Email Cover Letter Samples

cover letter format via email

Including an email cover letter is imperative, so we thought it would be helpful to our job-seeking readers to have sample letters to use as a starting point.

The examples below come from real-life job seeker emails, although we’ve altered the details and contact information. Whether you prefer a “salesy” approach or you’re more of a “direct and to the point” kind of person, choose the template that suits your style. Just be sure to include these key elements in your email cover letter.

Etiquette for Any Email Cover Letter

  • Mention the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line and body of your email.
  • Explain where you found the job posting or how you heard about the position.
  • Conclude with a subtle call to action to remind the hiring manager of the action you’d like them to take, such as, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
  • List your full name and contact information in your email signature block (not just on your resume attachment).
  • If applicable, quickly explain any questions that your resume may raise. For example, if you’re from out of town but planning to move close to the job location, or you’ve been at your current position for only a short time.
  • Don’t start your cover letter with your name. Instead, introduce yourself in the letter with a relevant qualification and connect it to the position.
  • Keep your cover letter concise. Just like your resume, keep your document to just one page to entice hiring managers instead of overwhelming them.
  • Avoid any spelling or grammar errors in your document. The smallest typo can ruin your chances at the job.
  • Don’t address the wrong company name or the wrong company contact’s name. This could be seen as awful cover letter etiquette and indicate you’re not attentive to details.
  • Don’t ever include your salary requirements unless otherwise directed by the potential employer.

Signature on Email Cover Letter

Without a signature at the end of your email cover letter, you could be missing out on incredible potential job opportunities. This quick snippet of your contact information makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers alike to contact you.

When it comes to deciding between a physical signature and a name sign-off, there are benefits to either option. With a name sign-off, you can use a digital signature service like Eversign and RightSignature to give your cover letter that personal touch.

If you’d prefer to include just a regular email signature, make sure to include your full name, email and phone number. You can also consider adding a LinkedIn button so the hiring manager can have more insight on your experience and skill set.

How to Format an Email Cover Letter

Wondering how to format your email cover letter? You’re not alone. Once you’ve written your incredible cover letter providing more information on your expertise and how it relates to the job you’re applying for, it’s vital to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. If it isn’t formatted correctly, you could be missing out on the job opportunity.

Regardless of the cover letter template you’ve chosen, make sure to include these key components when formatting your email cover letter:

  • Write a subject line that includes the position you’re applying for
  • Address the company contact’s name in the salutation
  • Clearly state what you’re hoping to accomplish in the first few sentences
  • Summarize your strengths, skills and experience by connecting them to the job opportunity
  • Use a font that’s easy to read
  • Avoid typos in your message by proofreading
  • Include a signature with your contact information
  • Always send a .pdf file rather than a word doc or other format

Email Cover Letter Examples for Legal Professionals

Example #1: if you prefer to keep it brief..

Subject Line: Interest in Litigation Associate Position

To Whom It May Concern:

I am interested in the Litigation Associate position advertised on LinkedIn. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review.

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

Best regards,

First Last Name

Example #2: If you’re relocating to the city where the job opportunity is located.

Subject Line: Expressing Interest and Relocating Near Litigation Secretary Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m writing to express my interest in the Litigation Secretary position listed on Monster.com. My resume is attached for your review and consideration.

I am a fast learner, very dependable, organized, and computer savvy. I have extensive experience assisting firm attorneys and multiple paralegals, as well as supervising and managing an office. While I currently reside in Los Angeles, I will be moving to San Francisco at the end of the month.

I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about your firm, its plans and goals, and how I might contribute to its continued success. I can be your ideal candidate if given this opportunity. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Example #3: If a colleague referred you.

Subject Line: John Mentioned Your Firm is Seeking a Litigation Secretary

Dear Sir/Madam:

I was referred to you by a mutual acquaintance, John Smith, who said you have an opening for a litigation secretary.

I have many years of experience as a litigation secretary, most of them working with managing partners. I am a professional looking for a career, not just a job. I am organized, reliable and self-motivated. I like being part of a team, but can also work independently.

Included with this e-mail is a copy of my resume for your review and consideration. Once you have had an opportunity to review my resume, please contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an interview. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Thank you for your time,

Example # 4: If you’ve been at your current position for less than one year.

Subject Line: Experienced Legal Secretary Seeking Long-term Opportunity with Stable Litigation Firm

Please allow this introduction. My name is Jane Smith, and I have 12 years of legal secretarial experience working with managing partners of small, mid- and large-sized law firms. My current typing speed is 105 wpm from written form and 120 wpm from live dictation with the utmost accuracy. I am interested in the Litigation Secretary position advertised on your firm’s website.

I am currently working for a small civil litigation firm. However, after only 11 months in this position, the financial stability of the firm has significantly changed. Therefore I am seeking long-term tenure with a stable civil litigation firm.

Attached please find my resume and list of references. If you are interested in the professional skills and positive attributes I can contribute to your firm, please contact me at [phone number] at your convenience to schedule an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Example #5: If you want to dazzle the hiring manager with your qualifications.

Subject Line: Do you need a conscientious paralegal at your firm?

Dear Recruiting Administrator:

Do you need a hardworking, creative and conscientious paralegal to meet your firm’s needs? If so, I can help you. The following is a summary of my qualifications:

  • More than ten years of progressively responsible legal experience;
  • Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Business Administration;
  • Exceptional verbal, written and analytical skills;
  • Advanced computer skills;
  • Outgoing personality and “can-do” attitude.

I would like to meet with you to discuss how I might assist your firm in fulfilling its present needs. 

My resume is enclosed for your review. If you need someone who is highly motivated, eager to learn, and willing to work hard to succeed, please contact me at [phone] or via email: [email].

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Now, start writing your cover letter!

They say the first impression is a lasting one — so make sure your digital introduction represents you well. Use your best judgment with each position you apply to; for an entry level position keep your cover letter more concise while going into further depth and providing more information with upper level positions.

These examples are meant to be a starting point only — add your own voice, style and experience to make your own standout (or at least solid) email cover letter.

Start building out cover letters that will help you stand out and land the job!

Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

  • What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
  • How to Format Your Cover Letter
  • (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
  • How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

  • A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
  • A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
  • The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
  • A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
  • A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

cover letter structure

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

  • Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
  • Phone number
  • Name and professional title of the hiring manager
  • Name of the company you’re applying to 
  • Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

cover letter header example

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

  • Your name, profession, and years of experience.
  • 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
  • The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

  • Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
  • Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
  • Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

  • Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
  • Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
  • Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

  • Best Regards,
  • Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

  • Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
  • Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
  • Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
  • Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

cover letter format

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

  • Sending it as an email attachment.
  • Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

  • Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
  • Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
  • Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

  • Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
  • Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
  • Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
  • Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
  • If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

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Email Cover Letter Samples

cover letter format via email

Tips for Writing an Email Cover Letter

Attaching the letter to an email, pasting the letter into the email, how to send an email cover letter.

  • More Email Cover Letter Messages
  • Email Cover Letter Format Examples

When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the company's directions on how to submit your cover letter and resume, as well as to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other professional correspondence you send.

Here are some more tips on how to craft a resume, as well as some samples you can use to start yours.

Write in paragraphs of about two to four sentences and use proper grammar and spelling, just as you would in any other letter.

Though this should be a given, avoid including emojis or images of any sort.

Perhaps more important than formatting, though, is the content of your cover letter. You can review these email cover letter samples below, but be sure to personalize them when you apply for jobs. 

You should tailor these samples not just to your own experience but also to each job you’re applying for. Pay close attention to the detail of the job description, specifically the responsibilities and requirements. Make sure your cover letter reflects how you are a good fit for these requirements.

Email Cover Letter Example

Subject : Store Manager Position - Your Name

Dear Hiring Manager,

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 XYZ Company:

- Over five years of retail management experience

- Ability to effectively hire, train, and manage staff

- Payroll management, scheduling, reports, and inventory control expertise

- Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items

In addition to my extensive retail experience, I have excellent communication skills. I always maintain a gracious and professional manner when communicating with people, including customers and store staff. My broad experience and range of skills make me a superior candidate for this position.

My resume, which is below, provides additional information on my background and qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to arrange a time for an interview.

Thank you for your consideration.

Paul Jones Phone Email Address

Take note of how the company requests you submit your cover letter. For example, you may be instructed to attach your cover letter along with your resume . In this case, make sure your cover letter is either a Word document or a PDF file. 

If you paste your cover letter into the body of your email, keep your text in the default font of your email provider. Make sure the text is readable and formatted correctly. For example, avoid long paragraphs or a series of stacked, short sentences.

When applying for employment via email, copy and paste your cover letter into the email message or write your cover letter in the body of an email message. Here's how to  send an email cover letter .

More Email Cover Letter Message Samples

Here is a list of more email cover letter samples you can use to get started. This list includes examples of cover letters that target specific types of jobs (full-time, part-time, summer, and volunteer) as well as email cover letters to use at different transitional stages in your career (promotions, job transfer requests).

  • Email Cover Letter Sample
  • Email Cover Letter Sample With Attached Resume
  • Email Inquiry Letter
  • Sample Cover Letter With Salary History
  • Sample Cover Letter With Salary Requirements
  • Sample Email Cover Letter - Part-Time Job
  • Sample Email Cover Letter - Summer Job
  • Sample Email Message - Volunteer Position
  • Sample Formatted Email Cover Letter Message
  • Job Promotion Email Cover Letter
  • Job Transfer Request Email Message
  • Job Transfer Request Email Message - Relocation

Email Cover Letter Formatting Examples

For more information about how to format your cover letter, check out the following links:

  • Address an Email Cover Letter
  • Email Cover Letter Subject Line Examples
  • Email Cover Letter Salutation Examples
  • Email Cover Letter Closing Examples

Email Cover Letter Templates

  • Email Cover Letter Template
  • Email Cover Letter Format

CV Plaza

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

cover letter format via email

Email Cover Letter and CV | Sending Tips and Examples

author

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.

email-cv-cover-letter

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:

email-cover-letter-format-structure

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:

cover-letter-attached-with-email

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.

cover-letter-in-the-email-body

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:

employer-personal-details

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).

opening-salutation-begin-cover-letter

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

date-right-aligned-cover-letter

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.

please-find-attached

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

email-signature

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.

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  1. How To Write An Email Cover Letter: Samples + 5 Writing Tips

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COMMENTS

  1. Email Cover Letter Examples and Formats

    First paragraph: Why you are writing. It is "the grab," your chance to grasp your reader by the collar and get his attention. Offer some specific, focused information regarding the job you're seeking and a few core strengths that demonstrate suitability for the position. Second paragraph: What you have to offer the employer.

  2. How To Send an Email Cover Letter (With Steps, Tips and Example)

    Email cover letters can generally be sent in one of two ways: as an email attachment or as the body of your email. Before sending your cover letter, check the company's job application guidelines. Some companies prefer attachments, while others prefer them to be in the body of your email message.

  3. How To Write An Email Cover Letter: Samples + 5 Writing Tips

    December 1, 2023 Build My Cover Letter Now As featured in * If an employer asks that you submit an email cover letter, you need to make sure it grabs their attention as soon as they read the subject line. We'll show you how to write an email cover letter from beginning to end. Build My Cover Letter

  4. How to Format an Email Cover Letter

    How to Format an Email Cover Letter Introducing Yourself to the Hiring Manager By Alison Doyle Updated on October 12, 2022 Fact checked by Sarah Fisher In This Article Writing the Cover Letter Email Cover Letter Example Completing Your Application Frequently Asked Questions Photo: GlobalStock / Getty Images

  5. Email Cover Letter: 5 Samples & Writing Guide + Expert Tips

    11/08/2023 Email Cover Letter: 5 Samples & Writing Guide + Expert Tips How do you write an email cover letter? Should you format it differently? Should you attach it? See 5 examples for different jobs to write a cover letter email that gets results. Tom Gerencer, CPRW Career Writer at ResumeLab

  6. How to Send an Email Cover Letter (Samples & Tips)

    1 Open Your Email Cover Letter with a Strong Subject Line It won't matter if your achievements are breathtakingly impressive or your skills fit all requirements of the job you're trying to land… If no one opens your job application email cover letter. And guess what? That depends only on the subject line.

  7. Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples

    Marc Romanell / Photolibrary / Getty Images What should you include in an email to apply for a job, and how should you send it? An email cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your expertise.

  8. Emailing a Cover Letter: How To Guide With Example

    1. Adhere to the employer's instructions When you are sending a cover letter via email, it is important to read the employer's instructions carefully and follow them correctly. Some companies may require you to send the cover letter as the email body, while others may want it as an attachment.

  9. Email Cover Letter Samples

    email-cover-letter-samples Including an email cover letter is imperative, so we thought it would be helpful to our job-seeking readers to have sample letters to use as a starting point. The examples below come from real-life job seeker emails, although we've altered the details and contact information.

  10. How to Write an Email Cover Letter

    1. Use a professional email address Providing the right email address is important when sending a cover letter, so use a clear, professional email address that combines your first and last name (such as [email protected]). You can also use other variations if you can't use your first and last name, such as:

  11. How To Format a Cover Letter (With Outline and Examples)

    Updated June 30, 2023 A cover letter is a one-page document that highlights your qualifications and often accompanies your resume when you apply for jobs. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about creating a winning cover letter, including an outline and examples for you to follow. Explore Administrative Assistant jobs on Indeed

  12. How to send a cover letter by email (With guide and example)

    6. Attach your cover letter to the email. In your email service, you may now have your email draft ready, with a correctly structured subject line, so the next step is attaching your cover letter to the email. Find the attach icon, typically a paperclip graphic, to source the folder where you saved your cover letter.

  13. Email Cover Letter: Sample + Format That Works in 2024

    Updated 26/01/2024 0 likes comments Create a cover letter now An email cover letter is a short message explaining why you're submitting your CV and how your expertise makes you the right candidate. It adds a personal touch to your application.

  14. 32 Email Cover Letter Samples

    An Email Cover Letter is a formal document sent by an applicant to the hiring manager expressing their interest in a job position. It supports the resume and gives more details about you as an applicant. An email cover letter can be sent either as an email attachment or part of an email body.

  15. 11 Steps To Email a Cover Letter

    1. Review the job listing The job posting outlines the duties of the successful candidate, the qualifications of the ideal candidate, and other relevant information about the hiring process. When applying for a role, it's essential you review the job listing to tailor your cover letter appropriately.

  16. Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

    Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! #4. Cover Letter Body. The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job. We have a few pointers to help you do that: Don't just rehash your CV.

  17. Email Cover Letter Sample and Tips

    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.

  18. Tips for Writing an Email Cover Letter

    When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the company's directions on how to submit your cover letter and resume, as well as to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other professional correspondence you send.

  19. Email Cover Letter Example (With Steps and Helpful Tips)

    1. Comply with the employer's request There are two basic methods for sending an email cover letter. You can send it as a separate attachment to the email or you can simply type it in the email body. Verify the employer's job application requirements before sending it.

  20. How to Email a Cover Letter (Plus Example Emails)

    3. Open an email application or website. To send your cover letter, open an email application or website. Log into your account and then go to the 'send' or 'compose' tab. Then you can write an email that contains your cover letter in the body of the message or you can attach your cover letter to the email.

  21. Email Cover Letter and CV

    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 ...

  22. Cover Letter Versus Email: Which Is Better?

    That's me. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualifications for the role. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon! Keep it brief if you go this route. Those on the receiving end won't appreciate having to plow through a super long email and all your attachments.

  23. How To Email a CV to a Recruiter (With Examples and Tips)

    Greet the recipient by name in the email and inform them who you are and why you're sending them your CV. Close the email politely and give your full name. Use the 'attach' button in your email's interface to select and upload your CV document and cover letter. Check everything is in order before sending.