cover letter on email or attachment

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

With the advancement of technology and shift to the online world, applying for a job via email instead of using job boards has become quite common.

You get a golden opportunity to get remembered by the hiring manager. All you need to do is write an email cover with your resume.

An attention-grabbing, convincing, and appealing email cover letter can easily land you the targeted job interview.

Here’s the summary of topics covered in this detailed article:

• What is an Email Cover Letter?
• How to Send an Email Cover Letter?
• What is the Email Cover Letter Format?
• What are the Tips for Cover Letter Email?

Introduction to Cover Letter

A one-page document complimenting your resume is what a cover letter does. Yes! You submit a cover letter as part of your job application.

A cover letter introduces you and briefly summarizes your professional background. An impressive cover letter can spark the hiring manager’s interest and get them to look forward to your resume.

An email cover letter is a brief message explaining why you're interested in the job position. You detail how your expertise makes you the right candidate. It adds a personal touch to your resume. A cover letter email is usually shorter than a standard letter. It is sent to HR as an email and not as an attachment.

How to Send an Email Cover Letter

A cover letter as an attachment is the norm today. Whether as part of an online job application or in an email, a cover letter is a must. A cover letter email highlights your skills and motivates the hiring manager to read your resume.

Below, in this article, we offer the best advice to prepare an email cover letter. Also, a bunch of the important steps you should take before sending your email cover letter.

Follow the Company’s Instructions

Email cover letters can generally be sent as an email attachment or as the body of your email. Before you attach a cover letter email, check the company’s job application guidelines.

Sometimes companies prefer attachments, while some prefer them as the body of your email message. Keep in mind that if you don’t follow the employer’s instructions, your application may not be considered.

Use a Professional Email Address

When submitting an email cover letter, your email address speaks for you. Use a professional email address, like [email protected] .

Avoid using unprofessional email addresses such as [email protected] .

Add an Informative Subject Line

An informative subject line increases the chances that the recruiter will open your email. Write in less than 60 characters, including your full name and the job position you are applying for. Possible ways to write your email subject line:

• Cover Letter – [Job Title] – [Your Name]
• Cover Letter: [Your Name] for [Job Title]
• [Your Name] Cover Letter: [Job Title]

Save Your File in the Correct Form

Save your file as a .doc or .pdf to preserve the original appearance of your cover letter. Better to change the file name to First Name-Last Name-Cover-Letter. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to view your cover letter once they’ve already downloaded it.

Attach a Cover Letter to the Email

Create a new email message in your email program to attach your cover letter. Choose the paperclip icon, browse through the files and click to attach it to the email.

Write a Brief Email Message

In the body of the email write a simple message letting the hiring manager know you’ve attached a cover letter. Don't make the mistake of leaving the email message blank.

Also Read: How Long Shall a Cover Letter Be?

Include a Proper Email Signature

Add the proper email signature at the end of your email. Also, make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you. You can close your email in the format suggested below:

• First Name Last Name
• Email address
• Phone number

Email Cover Letter Format

If this is your first time writing an email cover letter, all this may sound pretty tough.

The fact is, you don't need to be innovative or even a good writer to draught an impressive email cover letter. All you have to do is follow this email cover letter format:

• Header - Add your contact information
• Greet the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the attention of HR with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Middle paragraph - Describe your qualities and tell how you're a perfect fit for the job
• Final paragraph - Thank the employer for considering you for the position
• Complimentary closing

Also read : Industry-standard cover letter template to ace your application

What to Include in Each Part of Email Cover Letter

Segregating your email cover letter into distinctive sections will help you maintain a flow to your cover letter and appeal better to recruiters.

Your Contact Information

The header or first section of your email cover letter includes contact information. Your name, address, phone or cell phone number, and email address are what you have mentioned in this section.

Find out more : What is the best way to start a cover letter

Cover Letter Salutation

When sending a cover letter via email, do your research to avoid having to use the generic salutation. The best way is to call the organization’s front office or to review their website.

Also read : To whom should I address my cover letter?

Cover Letter Body

This section of your cover letter has three paragraphs:

• First : This is "the grab" your reader's attention paragraph. You can offer focused information about the job you're seeking and a few core strengths of yours.
• Second : Hook the reader, you can highlight the work performed and achieved results. Draw key competencies from your resume, but don't copy it word for word. You can also showcase your knowledge about the company you are applying to.
• Third : In your closing, summarize what you will bring to the position. Request a meeting or suggest a call.

Finish your letter with "Sincerely" or "Yours truly." Professional correspondence is the best way to close your email cover letter.

Find out more : How to write a cover letter enclosure

Your Signature

You're sending a cover letter via email, so type your name and contact information after your salutation.

Tips for Writing Email Cover Letter

Here are some more tips on how to craft a cover letter email, as well as some cover letter examples you can use to start yours.

Be Informative

When writing an email cover letter, be informative, but get to the point. Introduce yourself, and convince the recruiter to consider your application.

Don't add too much content, you may risk losing the hiring manager’s interest. Better you cut your cover letter email down to only the most relevant information. The standard cover letter length for an email cover letter is approx 400 words.

Easy to Read

For your resume to stand a chance, write a clear and easy-to-read cover letter with a well-formatted body.

Each paragraph should be short, to the point, and no longer than three sentences. If you can’t figure out how to get it right, consider using an email cover letter sample template.

Personalize Your Email Cover Letter

Starting from scratch is more difficult than tweaking. Writing a personalized cover letter won't take long once you have the template in place.

If you just write, "Here is my resume," you may make a far worse impression than if you write a personalized cover letter.

Finish it with Something Remarkable

The final paragraph of your email cover letter decides the recruiter's next step in your application. Encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you with some remarkable words.

You can reiterate your interest in the job profile.

The closing paragraph of your email should come across as confident. Don't be pushy and desperate. Clarify that you’re available and ready to work with the company.

Also read : Common cover letter mistakes that could cost you a job

Email Cover Letter Examples

Subject Line

Job Position - Your Name Salutation Dear Hiring Manager's Name

Opening Paragraph

Your cover letter's first paragraph should contain a self-introduction. Write about who you are, your expertise, where you found the job ad, and why you are applying for the job.

Body Paragraphs

The second paragraph should respond to the job description written by the company. Draw the attention of readers to how your previous job experiences and skills will help you meet the company’s needs. You can also include exact words and phrases from the job descriptions in your cover letter.

• Provide your accomplishments in a bulleted list
• Quantify to emphasize your bullet points

Do some research about the company and explain how you can help them with its mission.

Closing Paragraph

Your cover letter's last paragraph is the call-to-action part. Inform the recruiter that you’d love to go in for an interview with them. Provide your email address and other contact information. Thank them for reading your cover letter.

Signing Off

Sincerely, Your Name Contact Number Your Signature

Email Cover Letter Example:

Subject: Store Manager Position - Robert Sierra Dear Ms. Haddington, I read your job posting for the Store Manager position with interest, as the qualifications you are seeking match closely with my professional skills and experience. I can offer ABC Company: Over three years of retail management experience Ability to hire, train, and manage staff Payroll management, reports, and inventory control expertise Work experience with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items In addition, I have outstanding communication skills along with significant retail expertise. When communicating with others, including customers and store employees, I always keep a courteous and professional demeanor. Because of my extensive experience and diverse skill set, I am an excellent candidate for this role. More information about my career and achievements may be found in my resume, which I have attached. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to discuss my suitability on call or in person. Thank you for your consideration, Robert Sierra (216) 234 2323 [email protected]

Key Takeaways

Make the saying first impression is a lasting one true for you. Use your best judgment for each position you apply for. For entry-level jobs, keep your cover letter brief, while for upper-level ones, go into greater detail and include more information.

Here are a few takeaway points from the article:

• A cover letter email should have 250-400 words.
• Along with your resume, you must include a cover letter with your job application.
• The first paragraph of your cover letter should catch the attention of the hiring manager and hold it until the end.
• Address two primary points in your email cover letter: why you're the best candidate and why you're excited to work.
• The majority of your email cover letter's content should be factual, with no fluff or generalizations.

Reach out to us at [email protected] for any professional assistance. With Hiration's career service platform and 24/7 chat service, you will find answers for all your job & career-related queries.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

• CV Examples
• CV Templates
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview

Email Cover Letter and CV | Sending Tips and Examples

What is an email cover letter?

An email cover letter is essentially a job application email through which you apply for a job. The email must contain your cover letter, either in the body of the email or as an attachment, and your CV as a separate attachment.

Do you need to send your CV and cover letter via Email?

With the massive technological boom over the past decade, we have seen the dramatic rise in email applications. Sending an email is free, it doesn’t require a stamp, visit the post office or a trip to the company you’re applying for. It all happens within seconds and with just one click of a button.

There are two main reasons why you would send an email to a recruiter:

• When you’re applying for a job
• When you’re enquiring about job opportunities at their company

In this guide, we will mainly focus on applying for jobs that have already been advertised . However, read on as there are also tons of tips and examples for those who wish to inquire about job opportunities via email.

The format of an email cover letter + template

The format of an email cover letter slightly varies from the format of a standard cover letter. For example, there is no need to include your personal details such as name and address on the right side of the letter because your attached CV will already contain all this information. Moreover, it will take up valuable space.

Your email to the recruiter should be in the following format:

Click here to download this template.

Before you start…

1. Have your perfect CV and cover letter ready

Before working on drafting your email, make sure that you have already written and prepared your CV and cover letter. Check out How to write a Cover Letter and How to write a CV guides for more tips and examples.

2. Be formal

The job application process is a formal process. As such, you have to have a formal approach to writing your email job application.

• Don’t use contractions (e.g. I’m instead of ‘ I am ‘ or Let’s instead of ‘ Let us ‘)
• Write in complete sentences
• Write in paragraphs (not in short lines, as you would in text messaging)
• Use formal greeting (use ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname], ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
• Don’t write in capitals (IT’S NOT NICE TO READ TEXT IN CAPITALS!)

You can find more information on formal writing here .

3. Use a professional email address

You must use a professional email address when contacting the recruiter.

It should be:

• It should be short in length
• It should contain your name
• It shouldn’t contain any/many numbers

Acceptable examples:

• [email protected]

Unacceptable examples:

4. Keep it short and to the point

You only have one chance to grab the attention of the prospective employer, so keep the letter short and to the point. Employers only tend to scan CVs and cover letters for less than a minute. Anything longer than a single side of A4 will most likely not be read or considered. Why take the chance? You will have plenty more opportunities in the later stages of the recruitment process, including during the job interview, to fully impress the prospective employer.

5. Write the content of the email in a separate document first

It is highly recommended to write your letter in a separate Word document first rather than typing it up on the actual email client in one go. This is because there will be a smaller chance of losing your work because of the loss of internet connection or the software crashing in the middle of writing your letter.

It also gives you additional time to properly check your written document for grammar and spelling mistakes.

How to send a cover letter and CV via email

Let’s get started…

1. Email subject line for job application

The subject of your email should be the job position followed by the job ID or job reference number:

• IT Manager (ID: W124)
• Receptionist (Job Ref. A2014)
• Cleaner (Job ID: AFT2421)

That’s all that is required.

If you decide to add anything extra, e.g. including your name or a short message, please keep it short as there is a limit on how much of the subject line will be shown to the recruiter when they receive it in their inbox.

Do not write your subject line in capital letters

Some applicants, in a desperate attempt to make their email stand out from the rest, write the subject line of their emails in capital letters, like this:

This is not recommended for two reasons:

• It is awful to read, and;
• You come over as either too desperate or too aggressive. In the worst case scenario, you come over as both.

QUESTION: Should you write the cover letter in the body of the email or send it as an attachment?

Some employers prefer attachments, whereas others prefer the letter in the body of the email. Please check for company requirements on the job advertisement. If the company has not specified their preference, it is up to you how you’d like to send your cover letter to them.

It’s decision time!

As previously stated, there are two acceptable ways of doing this:

1. Include the cover letter as an attached file

If you decide to attach your cover letter separately to the email, always write a short message in the body of the email introducing yourself and giving the reason for emailing the recruiter – don’t leave it blank! The content of your email body should be short, informative and to the point:

Another good example:

Please find attached my CV and Cover Letter for the position of Senior Research Fellow.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind regards, Michael Harper.

2. Write the cover letter in the body of the email

This is the most popular way of sending an email job application.

I can already hear you ask “which one is better?” glad you asked.

Our recommendation is to write the cover letter in the body of the email. It gives the opportunity to make a strong and memorable first impression, allowing you to grab the prospective employer’s attention within seconds.

If you send it as an attachment, on the other hand, the employer has to take the additional step of finding and opening your letter in order to read it. Some recruiters will not open attachments out of fear of infecting their computers by viruses.

Warning: Don’t include the same cover letter in the body of the email and as a file attachment. That is just a weird thing to do and makes you look very indecisive.

The remainder of the guide will show you step-by-step how to write your email covering letter in the body of the email:

How to start an email

2. employer’s personal details.

The first few lines of your letter should be the personal details of the recruiter:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company name
• Company address

Good example:

3. Opening salutation/greeting

The next line of your covering letter is the opening salutation, which should be written in the following format:

“Dear” followed by their honorific title (Mr, Mrs, etc.) and surname.

• Always use formal greeting (e.g. ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname] ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
• It’s always best to find out the name of the employer to whom you are written the letter. This makes the letter more personal and convincing.
• If you’re addressing the employer by name, only include their surname (Dear Mr Kent) and not their full name (Dear Mr Simon Kent).

The next line should include today’s date in full ( 10 November, 2018 instead of 10/11/18 ), aligned to the right.

5. Introductory paragraph

State the reason why you are writing this covering letter.

For example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Electrical Engineer role listed in The Worcester News, 19th of March 2017. After carefully reviewing the job requirements, I feel I have all the necessary experience and technical skills to excel in this position, and I would wholly appreciate your consideration.

• These are the first few sentences that the prospective employer will be reading about you; make sure the introductory paragraph is short , to the point and is written for high impact .

6. Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, clearly outline the reasons why you would be a suitable candidate for this position. Make mention of your relevant education, qualifications, work experience, strengths, skills and abilities.

I graduated in 2014 with a first-class degree in Librarianship from the University of Essex, and I worked for a year as a Junior Librarian at Summerfield College. Both my education and work experience have given me a great insight into the purpose, function and processes of libraries. I am trained in all the standard library information and data management systems.

• Try to back up your statements with real-world examples. For instance, if you wrote that you have an “ excellent track record in sales “; back it up by tangible and verifiable performance information, e.g. by stating that you “ increased the company’s sales by 23% in six months. “

7. Paragraph 3

Following on from paragraph 2, expand on more reasons why you would be the ideal candidate for this job position.

I graduated in 2015 with a 2:1 degree in Business Management from the Queen’s University Belfast, something which kindled my passion for business and the economy. I studied a broad variety of topics ranging from Marketing Principles and Corporate Responsibilities to Leading Change and Strategic Management. I am a driven, ambitious and analytical individual with the excellent ability to analyse current business operations and offer meaningful solutions based on the findings.

8. Paragraph 4

This is going to be the final information-packed paragraph of your cover letter. Mention any other selling points that you have and state the reason why you are interested in working for this particular company.

I am especially attracted to joining your organisation because of the emphasis it puts on long-term growth and training within the company. Challenges motivate me, and I believe that I would be able to bring together my prior knowledge and skills as a competent Recruitment Officer. I am confident that my records of impressive accomplishments over the past few years prove that I will become a valuable asset to Lancefield Recruitment.

• Do research about the company you are applying for and use your findings to draft this paragraph. This will make you look interested, intelligent and resourceful in the eyes of the prospective employer.

How to end the email

9. closing statement.

The final paragraph is usually a polite call for action in which you state that you are looking forward to meeting the prospective employer. It must also contain a reference to your CV that you have attached with the application.

Useful phrases you can use:

• Please find attached my CV for your consideration.
• I have attached my CV with this email.
• For your consideration, my CV is attached with this email.

10. Closing salutation

The closing greeting should be “Yours sincerely” only if you addressed the employer by name (e.g. Dear Mrs Sanders) at the beginning of the letter.

If you used “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” as the opening greeting of your letter, it should end with “Yours faithfully.”

Other alternatives that you may use instead of “Yours faithfully”:

• Best regards
• Kind regards
• Best Wishes

11. Signature & Sender’s name

Sign off the letter with a signature followed by your name.

If you do not have a scanned or electronic signature, you can write the signature in the following format:

• Email address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile – optional

That is it – you should now have a perfectly written email cover letter!

• Don’t rush by writing and sending your email in one go – you will most likely forget to include important things or make many factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes. Write a draft version first, take a break, and then come back again in a few hours time to review it.
• Don’t forget to attach your files ! You only have one chance to make a good impression, make sure you don’t mess it up with clumsy mistakes.
• Send a test email to yourself first to double-check the email’s format and whether attachments can be opened.
• Give the attachments identifiable file names, for example, “ Julia_McCaree_CV.pdf ” is better than “ newhkh34.pdf “

Shall I send my documents in Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format? Both methods are acceptable. However, we recommend you send it as a PDF file because that will preserve the format and presentation of your documents; including margins, padding, spacing and indentation.

How do I find out if my job application email has been received? Unfortunately, you can’t be sure whether the employer has opened or read your email unless they tell you so. Some email clients allow you to ask for a “Read” receipt after the sender has opened your email. However, you will only receive a “Read” receipt if the recipient decides to send you one.

After how many days shall I follow-up my application? Most job vacancies will state the timeframe in which you should hear back from them if you have been shortlisted for an interview. Many job vacancies will state: “If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks time, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful this time.” If, however, this is not specified you should get in touch with them after a week to follow-up on your initial application.

Should I use the “ high importance ” flag when sending my application? No, not really. The high importance flag has lost its value years ago. Besides, there is a chance that you will come across as rude as why should your job application email be more important or urgent than those of other senders? More than 90% of emails are sent without one.

Working on your CV? Awesome!

• What is a CV? (Definition + 2024 Guide)
• Facilities Assistant CV Example [2024 Guide + Tips]
• Health and Safety Officer CV Example + Guide & Tips [2024]
• The Best Data Entry CV Example [2024 Guide + Tips]

Over 15,000 amazing people have connected with us - and you're amazing too!

Copyright © 2024 CV Plaza All Rights Reserved

Privacy Overview

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

Email Cover Letter Sample and Tips

Use a Professional Email Address

State your name and the job in the subject, start with a greeting, what to include, close with a thank you and signature.

• Attach Your Resume Unless Told Otherwise

Writing a hard copy cover letter is becoming less of the norm these days. It is because, more than ever, people are sending job application materials through job websites or via email. It includes submitting resumes and cover letters online.

When asked to submit your job materials (such as your resume and any other related documents) as an email attachment, the email itself acts as your cover letter. 

Here are some tips on how to write and send a quality email cover letter .

First, before you start drafting your letter, make sure your email address is professional.

Along with the subject line, your email address is the first thing the employer will see – it is your first impression.

If you are using an informal address that you created years ago like funnygal@oldemail.com or crazymike@email.com, it may be a good idea to open a new account specifically for communication between you and hiring companies. Get a new professional address that includes your first and last name, if possible.

In the subject line of the email, clearly, state the position you are applying for and also include your name. This way, the hiring manager will know, at a glance, that you are writing to apply for a job. With a clear subject line, the employer is more likely to read the email. Also be sure to proofread your subject line before sending the email – a typo in the subject line is not a good first impression, and might lead to your email being deleted!

If possible,  greet a particular person in your letter . Figuring out the recipient may be as easy as reading the name on the email address in which you are sending your resume. If it isn’t that obvious, double check the job listing to see if a name is mentioned. You can also check the company website (see if there is a directory or list of staff members), or call the company and ask the administrative assistant for help. If none of this works, you can use a greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”

An email cover letter includes pretty much the same content as a hard copy cover letter , with a few optional additions. Start your letter by expressing your interest in the job opening, and mention the job title by name. Follow this with some of your previous experience that will show the reader that you are qualified for the position. 

Focus on specific examples when explaining that you have certain qualities or skills. Make sure all of the information you include is directly related to the job for which you are applying.

Do not be afraid to brag a little bit about your accomplishments; this is the time to “sell” yourself to them. 

A benefit to sending your cover letter by email is the ability to attach URLs within the body of your message. For example, if you are applying for a technology-driven position like a web designer, freelance writer, or software developer, you can insert links to work you have done in the past. Nothing shows what a good fit you will be for the job like real-life examples of what you can do.

Finally, close your email cover letter with a thank you and express your readiness to meet the hiring manager in person for an interview. You might also want to add that your resume is attached to the email (if this is the case).

Then, include a closing (such as “Best” or “Sincerely”) and your full name. Underneath your name, include an email signature. It is something you can set up on your email account. It appears at the bottom of every email you send and includes important contact details, such as your email address and phone number. It might also include your full address, employment information, or a link to your LinkedIn profile .

Attach Your Resume (Unless Told Otherwise)

Attach your resume to your email message in the format requested by the employer. If a specific format isn't required, send it as a PDF or Word document. Of course, do not do this if the employer specifically tells you to submit your resume in some other way (such as through a website or via mail).

Sample Email Cover Letter With Resume Attached

Subject:  Communications Director Position - Your Name

Dear Hiring Manager,

I read your job posting for a Communications Director with interest. I am confident that my ten years of experience in communications in both the private and public sector make me an ideal fit for the position.

In my position as Communications Director for XYZ Company, I wrote articles for the company website, managed guest author submissions, and wrote and sent a weekly email newsletter to subscribers. I received consistent praise from the director for my attention to detail and clear, straightforward writing style.

While Assistant Communications Director for Assemblyperson Susan Smith, I researched, drafted and amended legislation, wrote press releases, and was responsible for office communications and correspondence.

I also have extensive experience writing on a freelance basis on labor issues, which, I believe, would be an ideal match for this position. Articles are available for your review at:

Additional writing samples and my resume are attached. If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know.

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

Your Name Email Phone LinkedIn URL (Optional)

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

Published: April 03, 2024

Writing a cover letter can be daunting.

I’ll never forget my college career coach, who made writing a cover letter look easy. Even with her tips, I’ve always found it incredibly difficult to talk about myself and hype up my accomplishments.

While it acts as a letter of introduction, I’ve wondered if a cover letter is necessary in 2024. To find out, I spoke with two recruiters and gained insights on how to write the best cover letter for any job application.

How important is a cover letter?

Is a cover letter necessary, when to skip a cover letter, when to include a cover letter, tips for writing a cover letter, what if the cover letter is optional.

Cover letters are short letters of introduction that you include with job applications.

Typically, they are your chance to go into deeper details about your accomplishments that you might not have highlighted or had room to mention on your resume.

Tiffany Hall, a professional resume writer and founder of Resume911 , says cover letters are an important part of the job application process.

Hall says, “Cover letters can be very important. It’s supposed to sell why you, of all applicants, should get the job. The issue is that applicants use them to regurgitate what’s on their resume, and that’s not what it’s for. It should speak to what isn’t easily explained with your resume.”

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

For example, if your resume says you’re skilled at building web pages, your cover letter is a great place to name-drop companies that you’ve worked for to create their websites.

Matthew Muehleisen, a corporate recruiter , thinks a cover letter is also a great place to show you’ve done your homework and researched a company.

Muehleisen says, “It can be what sets you apart from other candidates and applicants and is a good opportunity to show that you’ve done research on the position and company to further showcase your interest in the role.”

Knowing the importance of a cover letter still begs the question: Is a cover letter necessary in 2024?

Image Source

While a cover letter can help demonstrate your knowledge of the company you’re applying to and highlight more of your achievements, both Hall and Muehleisen agree that a cover letter isn’t entirely necessary.

Muehleisen says, “Unless it’s a requirement of the application, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to include a cover letter. There are some roles (usually in content creation and marketing) that will ask for a cover letter as a form of a writing sample. In these instances, make sure your letter is polished and focused.”

If Hall had her way, she would eliminate the cover letter entirely, focus more on the resume, and ask for a link to an applicant’s LinkedIn profile.

According to Hall, “Most cover letters either repeat the resume or they speak to why the applicant isn’t a good fit. Neither is the purpose of a cover letter.”

Nevertheless, 74% of hiring managers still prefer applications to include a cover letter. So, it is definitely worth considering including one — even if the application says it’s optional.

If you’re looking for a new role, writing a cover letter can be time-consuming — especially if you take the time to personalize every letter you send to a hiring manager.

Although a cover letter does serve a legitimate purpose, and 83% of hiring managers read it, there are a few situations where you shouldn’t include a cover letter. Let’s take a look at those scenarios.

If You Only Have a Template of a Cover Letter

I get it. Writing an effective cover letter takes a significant amount of time.

But consider not sending one if you only have time to plug your information into a cover letter template without personalizing it before hitting submit on an application.

Don’t get me wrong. A cover letter template is a great starting point to write your cover letter. Templates often remind you to include pertinent information like the hiring manager’s title, name, and your contact information.

However, if you don’t take the time to edit the body of the cover letter and personalize it with research and your relevant experience, you risk sending the same letter as another candidate.

And considering that 48% of hiring managers spend anywhere from 30 seconds to two full minutes reading each cover letter, the chances are high that your hiring manager can spot a form letter a mile away.

Don’t send it if you don’t have the time to personalize a cover letter.

If Your Cover Letter Is Full of Critique

A cover letter is meant to explain why you’re the best candidate for the open position. However, a cover letter is not a place for you to share your ideas of how the company can improve.

Sure, every company likely has areas of improvement, and the job you’re applying for might be the role that gets a say in that, but a list of improvements might read as a critique.

You don’t want to potentially offend a hiring manager before you even get an interview. A bad cover letter can hurt a strong candidate, according to 33% of hiring managers .

Before you submit your cover letter, read through it several times to make sure it’s not a critique. If it does sound like a critique, throw it out.

If It’s Not Required

There are other instances where you shouldn’t send a cover letter. For example, if the application’s instructions specifically state that you do not need to submit a cover letter for consideration for the job.

In fact, sending a cover letter anyway can signal to the hiring manager that you don’t follow instructions. Not following instructions is also a great way to land your application in the trash bin.

The bottom line is this: If the application specifically states not to send a cover letter, don’t send it.

Of hiring managers, 74% prefer to see job applications with a cover letter apart from the resume. Knowing this, if you have the time to include a cover letter with your job application, don’t skip it.

Here are three instances when you should send a cover letter with your application.

Send a cover letter if you’re very interested in the role.

Think of your cover letter as your time to shine. Use it as a place to highlight your experiences and the qualifications that make you a great fit for the position.

Hall says, “If you can speak to why you’re a good candidate without copying your resume in paragraph form, include a cover letter.”

In other words, don’t use bullet points in your cover letter to describe your previous employment history.

Instead, talk about what you learned on the job and how your skills will help you excel in the role you’re applying for.

Send a cover letter when there’s a gap in your resume or you’re transitioning industries.

If you’re looking to transition to another industry, you should definitely include a cover letter with your application.

Speaking from personal experience, if I had only submitted a resume to my school district when I applied to be a Spanish teacher, the hiring manager would have just seen my experience in Public Health and would not have known about my skills and success in tutoring students in Spanish.

Muehleisen puts it this way, “If you’re looking to transition to a new industry or if there is a position and company you’re really excited about pursuing as an opportunity, these are the best instances to include a cover letter so that you can possibly give yourself an advantage.”

A cover letter can also help explain any gaps in your resume — especially if the gap in your employment history is beneficial to the role you’re applying for.

For example, maybe you volunteered in South America, and the role you’re applying for is for a position in Global Operations.

It never hurts to include positive, pertinent information in your cover letter.

Send a cover letter when it’s required.

The most obvious time to include a cover letter with your application is when it is required. Just like not including a cover letter when it’s not required, it shows you can follow directions.

Include a cover letter when the application asks you to submit one, which shows you can follow directions.

Plus, if the application asks for a cover letter, you can bet the hiring manager will look for it. If no cover letter is included, well, you’re sabotaging your chances of getting an interview.

Only 13% of hiring managers will consider giving a candidate an interview if they don’t attach a required cover letter to an application.

Writing a cover letter is not as painful as it sounds. There are great templates you can use as a starting point for your cover letter.

The trick with a template, though, is to make sure you always personalize the letter to your own experiences and qualifications.

Here are five expert tips to write a winning cover letter.

1. Tailor your cover letter to the job description.

When writing a cover letter, especially if you use a cover letter template, you should tailor the letter to match the job description and meet the requirements of the application.

For example, if the application asks you to attach a short cover letter, keep it brief. Your best bet is one to two short paragraphs detailing why you’re a great fit for the position.

You’ll also want to reference keywords from the job description in your cover letter. Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems that scan application packets for the best fit.

Often, hiring managers review the applications that match the keywords first.

Now, that doesn’t mean to stuff your cover letter with keywords. Instead, use them in a natural way as you discuss your qualifications.

2. Be personable with your greeting.

You might have seen the advice telling you to use “To Whom It May Concern” instead of the hiring manager’s name. This is good advice, but only if you do not know the hiring manager.

Before resorting to a generic greeting to start your cover letter, take the time to look on the company’s website and LinkedIn to find out who makes hiring decisions.

If you have contacts in your network who are familiar with the company, ask them. Taking the time to research the hiring manager and the company shows you care about the details — a quality many hiring managers look for in a candidate!

If you’re still unsure after researching the company, consider using “Dear Sir or Madam” as your greeting.

3. Be yourself.

While a cover letter is a formal introduction of yourself to a potential employer, it doesn’t need to be lacking in personality. Hall suggests sprinkling your personality in your cover letter to spark connections with the hiring manager.

Hall says, “Be your best professional self. I’m a foodie and will include references to food on my LinkedIn, and I’ve done it in a cover letter. I’ve had managers reference them, and we had a chuckle. I am also very clear about aligning myself with companies whose mission and goals I respect and can contribute to. I make sure to speak to that in the cover letter.”

Take Hall’s advice. Showcasing your vibrant personality in your cover letter can help break the ice in your interview!

4. Proofread your cover letter.

Once you’ve written your cover letter and before you hit “send,” double-check that it is free from spelling and grammar errors and that the company you referenced is the company you are applying to.

Muehleisen says skipping proofreading your cover letter is a big mistake — and it could cost you the job!

Muehleisen says, “Make sure that you are proofreading prior to sending. If the cover letter feels like it is a simple cut/paste or if the job title and company name are incorrect, it may do more harm than good. So, be sure that what you’re sending is pertinent.”

5. Be cautious of AI.

AI tools, like ChatGPT or Claude, are great for helping draft content. You might be tempted to ask generative AI to write your cover letter for you. However, both Hall and Muehleisen say to proceed with caution when it comes to AI.

Hall says, “AI is coming along in amazing ways, so it may come as a surprise that my best tip didn’t include AI. I tell my clients when they’re stuck to look to their peers. You can search people by job title on LinkedIn. See how they describe themselves and pull from there. Or, hire a resume writer or career strategist to help you.”

Muehleisen agrees with her. He says, “I would hesitate to use a tool or service for a cover letter as the point should be to show your authenticity. If you are going to use AI for assistance, make sure to put your own words in as well.”

However, when you write your cover letter, whether using a template or generative AI, personalizing it is key to standing out from the competition.

If the job description says a cover letter is optional, should you send one, or can you get by without it?

That can be tricky, considering 72% of recruiters still expect a cover, even if it’s optional.

According to Muehleisen, sending a cover letter is not a bad idea. He says, “I’ve never heard of a cover letter hurting an applicant’s chances; just make sure the one you’re including is specific to the job description and posting.”

Check out these cover letter examples for more inspiration.

Experiment With Your Cover Letters

Writing a cover letter is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With today’s challenging job market, sending a cover letter with your application can make a difference in whether you get called for an interview.

I can’t make promises that your cover letter will dazzle hiring managers each time, but for the right position for you, it will.

Remember Hall and Muehleisen’s advice when you craft your cover letter. Personalization is key to success!

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

General Cover Letter: 15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.