do cover letters have headings

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What do I include in my cover letter heading?

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The heading provides your contact information, the date you are writing, and the address of the company to which you are applying.

For your contact information, you will want to include the following:

• The address where you can be reached ( if you live at college, will it be more accessible to include the local address or your permanent address? )
• Phone number
• Fax number (if applicable)
• E-mail address

Then, you will skip a line and write the full date ( month, day, year ). Follow this by skipping a space and writing the contact information for the person to whom you are writing:

• Name of the specific person
• Title of that person (if available)
• Address of the company

Craig M. Leroix 2987 W. Taylor Dr. Portland, OR 45720 890-372-1262 [email protected]

February 2, 2005

Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director Western Electric, Inc. 387 Collier Lane Atlanta, Georgia 30051

Job seekers at Purdue University may find value in the Purdue career Wiki here .

The following are additional Purdue OWL resources to help you write your cover letter:

• Cover Letter Workshop- Formatting and Organization
• Example Employment Documents
• Cover Letters 1: Quick Tips
• Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Presentation
• Job Search Documents for Working Class Positions

Cover Letter Header Guide + Headings Examples & Templates

By Kervin Peterson

12 min read

A cover letter header is a functional section at the top of the document reserved for contact information and date of writing . It's the first thing most recruiters will see when examining your letter. Because of this, you want to ensure this section is polished to perfection to leave a strong first impression on the recipient and convince them to read the rest of the document.

In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of creating a strong cover letter heading and give you examples to help you visualize what you’ve learned. Whether it’s your first time writing a cover letter or you’re looking to improve your skills, you’ll learn how to make an outstanding header.

Key Takeaways

A cover letter header is the first section of your document , where you should list your and the recipient’s contact information, along with the date and location of the writing.

You can include optional details in your cover letter heading, like your LinkedIn profile, relevant social media accounts, personal website, and portfolio.

Your header should be designed to be catchy, easy to read, and consistent with the rest of your cover letter.

What Is a Cover Letter Header?

A cover letter header is the top part of the document that should include your contact information, the date and location of writing, and the recipient’s details. Its main purpose is purely functional, as it should provide recruiters and hiring managers with the sufficient information they need to get in touch with you.

The goal of a well-designed cover letter header is to set the stage for the rest of the document. Its layout and format will indirectly demonstrate your professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail .

A clean and organized cover letter header enhances the overall readability of the document. It makes it easy for the recruiter to:

Transition to the rest of the writing

Focus on your skills and qualifications

Find specific details that they need

Identify your cover letter among a stack of others

Finally, using the same design language in your cover letter as you did in your resume will further showcase your expertise and make your application more noteworthy. Recruiters will more likely remember the information from both documents and combine it to create a complete picture of your personality and competence.

What Is a Cover Letter Heading?

The term “cover letter heading” is often used interchangeably with the cover letter header. However, it can also refer to the specific headings of each section in your cover letter.

For instance, you can include a “Contact Information” heading in the cover letter header to label it specifically. That way, you can clearly emphasize the sections of your cover letter to make it easier for the reader and to guide them.

Still, due to the simple nature of cover letters, there’s typically no need to point out each section. They usually only have contact information and the body of the text, which makes it easy to distinguish its individual parts. This practice is more commonly used when highlighting resume sections .

3 Essential Elements of a Cover Letter Header

Every cover letter header should include three key components, so let’s examine what they are.

#1. Personal Information

Your personal information should be prominently displayed at the top of your cover letter header. Here are the details to include:

Phone number

Email address

On top of that, you should also include your LinkedIn profile . Other optional information you can add to this section include a personal website, portfolio, and social media profiles relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Having personal information neatly displayed at the beginning of your cover letter allows recruiters to easily contact you if they are interested in your application.

#2. Date of Writing

Your cover letter heading should include the date of writing and location . You can write the full date or a shortened version in the MM/DD/YYYY format. For example, “April 23, 2024” and “04/23/2024” both work. For location, mentioning a city is enough.

Dating a cover letter is important as it highlights relevance and shows that your application is ongoing . Recruiters, hiring managers, and employers consider this information when scheduling your interview and even when receiving your follow-up email.

#3. Hiring Manager's Information

The hiring manager’s contact information is vital as it demonstrates that you wrote a cover letter to a specific person and company . Moreover, personally addressing the hiring manager helps you build rapport right off the bat.

This adds a personal touch to a formal document and helps you stand out. It also indicates that your cover letter is tailored to the role that you’re applying for and will highlight relevant skills and experiences.

The details you should include are:

Hiring manager’s name

Company’s name

Company’s address

Optional Elements for a Cover Letter Header

Let’s examine the above-mentioned optional elements you can add to your cover letter heading in depth.

#1. Professional Social Media Profiles

Professional social media profiles are becoming increasingly common in the business landscape. LinkedIn is a staple social media network for professionals, but you can also include links to relevant Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and even TikTok or Pinterest accounts.

#2. Personal Website or Portfolio

Personal websites and portfolios showcase your work before you’re given a chance to demonstrate it. Therefore, if you have them, you should include a link in your cover letter header.

#3. Current Job Title

Including your current job title in your cover letter header gives recruiters and hiring managers quick insight into your ongoing responsibilities and skills needed to carry them out.

#4. Address (Optional)

While mentioning the address in your cover letter and resume used to be mandatory, it’s now optional and can be omitted if it’s not relevant to the role . Even if you decide to include it, you should only add your city for privacy reasons.

4 Indispensable Tips for Crafting an Impactful Cover Letter Header

Now, let’s check out some expert tips to help you polish your cover letter header to perfection.

#1. Catch the Attention of the Reader

You should design your cover letter header to catch the attention of the reader. For instance, you can pick a professional cover letter font and increase the size of your name to make it stand out .

The standard font size for the body of your cover letter is between 10 and 12 pt. You can increase your name by 2–4 pt to make it more prominent and your cover letter instantly recognizable.

#2. Be Consistent in Cover Letter Design

The design for your cover letter heading should match the design of the rest of the document . Keeping the format, layout, and overall style of your letter consistent makes it easy for hiring managers to focus on its contents.

You can achieve that by:

Using one typeface for the entire document and maintaining consistent size.

Having uniform spacing between paragraphs.

Including one type of bullet point symbol .

For bonus points, you should ensure that the design of your cover letter header also matches the design of your resume header .

#3. Prioritize Readability and Clarity

Clarity and readability are essential in cover letter design. Using typefaces that are too hard to read, including busy graphics , having too much color, and otherwise lacking order and consistency throughout the letter, can have detrimental effects.

You don’t want any elements in your cover letter that draw attention from its main purpose , which is to showcase your motivation, skills, and accomplishments. That’s why a simple cover letter header that only lists the necessary information is usually the best way to go about it.

#4. Don’t include overly personal information

You should avoid adding any information that is considered sensitive to your cover letter heading. This includes details about your gender, religious and political affiliations, race or ethnic origin, and more . You also shouldn’t put your photo in your cover letter or resume.

Not only is this type of information unnecessary, but it can result in immediate elimination of your job application . That’s because employers don’t want to risk facing charges for discrimination in their hiring practices .

Key Differences Between Resume and Cover Letter Headers

The biggest difference between resume and cover letter headers is in the amount of information they provide. A resume header typically only has your contact details and no date of writing . On the flip side, cover letter headers should be dated and should have the recipient’s contact information.

In essence, cover letters should follow business letter formatting where the header serves to introduce the reader to a salutation before the body of the letter. Resumes feature different layouts since they have more sections than cover letters. These sections are more independent and most of them usually come with headings, which you won’t find in cover letters.

4 Cover Letter Header Examples and Templates

Let’s put into practice what we’ve learned so far and check out some cover letter header examples:

#1. Traditional Header Example

This traditional cover letter header example can give you an idea of what yours should look like if you’re in classic fields like law and finance :

John Matthews Accountant 4974 North Street Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-942-0297 [email protected] linkedin.com/ln/johnmatthews

Staten Island, 05/09/2024

Lance Chavez Hiring Manager Diamond Finances 3113 Anmoore Road Staten Island, NY 10301

#2. Modern Header Example

This modern cover letter header sample is perfect for candidates in fields like marketing or technology, where trends are important :

Nathan Blum Front-End Developer 951 Jail Drive Gilson, IL 61436 309-876-7660 [email protected] linkedin.com/ln/nathanb github.com/nathanb

Pasadena, 07/10/2023

Katherine Smith Hiring Manager Platform Soft 4827 Nickel Road Pasadena, CA 91101

#3. Creative Header Example

You can take inspiration for a header from this creative cover letter template if your career includes design and inventiveness :

Janine Walton Graphic Designer 3943 Kemper Lane Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-813-1857 [email protected] linkedin.com/ln/janinewalton janineportfolio.com

Jacksonville, 10/02/2023

Janet Carter Hiring Manager Golden Ratio Designs 4353 Brannon Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32044

#4. Header for Cover Letter with Unknown Recipient

Here’s how you can write your cover letter heading when you don’t know the name of the recipient, so you address them by their professional title :

Harriet Sarno Civil Engineer 4318 Maryland Avenue Saint Petersburg, FL 33714 737-522-9489 [email protected] linkedin.com/ln/harrietsarno sarnoengineer.com

New York, 12/11/2023

Hiring Manager Steel Core Constructions 2856 Small Street New York, NY 10014

Cover Letter Header FAQs

#1. should your cover letter have the same header as the resume.

Yes, your cover letter should have the same header as the resume. That way, you’ll display consistency and cohesion , creating a professional set of job application documents. This shows attention to detail and makes it easier for recruiters to distinguish you from other candidates.

#2. What is the headline of a cover letter?

The headline of a cover letter is a brief and catchy line you should include in the subject of the email you’re sending . Before submitting a cover letter, you should write an engaging headline along the lines of “5 Reasons Why I’m An Excellent Candidate For [Job Position].”

#3. Does a cover letter have a title?

A cover letter should have the title of the file . Before you send your letter as a PDF, DOC, or any other type, you should name it something recognizable so it can be distinguished. For example, you can use your full name or a shortened version if that’s too long.

Final Thoughts

The importance of a well-designed cover letter heading in 2024 cannot be understated, as it’s the first thing hiring managers see when checking out your document. You only get one chance at leaving a good first impression and persuading the hiring manager to read your letter with enthusiasm .

Remember to be consistent with your cover letter heading format and layout, and make sure to proofread and double-check everything for accuracy . The last thing you want is a misspelled phone number or email address to stop you from getting an interview call. Best of luck with your cover letter writing endeavors!

Create your cover letter once, use it everywhere

10 Cover Letter Dos And Don’ts

October 18, 2024

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“We regret to inform you…” Five words that can shatter a job seeker’s hopes, often the result of an overlooked detail: a weak cover letter.

But here’s the silver lining: 94% of hiring managers say cover letters significantly influence their decision to interview candidates. Your cover letter isn’t just a formality—it’s your golden ticket to landing that dream job.

However, crafting a standout cover letter can be tricky. What makes hiring managers sit up and take notice? How do you strike the perfect balance between professional and personable? And in a sea of applicants, how do you ensure your letter doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or fresh out of college, these questions can leave even the most confident job seeker second-guessing every word. But don’t worry—we’re about to demystify the process. 

Let’s explore the essential dos and don’ts of cover letter writing, which will help you get noticed and that interview.

H2: The 10 Cover Letter Dos 

Here are 10 key strategies to help your application shine and catch the hiring manager’s eye. From personalization to proofreading, these tips will help you craft a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit for the job:

1. Do: Personalize Your Letter

Hiring managers can spot a generic letter from a mile away, so take the time to tailor your content to the specific job and company.

Did you know that 83% of hiring managers read most cover letters they receive? That’s a lot of eyes on your letter, so make it count. Research the company thoroughly. 

• What’s their mission? 
• What recent projects have they undertaken? 

Use this information to explain your excitement about the position and how your skills align with their needs.

Pro tip: Address your letter to a specific person whenever possible. If the job posting doesn’t include a name, a quick LinkedIn search or call to the company can often yield results.

2. Do: Highlight Specific, Relevant Achievements

Your cover letter isn’t a rehash of your resume —it’s your chance to bring your experiences to life. Focus on one or two key achievements that directly relate to the job you’re applying for.

Instead of saying, “ I increased sales ,” try something like, “ I spearheaded a social media campaign that boosted quarterly sales by 15% .” Concrete numbers and specific projects pack a punch and help hiring managers envision your potential impact.

3. Do: Show Enthusiasm for the Role

Enthusiasm is contagious. Express genuine interest in the position and company, but keep it professional. Avoid over-the-top statements like, “This is my dream job!” Instead, demonstrate your enthusiasm through your knowledge of the company and industry.

For example: “I’ve admired Company X’s commitment to sustainable practices, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your upcoming green energy project. “

4. Do: Keep It Concise

Hiring managers are busy people. In fact, 48% spend between 30 seconds to 2 minutes reading a cover letter. Respect their time by keeping your letter concise and to the point. Aim for about 400 words , the average preferred length for a cover letter.

Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up text and make your letter easily scannable. Remember, the goal is to pique their interest and leave them wanting to learn more about you in an interview.

5. Do: Use Keywords Strategically

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Increase your chances of getting past these digital gatekeepers by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description into your cover letter.

However, don’t just stuff your letter with buzzwords. Use them naturally and in context. If the job requires “project management skills,” you might write, “ In my previous role, I successfully managed multiple high-priority projects, consistently delivering results on time and under budget. “

6. Do: Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition

What makes you stand out from other applicants? This is your chance to highlight your unique blend of skills, experiences, and qualities, which make you the ideal candidate.

Maybe you speak three languages or have a unique combination of technical and creative skills. Whatever it is, ensure it’s relevant to the job and explain how it would benefit the company.

7. Do: Address Potential Concerns

If you have an employment gap or are changing careers, don’t stop addressing it. Frame these potential concerns as opportunities for growth.

For a career change, you might say, “ While my background is in marketing, I’ve always been passionate about technology. I recently completed a coding boot camp and am excited to bring my unique blend of marketing insight and technical skills to this software development role. “

8. Do: Include a Call-to-Action

End your cover letter with a clear next step. Express your enthusiasm for an interview and indicate how you’ll follow up.

For example: “I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my skills to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this role further. I’ll follow up next week to see if we can schedule a time to talk. “

9. Do: Proofread Thoroughly

Nothing undermines your professionalism faster than typos or grammatical errors. Proofread your letter carefully , then proofread it again. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to review it with fresh eyes.

Reading your letter aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. And don’t rely solely on spell-check—it won’t catch everything!

10. Do: Leverage Technology Wisely

Why not use technology to your advantage? AI-powered tools can help enhance your writing, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional. 

However, remember that these tools should supplement, not replace, your personal touch. Your unique voice and experiences should always shine through.

H2: The 10 Cover Letter Don’ts 

Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. These ten cover letter pitfalls can quickly send your application to the “no” pile. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your cover letter sharp, professional, and compelling:

1. Don’t: Use Generic Salutations

“To Whom It May Concern” is the quickest way to show you haven’t done your homework. If you can’t find a specific name, use a title like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Team.”

2. Don’t: Merely Repeat Resume Points

Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Use it to expand on your most relevant experiences, provide context, and showcase your personality. Remember, 45% of hiring managers read your cover letter before your resume, so make it count!

3. Don’t: Focus on What the Job Can Do for You

While it’s natural to be excited about the opportunity, focus on what you can bring to the role rather than how it will benefit your career. Show the employer how hiring you will solve their problems and contribute to their success.

4. Don’t: Use Clichés or Overused Phrases

Avoid tired phrases like “team player” or “think outside the box.” Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities. For instance, rather than calling yourself a “problem solver,” describe a specific problem you solved and the positive outcome.

5. Don’t: Lie or Exaggerate

Honesty is always the best policy. Exaggerating your skills or experiences might get you an interview, but it will quickly become apparent if you can’t back up your claims. Focus on your genuine strengths and achievements.

6. Don’t: Neglect Formatting and Design

A cluttered or poorly formatted cover letter can be off-putting. Use a clean, professional font and plenty of white space. Stick to a simple design that matches your resume for a cohesive application package.

7. Don’t: Use an Unprofessional Email Address

Your email address is often the first point of contact. “[email protected]” doesn’t exactly scream “hire me.” Stick with a simple combination of your name for a professional impression.

8. Don’t: Forget to Follow the Application Instructions

If the job posting asks for specific information in your cover letter, include it. Following instructions demonstrates attention to detail and respect for the employer’s process.

9. Don’t: Overwhelm with Excessive Detail

While providing relevant information is essential, don’t turn your cover letter into a novella. Focus on the most impactful details that directly relate to the job requirements. 

Remember, only 15% of hiring managers will spend more than 2 minutes on your letter, so make every word count.

10. Don’t: End Without a Clear Next Step

Avoid passive endings like “I look forward to hearing from you.” Instead, be proactive about the next steps, whether following up or expressing enthusiasm for an interview.

H2: The IMPACT Method: Your Cover Letter Checklist

Now that we’ve covered the essential dos and don’ts, let’s summarize these key points into an easy-to-remember acronym: IMPACT . 

Use this checklist to ensure your cover letter makes a lasting impression:

By following the IMPACT method, you’ll ensure that your cover letter hits all the key points hiring managers seek. 

Remember, a great cover letter doesn’t just repeat your resume—it complements it by compellingly telling your career story.

H2: Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts for Specific Groups

Not all job seekers are in the same boat. You should tailor your approach depending on your career stage or situation. 

Here are some specific dos and don’ts for different groups of job seekers to help you craft a cover letter that addresses your unique circumstances:

A well-crafted cover letter can be your ticket to landing that dream job. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that captures attention and showcases your best self.

Consider this: 49% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can convince them to interview an otherwise weak candidate. That’s the power of a great cover letter.

Ready to take your cover letter to the next level? 

AI-powered tools can help you craft a cover letter that stands out from the crowd. These platforms analyze successful cover letters across various industries, providing data-driven insights to optimize your application.

Don’t let a mediocre cover letter hold you back. With the right tools, you can create a compelling, ATS-friendly cover letter in minutes, giving you more time to focus on preparing for that all-important interview.

Good luck with your job search!

1. How long should I wait before following up after submitting my cover letter and resume? 

Generally, it is best to wait one to two weeks before following up. However, if the job posting specifies a timeline for the hiring process, respect that. Keep it brief and polite when you follow up , reiterating your interest in the position.

2. Is it acceptable to use a creative format or design for my cover letter to stand out? 

While creativity can be appealing, it’s essential to consider the industry and company culture. Stick to a conservative format for traditional industries like finance or law. 

While unique designs might be appreciated in creative fields, I always prioritize readability and professionalism over flashiness.

3. Should I mention salary expectations in my cover letter? 

Generally, it’s best to avoid mentioning salary in your cover letter unless the job posting specifically asks for it. 

Salary discussions are typically better left for later stages of the interview process when you better understand the role and its responsibilities.

4. How can I address a gap in employment in my cover letter without drawing too much attention to it? 

Be honest but strategic. Briefly mention what you did during the gap that might be relevant to the job (e.g., volunteering, freelancing, or learning new skills). 

Focus on how these experiences have prepared you for the role you’re applying for. Keep it positive and forward-looking rather than apologetic.

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