The Art of the Cover Letter Email (According to The Muse)
Source scrappybook.com
A cover letter is a crucial document that introduces you to potential employers and complements your resume, helping you stand out from other candidates. The Muse, a popular career platform, offers valuable guidance on crafting effective cover letter emails. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or pursuing a career change, The Muse provides comprehensive insights on personalization, tone, and formatting to help you optimize your cover letter emails and make a lasting impression on hiring managers.
The Best Structure for a Cover Letter Email (a.k.a. the Only Structure You Need)
Writing a cover letter email is a great way to introduce yourself and your qualifications to a potential employer. But what’s the best way to structure your email? Here’s a simple and effective format that you can use:
1. Subject Line
- Keep it brief and to the point.
- Include the job title and company name.
- For example: “Application for Marketing Manager at Acme Corp.”
2. Salutation
Start with a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager Name].” If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Team.”
3. Introduction
- Start with a strong opening line that grabs the reader’s attention.
- State the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it.
- For example: “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at Acme Corp., which I found advertised on LinkedIn.”
4. Body Paragraphs
Use this section to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Focus on the qualifications that are most important for the job you’re applying for.
When writing your body paragraphs, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use specific examples to support your claims.
- Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
- Tailor your letter to the specific job you’re applying for.
5. Call to Action
End your email with a call to action. This could be a request for an interview, a request for more information, or a simple thank you for their time.
6. Sign-Off
End with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your time.”
7. Optional: P.S.
If you have any additional information that you want to include, you can add a P.S. to your email. This could be a link to your portfolio, a resume, or a writing sample.
Table: Dos and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use a professional tone | Be overly formal or informal |
| Proofread your email carefully | Make any typos or grammatical errors |
| Keep your email concise | Write a long, rambling email |
| Tailor your email to the specific job you’re applying for | Use a generic cover letter template |
| Follow up if you don’t hear back within a week or two | Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for an update |
7 Cover Letter Email Examples for Various Situations
A “Thank You” for the Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the time you took to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. I was very impressed with the company’s mission and the team you have built.
I am particularly drawn to the company’s focus on [key company value]. This aligns well with my own values and experience in [relevant field]. I am confident that my skills and qualifications would be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you again for your consideration. I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the process and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Enthusiasm Extender
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a strong background in [relevant field], I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to your team.
- I am particularly interested in your company’s focus on [key company focus].
- My coursework in [relevant subject] has given me a solid foundation in [specific skills].
- I have also gained valuable experience through my internship at [internship company] where I [list of accomplishments].
I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your organization and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Referral
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was referred to this position by [Referrer’s Name], who enthusiastically recommended your company and the team.
With [number] years of experience in [relevant field], I have a proven track record of [list of accomplishments]. My skills and qualifications align well with the requirements of this role, particularly my expertise in [specific skills].
I am eager to learn more about the company and this opportunity. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Industry Knowledge
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a seasoned professional with over [number] years of experience in the [industry] industry, I am confident that I can bring valuable knowledge and expertise to your team.
My accomplishments in [list of accomplishments] demonstrate my ability to [list of skills]. I am also well-versed in the latest industry trends and technologies, including [list of recent development].
I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to your company and help you achieve your goals. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Cover Letter Link
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review.
I have over [number] years of experience in [relevant field] and have a proven track record of [list of accomplishments]. My skills and qualifications align well with the requirements of this role, particularly my expertise in [specific skills].
I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team and am eager to learn more about this opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Follow-Up
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I submitted my application on [date] and have not yet heard back.
I am very interested in this opportunity and am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter with Networking Contact
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was connected with you on LinkedIn by [Connection Name], who highly recommended your company and team.
With [number] years of experience in [relevant field], I have a strong track record of [list of accomplishments]. My skills and qualifications align well with the requirements of this role, particularly my expertise in [specific skills].
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
When Using a Cover Letter Email: Compose an Effective Subject Line
An applicant’s cover letter email subject line should be crafted to grab the hiring manager’s attention and provide a brief glimpse into the candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position.
How should I address the hiring manager in the cover letter email subject line?
When addressing the hiring manager in the cover letter email subject line, it is important to use a professional and respectful tone. The hiring manager’s name should be included, along with a brief indication of the position being applied for.
What should I include in the body of the cover letter email?
The body of the cover letter email should be concise and well-written. It should highlight the applicant’s most relevant skills and experience, and explain why they are a good fit for the position. The email should also include a call to action, such as inviting the hiring manager to schedule an interview.
How long should the cover letter email be?
The cover letter email should be brief and to the point. It should typically be no longer than two paragraphs. The hiring manager will likely be reading dozens of cover letter emails, so it is important to make a good first impression by keeping the email concise and easy to read.
Well, that’s a wrap for today, folks! I hope you found something helpful in this article on crafting a killer cover letter email. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your awesomeness and making that dream job take notice. And if you’re still feeling a bit stumped or just looking for some more inspo, feel free to swing by again. We’ve got plenty more where this came from. So, stay tuned, keep those emails polished, and let’s get you that dream job!