how to view cover letter on linkedin

How to Find My Cover Letter on Linkedin

Are you ready to enhance your professional presence on LinkedIn? Discovering and managing your cover letter on this dynamic networking platform can play a crucial role in showcasing your skills and expertise to potential employers, clients, and connections. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of LinkedIn cover letters, providing a step-by-step walkthrough on how to locate and optimize this essential component of your online professional profile. Whether you’re a job seeker aiming to impress recruiters, a freelancer seeking new clients, or a professional looking to expand your network, mastering the art of finding your LinkedIn cover letter is a valuable skill that can set you apart in the competitive landscape of online listings and connections. Join us as we explore how to take control of your professional branding on LinkedIn and unlock new opportunities.

• 1 How to Find Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Step by Step
• 2 What is a LinkedIn Cover Letter?
• 3 Why Locating Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Matters
• 4 Tips for an Effective LinkedIn Cover Letter

How to Find Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Step by Step

Unlocking the full potential of your LinkedIn profile involves knowing how to access and manage your cover letter effectively. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to locate your cover letter on LinkedIn:

• Access Your LinkedIn Profile : Begin by logging in to your LinkedIn account or creating one if you haven’t already. Ensure you’re on your profile’s homepage.
• Navigate to the “Featured” Section : On your LinkedIn profile, you’ll find a “Featured” section where you can showcase important content, including your cover letter. Click on this section to proceed.
• Locate Your Cover Letter : Within the “Featured” section, scroll through your listings to find your cover letter. It will be displayed alongside other media, such as articles, presentations, or links.
• Edit or Manage Your Cover Letter : If you need to make changes or updates to your cover letter, you can do so by clicking the “Edit” or “Manage” option within the “Featured” section. This allows you to keep your cover letter current and tailored to your professional goals.
• Make Your Cover Letter Public or Private : LinkedIn offers the option to control the visibility of your cover letter. You can choose to make it visible to your network or keep it private. Ensure you select the visibility setting that aligns with your goals.

By following these straightforward steps, you can effortlessly locate and manage your cover letter on LinkedIn. This process enhances your professional profile’s effectiveness, making it easier to impress potential employers, clients, and connections in the competitive world of online networking.

What is a LinkedIn Cover Letter?

A LinkedIn cover letter is a personalized document that complements your LinkedIn profile and serves as an introduction to potential employers, clients, and connections on the professional networking platform. Unlike a traditional cover letter submitted with a job application, a LinkedIn cover letter is displayed on your profile and allows you to highlight your qualifications, skills, and career objectives. It plays a pivotal role in showcasing your expertise and professionalism, making a positive impression on visitors to your LinkedIn profile and enhancing your networking and job-seeking efforts.

Why Locating Your Cover Letter on LinkedIn Matters

Locating your cover letter on LinkedIn matters because it significantly enhances your professional presence and networking potential on the platform. By having a well-crafted cover letter readily available on your LinkedIn profile, you:

• Make a Strong First Impression : It allows you to make a memorable first impression on potential employers, clients, and connections who visit your profile. A well-written cover letter sets a positive tone for your professional brand.
• Highlight Your Qualifications : Your LinkedIn cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and career goals, reinforcing your expertise in your field.
• Stand Out Among Peers : Many LinkedIn users overlook the importance of a cover letter, so having one prominently displayed sets you apart and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism.
• Enhance Networking Opportunities : It increases your chances of connecting with like-minded professionals and engaging in meaningful conversations, whether you’re seeking job opportunities or new clients.
• Boost Job Search Success : If you’re actively job hunting, a LinkedIn cover letter can impress recruiters and potential employers who view your profile, potentially leading to more interview invitations and job offers.

In summary, locating and maintaining a well-crafted cover letter on LinkedIn matters as it plays a vital role in establishing your professional identity, attracting opportunities, and making a lasting impact on those who explore your profile.

Tips for an Effective LinkedIn Cover Letter

Creating a compelling LinkedIn cover letter is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and connections. Here are some expert tips to help you craft an impactful LinkedIn cover letter:

• Customize for Your Audience : Tailor your LinkedIn cover letter to your specific audience. For example, if you’re connecting with a potential employer, emphasize your relevant skills and experiences that align with their industry or job requirements. Example : If you’re in marketing and connecting with marketing professionals, highlight your achievements in the marketing field.
• Concise and Engaging Introduction : Start with a concise and engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state your purpose and what you bring to the table. Example : “As an experienced project manager with a track record of delivering high-impact results, I am excited to connect and explore potential opportunities in project management.”
• Highlight Key Achievements : Use specific examples to showcase your achievements and expertise. Mention projects you’ve successfully completed or results you’ve achieved in your previous roles. Example : “I led a cross-functional team that increased client satisfaction by 30% through the successful execution of a complex project.”
• Demonstrate Passion and Enthusiasm : Express your passion and enthusiasm for your field or industry. Share your vision and goals, demonstrating your commitment to growth and success. Example : “I’m dedicated to driving innovation in the technology sector and am excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals.”
• Use Keywords Strategically : Incorporate relevant keywords related to your industry or niche to make your cover letter more discoverable by those searching for specific skills or expertise. Example : If you’re in finance, include keywords like “financial analysis,” “budget management,” or “investment strategies.”
• Professional Tone : Maintain a professional and confident tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid jargon or overly casual language. Example : “I am confident that my skills and experience make me a valuable asset to any team, and I look forward to discussing potential collaborations.”
• Clear Call to Action (CTA) : Conclude your cover letter with a clear call to action, whether it’s an invitation to connect, a request for further discussion, or expressing your availability for networking. Example : “Feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn, and let’s explore how we can collaborate for mutual success.”

By following these tips, you can create a compelling LinkedIn cover letter that not only captures attention but also fosters meaningful connections and opportunities in your professional network.

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• Cover Letter

Writing a LinkedIn cover letter

LinkedIn is a popular professional social network that allows employers to post open positions and receive applications. In some cases, these applications require a cover letter submitted directly through the platform. While a LinkedIn cover letter is similar to a standard one, being on the platform allows you to leverage certain personalization features to impress recruiters and give you the best chance of landing the job you want.

How to make a cover letter on LinkedIn

When it comes to cover letter examples , LinkedIn doesn’t supply any. The platform has its own set of rules and expectations, and it's important that you follow them. Here are a few things you need to know about navigating the process and making sure your professionalism shines through.

Search for a job post

LinkedIn makes it easy for job hunters to search for roles they’d like to apply for. From your profile page, simply click on the “Jobs” icon at the top of the page. On the “Jobs” page, you’ll be able to see the top opportunities LinkedIn recommends based on the qualifications listed in your profile.

The site will also provide a plethora of other suggestions, including keywords to search, companies hiring for your skills, and jobs where you’re likely to be a top applicant.

Apply through the “Apply” or “Easy Apply” functions

When you choose a particular role, LinkedIn will show you a detailed job description, as well as the posting date, number of applicants, and current employees you may know. There will also be an option to either apply for the position or save the posting to come back to it later.

To apply for the position, click the “Apply” button. In some cases, this button will take you to the employer’s website to submit an application through their online system. If there’s an “Easy Apply” button, clicking it will usually take you to an on-platform application.

There, you’ll be asked to upload your resume as a file attachment, fill in your personal details, and possibly answer a few questions. There may also be a message box where you can type your cover letter.

Personalize your cover letter

Applying on LinkedIn provides added benefits for applicants. In many cases, you’ll have the unique ability to see who posted the job and what their role is. There’s often a button next to this feature that allows you to message that person to ask questions about the posting.

The bottom of the job description also usually includes a link to the company page. From there, you can sometimes see the profiles of employees in key roles.

You can also click the “People” tab on an employer’s LinkedIn page to search for the name of a hiring manager. This will help you personalize the cover letter templates you use so you can address them to the right person instead of simply including a generic greeting.

Highlight relevant skills and experience

Another benefit of using LinkedIn to apply is that employers can see the relevant skills and experience listed in your profile. Consequently, they’ll be able to cross-reference the skills you include in your cover letter and resume. 

Though many resume articles may tell you that this information is sufficient for your letter, keep in mind that LinkedIn doesn’t always provide adequate space to discuss your skills in context. Your profile won’t be able to align those skills with the employer’s posted job description. 

For that reason, it’s important to connect the dots for the employer in your LinkedIn cover letter, explaining how your background, skills, and experience have set you up for success and make you the best candidate for the position.

This tactic is crucial for differentiating yourself from other applicants on LinkedIn and is especially important for roles where the platform indicates that there are already many applicants.

Include a call to action

This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles .

Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or portfolios you’ve included on your profile or application.

Tell the hiring manager you’d love to set up an interview or a time to talk further about how you can help the company reach its goals. Let them know you’re available to chat through LinkedIn and provide another contact method in case they prefer an alternative venue.

Proofread and edit

LinkedIn makes writing a cover letter quite easy. That said, it’s important to remember that while social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.

To appear as professional as possible, make it a point to proofread and edit your LinkedIn cover letter and resume to confirm that they’re error-free. If you’ve used a cover letter or resume template , alter parts of it to reflect your unique skills and background.

Send your application

Once everything is complete, submit your job application on LinkedIn by clicking the appropriate button. You also have the option to save your application so you can finish and submit it later.

Remember that employers can’t see your application until it’s submitted. If you forget to take this step, you won’t be in the running for the position you’re interested in.

Expert Tip:

Consider using a typing assistant or online proofreading tool to help you edit your cover letter before you send it. That way, you can spot errors and make changes inside the LinkedIn message box as you type, so you won’t have to worry about coming across as unprofessional.

To-do’s after sending your application

You may wonder what happens next once your application package is in the employer’s hands. Unlike the company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) , which may or may not give updates about your application, you can track your applications on LinkedIn. 

Simply navigate to the “Jobs” tab on your profile, click “My Jobs” on the left-hand side, and choose “Applications” to see the jobs you’ve applied for. You can also adjust your notification settings to receive job application updates via email or the LinkedIn app, including recruiter views or resume downloads.

If you want to continue your job hunt and submit another resume and cover letter , LinkedIn makes it easy. If requested or given room to do so, including a LinkedIn cover letter in each of those applications can go a long way toward helping you stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Finally, if you haven’t heard back from the company within one to two weeks, consider sending a follow-up message via LinkedIn.

Remind the hiring manager or recruiter of your qualifications, highlight why you’re a great fit for the role, and let them know you’re enthusiastic about the possibility of an interview to discuss how you can be of value to the company.

“While social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.”

Use LinkedIn to your advantage in your search for the perfect role

As easy as it is to apply for a job on LinkedIn, it’s still important to ensure that your cover letter and application come across as poised and professional.

Before applying, familiarize yourself with the platform functions and use them to research the recruiter or hiring manager’s name. When you write your cover letter, personalize your greeting using that name instead of going with something more generic.

Additionally, give context to the experience and skills you’ve listed and explain why you’re a good fit for the role, using your LinkedIn profile as a resume example of sorts. Include a call to action at the end, and don’t forget to proofread your letter before sending it off.

If you’re coming up blank trying to compose your letter, consider using a LinkedIn cover letter example as your guide.

Reviewing cover letter and resume examples can help you determine the appropriate structure and maintain a professional tone throughout. With the right resources, you can draft a standout cover letter that gets your application moved to the top of the digital stack.

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How to View Your Resume on LinkedIn

Dave Johnson Dave Johnson is a dedicated writer with a strong focus on the ever-evolving social media landscape. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of these platforms, he breaks down the complexities of social media apps to provide engaging and insightful content. Read more June 20, 2022

LinkedIn now makes it simpler and faster than ever to apply to positions you are interested in with its “Easy Apply” option. You just have to upload your resume on LinkedIn, and you can leverage new opportunities.

But what if you don’t remember if you’ve already uploaded your resume? Or if you want to check that your resume on LinkedIn is still up-to-date? View your resume on LinkedIn by following this guide and stick around until the end for helpful upload tips.

To view your previously uploaded resume(s) on LinkedIn, you will need to go into your settings.

These are the resumes ready to be used with your job applications. To view the resume you want, click the three horizontal dots and select “Download.” You can also delete any outdated files.

How to View Your Resume for a Job Application on LinkedIn

You can also view the resume you’ve submitted for a job application on LinkedIn. This is a great way to check that you submitted the right file. Follow these steps:

• Select the application you want to view.
• You will find “Submitted resume” in the corner of the first card. Download your resume to view it.

How to View Your Resume Drafts on LinkedIn

LinkedIn also allows you to build your resume on-site. To access your previously created LinkedIn resumes or edit your drafts, do the following:

You can also access this option differently:

A new window will open to see a list of all the resumes you have previously uploaded in the Resume Builder. You can preview, edit, copy and delete them by pressing the three horizontal dots next to each draft.

How to Upload Your Resume on LinkedIn

If your resume list on LinkedIn is empty, you can fix this by uploading your resume.

To save your resume for future job applications, here’s what you should do:

• Browse your resume and open the file.

On the other hand, if you want to add your resume to your profile, a different method will be necessary:

The resume you upload to your profile this way will be visible to other users, but you won’t be able to use it for job applications.

How to Create a Resume on LinkedIn

If you have yet to create your resume, you can do that directly on LinkedIn.

If you already have a resume prepared in DOCX or PDF format, you’ll be able to upload and edit it later. You can also get started without uploading a document by clicking “Create from profile” and following the instructions on your screen.

Creating your resume directly on LinkedIn gives you access to several useful tools. For instance, you can get keyword suggestions to optimize your resume. You don’t have to worry about formatting either, as LinkedIn resumes are compatible with recruiters’ screening software.

Once you’re done, you can download your LinkedIn resume as a PDF by clicking “More” in the top right corner and then “Download as PDF.” Upload this PDF to your job application settings, and you’ll be able to use it for your future applications.

Additional FAQs

Is my resume public on linkedin.

There are two ways to upload a resume on LinkedIn: adding it to your profile and uploading it for job applications. The former method will make your resume visible to network members. The latter approach will store your resume privately, and only the recruiters you submit it to will be able to see it. Make sure you upload your resume correctly, depending on your goal.

Can I add more than one resume to my LinkedIn?

Yes, LinkedIn will allow you to store up to four resumes in your account.

Keep Your Resumes on LinkedIn Up-to-Date

Your LinkedIn profile is like a resume in itself, but you’ll want to put your best face forward when the time comes for a job application. Check your currently uploaded resumes and remove any that are no longer relevant. You can also upload a new document or create a professional resume directly on the website.

Which method of viewing your resume were you looking for? Did you already know you can also build your resume on LinkedIn? Tell us in the comments section below.

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 13 min read

Oh, the dreaded cover letter. Job seekers hate writing it and nobody knows if anybody even reads cover letters anymore. And yet, not attaching one to your application would be a terrible mistake. This cover letter guide will tell you not only why to write one, but also how to write a really good one.

But first , why does everyone hate writing cover letters so much?   After all, a cover letter gives you a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from others.

In comparison with a resume, the cover letter allows you to provide details that didn’t fit in on your resume and demonstrate your passion.

All the negativity that surrounds the cover letter probably comes down to the fact that good cover letters require a bit of alchemy. They also take time to write.

This guide will help you avoid any mistakes and write a strong cover letter that will catch the recruiter’s attention. We also include cover letter examples.

Generally speaking, you want to make your cover letter:

• easy to read for the recruiter;
• well-structured;
• max 4 paragraphs/1 page long;
• professional in both tone and greetings;
• tailored for the specific opening.

Let's get to it!

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Why should you write a cover letter?

How do recruiters read cover letters, how to write a great cover letter in 9 simple steps.

• What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Final cover letter tips and hacks

Cover letter examples.

So, how exactly is the cover letter important for your job application? 

Some may argue that the cover letter in 2024 isn't really relevant anymore. In fact, one study stated that only 18 percent of hiring managers think cover letters are a key part of an application.

However, don’t get fooled by these statistics. While your resume may be considered more important during the hiring process, including a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job. 

For instance, 83% of hiring managers would be convinced by a really good cover letter — even if the resume wasn’t good enough, according to this study .

And there's more to it.

Some of the key advantages of the cover letter are:

• It’s much less structured than the resume and lets you develop a story. 
• It gives you space to get a little more creative. 
• Your personality can shine through thanks to it.
• You can elaborate on key achievements mentioned in your resume.
• It helps explain a lack of experience, career change, or an employment gap.

In other words, the cover letter is a perfect chance to bridge the distance between you and a recruiter even before the actual job interview . 

Pro tip: Before writing a cover letter, make sure that you have a powerful resume that matches the job description. Because if your resume doesn’t fit a desired profile, your cover letter probably won’t get read at all. To learn more, you may want to check out our  Ultimate Resume Guide .

First, they read them to decide if you’re the right fit for a position. For this reason, avoid generic write-ups at all costs. What recruiters love to see is a short persuasive argument of why you fit the role and the company. Something like this: 

“I was happy to hear about this job opening from my former manager, Jane Anne. She and I have worked together on many projects throughout the years and she thought that I would be the perfect match for this position.“

Second, recruiters are looking for inconsistencies . For instance, if your resume shows attention to detail but your cover letter is addressed to the wrong person, wrong company, and is filled with typos, it's inconsistent. You want to ensure the number of inconsistencies is kept to a minimum.

Third, they're trying to get a hint of your personality . Cultural fit is important to many companies.

So, throughout the process of cover letter writing, it's essential to keep in mind the recruiter who's going to be the recipient of your letter. 

Because at the end of a day, a good cover letter shouldn't be solely about you — it's supposed to be written with the hiring manager in mind. 

So ask yourself:  

• Is my cover letter easy to read?
• Have I addressed the right person in the opening?  
• Will it help them decide if I'm the right fit?
• Did I use the right tone of voice that fits their company culture?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, our cover letter guide is exactly for you.

Writing a cover letter may seem like a challenging task at first but if you know a few key cover letter rules, the process can become much easier. 

Before you start writing your cover letter, find out more about the company you're applying for. Look at their website and LinkedIn . The research also includes looking at the job description very closely and identifying any recurring keywords. Also, search for specific cover letter examples for the role online.

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is where you include your contact information (i.e. your full name, email address, phone number) and the company's contact information (i.e. the manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, department, the name of the company, company’s address). 

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise.  The result can look something like this: 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. Then, greet them by saying "Dear [first name]" . If, however, the company culture is very formal, go for the classic "Dear Hiring Manager" .

The first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it .  You can also compliment the company or name a mutual acquaintance who referred you.

Try to answer these questions: 1. What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience?  2. How could this experience help the new company grow? 3. Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business? 4. Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position?  5. Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

The following questions should help you : What excites you about the idea of working at this company? How do the company goals align with your own? What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

In the cover letter closing paragraph : reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate, add a confident call to action, express gratitude, and always use a formal sign-off.

You can either attach the cover letter as a separate document in the email when sending your resume , or send it directly in the body of the email (that way they can't ignore it).

In the following chapters we look at each step more closely and include specific examples you can copy and paste.

Step 1: Prepare and do some research 

Knowledge is power. Before you begin writing:

• Find out more about the company and the position you're applying for. Spend some time on the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. It will also help you decide on the tone of your cover letter. For example, if it’s a company like Kickresume , you can easily get away with more unusual approaches. But if it’s a conservative institution, like a bank or a lawyer's office, you should probably keep it formal.
• Search for specific cover letter examples for your role online . Pick some examples that fit your role and use these for inspiration. (By the way, that link just now will take you to our database of successful cover letters from real people who got hired. Totally worth checking out.)
• Look at the job descriptions of the roles you’re applying for . Identify major experience and hard skill keywords, so you can insert them in your letter in the relevant sections.

Once you've done this basic research, you can finally start thinking about the structure of your cover letter. 

This short infographic will show you that writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might have thought: 

Step 2: Include a header with basic info rmation

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is the place where you should include your contact information and the contact information of the company. 

A cover letter is still a letter, after all. 

At the left side of the page include the information based on which you can be reached by the recruiter. 

Here, make sure to include: 

• your full name
• your email address
• phone number

Optionally, you can also add:

• your professional title
• address (if it vaguely matches the location of the job offer)
• current date
• personal website/LinkedIn

The top right side of the page is reserved for company-related information. Here, you should put: 

• the manager’s or recruiter’s name (if available)
• job title 
• the name of the company
• company’s address

Not a fan of writing?

Our AI writer will write the first draft of your cover letter for you.

Step 3: Write a strong cover letter headline

When you’re browsing the web, what articles usually catch your attention? Those with great headlines, of course! 

The same applies to cover letter headlines.

Start by paying attention to the headlines around you — especially in tabloids and websites like Buzzfeed (Is Buzzfeed still a thing? How very 2010s of me). These are usually designed to stir up your interest and make it impossible to not click through. 

Notice how they use numbers, questions, and interesting adjectives to promise the reader to learn something valuable.

And you can do the same in your cover letter.

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise. 

The result can look something like this: 

• 3 Reasons Why I’m An Excellent Fit For [Job Position]
• Are You Still Looking To Fill The Position Of [Job Position]? This Is Why I Believe I’m Exactly Who You’re Looking For
• 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

Finally, don’t forget to adjust your header to the company’s level of formality and put your headline in the subject of the email.

Step 4: Use the correct form of greeting

In this time and age, there’s no excuse for using “To Whom It May Concern.”  

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, you’re expected to research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. 

Once you have their name, feel free to go for a personalized greeting: 

“Dear [first name]” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name]” 

Honorifics (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms .) are more appropriate if the company’s culture is formal. 

And if you cannot find the recruiter’s name, it's okay to go for a generic: 

“Dear Hiring Manager”, or “Dear Recruitment Officer”

Alternatively, you can address the letter to the whole company team or the HR department. In this case, your greeting should look like this: 

“Dear [name of the company/department] Team” or “Dear Human Resources”

Step 5: First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a BANG!

The best way to start a cover letter is to open strong. The first impression matters the most and busy recruiters often have a chance to properly dive into only a few selected cover letters. 

So if you make your first paragraph captivating, chances are that your letter will be one of the lucky ones that actually end up being read. 

In fact, the first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it. 

While most people begin their letters with “I’m applying for the position X I saw in Y place,” it's a waste of space. 

Instead, open with a sentence like this:

“I’m a content marketing professional with more than 5 years of experience and I’d love to bring my ability and passion to your team.”

In the first paragraph, you can also:

• Compliment the company. Show that you know details about the company and you’re approaching it for a reason. For example, demonstrate appreciation for what the company does. Not only will this flatter them, but it will also provide them with insight into who you are.
• Name a mutual acquaintance if you can. This is sometimes called a “magic bullet,” as it’s the one thing that will assure the hiring manager reads your cover letter until the end. 

However, limit the introduction to 1-3 sentences. This isn’t the place to go into detail about what makes you ideal for the role — save that for the second and third paragraphs. 

Step 6: Second paragraph: Explain why you’re a great fit for the company

The second paragraph is the place where you should sell yourself and your experience.  

Here, write a short summary of your career, skills and accomplishments, tailored to fit what the company is looking for. 

You already did your research, so now it's time to ask yourself these questions and try to address them in your cover letter:

• What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience? 
• How could this experience help the new company grow?
• Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business?
• Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position? 
• Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

After you’ve picked the most relevant accomplishments, put them at the start of your letter. 

However, when talking about them, avoid sounding like you’re bragging. The best way of doing this is to focus on your experiences rather than yourself . Ideally, support your claims with concrete examples.

Also, mention any other additional relevant hard skills or knowledge areas they’re looking for, as well as any qualifications.

Finally, the second paragraph is the perfect place for showing that you’ve done your research. Demonstrate that you’re familiar with some of the challenges that the company faces and present how you can help them.

Pro tip: Don’t simply repeat the same things you’ve already put on your resume. You want to go beyond that (this applies to every other section of your cover letter). 

Step 7: Third paragraph: Explain why the company is a great fit for you 

In this paragraph, you want to show that you’re serious about developing your career at this new company. And good companies want to know why they appeal to you and how will your professional relationship be mutually beneficial. 

Consider addressing the following questions:

• What excites you about the idea of working at this company?
• How do the company goals align with your own?
• What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

For example, you can say something like this: “I've seen on your website that you heavily focus on cryptocurrency projects. As a cryptocurrency enthusiast, I would love to join your team”.  

However, don’t go overboard with flattery and stay professional. 

Also, don’t say anything that isn't true or you don’t mean it, as it will probably come up again in the later stages of the application process.

Step 8: Closing paragraph: Finish strong and stay in touch

Now that you’ve nailed the main part of your cover letter, you also want to finish strong. This way, the recruiter will remember you in a good light. But how do you achieve that? 

• Reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate. This is to emphasize the two main points from the previous paragraphs. Do this in one or two sentences, not more. 
• Add a confident call to action. In a sentence or two, you should suggest the next steps. Something like “ I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value I can bring to [company]."
• Express gratitude. Simply thank them for their time and for considering your application.
• Always use a formal sign-off. Something like “ Sincerely , Best wishes , or Respectfully” . Finish by typing out your full name. 

Step 9: How do you send a cover letter?

I can’t stress this enough — unless it's specifically required to attach the cover letter to the body of the email,  consider not sending your cover letter as a document attached to your email. 

Instead, put it inside the body of the email . The email itself is now your cover letter! This way the recruiter won't ignore it.

However, remember that hiring managers receive hundreds of emails a day. So if you want your email to get read, it's the subject line that's likely to play the most important part. 

As we've advised before, if you have a good resume headline, simply put it in the email subject. 

However, if you’re unhappy with the result, you have other options, too. 

For instance, if you have a reference, include it already in your email subject line: 

Referral from Jose Nachos: Pedro Tacos, candidate for a senior software analyst position

If you don't have a reference or a catchy headline, check out more tips on how to write the best subject line for your email .

Finished writing your cover letter?

Make it stand out with an eye-catching design.

What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Today, many companies are using online application systems that discourage applicants from attaching a cover letter. 

Instead, they have their own application systems where in different sections you're required to fill in the information you would normally place in your cover letter.  

If this is the case, just work with the format they gave you.

In other words, include the same information that you'd normally have in your cover letter but place it in the correct sections. 

And don’t forget to follow the cover letter principles: 

• explain why you're the right candidate;
• make it clear that you've researched the company well;
• indicate in what way you'd be an asset;
• mention your biggest past achievements.

Because no matter the format, you're still expected to present your skills and convey enthusiasm about the job.

Alternatively, you can also try to find a relevant manager or a recruiter online (either on the company pages or LinkedIn) to whom you can send a brief follow-up email with an attached cover letter. 

Now that we've covered the basics, there are several other tips that you should keep in mind to elevate your cover letter to the next level: 

• Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to three to four paragraphs and a maximum of one page. Hiring managers are busy people who often don't have time for reading long texts.
• Keep it clean and easy on the eye. Take a look at how this article is written. It’s replete with short paragraphs, sentences typed in bold letters, bullet points, and numbers. All of these make reading and searching for specific information easier. So, never send a letter that looks like an unreadable wall of text. The easiest way to achieve a sleek cover letter design is to use a pre-formatted cover letter template . 
• Don’t risk being funny if it ’ s a company with a formal work culture. Poorly executed humor will hurt your chances rather than help. Being direct and dynamic is a much surer way to catch the recruiter’s attention than a number of jokes. On the other, if the company is smaller or known for its creative products, being original may in fact help your chances! 
• Show, don’t tell. Usually, there’s no point in saying you’re “a dependable hard worker” or “a creative thinker.” Why should anyone believe such generic statements? Instead, offer an example of how these qualities helped you achieve something in the past.
• Never write the same letter twice. A cover letter should always be tailored to a specific job application. Remember the previous sections? You’ve made a great effort to research the company and its hiring managers, so you’ve written your cover letter accordingly. This is a process you need to repeat with every application (ugh, I know). 
• Check for typos. This goes without saying but make 100% sure your cover letter is without typos. There’s no reason to believe you're competent if you can't even type without errors. Moreover, typos automatically reveal almost criminal carelessness on your part, since every text editor nowadays has a spellchecking feature. 
• Don't use any buzzwords. Your cover letter needs to be authentic and persuasive — and buzzwords are neither. If anything, they simply give the impression of you being someone who's just trying to fit a skewed idea of what an ideal corporate employee should be. Instead, focus on using relevant keywords from job descriptions.

Now, if you have no experience yet because you're just starting out or you're changing careers, writing a cover letter can be scary. However, a well-written letter can actually be your best friend.

And this is how you write the perfect cover letter with no experience .

In the end, there are many different ways to write a great cover letter. And even if you follow the cover letter guide above, you’ll end up with a cover letter that's invariably your own. 

It all depends on your own personality, the position you’re applying for, and the hiring manager’s preferences. 

And that's good, actually! 

Still, there's a lot to learn from cover letters written by other people. That's why we've selected five cover letter samples that deserve your attention. 

Each of these helped real job seekers find real jobs in real companies. They'll teach you valuable lessons you can use in your own cover letter.

1. Norwegian — Cabin Crew Cover Letter Example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

2. Volvo — Machine Learning Intern Cover Letter Example

3. tory burch — account executive cover letter example, 4. lush — sales associate cover letter example, 5. romeo — social media officer cover letter example.

Do you still need some more inspiration? You can find more examples in our cover letter library

FAQ: How to write a cover letter

250 to 400 words is the standard cover letter length range. A cover letter should never exceed one page.

Yes! Show that you can go that extra mile and stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Ideally, use a pre-formatted cover letter template. Then use a simple and professional font, such as Times New Roman. The font size should be between 10-12.

If you have the name of the hiring manager, try to find their contact on the company page or LinkedIn. If you still can't find the right person, you can address it to the whole team or HR.

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Martin Poduska in 201 7.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)

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Do the research, start off strong, and emphasize your value.

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Every Kennedy family member that opposes RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign

• Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s large family keeps speaking against him.
• Most of them have endorsed President Joe Biden.
• Several have said Kennedy's long shot campaign will hurt Biden's reelection chances.

Since the day he declared for office, Democratic-turned-Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr . has been chastised by his fellow Kennedys for being a threat to President Joe Biden's chances at reelection.

Many of them endorsed Biden over their relative during a campaign stop in Philadelphia in April. Kennedy, who recently suspended his campaign and threw his support behind Donald Trump, brushed it off in a lengthy social media post at the time highlighting his affection for them.

"I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today," Kennedy posted . "I am pleased they are politically active — it's a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other."

Other family members have kept their support much more low-key.

"We love our brother. We love our party. And we love our president," Christopher Kennedy told Politico shortly after RFK Jr. decided to run as an Independent.

Five of Kennedy's siblings issued a joint statement on Friday after he suspended his campaign and said he was supporting Trump.

"We want an American filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride," the statement read. "We believe in Harris and Walz. Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story."

Read on to see how various members of the Kennedy family have spoken out against RFK:

Kerry Kennedy

Kerry Kennedy, Robert's sister, endorsed President Joe Biden during a rally in April that featured other family members, arguing that Biden and Trump are the only two candidates that matter in 2024.

"President Biden has been a champion of all the rights and freedoms that my father and uncle stood for," Kerry Kennedy said, adding that "The Kennedy family endorses Joe Biden for president."

Kerry Kennedy has been harshly critical of her brother, including when he shared the unfounded claim that COVID-19 was "ethnically targeted" to avoid Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. Kennedy later said his comments were not antisemitic.

"I strongly condemn my brother's deplorable and untruthful remarks last week about Covid being engineered for ethnic targeting," Kerry Kennedy said at the time. "His statements do not represent what I believe or what Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights stand for, with our 50+-year track record of protecting rights and standing against racism and all forms of discrimination."

Kerry Kennedy is directly involved in shaping her father's legacy as president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a nonprofit organization. She also wrote a 2018 book about RFK's legacy that is based on interviews with celebrities like Bono and world leaders like President Barack Obama.

Joseph Kennedy II

Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy II said he and some of his family members would continue to express their disagreement with his brother's presidential campaign.

"We cannot do anything that in any way, strips even one vote from President Biden. You put the name Kennedy on the ballot and Democrats are going to feel torn," Kennedy II told reporters after the Biden endorsement rally in April. "We are trying to make them understand that this is an issue that they do not have to feel torn about."

Kennedy II represented Massachusetts in Congress for over a decade, until 1999. Before leaving Washington, he ruled out a gubernatorial run. Kennedy also declined to run for the so-called "Kennedy seat" in the US Senate after the death of his uncle, Ted Kennedy, in 2009.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has also endorsed Biden.

"Honored to stand with my family as we endorse Joe Biden who will continue to protect our rights our freedom and our democracy in this moment of deepest peril," she wrote on X after Biden campaign event that featured some of the family members.

Townsend made history in 1994 when she was elected Maryland's first female lieutenant governor in a close election. She had previously become the first Kennedy to lose a general election when she lost a bid to represent Maryland in Congress in 1984. Townsend was just 16 years old when her father was assassinated. Secret Service agents accompanied her, RFK Jr. and Joseph Kennedy II, as they flew out to California.

Townsend sided with her brother in a push to reopen the investigation into RFK's assassination, concluding that Sirhan Sirhan may not have fired the fatal shots.

"Bobby makes a compelling case," she told The Washington Post in 2018. "I think [the investigation] should be reopened."

Rory Kennedy

Rory, the youngest of RFK Sr. and Ethel Kennedy's 11 children, has repeatedly denounced her brother's campaign.

"Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment," Kennedy said in a statement when RFK Jr. announced his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate.

Kennedy was joined by three other siblings, Kerry Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy III, and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. Rory Kennedy was born six months after her father's assassination. She is a documentary filmmaker. Her latest work is "The Synanon Fix" a TV series for Max that explores a drug rehabilitation program that turned into what some call a cult. Kennedy was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in 2005's "Street Fight" a documentary about Cory Booker's early rise through an unsuccessful Newark mayoral race.

Joseph Kennedy III

Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy III told NBC News that his uncle's campaign is "likely to divert support away from President Biden and end up increasing support for Donald Trump."

Kennedy III left Congress after failing to oust Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey in a 2020 primary . He was viewed as a rising star in the Democratic Party and even delivered the party's official response to Trump's 2018 State of the Union. He is the most recent Kennedy to have served in Congress. Biden appointed him as United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland in 2022.

Stephen Kennedy Smith

Stephen Kennedy Smith has said that his uncle "does not have the vision, values, or judgment of RFK Sr. "

"I have known RFK Jr. since I was a child. We attended Harvard together and my father ran Senator Robert F Kennedy's campaign for Senate in 1964 and his presidential campaign in 1968," Smith wrote on LinkedIn. "When RFK Jr decided to run he didn't call me to ask for help because he knew I would oppose his candidacy due to his misguided stands on issues, his poor judgement, and tenuous relationship with the truth."

Smith has served as a US Senate staffer, lectured at Harvard, and is a philanthropist and entrepreneur. He also wrote a book about JFK with historian Douglas Brinkley, "JFK: A Vision for America."

Bobby Shriver

Bobby Shriver, a nephew of RFK Sr., was among the family members who slammed a pro-RFK Jr. super PAC for using images of the late attorney general.

"My cousin's Super Bowl ad used our uncle's faces- and my Mother's," Shriver wrote on X. "She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, & health care equity were in her DNA."

RFK Jr. apologized for the ad but promoted it on X. He later named one of the major donors to that super PAC, Nicole Shanahan, as his running mate.

Shriver, who briefly served as mayor of Santa Monica, California, cofounded (RED) which works with major brands to raise money to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Jack Schlossberg

Jack Schlossberg , JFK's only grandson, has gone after his cousin for invoking the family's famous image for "personal gain" amid the presidential campaign.

"He's trading in on Camelot celebrity conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame. I've listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president," Schlossberg wrote on Instagram. "What I do know is his candidacy is an embarrassment. Let's not be distracted again by somebody's vanity project."

Schlossberg's comments are notable as his mother, Caroline Kennedy, cannot engage directly with the presidential campaign due to long-held interpretations of how federal law restricts political statements by US diplomats. Biden appointed Kennedy as US Ambassador to Australia.

A slew of other Kennedys have endorsed Biden.

Other family members have not been as outspoken in their criticism of RFK Jr., but they have announced that they will support Biden this November.

According to multiple reports, they are Beth Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy, Maxwell Taylor Kennedy, Vicki Strauss Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy Meltzer, Max Meltzer, Ted Kennedy Jr., Peter McKelvy, and Rebeca McKelvy.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

8 Min Read | Feb 23, 2024

Job hunting isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re putting in extra hours after work, chipping away at application questions, polishing up your resumé, and hoping for the best. And to top it all off, you’ll sometimes have an extra item to check off your list: writing a cover letter.

Now, not all companies require a cover letter these days, so I wouldn’t worry about sending one unless the company you’re applying to asks for it. I’d rather you include the typical information found in a cover letter—like a summary of your experience and an explanation of why you want the job—in your resumé .

But if you’re filling out an application that does ask for a cover letter, write one! You want to show potential employers that you’re paying attention. So let’s go over the best method for writing a cover letter—the same one I teach on The Ken Coleman Show . We’ll also look at some sample cover letters to give you some extra direction and clarity.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short letter written directly to the person who will read your job application and resumé. Traditionally, while your  resumé  is more of a high-level overview of your past experience, your cover letter tells your story and what you  want  to do. A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your skills and motivate the hiring manager to consider you for the position.

How to Write a Cover Letter 

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you deserve an interview . Here’s how you can put your cover letter together to make an impact.

1. Choose a template. 

There are plenty of easy-to-use, free cover letter templates that can help you figure out how to format your document. But it doesn’t need to be cookie-cutter—it should still show who you are and why you want to work at this specific company.

Think about it: When you’re writing a letter to a friend (or a text message, in this day and age), you make it personal and conversational. Each cover letter you write should be personalized for the company you’re applying to. Put yourself in their shoes. If you were hiring for this position, what would you be looking for?

No matter which cover letter template you choose, you should learn everything you can about the company and the position. Use that information to make your letter relevant and show you’ve done your homework. Keep it to around 300 words (that’s about one page), and remember, just like your resumé, don’t overdo the design. Leave the crazy fonts alone, folks. The goal is to look professional, not tacky!

2. Include your contact information in the header. 

Even if your contact information is already on your resumé, you should still put it in the header of your cover letter. Here are the important things to include:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Any helpful follow-up information: a link to your portfolio, website or LinkedIn account (if you don’t have any of those, that’s okay)

This header can go at the top of the page underneath your name or in the top right corner. If you want to get  really  formal, you could also include the name of the person you’re addressing, the name and address of the company you’re applying to, and the date of application. This info can go on the left side of the page below the header.

3. Start with the right greeting. 

Don’t start out with “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern.” You’re not Shakespeare! Think about how you’d say hello to someone if you were sending them a polite and professional email. Here are some options:

• Name of hiring manager : If at all possible, directly address the person who will be handling your application. See if you can figure out who it is through a mutual connection at the company, the website, or maybe even LinkedIn.
• Name of company you’re applying to : If you can’t find the name of a specific person, “Dear [Company Name] Team” is always a safe bet.
• Generic title or position : Another option is to just say “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Team You’re Applying For] Hiring Manager.”

4. Use an eye-catching headline. 

Treat your opening line like a hook. It needs to grab the reader’s attention and give them a reason to stick around. Make it count! For extra oomph, you can write this in large (and maybe even bold) letters to mimic a newspaper article headline.

You deserve to win at work. Our new book and assessment will show you how.

Think of the headline like a great social media post. When you’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, what causes you to pause, squint your eyes, and take a closer look at what you see?

Once you’ve snagged their attention, it’s time to make your case about why you’re a good fit for the job.

5. Explain why you want the position. 

This is your chance to wow the recruiter with your knowledge and enthusiasm about the company and role. Show them you’ve done your homework by touching on the mission, vision and values of the business. Then, explain why you’d be thrilled to contribute to their work.

6. Talk about your skills and passions. 

This is the meat of the letter—but I want you to think lean. The HR team reading your application doesn’t have time for a novel. Write a couple of paragraphs, but make sure each one is only a few sentences.

Be humble—but confident—as you talk about your talents and skills. What makes you a good fit for this job? Include both hard skills (like coding or project management) and  soft skills  (like how you’re curious and always ready to learn something new).

Also, describe the passion  that drives the work you do. What makes you come alive? What activities cause you to lose track of time? Let the recruiter sense your excitement for work.

7. Wrap it up.

This is where it gets fun. When you’ve found a job that combines what you do best with what you love to do most, you’ll be producing results that matter. Talk about the core motivation that helps you wake up every morning. Tell the hiring manager how you’ll contribute your skills and passions to help move the company forward.

Then, wrap it up by thanking the hiring manager for their time and attention.

Let me be clear about something: It’s not your job to follow up. It’s  their  job to reach out to you. If you lay out your case like I’ve described, they’ll have plenty of motivation to reach out to you for an interview. You’ve done the best you can do—now relax and let the chips fall where they may.

Other Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

• Share your purpose statement . A well-crafted purpose statement that identifies your talents (the things you do best), passions (the work you love), and personal mission (the results you care about) is a great way to help the reader understand your goals and whether you’d be a good fit for the role. For some extra help on that front, check out my guide on how to find your purpose .
• Use words and phrases the company uses . Take a look at their website and social media to get an idea of their core values and culture. Using a phrase from the company itself can let them know you’re dialed in to their culture. Show them from the get-go that you’re speaking their language. Just don’t get too cheesy with this one.
• Avoid clich és. While you’re writing about what makes you a strong candidate for the job, make sure your  words are bold too . Don’t use cliché phrases like “I’m a team player” or “I think outside the box.” Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate those skills. Remember: Actions speak louder than words. Show, don’t tell.
• Proofread your letter! Grammar, spelling and accuracy  matter . Every detail in your cover letter should look, feel and sound excellent. Don’t let a few typos rob you of your shot at your dream job! So, before you hit send, double-check your spelling and grammar. You may even want to print the letter and read it out loud as a final checkup, or have a friend look it over for you.

Cover Letter Examples

Whether you’re brand new to the workforce, finding the right fit for you, or an old pro moving up the ladder, there’s a way to write a cover letter that’s best for you and your experience. Here are a few examples of cover letters for new college graduates, middle managers, folks making a career change, and senior executives that you can use as a guide.

New College Graduate Cover Letter

Mid-Career Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter

Senior Executive Cover Letter

You’ve Got This!

Remember this: The goal of a cover letter is not to sound like a professional writer—so there’s no need to put that kind of pressure on yourself. Instead, cover letters are all about showcasing your skills, expressing your enthusiasm for the position, and making a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the job. If you follow these tips, that’s exactly what you’ll do.

Writing a great cover letter is only half the battle when you’re filling out a job application—it’s usually even more crucial to pair your cover letter with a high-quality resumé. And since most recruiters only spend an average of 7.4 seconds reading each resumé, yours needs to stand out from the pack in a big way. 1

That’s why I created my free resumé guide . It’ll walk you through a five-step process for making your resumé a one-page guide that leads right to an interview. If you want to get noticed, you need to make your resumé noticeable , and this guide will help you do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a cover letter be.

A good length to shoot for in your cover letter is around 300 words, or one page. Anything beyond that is too long.

What do I write in a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, you should give a quick summary of your relevant experience and education while also explaining why you believe you’re a good fit for the job. It’s also a good idea to spell out why you want the job and how the company’s mission connects to your career goals.

What is a powerful opening sentence in a cover letter?  

You should open your cover letter with an eye-catching headline that grabs the reader’s attention and gives them a reason to stick around. Think of the headline like a great social media post—it should instantly hook the reader.

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About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

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Being miserable in a boring 9-to-5 job is no way to live. Stop wondering if you’ll ever get your dream job—instead, start working my proven seven-stage path to meaningful work.

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Jobscan > Cover Letter Checker | Scan and Optimize Your Cover Letter

Create the Perfect Cover Letter with Jobcan's Cover Letter Checker

Get personalized feedback on how to optimize your cover letter with Jobscan's ATS-friendly cover letter scanner and get more interviews.

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Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired

Stand out from the competition by optimizing your cover letter for the job you want. Jobcan’s cover letter checker analyzes your cover letter and compares it to the job listing to identify the key skills and qualifications that recruiters are looking for.

You’ll get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to potential employers.

Save Time and Effort

A job search can be time-consuming, and crafting a personalized cover letter for each job listing can be a daunting task. Our cover letter scanner takes only seconds to assess your text and give you detailed notes on how to improve it.

You’ll be able to submit a tailored cover letter with confidence, knowing that it matches the requirements of the job you want.

ATS-Friendly Cover Letters

Many employers use automated systems to screen job applications, so your cover letter needs to be scannable and ATS-friendly. Otherwise, your information might not even reach the recruiter or hiring manager.

Our cover letter scanner checks your cover letter for ATS compatibility, ensuring that these systems can read it and get your application in front of the right people.

How to optimize your cover letter

From your Jobscan dashboard, upload your cover letter file along with your resume into the scanner.

Paste the text of the job listing into the scanner.

The Match Report will give you tailored advice on which skills or experience to mention in your cover letter. You’ll also receive guidelines for effective cover letter writing.

Update your cover letter document, click on the Upload and rescan button, then paste in the updated text of your cover letter. Your Match Rate will update. Continue this process with your resume and cover letter until you reach a match rate of 75% or higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cover letters scanned by ats.

​We’ve encountered some ATS that search for keywords within cover letters. Basically, if an application asks for a cover letter, they’re likely to scan it through ATS.

How do I scan a cover letter with Jobscan?

You can scan a cover letter with the Jobscan Premium plan . After running a resume scan, locate the Cover Letter portal next to the Resume tab in the Match Report. Click “Add Cover Letter and Rescan” to run a cover letter scan.

What's the difference between hard skills, soft skills, and keywords, and why does it matter?

Hard skills are skills learned through training or hands-on experience and include proficiency with specific software, tools, or other specialized skills. Soft skills are skills that don’t necessarily require training, such as “detail oriented” or “team player.”

Hard skills are what recruiters are most likely to be searching for, where soft skills are hard to quantify and are less likely to be searched by a recruiter.

Keywords are words that appear frequently in the job description, but are not currently classified as skills. They’re company “buzzwords” you can incorporate into your resume, cover letter, or during your interview.

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“Anyone seriously looking for a job should sign up for this platform and put every single resume and cover letter through here before applying. The return on investment is unlike anything else!”

“I applied for 3 jobs with the same company. The first application without Jobscan was unsuccessful. The other two with Jobscan’s analysis of my resume and cover letters won me interviews as well as a casual position! Extremely happy!”

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“My secret weapon to help me optimize my resume / cover letter for each job I applied […] Before jobscan would send out 20 resumes and get responses on 1-2, after using Jobscan my response rate went up 300%. Most importantly thanks in large part to Jobscan I just landed my new job at a 25% raise!”

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13+ Best Linkedin Cover Letter Samples

There’s no doubt that a great LinkedIn profile can open doors for job seekers. But did you know that a well-written LinkedIn cover letter can be just as important?

A LinkedIn cover letter is a chance to capture the attention of potential employers and stand out from the competition. And with more and more employers using LinkedIn as a recruiting tool, it’s important to know how to write a cover letter that will get noticed.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some of the best LinkedIn cover letter samples to help you get started. From there, you can start tailoring your own cover letter to fit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

How To Write a Linkedin Cover Letter?

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for networking and job searching. Many employers use LinkedIn to post job openings and reach out to potential candidates. And while you don’t necessarily need a cover letter when applying for a job on LinkedIn, including one can help you to stand out from the competition.

Here are some tips for writing a LinkedIn cover letter:

• Keep it short and sweet. Just like with any other type of cover letter, you don’t want to ramble on or include unnecessary information. Be concise and to the point.
• Use keywords. Take a look at the job listing and include some of the same keywords in your cover letter. This will help your application to be found by recruiters using LinkedIn’s search function.
• Highlight your skills and experience. In your cover letter, be sure to mention any relevant skills or experience that make you a good fit for the position. If you have a personal connection to the company, this is also a great opportunity to mention it.
• Use rich media. LinkedIn allows you to include rich media in your cover letter, so take advantage of this! You can upload images, videos, or even presentations that showcase your skills and experience.
• Proofread carefully. As with any written communication, it’s important to proofread your cover letter carefully before hitting “send” or “apply.” A few typos could give the impression that you’re careless or not taking the application process seriously. following these simple tips, you can write a powerful LinkedIn cover letter that will help you get noticed by potential employers. So go ahead and give it a try!

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Linkedin Easy Apply Cover Letter

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the position ofXYZ that I saw on LinkedIn. I believe that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this role.

As a XYZ professional, I have a deep understanding of the XYZ process. I am able to quickly identify areas of opportunity and work with teams to develop solutions that drive results. In addition, I have experience leading XYZ initiatives and projects. My strong communication and project management skills have helped me to successfully navigate complex organizations and deliver on objectives.

The confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to utilize my skills and experience to help your organization achieve its goals. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in further detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 07 Professional MBA Cover Letter Samples [Free]

Cover Letter Examples Linkedin

My name is ________ and I am a recent graduate of ___________. I am interested in obtaining a position as a ___________ in your company. I am attaching my resume for your review and would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further.

Related: 07 Best Networking Cover letter Samples

Cover Letter Template Linkedin

The writing to apply for the position of ___________ with your company. It is a ___________ with ___________ years of experience in the field. I am knowledgeable in ___________, ___________, and ___________. I have attached my resume and would appreciate if you could contact me for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.

Related: 9+ Best cover letter for retail job Samples & Templates

Cover Letter Sample Linkedin

I am writing to express my interest in the position of XYZ that you have posted on LinkedIn.

As a recent graduate of ABC University with a degree in XYZ, I believe that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for in a candidate. In addition to my academic achievements, I have also gained valuable experience through my internships with DEF Company and GHI Organization, where I developed my skills in XYZ.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and contribute to the success of your organization. I am eager to put my skills and experience to work in a professional setting, and I believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: Indeed Cover Letter: 07 Templates and Samples

Cover Letter For Job Application Linkedin

I am writing to apply for the job of ___________ that I saw advertised on LinkedIn.

I have _____ years of experience in this field and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for.

Some of my key strengths include:

• -Strong communication skills
• -Leadership qualities
• -Ability to work independently
• -Organizational skills
• -Creativity

I am a motivated individual who is always looking for new challenges. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team and I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow in this role.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ___________.

Related: Best Application Letter for Job Vacancy: 09 Examples & Sample

5 Things To Include In a Linkedin Cover Letter

Although your profile photo and headline are the first things people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, your cover letter is an important opportunity to make a good impression and stand out from the competition. So, what should you include in your cover letter? Here are five things to keep in mind:

• Your elevator pitch: Use your cover letter to briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position or company.
• Your key qualifications: Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that make you a good fit for the role.
• Your connection to the company: If you have any personal or professional connections to the company, be sure to mention them in your cover letter.
• Your call to action: End your cover letter with a strong call to action, such as asking for an interview or requesting additional information.
• Your contact information: Include your email address and phone number so the employer can easily get in touch with you.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your LinkedIn cover letter makes a great first impression and gives you the best chance of being noticed by employers.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

LinkedIn is the perfect place to find a job, and your cover letter is the best way to introduce yourself to potential employers. We’ve provided over a dozen templates of high-quality cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own letter. We hope you found this blog helpful and that you will use these templates to write an amazing cover letter that stands out from the rest. Thanks for reading!

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