Our experts have decades of combined experience as hiring managers in many different capacities. So, as we describe cover letters to our users, there are many things to consider. That’s why Top Applicant is happy to boil all our knowledge down into our definitive cover letter format guide. Here is the format we recommend our users follow:
Introduction
Your intro should be direct but cordial. After all, this is the first time hiring managers are going to get to hear from you. Therefore, the Top Applicant cover letter format stresses the importance of getting to the point to give employers a clear idea of how you represent yourself.
Example
Hello, my name is John DoeJohn Dough and I’m excited for the opportunity to join Company Name as a sales representative. My passion for results, punctuality, and team-oriented mindset already help me stand out in my current role. By joining your team, I can take a step forward in my career while helping your company exceed goals for years to come.
Education and Work Experience
Now that you’ve got them interested, it’s time to describe what makes you a stand-out candidate for this position. In this section of our cover letter format, we’ll show how to describe your education in a way that helps to embolden your work history and vision for your future.
It’s also important to cover any gaps or jumps in your work history or education. By doing so, you can alleviate any concerns a hiring manager might have and avoid any awkward conversations in your interview. You don’t have to follow our cover letter format exactly, but our examples will help to get a good idea of what to focus on in the body of your cover letter.
Example
I became passionate about the world of business at College Name, where I achieved my bachelor’s degree in business administration while running a small campus laundromat alongside my friends. Upon graduation, I took the helm of this business as my friends decided to pursue other ventures.
At Company Name, I managed the accounting and day-to-day operations, and I also negotiated deals with local businesses and other campuses. After two years, I sold the company and used my share of the profits for travel and living expenses.
Positive Ending
At Top Applicant, we believe that regardless of your past, there is always an opportunity for a bright future. So, it’s important to sound confident and remind employers why you’re excited about their opportunity in your conclusion.
Example
The sales position at Company Name is the next logical step in my career path because I am driven to help customers while never settling for a subpar sale. I have experience from my time at College Name along with knowledge of sales negotiation, financial literacy, and great communication skills from building, running, and selling Company Name. Likewise, I’m confident that I can put my talents to best use at Company Name as a sales representative.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Write Your Story, Build Your Future
We built our cover letter examples to provide important tips that help to understand what employers really want to know. Our team at Top Applicant combines our knowledge to give our users the edge they need to succeed. Top Applicant is proud to help all of our users rise to the top of that stack of resumes.
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