cover letter for resume warehouse job

15 Warehouse Worker Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Are you are looking to write a cover letter for Warehouse Worker jobs that will impress recruiters and get you noticed by hiring managers? You need one to apply for a job, but you don’t know what to say.

Cover letters are often overlooked for resumes. However, they can be very important. A cover letter is your first impression with a potential employer. It should be well written and concise to prove that you are qualified for the position. They also provide an opportunity to elaborate on something that was not included in your resume or show that you were referred by someone the employer knows. These aspects of a cover letter make it an extremely important part of any job application process.

Here are 15 amazing Warehouse Worker cover letters that are professionally written and will help you stand out and get that job!

Warehouse Worker Cover Letters

Each cover letter is written with a different focus. Review all of them and pick the ones that apply to your situation. Take inspiration from multiple samples and combine them to craft your unique cover letter.

Warehouse Worker Sample 1

Maggie McKinney is a hardworking individual who has had previous experience in the warehouse industry. She is an asset to any company looking for someone with dependability, reliability, and enthusiasm. During her time at ____, Maggie excelled in warehouse operations by completing tasks efficiently and on time every day. Maggie believes that her ability to be organized and efficient will help make your job easier.

Warehouse Worker Sample 2

My name is Jamie Holmes and I am a recent graduate from a warehouse management degree program. My resume is attached, but I am excited to share with you the skills that have been instilled during my education and work experience. For the past 3 years of my life, I have been able to work as a warehouse employee for one of the top companies in the US. There, I was able to be an important part of their team which was responsible for moving pallets of product from one side of the facility to another. When it comes time for physical labor, nothing can compare with what I have learned and experienced on-site with this company: lifting heavy loads and walking long distances (sometimes up to 10 miles)

Warehouse Worker Sample 3

Dear Sir or Madam: I am a hard and dependable worker and would be a perfect fit for the Warehouse Worker position. I have experience in performing physical labor that includes lifting, sorting, packing, driving trucks, driving forklifts and other large machinery. I also have experience in loading/unloading trucks from warehouses to shipping docks. In addition to this work experience I am customer service oriented which would allow me to interact with customers when they come into the warehouse to pick up their goods. If you are interested in hiring me for your Warehouse Worker position please contact me at ____(include your contact information) ____ or via email at ____(include your email address). Thank you very much for considering my qualifications

Warehouse Worker Sample 4

Dear Manager,

I am applying for the Warehouse Worker position with the hope that you will consider me as a potential candidate. Throughout my time as a student and after graduation, I have learned many valuable skills and practical experience in this field. I am confident that I would be a great asset to your team and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warehouse Worker Sample 5

Dear ____, I am a hard working and dedicated individual looking for a new opportunity within the warehouse industry. I have an extensive knowledge of warehouse operations and would be able to contribute my skills in the following areas: – Inventory management – Order fulfillment – Shipping/receiving operations I am available for an interview at your convenience, and can provide you with links to my resume and references at your request. Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter.

Warehouse Worker Sample 6

Hello, I am looking for a position as a Warehouse Worker. I am an excellent candidate for this job because I have many years of experience and qualifications. Please contact me to see if I am a good fit for this position.

Warehouse Worker Sample 7

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am a motivated and hard-working person who has been working in logistics for 10 years. I have experience in receiving inventory, stocking shelves, packing shipments, and driving trucks. I am willing to work long hours for minimal pay because I get satisfaction from solving problems on the job.

Would you like to meet so you can see me in action?

Warehouse Worker Sample 8

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing in regards to your Warehouse Worker position. I have extensive experience in this field and would be a valuable asset to the company. I am available for employment at any time of day or night, Monday through Saturday or Sunday. I will provide my availability upon request. Thank you for your consideration of my resume and cover letter.

Sincerely, __________

Warehouse Worker Sample 9

Hello, I am a diligent and reliable warehouse worker with 3 years of experience. I am confident I would be the best candidate for this position as I have all the skills and qualifications listed on your “Warehouse Worker” job description. If you’d like to know more about me, please contact me at 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warehouse Worker Sample 10

I am interested in the warehouse position you are hiring for. I believe that I am the best candidate for the position given my experience in this industry. As a warehouse worker, I would be able to meet all your needs effectively and efficiently- meeting order deadlines and understanding department procedures. I have strong interpersonal skills and can work well with others as well as on my own to complete tasks effectively. Please consider me for this position.

Warehouse Worker Sample 11

I am writing to request an opportunity to work in your warehouse. I have a strong knowledge of inventory and customer service. I am able to work alone and do not require close supervision for safety. My experience with shipping and receiving can also provide a useful skill set for this position at the company. Thank you for your consideration of my application, and I hope that we can schedule an interview soon!

Warehouse Worker Sample 12

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a hard-working, conscientious individual with experience in the logistics industry. I have extensive warehouse & inventory management experience which includes assembly operations, palletizing, processing orders and managing inventory. I have excellent analytical skills including meeting deadlines by prioritizing tasks and using time efficiently. I am confident that my diverse skillsets will be an asset to your company.

Warehouse Worker Sample 13

Dear Manager, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity of Warehouse Worker position with your company. I am a hard working individual who is eager to get the job done. I have experience in warehouse work for over five years now and can provide you with nothing but my best. Please consider me for this job as I would love to learn more about your company and be able to work for you! Thank You, Joe

Warehouse Worker Sample 14

I am a recent high school graduate seeking a job as a warehouse worker. I have been working in manufacturing for 4 years and have been looking for this position for the past two months.  I am available to work 40 hours per week and my experience is in both material handling and logistics. In my free time, I enjoy going camping with family and friends, playing frisbee golf with friends, and making furniture from reclaimed wood.

Warehouse Worker Sample 15

February 16, 2017

Dear Mr. Parker, I am interested in applying for the Warehouse Worker position that you advertised on your website. I have experience as a warehouse worker and as a shipping and receiving clerk. I am very familiar with warehouse operations, including how to load items from trucks into the building and from inside to outside storage areas. When it comes to finding items, I have been able to complete this task quickly without making too many mistakes or taking too much time. The rest of my resume is attached for your consideration. Thank you very much for your time and consideration!

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for each job opening.

Use the above professionally written Warehouse Worker cover letter samples to learn how to write a cover letter that will catch their attention and customize it for your specific situation.

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• Cover Letters

Warehouse Worker Cover Letter

Creating a comprehensive and interesting warehouse worker cover letter is an important part of your job search. You'll want your cover letter to showcase your skills and experience, with a special focus on the various tasks you've mastered over your career. Use our customizable template and helpful guide to create a professional cover letter.

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Warehouse Worker Cover Letter - Free Template

Download our warehouse worker cover letter in MS Word format.

Warehouse Worker Cover Letter Example:

[ Full Name ]

[ Physical Address ]

[ Telephone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

Application for the position of warehouse worker.

Dear [ Recipient’s title and last name ],

I am writing in response to the job ad you advertised in [ source ] for a warehouse worker. [ Company name ] has been a leader in quality service and warehousing projects, and I have always admired your company's advanced organization software. I believe that my ability to operate power tools combined with my extensive knowledge of warehouse best practices makes me the ideal candidate for this position.

I previously worked at [ company name ], where I developed my [ skill 1 ], [ skill 2 ], and [ skill 3 ] skills. In this role, I was responsible for loading and uploading products, accepting and cataloging deliveries, labeling stock, and storing inventory. Throughout my [ number of years ] year career, I have always made health and safety in the workplace my top priority, earning me the award for [ name of award ] in [ year ].

Over the years, I have dedicated time to expand my expertise and knowledge beyond warehousing abilities, completing a certification course in [ name of course ] from the [ university/college name ] in [ year of attendance ]. Through my training, I honed my skills in administration and inventory management. I also have excellent attention to detail and have remained physically fit due to the position's job requirements.

I am eager to showcase my skills and work alongside your hard-working warehousing team to consistently deliver exceptional service. Thank you for considering my application for the job and please don't hesitate to contact me at [ email address ] or [ telephone number ].

[ Your Name ]

How to Write a Warehouse Worker Cover Letter:

A step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect warehouse worker cover letter for your next job application.

Address your letter.

Provide your contact details..

At the top of the cover letter, enter your relevant contact information, including your full name, address, mobile number, and email address.

Address the hiring manager directly.

Add a professional and personalized touch to your cover letter by directly addressing it to the hiring manager and/or recruitment officer. Insert a "Mr." or "Ms." before adding the recipient's full name. If you're unable to obtain the recipient's full name, you should at least include their last name.

Start with a brief introduction.

State how you found the job posting..

Your first paragraph should include how or where you found the job posting. For example, in a newspaper, on a job board, or the company's career page.

Explain why you're the best candidate for the job.

State that you are eager to work for the company, supported by valid reasons as to why you believe you embody the job requirements. Ultimately, you want to communicate why you're the best candidate for the warehouse worker position by highlighting two of your best attributes. Keep your opening paragraph concise, preferably under four sentences.

Write about your experience and skills.

Emphasize your professional experience..

Because the warehouse worker position does not always require a formal qualification, you'll need to emphasize your professional experience and competencies. To excel in this role, you should have a minimum of two years' experience and demonstrate exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. When writing about your professional experience, be sure to include your previous employer's name and all the tasks you were assigned

Include additional qualifications.

While you may not require a qualification to become a warehouse worker, it's recommended that you include any qualifications that could benefit your chances of growing in the company. For instance, warehouse workers may grow into administrative or inventory management roles. Employers are looking to invest in you and would see your willingness to grow in the company as an added benefit.

End with an intriguing call to action.

Reaffirm your interest in the position..

In your final paragraph, reaffirm your interest in the position, accompanied by a genuine thank you for the opportunity.

Sign off your cover letter.

Lastly, include your main contact information before signing off your cover letter with a professional "Sincerely" or "Regards," followed by your name.

How do I write a warehouse worker cover letter?

• Address your letter to the recipient .
• State how you found the job posting .
• Write about your experience and skills .
• Include additional qualifications .
• Add a call to action and professional sign-off .

What skills do I need to be a warehouse worker?

• A team player with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of warehouse best practices and power tools.

Do I need a formal qualification to be a warehouse worker?

Warehouse workers are typically required to possess a high school diploma or GED. However, candidates are often not required to possess a formal degree as this job is seen as an entry-level position.

Related Articles:

Common cover letter mistakes, dispatcher cover letter, security officer cover letter, warehouse associate resume, how to hire temporary workers.

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3 Warehouse Cover Letter Examples to Land Jobs in 2024 

• Warehouse Cover Letter
• Warehouse Worker Cover Letter
• Warehouse Manager Cover Letter
• Write Your Warehouse Cover Letter

Effective warehouse workers are essential in today’s fast-paced business environment, where online orders and quick shipping are standard processes. 

Are your cover letter and complementary warehouse worker resume helping show you have the right shipping and receiving skills for the job?

When warehouse workers handle everything from inventory control to order packing, figuring out what to include when writing a cover letter can feel confusing. You can rely on our warehouse cover letter examples and cover letter generator to simplify that process and make landing your next job a breeze.

Warehouse Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Two things are going to be your ticket to getting the job: 1) Mentioning a forklift certificate and license right at the start to give your application more credibility. 2) Adding relevant work experience that goes beyond just shifting goods and explores reducing incidents and equipment downtime.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Warehouse Worker Cover Letter Example

• No matter what, research beforehand and look at the values of the company you’re applying for. Next, create your warehouse worker cover letter to meet those needs. A good example is the company Coca-Cola. As a company that sells consumable products, they can’t afford material damage, so add any instance of you reducing material damage in a previous role!

Warehouse Manager Cover Letter Example

• Not every warehouse manager cover letter has to be super detailed. As long as you can prove you’re capable of lowering on-site warehouse accidents and saving the company a few bucks, you’ll be all set to hit send!

Related cover letter examples

• Warehouse worker resume
• Truck driver
• Housekeeping
• Construction
• Maintenance technician

How to Format a Warehouse Cover Letter

Every warehouse has different needs depending on the products and inventory processes you’ll be managing. For example, a warehouse managing food products may want you to have skills in food safety and FIFO systems. 

To ensure you always include the right warehouse skills in your cover letter, analyze the job description thoroughly before writing. It’s similar to reviewing incoming shipments to ensure you organize new pallets properly as they come in.

Warehouse cover letter introduction

First impressions are essential whether you’re working with new vendors or integrating with a new warehouse team. To make the best first impression in the intro of your warehouse cover letter, start by greeting a specific hiring manager by name. It’s similar to learning your team member’s names to build an excellent warehouse team environment. 

As you get into the opening paragraph, you should emphasize your connection to each company’s mission and how your warehouse skills make you a great fit. For example, you could explain how you’ll use your forklift operation and OSHA safety skills to achieve the company’s goal of a safe and efficient workplace.

The example below could use some work since it sounds too generic, not listing anything about the company’s mission or specific warehouse skills the applicant brings to the table.

Yikes, overly generic! 

Upon seeing your warehouse worker job opening, I immediately thought my skills would be a great fit. I think my five years of experience will help me succeed as part of your team.

Now, take a look at the example below, which does a much better job of showcasing how the applicant’s forklift certification and work ethic make them a great fit for Amazon’s culture and needs. 

A great opener listing key warehouse requirements!

Dear Ms. Stewart:

Ever since I came across the forklift operator position advertised on the Amazon careers portal, I knew I could check off the job requirements. As someone who is certified with a Forklift Certification and license and has extensive work experience, I can bring my strong work ethic and proven record to your team.

Warehouse cover letter body

Warehouse operations are fast-paced and results-driven. So, how do you show you’re the accurate worker companies need?

The best way to do so is to list examples in your cover letter’s body with what you’ve achieved in previous work experience . For example, how you used FIFO systems to reduce the amount of expired food products or how you applied OSHA safety while using cherry pickers to reduce the number of workplace accidents. 

If you don’t have much warehousing experience, you could also write about transferable experiences, such as managing inventory records while working at a restaurant.

A great body paragraph using essential warehouse skills!

At City Electric Supply, I had the opportunity to refine my skills in materials handling, which led me to consistently meet targets and sustain the safe handling of goods. Within a month of my tenure here, I found new ways to optimize supply chain processes and directly contributed to a 13% decrease in material damage.

Warehouse cover letter closing

The closer and sign-off of your cover letter is where you want to leave a lasting impact on warehouse hiring managers. The best way to start is to rephrase your connection to the company’s mission and the top skills you want to emphasize, such as using electric pallet jacks and efficiently packing orders.  

Then, thank the hiring manager for their time and use a call to action, such as “I look forward to speaking to you further about how my inventory management and material handling skills will make an impact on your warehouse team.” 

Below, you’ll see a closer that could use some work since it doesn’t use a call to action or reference any specific warehouse skills that show the applicant is a great fit.

Missing essential warehouse qualifications!

I believe my skills will make a great impact as part of your fast-paced team. Thank you for considering me for the warehouse associate role. 

Nate Bishop

The example below showcases an applicant who does a much better job explaining how their warehouse safety and cost control skills will impact Rite Aid’s warehouse processes. 

An impactful closer relating to the bank’s needs! 

I’m enthusiastic about potentially joining Rite Aid’s esteemed team and would love to explore how my competencies in warehouse safety and cost control can further enhance the distribution center’s operations. I look forward to discussing our shared goals and how I can contribute to your incredible team.

James Anderson

A template can be helpful to speed up the application process and ensure a professional structure for each warehouse cover letter you submit. Just be sure to customize it to each job’s needs, such as your heavy material handling and forklift operation skills for a warehouse that stores household appliances. 

Review the job description and try to match each company’s tone in your cover letter. It’ll help show how you’ll fit in with each warehouse’s culture, such as matching a job description’s professional tone while explaining how you implement organized and safe processes while loading and unloading trucks. 

One page is the right length for warehouse cover letters. If you’re struggling to narrow it down, focus on key needs for each job. For example, while applying to an on-demand warehouse, you could emphasize experiences where you managed inventory spikes or worked for companies offering seasonal products. 

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Warehouse Worker Cover Letter Sample

Get invited for more job interviews and find inspiration for your next cover letter with this editable Warehouse Worker cover letter sample. Download this cover letter sample at no cost or rewrite it directly in our online cover letter builder.

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Warehouse Worker Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Boris Kocbek

To whom it may concern,

I was pleased to discover that you are seeking to fulfill the Warehouse Worker position within VVC Group, LLC in London as I believe that I possess everything required to execute the role and all associated duties successfully while coming to you with a pro-active approach, exceptional work ethic, and determination to meet and exceed all your expectations.

My name is Boris Kocbek and I am a Certified Warehouse Logistics Professional offering great manual dexterity and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Having worked as a Warehouse Worker at NSK Industries, Inc. for more than two years, I am adept at all aspects of the position. There, I was mainly in charge of receiving and inspecting all incoming shipments, loading and unloading shipments, and operating and maintaining various tools and equipment. Additionally, I:

• Kept the environment clean and organized and assisted in the inventory management.
• Coordinated and supervised new warehouse personnel and managed relevant documents and records.
• Prepared and processed orders and completed multiple clerical tasks as assigned.

Next, I am a detail-oriented individual experienced with all software programs necessary for the position. Finally, I have attached my up-to-date CV for your further review so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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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.”

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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?

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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!

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