how to write cover letter for spontaneous application

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

Cover Letter Sample and Writing Tips for a Job That's Not Advertised

• Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Example and Template

Proofread Your Documents

How to send your letter.

• How to Send Your Resume

Shapecharge / E+ / Getty Images

Not all companies advertise job openings. Some companies get plenty of applicants without advertising. Other companies may not be in hiring mode but will consider applications from qualified candidates if they anticipate an opening in the near future.

Sending a resume and cover letter to an employer, even though you aren't sure if there are available jobs, is a way to get your candidacy noticed. It may also get you advance consideration for positions that have just opened up. If you have skills the company is in need of, it may even get you considered for a brand-new position.

When you know an employer has an opening, don't hesitate to apply.

If you have a company you'd love to work for , consider taking the time to reach out and connect regardless of whether the organization is currently hiring.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

What's the best way to apply for unadvertised job openings? It depends on whether you know there is a position available, but the company hasn't listed it, or if there's a company you want to work for and you don't know if there are open jobs.

Kelly Miller / The Balance

When You Know There is a Job Opening

If you know the company is hiring but hasn't advertised the position, write a traditional   cover letter  expressing your interest in the open position at the company. Be sure to specifically relate your qualifications for the job.

When You Don't Know if the Company is Hiring

Writing a cover letter for an unadvertised opening (also known as a   cold contact cover letter  or  letter of interest ) is a little different than writing a cover letter for a job that you know is available.

With this type of letter, you will need to make a strong pitch for yourself and how you can help the company. Below are some tips on how to write a cover letter for an unadvertised opening.

• Mention your contacts.  If you know someone at the organization, mention this at the beginning of the cover letter. Having a contact at the company is a great way to get your foot in the door, even if the company isn’t actively hiring.
• Use paper or email.  You can send your letter via paper or  email . Sending an old-fashioned paper letter works well  for this type of letter , because it may have a better chance of being read than an email, which could be deleted without even being opened.
• Include a resume.  Whether you send your cover letter via paper or email, be sure to include a copy of your resume. Make sure you  tailor your resume  to the company and the type of job you are looking for.

Below is detailed information on what to include in your cover letter, along with links to example cover letters.

Your Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

• Cover Letter Contact Section Examples

Greeting If you can find a contact person at the company, direct your letter or email message to them. Here's how to find  contacts at companies .

If you can't locate a contact person, address your letter to "Dear Hiring Manager" or leave out this section and start with the first  paragraph  of your letter.

• Cover Letter Greeting Examples

Body of Cover Letter The goal of your letter is to get noticed as a prospective employee even if the company isn't hiring immediately. Your letter should explain the reason for your interest in the organization, and identify your most relevant skills or experiences and explain why you would be an asset to the company.

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. If you know someone at the company, mention it now. Be specific as to why you are interested in this particular company.

Middle Paragraph(s): The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Again, be specific as to how you can help the organization.

Final Paragraph:  Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for employment.

• What to Include in the Body Section of a Cover Letter

Closing Best Regards,  (or choose another closing from the examples below)

• Cover Letter Closing Examples

Signature Handwritten Signature  (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature When you are   sending an email letter,  be sure to include all your contact information in your signature.

• Signature Examples

Cover Letter Example for a Job That's Not Advertised

You can use this sample as a model to write a cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Cover Letter for a Job That's Not Advertised (Text Version)

Your Name Your Address City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Contact Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,

As an Information Technology professional with high-level management experience in the IT industry, I learned that the best way to achieve success was to motivate the resources I had with well-defined objectives and empowerment.

A management belief based on integrity, quality, and service, along with a positive attitude, an aptitude for strategic thought and planning, and the ability to adapt quickly to new ideas and situations allows me to achieve consistent and significant successes in multiple industries.

My personality profile says:

• A confident, driven individual who reacts quickly to change.
• A self-starter with a strong sense of urgency who responds positively to challenge and pressure.
• A fast learner who is a practical and ingenious problem solver.
• A fluent and articulate communicator, flexible and responsive. A self-directed, goal-oriented doer.

My former managers' say:

"…The Information Technology Analysis will serve as a guideline for making positive contributions …your management style provided a footprint for younger members of our organization… a very positive impression of the contributions you made to our business and its growth." Gregory Hines, President and CEO, Information Data Technology.

"…the most important source of growth in our data technology business …able to focus the team and manage the product to a successful introduction …due in large part to his own personal commitment ...excellent IT project management and operational management skills." Pauline Hallenback, CTO at Information Systems.

"…your strengths as a manager are many and varied …all issues are confronted in a timely manner …management by objectives comes as a second nature to you…" Jackson Brownell, Director of Operations, Denver Technologies.

ABC Company is a company that would provide me with the opportunity to put my personality, skills, and successes to work. At a personal meeting, I would like to discuss with you how I will contribute to the continued growth of your company.

Best regards,

Carefully proofread both your resume and cover letter before you send them. Here are proofreading tips for job seekers.

When sending your letter via email, write your letter in the email message and attach your resume to the message. In the subject line, put your name and the reason for writing (Your Name - Introduction).

• Email Subject Lines

How to Send Your Resume With Your Cover Letter

Here's how to send your resume with your cover letter:

• How to Email Your Resume
• How to Send Your Resume as an Attachment
• How to Mail a Resume and Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

TAKE INITIATIVE: Not all companies immediately advertise opening positions. Taking the initiative to send a cover letter of introduction “on spec” may garner you an interview for either an existing or a newly developed job role.

APPLY TO YOUR DREAM COMPANY: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If there is a company you’ve always wanted to work for, reach out to their hiring department with a strategic letter that presents your qualifications and interest in their organization.

BUILD UPON YOUR CONTACTS: A good way to get your foot into the door at a company is to begin your letter of introduction by mentioning the contacts you know who work there. Take this to the next level by proactively asking these contacts – before you send your cover letter – if they would be willing to put in a good word on your behalf with their employer. 

• CV writing services
• Accessories
• About PurpleCV
• Meet the team
• PurpleCV Reviews
• Social Impact

How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of  getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is  research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

• The organisation’s website
• Press releases published by the organisation
• Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
• News articles relating to the organisation
• Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
• Review sites like  Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

• The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
• A head of department
• The hiring manager
• A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our Ts and Cs .

Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re  enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions,  clichéd language  and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few  key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to  follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition.  Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with  these principles.  You can see some  examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

Cover Letter Writing Advice

CV Writing Advice

CV Writing Services

Interview Advice

Job Search Advice

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Related articles, what is a video cv and do you need one.

You may have heard about a growing trend in job hunting – making a video CV. So what is it,... Read more...

Guide To Updating Your LinkedIn Headline

Do you know what your LinkedIn headline is and how to update it? Most importantly, do you know how to... Read more...

How To Write A Management CV

If you’re unsure about how to write a management CV, we’ll explain all you need to know in this guide.... Read more...

Soft Skills: What They Are And How To Highlight Them

One of the most common questions we receive is: “What are soft skills?” And perhaps more importantly: “Can you give... Read more...

What Is Hybrid Working? Our Expert Thoughts

These days when you’re reading through job descriptions, you’ll often see a mention of ‘hybrid working’ - but what does... Read more...

What Are Group Interviews? Our Expert Tips On How To Succeed

Here’s a common scenario - you apply for a job and the employer invites you to a group interview. What... Read more...

Guide To Creating A Great Marketing CV + Example

Wondering what the secret to a great marketing CV is? We’ll share our top tips with you in this guide.... Read more...

Career Change At 40: How To Thrive In Your New Career

A career change at 40 is a life-changing decision.  Whether you have discovered a new passion for teaching, finance, or... Read more...

Working From Home Tax Relief

Want to know if you qualify for working from home tax relief?  So, you’ve got your professionally written CV, nailed... Read more...

12 Highest Paying Jobs In The UK

Job satisfaction, work life balance and salary are key criteria for most employees - and if the latter matters to... Read more...

How To Write A Retail Assistant Cover Letter That Gets Read

Don’t overlook the importance of a well-written cover letter for a retail assistant job. According to CareerBuilder, 45% of job... Read more...

How To Add Certifications To Your LinkedIn Profile

Many specific occupations call for particular certifications and abilities, and one of the ways you can highlight these is by... Read more...

How To Write A Career Change Cover Letter That Gets Read

By Ian Taylor, CV-Library Even if it’s not required according to the job advertisement, a cover letter is always a... Read more...

How To Find The Right Job For You & Kickstart Your New Job Search

By JobLookup When you decide to look for a new job, the temptation is to jump straight in - revamp... Read more...

How To End A Cover Letter: Examples Of The Perfect Cover Letter Ending

Your CV is up to date, tailored to the job spec – and triple proof-read. However, if you’re sending off... Read more...

How To Address A Cover Letter With Real Life Examples

Crafted a tailored job application that shows you’re perfect for the role? There’s one last step to impress employers -... Read more...

How To Write A CV With No Experience

You may be wondering what to write in a CV if you have no experience in the industry you’re applying... Read more...

How To Write A Supporting Statement For A Job Application With Template

Wondering how to write a supporting statement and just what makes one different from a cover letter? The purpose of... Read more...

How To Write a Cover Letter For An Internship

Unsure how to write a cover letter for an internship? We’ve got you covered. It can be tricky knowing how... Read more...

Using LinkedIn For Job Searching: How Social Media Profiles Can Help You Find Employment

Social media sites have soared in popularity over the last decade, with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn proving... Read more...

9 Common LinkedIn Mistakes You’re Probably Making

LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for making professional connections and searching for jobs.  Research by Jobvite showed that 87%... Read more...

Test Your Vocabulary With PurpleCV’s New Online Quiz

Wordsmith wannabes, listen up! 2019’s newest additions to the Oxford English Dictionary have been announced and we've got a test... Read more...

How To Write A Cover Letter That Makes You Stand Out

You’ve been trawling jobs boards and LinkedIn – and the job description sounds perfect. You’ve managed to avoid these common CV... Read more...

Networking Tips For Introverts: How To Work A Room Of Strangers

The prospect of networking can be daunting for anyone, not least for introverts. Walking into a room full of strangers... Read more...

How To Use LinkedIn To Find A Job: Seven Top Tips

Why should I use LinkedIn to find a job?  According to recent reports, there are now more than 500 million users... Read more...

Getting Back Into Work After Long Term Unemployment

Getting back into work after long term unemployment (or even a career break) can seem like a daunting task. Whether... Read more...

How to Find A Job Through Networking: 5 Steps To Success

Have you ever wondered how to find a job through networking? We’ve all heard the phrase ‘it’s not what you... Read more...

Beating Job Search Stress: 3 Things You Need To Stop Worrying About

This blog contains affiliate links (marked with a *) – meaning we may receive commission if you get a product... Read more...

7 Job Search Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Chances

Searching for a job can be an arduous process, and it can become demoralising if it goes on for a... Read more...

How To Really Sell Yourself In Your Personal Statement

The personal statement is often considered the most challenging part of a CV to write. The perfect personal statement should... Read more...

How To Use Social Media To Boost Your Job Hunt

Over the last few years social media has become a significant presence in our lives . Most of us use... Read more...

6 Ways To Stay Positive While Job Hunting

We’ve all been there: day after day spent filling in job applications, an inbox full of polite rejections, the odd... Read more...

The Importance Of A Cover Letter

Have you ever heard the expression “Put your best foot forward”? When it comes to potential employment, such a practice... Read more...

A Guide To Online Job Boards

Looking for a job online can be daunting. There appear to be thousands upon thousands of current vacancies in your... Read more...

The Importance Of A LinkedIn Profile

Everyone’s on social media these days, from Facebook to Twitter and Myspace, it’s a great social convenience for those who... Read more...

How To Write A Stand-Out Graduate CV And Cover Letter

Wondering how to make a stand-out graduate CV and cover letter? So you’ve come out of the other side of... Read more...

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

Getting the basics of a cover letter right is essential if you want to ensure you are seriously considered for... Read more...

🍪 Cookie consent

We value your privacy! Please take a moment to customise your cookie preferences. By clicking 'Submit' you agree to the use of cookies as described below:

• Log in
• Site search

Speculative cover letter

Not all roles are formally advertised, and this is where speculative cover letters come in useful. With the help of our speculative cover letter example, you can create your own opportunities

Speculative approaches can be a great way of getting your foot in the door in competitive industries. They demonstrate dedication and a proactive nature and can give you an early start on your competition.

In the opening paragraph of a speculative cover letter explain what sort of role you're looking for. Then move on to show you've done your research by explaining why you're attracted to the company.

Next you need to talk about the skills and experience you have gained that are relevant to the company and the type of role you're looking for. It's best to show that you're an all-rounder so don't restrict yourself by focusing on one skill or area.

Finally, end on a positive note. Thank them for taking the time to read your application and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Anika Nawar 42 The Grove Grovetown CQ55 1WX [email protected] 07788123123

Julia Corning Graduate manager Media Company Business Shed Enterprise Street London SE1 J99

5th May 2023

Dear Ms Corning

I am a second-year media design student who is looking to gain some industry experience. I would like to do a summer placement/internship with Media Company and am writing to you to see what opportunities there are.

I know Media Company has a strong reputation in the industry. I was particularly attracted by the work you did for X Communications, which I came across during research for a university project. Your designs caught my eye and your understanding of the UX made our project flow well - and helped us achieve top marks for our year.

My website www.anikanawar.co.uk shows the range of my work, including a project for sportXperience.

As you can see from my CV I have attended industry events including:

• New Designers (Part 2) at the Business Design Centre, London, June 2022
• Young Designers Workshop Series, Manchester, 2020-2022
• Web Design Industry Masterclass, London 2021

These were a great opportunity to network with peers and meet industry experts.

Along with a group of other students, I have been instrumental in setting up a blog www.webX.com . We have run two online student events and are currently crowdfunding a live event.

I can offer Media Company my flexibility, excellent time management skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to work hard and learn quickly.

I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Anika Nawar

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .
• To start your research on recruiters and what they offer visit our employer profiles .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

• Find a company

Spontaneous applications: how to apply for a job that isn't advertised

Sep 07, 2020

With the world in a state of upheaval and many companies letting staff go, the idea of looking for a new job can be intimidating. Knowing that many people are in the same boat isn’t encouraging when you are sending out your resume. So how do you take control of the process and look for a job proactively?

This is not an easy time to be looking for work. Some industries, such as travel, have been decimated. With the unemployment rate at 3.9% and Britain in a recession, there simply aren’t so many positions being advertised. So what can you do? The answer is to take control of the process.

There are many ways to begin, but one of the most underused is the direct approach , according to John Lees , a career strategist and author of bestseller How to Get a Job You Love . “It [the direct approach] is surprisingly effective statistically . . . but it has to be tailored, focused, and based on the needs of the organization,” he said.

The classic mistake is to send what is essentially a begging letter, said Lees, who is a former chief executive of the Institute of Employment Consultants. “Don’t write in saying, ‘I’m looking for a job, and here’s my resume.’ That will probably be ignored.” Another mistake is to adopt a scattergun approach and apply for every opening you see. You are more likely to be rejected and this will affect your confidence. “If you apply for 100 jobs and you only get one answer, then that becomes your internal statistic, but it’s junk data,” he said. Too many rejections can leave you feeling down and sounding negative when you do land an interview.

In his books, Lees encourages jobseekers to think and act differently so they can open new doors. That sounds exciting, but where do you begin? To find out, we asked Lees to give us his best tips on how to take action.

1. Work out your offering

Start by assessing what you can offer any employer—and what you want to offer. “ People think they have to adapt to the marketplace and do whatever comes along, but you are far more likely to be taken seriously as a candidate if you are offering something the company needs,” said Lees. To do this, you can ask yourself a few questions or enlist the help of a trusted friend. Lees said: “If you ask a friend, ‘Why would you recommend me for a job?’ They don’t say, ‘Well you have x qualifications.’ They will tell you about things that are useful to an employer about your skills or your working style.”

You want to know the answers to these questions:

• What am I good at?
• What is my best evidence?
• Why would somebody recommend me?

2. Do some mapping

This is the early information-gathering part of your mission. You want to find out what opportunities are in your sector, where they are, and what organizations are looking for. You can do this by reading up on the companies and the sector, but you also need to talk to people. Yes, the travel industry is faltering , but some online retail businesses are continuing to flourish despite physical shops reopening after lockdown.

Don’t hide behind your computer , says Lees. “Do half an hour of desk research followed by talking to people. They can give you information about what’s out there—and they will remember you and can make introductions. It is networking, but also mapping.”

You can work out who to contact by asking yourself:

• Who is the best person I can ring right now?
• Who really understands this industry?

That person is probably someone you know well: a colleague , fellow student, a friend of a friend or a member of your family. “There is usually someone who is close enough to your target sector to give you the information you need––and that’s the first phone call you should make,” said Lees. “It’s about choosing to get to know people.”

If you have just finished university, you will have access to a good potential network of students, lecturers, and visiting speakers that you can contact, for example. Once you make contact, remember that initially you are just gathering information . “The big mistake people make is in thinking it’s all about ringing up and saying, ‘Can you help me find a job?’ That’s the least productive thing to do.”

Instead, initiate a real conversation . You can begin like this:

• I’d love to hear your story.
• Can you tell me about your industry?
• Who else should I be talking to out there?
• Who are the key players?
• Who is in my region?
• You gave a talk at my college and I really liked it. Can I ask you a couple of questions about the industry?

People say they find it difficult to approach others, but that’s because they are approaching them the wrong way, according to Lees. “If you say, ‘Can you help me get a job in your organization?’ The answer will almost certainly be no, because that’s not what the process is about. Simply ask for a few minutes of their time. This is about exploring, which is much more open-ended and much more likely to get a yes.”

3. Stay on target

If your conversation goes well, you may be asked to send in something in writing. Or you may decide to send something in cold . Either way, it should be really focused. Write a short message saying that you are interested in the organization along with five bullet points about you that are relevant to the business. “Busy people like things they can decide on quickly. That can be read in 20 seconds. The decision could be no, but it could be, ‘Yes, give me a call.’ That’s easily done and their inbox is cleared,” said Lees.

To decide what should go in the bullet points, you need to review what you have learned about the company from your contacts, its website, news articles, and any other sources. “If you’ve done your homework, you know roughly what the job you want is called and what problems the organization is trying to solve. Then note down six things the organization wants to hear —it’s not six great things about me.”

There is no room for generalities. So rather than telling them you are a team player, give the example of a time you led a team to success. Be specific and relevant.

Once you have made initial contact, it is up to you to shine at the interview and convince them that you can add value to the company. Taking a targeted approach means that you are more likely to be called to interview and more likely to get a job that you want—with a company that wants you, too.

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

Follow Welcome to the Jungle on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram , and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles every day!

More inspiration: Job hunt & applications

Can you apply for two jobs at the same company?

Interested in applying for two different jobs in the same company? Here's advice from an HR manager & a dual applicant regarding double applications.

Aug 16, 2022

A trip down memory lane: the evolution of the job hunt from 1970 to 2022

The job hunt and interview process have changed drastically in the last 50 years. Workers and career counselors share their experiences.

Jun 27, 2022

How to break through the overqualification ceiling

An applicant who appears overqualified for a job can put off a potential employer, unless they take simple steps to reassure a recruiter.

Jun 21, 2022

Unsure about applying for jobs in the summer? Just go for it!

Here are 7 tips and reasons behind why you should apply for jobs in the summer.

May 17, 2022

‘Let me give you some advice:’ the words every job seeker dreads

It might help to remember that you’re not alone in dreading the unsolicited advice given so freely by overzealous friends and family.

Jan 12, 2022

The newsletter that does the job

Want to keep up with the latest articles? Twice a week you can receive stories, jobs, and tips in your inbox.

Looking for your next job opportunity?

Over 200,000 people have found a job with Welcome to the Jungle.

What Is a Speculative Email?

Who should i send my speculative email to, how to write a speculative email, composing your speculative email, speculative job application email example, following up, speculative job applications by email.

Updated March 6, 2023

All products and services featured are independently selected by WikiJob. When you register or purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission.

Many job vacancies are never advertised publicly. That means that taking the initiative to approach a potential employer with a carefully thought-out email can be the ideal way to get your foot in the door.

This article will outline the planning and method behind sending a speculative application, including who to send your email to, what to include and leave out, and how to follow up.

A speculative email is an unsolicited job application sent to an organisation to introduce yourself as a potential candidate for any relevant job openings they may have.

This approach is perfect for when you find a company with brand values you agree with, a solid portfolio and a skilled team you’d love to work with – but with no advertised job vacancies.

You could wait for a position to be advertised but, as many companies are generally open to recruiting on an ongoing basis, using a speculative application means that you can get a head start on the competition.

If successful, your email can:

• Build relationships with hiring managers
• Get you the opportunity to intern or shadow staff
• Gain paid employment

If your speculative email is not fruitful, there is every chance that your contact will keep you in mind for when a vacancy does open up – especially if you make a strong impression.

This is an important step in the process, so getting it right is crucial. You can spend time crafting the perfect email but if it lands in the wrong inbox, chances are the recipient will disregard it entirely. It also gives the impression that you haven’t done your homework.

You need to be sure that your intended recipient has hiring authority. There is no point in sending your email to a junior staff member or someone in the wrong team.

So, who exactly do you send it to, and how do you find them?

You need to make sure that you send your application to a named contact . Sending to a ‘hello@’ or ‘enquiries@’ email address increases the chance of your email going unanswered, so take the time to do your research.

• Scour the company website for details of employees. The ‘Meet the Team’ page or the ‘About’ page are usually the best places to start.
• Try LinkedIn . Search for the name of the company and follow the links to find ‘Staff Who Work Here’. This can be a good way to familiarise yourself with the range of departments and the hierarchy of staff. Staff will often be listed that wouldn’t necessarily be featured on the official company website.
• Telephone the company directly and ask for a named contact of someone who deals with recruitment.

In a smaller company, it may be appropriate to contact the managing director with your speculative application. In a larger organisation, the head of the relevant department is more likely to be the hiring authority.

During the research phase, maintain a polite and friendly manner at every interaction. You may be speaking with someone who doesn’t have the power to hire you, but word spreads fast. Making a good impression at every stage will help you build a professional reputation.

As well as researching the individual responsible for hiring, you can also use this phase to find out all you can about the company itself . Having a good knowledge of its work and a genuine interest in company achievements will help you stand out.

To find out which jobs fit your personality best, visit our partner CareerFitter and take the Career Test for FREE .

Pass the Quiz for FREE

You must use formal and correct structure and format for your speculative email. Remember that this is a professional letter and a chance to make a good impression.

If you have the name of your contact, start your email with ‘ Dear [name] ’. If your attempts to find the right person were unsuccessful, it is acceptable to start with ‘ Dear Sir or Madam ’ (be sure that you can’t identify a named person before resorting to this general greeting).

When addressing your recipient, be careful to maintain professional boundaries and not to be overfamiliar. This person is not a friend, so ‘Hi’ is not appropriate in this instance.

Your speculative job application email subject line is another crucial factor in whether your email gets opened at all. If your subject line is uninspiring or vague, there is every chance it will be overlooked as just another generic email in your contact’s inbox.

A desktop screen will show around 60 characters of a subject line, whereas a smartphone will show only 30, so being concise is key.

The subject line is your first chance to clearly articulate your intentions . It needs to be short and snappy, while containing all the relevant information at a glance.

It is advisable to include both your full name and your professional qualification or title. For example, ‘ John Doe, Freelance Graphic Designer for hire’, or ‘Nicola Fox, Chemical Engineer, M.Eng ’.

Filler words or pleasantries are not necessary for a subject line, so there is no need to start with ‘Hello’ or ‘Please look at…’.

It is acceptable (and advisable) to name a mutual acquaintance in the subject line if you have been referred by them.

As you move on to compose the main body of your email, be mindful that your contact is likely to be busy and needs to see the relevant information at a glance.

Format your email into short paragraphs – and make sure sentences are readable, not too long and wordy.

• Paragraph One – Start strongly with your opening sentence. Outline your knowledge of the company and how you came to be aware of it. Did you see it at a convention? Did you read about it in the local press? Explain your interest.
• Paragraph Two – Go on to summarise who you are and why you’re emailing.
• Paragraph Three – Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use. If you have any standout achievements or qualifications, don’t be shy in listing them and pointing out how they can be of benefit.
• Paragraph Four – Summarise why you’re interested in working with the company and draw attention to your attached CV. Consider briefly listing some of the main skills you have.
• Closing Sentence – Think about a call to action; detail here what you’d like to happen next.

You have one short opportunity to capture the attention of your contact enough for them to move you on to the next stage. Ensure that all-important and relevant information is included.

If you’re wondering whether to attach your CV , doing so means it is there if your contact wants to find out more about you. It provides that extra information to make it easier for them to make a quick assessment of your potential.

Make sure your CV is up to date and is tailored specifically for the company and role.

Here is an example of how your speculative application email should look, following the guidelines above:

Subject Line: Claire Roberts, MA. Fashion Designer available for work Dear Ms Taylor, I had the pleasure of attending your show at London Fashion Week and I found it inspiring to see how your new collection works to empower women with luxury statement workwear. I’m very excited to read about your plans to launch at Paris Fashion Week with a view to moving into the European market. I hold an MA in Fashion Design, awarded by Central Saint Martins, and have been working for a well-known high street clothing designer for three years. I am looking for a move into the luxury fashion field and feel that I have skills that would support your business as you grow. An internship at a luxury French fashion house as part of my master’s degree gave me valuable insight into the French market and helped me gain fluency in the French language. Having covered fashion illustration, design, sewing and garment construction as part of my studies, I understand the clothing manufacture process from design to completion. In my current role, I am a leading part of the design team, researching upcoming trends to create new lines. My designs are regularly featured in the ‘Top 10 Must Buy’ lists. As a move away from fast fashion, I would love to bring my creative flair to your company as part of your design team, helping create high-end looks for your clients. I have attached my CV, which outlines my qualifications and experience in more detail. If you are interested in meeting to discuss further, I could come to your office next week. Yours sincerely, Claire Roberts

If you don’t receive a reply to your email, don’t take it as an automatic rejection. Your recipient may have put it aside to come back to later, or may have genuine reasons why they haven’t been able to reply.

There are different ways you can follow up on your speculative application, depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t hear from your contact after a week or two, you can resend the same email , giving a gentle nudge for your contact to read and reply.

Alternatively, and often with quicker results, it’s acceptable to make a phone call to check they received your email. This gives you the chance to open a conversation and brings a more personal element to your speculative application.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, react graciously and politely ask if they can keep your records on file for any future opportunities that may be suitable.

• Do your research – Know the company and the correct contact before reaching out.
• Focus on a killer subject line – Keep it concise and to the point.
• Mention a mutual acquaintance if you’ve been referred by someone – This may just be what prompts your contact to open your email.
• Act professionally – From the first point of contact to conclusion, even if your attempt is unsuccessful, your contact will remember the way you conducted yourself and this will influence whether they keep you in mind for the future.
• Do not use fluff in your writing – Your recipient is likely to be busy. Help them quickly find the information that they need to assess whether you are a potential candidate.
• Check, check and check again – Make sure you have used correct grammar and that your email has no spelling mistakes. This is your one chance to make a good first impression.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

Jobs, Info, and News

Example of writing spontaneous application cover letter models

Writing a cover letter for an unsolicited application can be a tricky exercise. It is essential to stand out from other candidates and attract the recruiter's interest from the first lines. Here is a writing example to guide you in creating your cover letter.

• Examples of resignation letter templates
• Example of application cover letter…

Subject: Spontaneous application for a position of [desired position]

Madame, Monsieur,

I would like to send you my spontaneous application in order to offer you my skills and my enthusiasm to join your company. Having closely followed the evolution of your company and been impressed by your successes, I am convinced that joining your team would be an excellent opportunity for me.

Holding a degree in [field of study] from [name of university/institution], I have acquired a solid knowledge base in this field. I also had the opportunity to put my skills into practice during [professional experience/internship] within [company name]. These experiences allowed me to develop skills such as [job-relevant skills].

I am particularly attracted to your company because of [specific reasons why you want to join the company]. I am convinced that my passion for [company area of ​​activity] as well as my skills in [key skills] will allow me to contribute significantly to your team.

My rigor, my ability to adapt and my sense of organization are assets that I would like to put to good use within your company. I also have excellent team spirit and I know how to fully invest myself in the projects entrusted to me.

I remain at your disposal for any further information or to arrange an interview. I would be honored to discuss the possibility of joining your company with you.

Pending your return, please accept, Madam, Sir, my distinguished greetings.

Phone Number

E-mail address

12 similar questions or searches and their answers for: Example of writing spontaneous application cover letter models

• What information should be included in a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

In a cover letter for a spontaneous application, it is important to introduce your background, your skills and your motivation for joining the company. Also mention why you want to work for this particular company.

• Should I mention my professional experience in a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

Yes, it is recommended to mention your relevant professional experiences in your cover letter to demonstrate your expertise and added value as a candidate.

• How to stand out from other candidates in a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

To stand out from other candidates, highlight your unique skills, your passion for the company's field of activity and your specific interest in this particular company.

• Is it necessary to attach a CV to a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to attach a detailed CV to your cover letter for an unsolicited application in order to provide all the necessary information to the recruiter.

• How to structure a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

A cover letter for an unsolicited application can be structured as follows:

• Header with your contact details
• Line break with recipient details
• Object of the letter
• Introduction and presentation
• Background and skills
• Alignment with the business
• Conclusion and polite formula
• How long should a cover letter be for an unsolicited application?

A cover letter for an unsolicited application must be concise and relevant. In general, it should not exceed one page.

• What are the mistakes to avoid in a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

It is important to avoid spelling mistakes, awkward turns of phrase and generic letters that are not appropriate for the company in question. Be specific and personalize your letter for each company.

• How to show motivation in a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

To demonstrate motivation, express your sincere interest in the company, its products or services, and demonstrate your desire to contribute to the company's success.

• Should a cover letter for an unsolicited application be handwritten?

Nowadays, it is generally accepted to send a cover letter for an unsolicited application by email or via an online form. A handwritten letter is not required unless otherwise specified by the employer.

• Should I name a specific person in the cover letter for an unsolicited application?

If possible, naming a specific person in the cover letter can show that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in the position. However, if you don't have the recipient's name, you can use a generic formula such as "Madam, Sir".

• How to conclude a cover letter for an unsolicited application effectively?

To conclude your cover letter, thank the recruiter for the attention given to your application, express your enthusiasm again and indicate your availability for an interview.

• Should you contact the employer again after sending a cover letter for an unsolicited application?

It is not necessary to immediately contact the employer again after sending a cover letter for an unsolicited application, unless otherwise indicated in the job offer. However, you can send a polite follow-up after a few weeks to make sure your application has been considered.

About the Author

I am a web entrepreneur. Webmaster and website editor, I specialize in information search techniques on the Internet with the aim of making information much more accessible to Internet users. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, we cannot offer any guarantees or be held responsible for any errors made. If you notice an error on this site, we would be grateful if you would notify us using the contact: jmandii{}yahoo.fr (replace {} with @) and we will endeavor to correct it as soon as possible. THANKS

• Career with Hays
• Request staff
• My saved jobs ( )

Speculative application a proactive approach to your dream job

You dream of a job in your dream company but a suitable job advertisement has just not been published? Then take your luck into your own hands and offer your services and qualifications for a specific area to your dream employer. There is no guarantee that your application will be successful, but it is definitely worth taking the time to write a well-prepared speculative application and get a foot in the door of your dream company.

Be faster and more successful than your competitors. If you decide to send a speculative application, make sure that you find out information about the company and that your application is tailored to the needs of the company. In other words: Don't just send a general curriculum vitae, but adapt your documents to the company to which you are applying. We will show you what is important in your spontaneous application.

What is a speculative application?

A speculative application is an application that you submit to an employer without the employer having advertised a particular job. Essentially, you are speculating that this company may have a need for someone with your skills, qualifications and experience and would be interested in considering you for current or future job opportunities. In colloquial terms it is also referred to as spontaneous or blind application.

 Benefits of a speculative application

Whether moving to a new town or city, a desired change of industry or pure interest in a particular company – there are plenty of reasons for a speculative application. We will show you what the benefits of a spontaneous application are:

• You will stand out from other applicants through your proactive approach and personal initiative.
• You will specifically address your dream company and show them your motivation and interest in the company.
• You will increase your chances of getting an interview because you specifically target the company with your application.
• You will get a foot in the door and therefore have the opportunity to get a job that was previously not planned.

When is the right time for a speculative application?

The right time for a speculative application depends on the company and its recruitment needs. For example, if you know that the company is growing and expanding, it might be a good time to submit a blind application as the company may be looking for new talent. However, if you find out that your dream company has recently cut jobs or is undergoing restructuring measures, this may not be the best time for a spontaneous application.

How do you research a company before submitting a speculative application?

There are several ways to find out information about an organisation before submitting a speculative application:

Look at the company's website: Most companies have an "About us" page that contains information about their history, services and values. This will give you a good feeling as to whether the company is right for you.

Search for news articles about the company: With a simple Google search, you can find all the latest news about your potential employer. This can give you an insight into the current situation of the company and how it might change in the future.

Ask someone in your private circle who works there: If you have friends or family members who work at the company, they may be able to give you insider information about what it is like to work there.

Look at the company's social media profiles: Most companies have a certain presence on social media, such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. This can be a good way to get to know the company from another side.

Visit industry events: If you are looking for a job in a particular industry, attending industry events can be a great way to make contacts and learn more about specific companies.

Get the following information about your dream company:

• Size of the company
• Economic situation
• Values and mission statement
• Case studies
• Current job advertisements
• Weaknesses that you could improve

How should a speculative application be structured in Switzerland?

If you have decided to send a spontaneous application, there are a few things to keep in mind. Although a speculative application is not fundamentally different from a classic application , it requires much more precision in order to make the company aware of you and your qualifications and the need to employ you.

The cover letter for your speculative application

First of all, make sure that your cover letter is clear and precise. Avoid making general statements or repeating information that is already on your curriculum vitae. Instead, you should use your cover letter to tell the company more about your motivation for the job and your qualifications. Similar to a letter of motivation.

Describe your interest immediately in the subject line . Phrases such as "Speculative application as Key Account Manager …" shows the person in charge at first glance that you are applying spontaneously. If there is no indication that you are making a speculative application, you run the risk that your application will end up in the bin – after all, an appropriate job has not been advertised.

In the introduction of your cover letter, show what you have found out about the company, that you have identified gaps in personnel and why you would be the perfect fit.

The main part of the cover letter for your spontaneous application will then focus on your skills and qualifications and on how these could benefit your dream company. Be sure to indicate your motivations for working in the company and make it clear that you will fit into the team.

The curriculum vitae for your spontaneous application

The curriculum vitae for your speculative application does not differ from a standard application in terms of form and content. However, make sure that you adapt your curriculum vitae to the company – it is important to highlight important qualifications, experience, and successes that are relevant to your desired role.

Send a speculative application correctly

You send your spontaneous application just like your classic application documents by e-mail , through an existing online portal or in very rare cases by post. Make sure that you address this to the right person, especially when sending a speculative application. If you are unsure who the relevant contact is, briefly call the company or HR department and ask for their name, e-mail address and phone number if necessary.

Then check once more that all your details are correct and send your complete application documents.

Tips for making an initial personal impression

Demonstrate in the interview that you know your dream company very well and that you are the perfect person for the vacancy.

Learn to negotiate

You want to negotiate a salary adjustment? We will show you how you can achieve this and what you should consider in your salary negotiations.

Find suitable jobs

Are you looking for a new job, but don't really know the best way to go about it? We'll help you to find your dream job.

Our business model

• Personnel recruitment
• Workforce Management
• Services & Solutions

Useful links

• Warning against fraud
• Send your CV
• Submit vacancy
• Create a search profile
• Career center
• Internal career

Our specialisations

• Construction & Property
• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Sales & Marketing

Our locations

• Hays Geneva
• Hays Zurich

• Version française
• RSE/engagement

Please sign in to use our offer and news save feature and see your favorite job offers and articles with a single click.

• Our employment advice

How to send an effective spontaneous application

The process for sending an unsolicited application isn't quite the same as when you apply for a job offer. Because you aren't responding directly to an offer, you need to adapt your application accordingly.

This article discusses how to send a spontaneous application effectively.

Make a list of companies where you want to send your application

Before you submit a spontaneous application , you need to determine what kind of finance company you want to work for. After all, your objectives may differ if you want to work for a start-up, a small business or a large company.

Making a list of companies where you want to work is a good starting point for sending your applications. You can then research these companies and adapt your cover letters according to what each one is looking for and their specific needs.

Highlight what you have to offer recruiters

When you send an unsolicited application to an employment agency or directly to an employer, you need to highlight your core competencies.

Since you are not applying for a specific position, recruiters need to be able to identify your skills and what sets you apart from other candidates at a glance.

You can do this by writing a cover letter that you attach to your CV. Make sure that the content you write in this letter is concise and to the point.

Define your career goals

Another thing to think about when submitting a spontaneous application is to clearly define your career goals . You need to be clear about the types of positions you would like to get and why you want to work for the company in question.

This will help the recruiter or employer looking at your application to understand exactly what you are looking for. This will help them determine if they have a job for you.

Follow up on your spontaneous application with the recruiter

When you send an unsolicited application for a job in finance , it may be a good idea to follow up with the recruiter to make sure they have received your application. Following up on your spontaneous application helps show your ambition and motivation to work for the company.

When you do your follow-up, be concise, direct and confident in your words. However, don't be too insistent when you follow up, especially if you are doing it over the phone. This can be perceived as intrusive and burdensome by employers who may have less interest in hiring you afterwards.

Find a job in finance or accounting with Fed Finance

In summary, to send an effective unsolicited application, write a cover letter concisely describing your skills, career goals and motivations.

Another great idea is to personalize your letters according to each company you send it to as a way to really show your interest in them.

Are you looking for a job in finance or accounting? At Fed Finance, we can help you submit your application to several companies for jobs that perfectly match your aspirations.

Contact us now to start your job search on the right foot!

Payroll technician job description

Why do employees leave their jobs?

Career transition: how can you determine your current job situation?

Spontaneous Application Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the [position] role at [company]. As a highly motivated and creative individual, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team.

In my previous role at [previous company], I gained valuable experience in [relevant experience/achievements]. I am confident that my skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] would make me a valuable asset to your team.

I am particularly drawn to [company] because of your commitment to [company mission/values]. I believe that my passion for [relevant passion/interest] aligns with your company's values and goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to learn more about the position and how I can contribute to your team. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

How To Write an Effective Email Cover Letter (Template + Examples)

3 key takeaways

• An email cover letter is typically sent alongside a resume.
• Learn the structure and format of a winning email cover letter, and how to create your own.
• Teal’s AI Cover Letter Generator simplifies the process of creating cover letters tailored to each job.

When applying for a job online, an email cover letter is a crucial part of your application. It's your introduction, providing a personalized narrative that complements your resume and demonstrates your fit for the role.

A well-written email cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates and improve your chances of securing an interview.

This guide walks through best practices for writing an email cover letter, emphasizing the importance of personalization and professionalism.

Struggling to craft the perfect email cover letter? Get started with Teal’s AI Cover Letter Generator for free.

What is an email cover letter?

An email cover letter is a document sent with your resume when applying for a job online or via email. It's an introduction to your qualifications and interest in the role.

Email cover letters have become a standard part of the job application process, often serving as the first impression you make on a potential employer.

The primary role of an email cover letter is to complement your resume by providing context and a personalized narrative that demonstrates your fit for the position. An effective email cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Why email cover letters matter

Crafting a compelling email cover letter is more important today than ever before.

A well-written email cover letter can make the difference between your application being noticed or getting lost in a "maybe" bin with other candidates. It lets you showcase your personality, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and company.

Plus, an impressive email cover letter can set the stage for a successful job interview.

It gives hiring managers a glimpse into your communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism—all qualities employers highly value. A memorable email cover letter can pique the hiring manager's interest and make them eager to learn more about you during an interview.

In essence, your email cover letter is a powerful tool for marketing yourself, distinguishing your application, and increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

How to write an effective email cover letter

An effective email cover letter requires a strategic approach to capture the employer's attention and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Follow these steps to craft a compelling email cover letter:

1. Craft an attention-grabbing subject line

Your subject line is the first thing the employer sees, so make it count. Use a clear and concise subject line that includes the job title and your name.

Marketing Manager Position - John Doe.

2. Address the recipient appropriately

Start your email cover letter with a proper salutation, addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. If the name is unavailable, use a respectful greeting. 

Dear hiring manager,

3. Write an engaging introductory paragraph

In the opening paragraph, briefly introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for the role, and provide a hook that piques the reader's interest.

Consider mentioning a mutual connection or a notable achievement relevant to the position.

4. Highlight your qualifications and fit for the role

The main body of your email cover letter should showcase your qualifications, experiences, and skills that align with the job requirements.

Quantify your resume and provide specific examples that demonstrate your potential value to the company. Mention how you can contribute to their success and why you are the ideal candidate.

Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator helps job seekers craft compelling cover letters that effectively highlight their accomplishments. 

Teal is able to analyze job descriptions to identify the most relevant skills and experiences to emphasize. It then helps you articulate these professional achievements more clearly and persuasively, ensuring your cover letter stands out.

Whether you're detailing a project that boosted sales by 25 percent or explaining how you led a successful team, Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator ensures your accomplishments are presented in the most impactful way, increasing your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.

5. Express enthusiasm and a call to action

Conclude your email cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role and the company.

Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and provide a call to action, such as requesting an interview or discussing your qualifications further.

6. Use a professional sign-off

End your email cover letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you for your consideration."

Need help overcoming writer's block? Learn how to generate a great cover letter with ChatGPT cover letter prompts .

Tips for writing compelling email cover letters

Writing your first cover letter can be intimidating. Follow these tips to set yourself up for success:

• Keep it concise and focused: Aim for a length of three to four paragraphs, highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
• Personalize for each application: Tailor your email cover letter to the specific job and company, demonstrating your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your email cover letter is free from spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors, as it reflects your attention to detail.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description: Use relevant keywords and phrases from the job posting to show your alignment with the role's requirements.

Following a clear, professional format is crucial for creating an email cover letter that makes a strong first impression.

Writing email cover letters with AI

Struggling to craft the perfect cover letter for each job application? Research and compare the best AI cover letter writers to avoid writer’s block.

Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator takes the stress out of the process, allowing you to create effective, tailored cover letters in minutes, not hours.

With just a few clicks, its AI personalizes your cover letter to match any job description, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

Plus, Teal intelligently adds keywords from the job descriptions to help make your cover letter more ATS-friendly, ensuring your application stands out with a professional, customized cover letter every time.

Proper email cover letter format

The standard parts of an email cover letter include:

1. Subject line

Your email cover letter's subject line is the first thing a hiring manager or recruiter will see. It's your chance to make a strong first impression and entice them to open your email.

When crafting your subject line, aim for clarity and conciseness.

Clearly state the purpose of your email, such as "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]."

This immediately lets the reader know what the email is about and who it's from.

Avoid using generic subject lines like "Resume" or "Job Application.” While descriptive, those terms are too vague and overused in application subject lines and, therefore, more likely to be overlooked.

To make your subject line stand out, consider including a unique selling point or achievement that aligns with the job requirements. This gives the reader a reason to learn more about you.

Lastly, keep your subject line short and sweet, ideally under 60 characters. That way it won't get cut off in the recipient's inbox preview.

Email cover letter subject line example:

Experienced Software Developer with Expertise in [Relevant Skill]

2. Salutation

One of the most important aspects of your email cover letter is addressing it to the right person.

Whenever possible, aim to find the hiring manager's name or person responsible for filling the position. This shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

To find the hiring manager's name, review the job posting carefully. Sometimes, the contact person doesn't have their name listed in the ad. If not, visit the company's website and look for a "Team" or "About Us" page. You might find the name of the department head there.

If you still can't find a name, try searching for the company on LinkedIn. Look for people with titles like "Hiring Manager," "Recruiter," or "Human Resources Manager." You can also search for the head of the department related to the position.

If you exhaust all these options and still can't find a name, using a general salutation is okay.

"Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Recruiting Team," or "Dear [Department] Team" are all appropriate choices. Avoid outdated salutations like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern."

3. Opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph captures the hiring manager's attention and entices them to read further.

Keep your opening paragraph of your email cover letter short and impactful, ideally no more than three to four sentences.

Remember, your goal is to quickly capture the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to continue reading your email cover letter to discover how you can contribute to their organization's success.

Try the following to get started: 

• Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and the company to make a strong first impression.
• Briefly mention how you discovered the position, whether it was through a job board, referral, or the company's website.
• Explain why you are interested in the role and company.
• Showcase your knowledge of the company’s mission, values, or recent achievements.
• Highlight one or two key qualifications that make you an excellent fit for the position.

Email cover letter intro example:

I was thrilled to come across the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name] on [Job Board]. With my 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and my passion for data-driven strategies, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your team.

4. Body paragraphs

One of the most important aspects of crafting an effective email cover letter is showcasing your relevant skills and experience.

To make a strong impression on the hiring manager, carefully select the most impressive and pertinent qualifications from your background that align with the job requirements.

• Review the job description and identify the key skills, experience, and qualities the employer is seeking.
• Choose examples from your work history that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.
• If the job posting emphasizes strong project management abilities, highlight a time when you successfully led a complex project from start to finish.
• Provide concrete details about your role, the challenges you faced, and the positive outcomes you achieved.
• Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible using hard numbers and metrics.
• Instead of stating you "improved sales," specify that you "boosted sales by 25% within the first quarter."
• Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description into your email cover letter.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen candidates based on the presence of specific keywords. Naturally integrating these terms into your resume and cover letter also increases your chances of passing through the ATS and landing an interview.

Remember, the goal is to clarify to the hiring manager that you possess the necessary skills and experience to excel in the role.

5. Add a call to action

As you wrap up your email cover letter, be sure to finish strong and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. This is your golden opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, as well as your confidence in the fit.

Start by briefly recapping your key qualifications and how they align with the position's requirements. This reinforces why you're a strong candidate and reminds the reader of the value you can bring to their team.

Then, clearly state your desire to further discuss the opportunity and learn more about how you can contribute to the organization's success.

This call-to-action demonstrates your proactive approach and eagerness to take the next step in the hiring process.

6. Signature

Finally, end with a polite and professional sign-off.

Best regards, Sincerely, Thank you for your consideration.

Include your full name and contact details below your sign-off to make it easy for the hiring manager to reach out to you.

By leveraging AI to streamline formatting, you can ensure each email cover letter maintains a polished, professional appearance while focusing your time on tailoring the content to make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Need a bit of added help? Check out this resource to learn how to format your cover letter and stand out from the crowd.

Email cover letter sample

To help you visualize what an effective email cover letter looks like, let's explore a few examples for different scenarios:

Email cover letter example: marketing manager position

Subject : Experienced Marketing Manager Excited About [Company Name] Opportunity Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I was thrilled to come across the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name]. With my 5+ years of experience leading successful marketing campaigns and driving brand growth, I am confident I would be a valuable addition to your team. In my current role at [Current Company], I have spearheaded several digital marketing initiatives that have increased website traffic by 40% and generated a 20% increase in lead conversions. I am well-versed in developing data-driven strategies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable results. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s mission of [Company Mission] and believe my skills and experience align perfectly with the goals you aim to achieve. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your marketing efforts and help drive your company's continued success. Thank you for considering my application. You will find my resume attached for your review and look forward to the possibility of an interview. Best regards,  [Your Name]

Why it works

This email cover letter works effectively for several reasons:

• Personalized salutation : Addressing the hiring manager by name shows that the applicant has taken the time to research and personalize their application, which demonstrates genuine interest in the position and company.
• Clear and enthusiastic introduction : The opening sentence clearly states the position applied for and expresses enthusiasm, capturing the hiring manager's attention right away.
• Relevant experience and achievements : The applicant highlights their 5+ years of experience and provides specific, quantifiable achievements, such as increasing website traffic by 40 percent and lead conversions by 20 percent. This demonstrates their ability to deliver results and adds credibility to their application.
• Alignment with company mission : By mentioning the company’s mission and explaining how their skills and experience align with the company's goals, the applicant shows they have researched the company and understand its values and objectives.
• Collaborative skills : The applicant emphasizes their ability to work with cross-functional teams and develop data-driven strategies, showcasing their collaborative and analytical skills, which are valuable in a marketing role.
• Professional and polite closing : The closing paragraph reiterates the applicant’s interest in the role, thanks the hiring manager for their consideration, and includes a call to action by expressing eagerness for an interview. This leaves a positive and proactive impression.
• Attachment of resume : Mentioning the attached resume ensures the hiring manager is aware of where to find it, providing a complete picture of the applicant's qualifications.

Overall, this email cover letter is concise, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job and company, effectively showcasing the applicant's qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Email cover letter example: software developer position

Subject : Passionate Software Developer Ready to Contribute to [Company Name] Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am writing to express my strong interest in the Software Developer position at [Company Name]. As a skilled developer with extensive experience in [Programming Languages/Frameworks], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my technical expertise to support your mission. During my time at [Current Company], I have been responsible for developing and maintaining several complex applications. One notable project involved creating a user-friendly web application that streamlined internal processes, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency. I pride myself on writing clean, maintainable code and collaborating effectively with team members. I am impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creating cutting-edge solutions. I believe that my problem-solving skills and passion for innovation make me an ideal fit for your development team. I have attached my resume, which further highlights my qualifications and experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s success. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,  [Your Name]

This email cover letter works well for several reasons:

• Personalized salutation : Addressing the hiring manager by name shows the applicant has taken the time to research and personalize their application, demonstrating genuine interest in the position and company.
• Relevant technical skills : The applicant mentions their experience with specific programming languages and frameworks, highlighting their technical expertise and aligning with the job requirements.
• Quantifiable achievements : The applicant provides a specific example of their work, noting a 30 percent increase in efficiency from a user-friendly web application they developed. This demonstrates their ability to deliver tangible results and showcases their impact on previous projects.
• Alignment with company goals : By expressing admiration for the company’s commitment to innovation and technology, the applicant shows they have researched the company and aligns with its values and mission.
• Highlighting key strengths : The applicant emphasizes their problem-solving skills, passion for innovation, and ability to write clean, maintainable code, which are essential qualities for a software developer.
• Attachment of resume : Mentioning the attached resume ensures that the hiring manager is aware of additional details supporting the application, providing a complete picture of the applicant's qualifications.

For more inspiration and guidance, check out Teal's extensive collection of cover letter examples spanning various industries and roles.

How to proofread and edit your email cover letter

A well-polished cover letter demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, increasing your chances of impressing the hiring manager.

Before hitting send on your email cover letter, take the time to carefully proofread and edit your work by following these steps:

1. Review your email cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Even minor mistakes can make you appear careless or unqualified.

2. Use spell-check tools and read through the content slowly to catch any typos or awkward phrasing.

3. Assess the overall flow and tone of your writing. Does your email cover letter have a logical progression of ideas? Is the tone appropriate for the company culture and industry?

4. Make sure your personality shines through while maintaining a professional demeanor.

5. Get a second opinion. Consider having a trusted friend, family member, or mentor review your email cover letter as well. 

A second set of eyes can often spot issues you may have missed and provide valuable feedback for improvement.

Remember, a little extra effort in the editing process can go a long way in making a positive first impression on potential employers.

How to send your email cover letter

Once you've crafted a compelling email cover letter, you need to send it correctly to ensure it reaches the hiring manager and makes the desired impact.

1. Use a professional email address

Create an email address that includes your name, such as [email protected] . Avoid using casual or outdated email addresses that could undermine your credibility.

2. Attach your cover letter and resume

Use widely accepted file formats such as PDF or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). PDF resumes are often preferred because they preserve the formatting and layout of your documents across different devices and platforms.

3. Name your attachments professionally

Name your attachments clearly, such as "FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf" and "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf."

This makes it easy for the hiring manager to identify and keep track of your application materials.

4. Double-check before sending

Before hitting send, double-check that you've attached both your cover letter and resume.

It's also a good idea to test your email by sending it to yourself or a friend to ensure that the attachments open correctly and the formatting appears as intended. This extra step can help you avoid any last-minute technical issues that could derail your application.

Write cover letters faster with Teal

Writing an effective email cover letter can be time-consuming and daunting, especially when you're applying for multiple positions.

Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator simplifies the process, allowing you to generate a compelling email cover letter in minutes.

The AI-powered Cover Letter Generator guides you through the essential components, ensuring you don't miss any crucial elements. Simply input key information about your background and the job you're applying for, and the tool will craft a personalized email cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience.

One of the most significant advantages of using Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator is its ability to create customized content for each application. The tool analyzes the job description and incorporates relevant keywords and phrases, demonstrating to hiring managers that you're a strong fit for the role. This level of customization can significantly increase your chances of standing out from other job seekers.

Rather than starting from scratch for each application, you can leverage AI suggestions to quickly assemble a polished email cover letter. This efficiency allows you to focus your energy on other aspects of your job search, such as networking and interview preparation.

Try out Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to write a cover letter in the email body.

It depends on the company size and hiring process. Small companies with fewer applications to manage may prefer the cover letter in the email, while larger companies will need it as an attachment to add to a candidate’s file.

Can the email message itself serve as the cover letter?

In some cases, the email message can serve as your cover letter, particularly if the job posting explicitly states this preference. If taking this approach, craft the email with the same level of care and attention you would give to a formal cover letter document.

How to choose between PDF and Word attachments?

When it comes to attaching your cover letter and resume, both PDF and Word resumes are generally accepted. PDFs are often preferred as they preserve the formatting and layout, ensuring your documents appear exactly as intended.

Nathan Thompson

Related articles.

Job Qualifications: Types & Examples

17 High-Income Skills You Need to Know in 2024

Canva Resume Builder: Ratings & User Feedback

30 High-Paying Skills To Learn in 2024

We help you find the career dream..

Find a meaningful job

Training for impact

How to write an unsolicited application email ?

When looking for a job, you can apply to an existing job offer or send unsolicited applications to organizations that interest you. In both cases, you will need a cover letter and resume to apply. To send an unsolicited application, the application email is a good way to introduce your approach! How to send one? How should it be constructed? How long should it be? What to say? We'll tell you all about it here.

Why make an unsolicited application?

#1 To get into the human resources databases of the organizations that interest you. Maybe your application process will not lead to anything this time, but the recruiters will have your contact information and may think of you for a future opportunity!

#2 To highlight your unusual profile. If you have many strings to your bow and are having trouble finding a job or a job offer to your liking, an unsolicited application can give you more freedom and open up the field of possibilities.

#3 To apply to an organization you love! If the organization doesn't have any job openings, why not try an unsolicited application? On a misunderstanding... it can work ;)

How can you send your unsolicited application?

If you have the e-mail address of a member of the organization you wish to apply to, that's great! Otherwise, you can use the contact address on the organization's website. Some organizations don't have one, but you can write to them via a contact form. Some also have several addresses and even a dedicated email to contact their human resources department. Others have a page dedicated to the recruitment service on their website and indicate for example "we invite you to apply here" by redirecting to a job offer website or an application form.

4 elements to include in your spontaneous application email

The reasons for your spontaneous application..

For example, "I would like to learn about the circular economy through waste recovery and I am interested in your process of recovering biowaste from collective catering. I am sending you a spontaneous application.

The type of employment contract sought

An internship contract, apprenticeship, professionalization contract, permanent contract, fixed-term contract, part-time...

Information about your motivation

To make the recruiter want to continue reading your application letter and your resume, give them a little about you.

Attachments

In your unsolicited application email, you can already send your CV and cover letter. You can also attach a letter of recommendation

⚠️When you use a contact form, it is not always possible to send attachments to your application email.

Attachments of your unsolicited application email

Resume for spontaneous application.

To submit spontaneous applications, the CV (curriculum vitae) is essential! It will allow the person in charge of recruitment to know more about your professional and educational background and your skills.

A CV generally has 4 or 5 sections:

My educational background

My professional experience

My interests

You can specify again in the title or in the "About" section that you are applying as a spontaneous application.

Here is an example: "student in the last year of a CSR master's degree and looking for a position as an end-of-studies intern in project management, I am sending you a spontaneous application to join your CSR department."

👉To know how to write your resume well here is an article to help you to write your student resume from A to Z.

Cover letter for an unsolicited application

For an unsolicited application, here are 3 key points to remember, which differ from an application for a job vacancy.

Talk about your interest in the organization's mission

For an unsolicited application, instead of focusing on the links between yourself and the missions or skills required by the job offer, you will instead focus on the bridges to be created between yourself and the organization. In your spontaneous application letter, you can also use the key words that the organization uses in its communication materials and that speak to you, to highlight your similarities.

In the impact sector, organizations are moreover attached to the interest in the mission, and to soft skills, sometimes even more than technical skills.

👉 We talk about it in this article What skills are SSE recruiters looking for ?

Highlight your strengths

What might the company need? How is your profile relevant to this organization? What types of missions can you help them with thanks to your skills? Focus on the strengths that you can bring to the organization you are applying for !

Anticipate the organization's needs

What profiles might the company need? What are their future projects and the skills that could be useful to them? You can also contact the organization directly to find out about their recruitment needs, by calling the company's reception desk or by writing to an HR person on LinkedIn for example. Explain your spontaneous application to them. The information gathered will be useful for you to adjust your application.

👉 Do you want to have more details to write your cover letter? Here is an article presenting 10 steps to build it !

An example of a motivation email

Hello Mr.Mrs. XXX,

Seeing the interest of your job offer platform to promote the home help professions, I am sending you an unsolicited application to join your structure. I'm in my last year of a Master's degree in digital communication and I'm looking for a 6-month internship at the end of my studies.

For your platform, we could imagine making videos on Tik Tok to reach a younger target on the home help jobs. We could also create a video based on testimonies of professionals to highlight the daily life of these jobs. Thanks to my skills in video editing and social networks animation, these are for example projects that I could realize with you.

If these ideas speak to you and you wish to learn more about my profile and my career, I invite you to read my resume and my cover letter attached.

First name, Last name

To go further

👉 What job to do when you don't like anything ?

👉 10 tips for finding your way through impact

👉 10 steps to prepare for a job interview

👉 The candidate's guide

Receive newsletter "Paumé·e dans mon job"

Every Wednesday, receive a shot of information, meetings and actions to launch you into impact.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview