission and values.
- Closing Paragraph: Thank the hiring manager for reviewing your application. Reiterate your interest in the position and express confidence in your ability to contribute to the company.
Cover Letter Attachment
For a more formal approach, you can attach your cover letter as a separate PDF document. Follow this structure:
- Header: Include your name, address, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL in the header.
- Date: Indicate the date the cover letter was written.
- Recipient Information: Address the cover letter to the hiring manager by name (if possible) and provide their company name and address.
- Salutation: Use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name].”
- Body of the Letter: Follow the structure outlined for the email body.
- Closing: Conclude with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” and type your full name underneath.
- Signature: If you’re emailing the cover letter, you can include a scanned image of your signature below your typed name.
| Element | Formatting |
|---|---|
| Font | Use a professional font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, in size 10-12 points. |
| Margins | Set margins of 1 inch on all sides. |
| Paragraph Spacing | Double-space between paragraphs. |
| Bullet Points | Use bullets consistently throughout the letter. |
7 Cover Letter Email Body or Attachment Examples for Various Reasons
1. Expressing Interest in a Specific Job Posting
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on your company website. With my [Relevant Skills] and experience in [Industry], I am confident that I have the necessary qualifications to excel in this role.
2. Following Up on a Networking Contact
Dear [Contact Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am following up on our recent conversation at the [Event Name] networking event. As we discussed, I am very interested in exploring potential opportunities within the [Industry] sector. I have attached my resume for your review, which highlights my [Relevant Skills] and experience.
3. Applying to a Cold Job Opportunity
Dear [Hiring Manager Name or Hiring Team],
I am writing to submit my application for the open [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Although there is no current posting, I am convinced that my experience in [Industry] and passion for [Area of Expertise] would make me a valuable asset to your team.
4. Requesting an Informational Interview
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to request an informational interview to learn more about the [Industry] sector and potential career opportunities at [Company Name]. I am a recent graduate with a [Degree] in [Major] and am eager to explore my options.
5. Responding to Employee Referral
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as recommended by [Employee Name]. I appreciate [Employee Name]’s referral and their belief in my abilities.
I have attached my resume for your review, which outlines my [Relevant Skills] and experience in [Industry].
6. Networking Letter After Meeting at a Career Fair
Dear [Recipient Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Career Fair Name] on [Date]. I am writing to follow up on our conversation and express my interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name].
- I am particularly interested in [Specific Areas of Interest].
- I am eager to contribute my [Relevant Skills] and learn from experienced professionals in your industry.
7. Cover Letter for Internal Promotion
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the open [Job Title] position within the [Department Name] department. As a [Current Position] for the past [Duration], I believe I am well-qualified for this promotion.
- I have consistently exceeded expectations in my current role.
- I am eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
- I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the team in this new capacity.
Should a cover letter be in the body of an email or attached as a document?
When applying for a job, there are two main options for submitting a cover letter: including it in the body of the email or attaching it as a separate document. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Including the cover letter in the body of the email is the more direct approach. It ensures that the hiring manager will see the cover letter immediately, without having to open an attachment. This can be an advantage if the hiring manager is short on time or if they prefer to quickly skim through applications.
However, there are also some disadvantages to including the cover letter in the body of the email. First, it can make the email appear cluttered and difficult to read. Second, if the email is accidentally deleted, the cover letter will be lost as well.
Attaching the cover letter as a separate document is a more formal approach. It allows the hiring manager to open the cover letter at their convenience, and it ensures that the cover letter will not be lost if the email is deleted.
However, there are also some disadvantages to attaching the cover letter as a document. First, the hiring manager may not open the attachment if they are short on time or if they prefer to quickly skim through applications. Second, the attachment may not be compatible with the hiring manager’s computer or operating system.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to include the cover letter in the body of the email or attach it as a document is up to the individual job seeker. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods, and the best approach will depend on the specific job and hiring manager.
When emailing a cover letter, what should the subject line be?
The subject line of a cover letter email is the first thing that the hiring manager will see, so it is important to make a good impression.
The subject line should be clear and concise, and it should accurately reflect the contents of the email.
Some examples of good subject lines include:
- Application for [Position Name] at [Company Name]
- Cover Letter for [Your Name] – [Position Name]
- Job Application – [Your Name] – [Position Name]
You should also avoid using generic subject lines, such as “Cover Letter” or “Job Application.” These subject lines are not specific enough and may not grab the hiring manager’s attention.
Should I address a cover letter to a specific person?
It is always best to address a cover letter to a specific person, if possible. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position.
If you cannot find the name of the hiring manager, you can address the cover letter to the department head or the general hiring team.
Do not address the cover letter to “To Whom It May Concern.” This is a generic and impersonal way to address a letter, and it may not make a good impression.
Thanks for stopping by and giving this article a read! I hope it helped clear up any questions you had about cover letter etiquette. If you have any other questions or want to learn more about job applications, be sure to check out our other articles. In the meantime, keep applying for those dream jobs and don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to each position – it can make all the difference!