Writing Cover Letters That Make Recruiters Smile (Then Call You)

/ Posted: December 1, 2015 / 116 Comments

You know that next job? That one you are dying to have? Yes, that’s right, the really wonderful one with the bright co-workers, cool boss, and huge bonuses? That one.

You are wondering how you are going to nail it right?
By quickly showing your future employer that:

a) You’re going to perform incredibly well in this job.
b) You’re insanely likable.
c) You’re really going to fit in around there.

See also: Communication Blunders Job Seekers Make

Primarily, these three factors top the list when it comes to the selection process. The person who gets to keep that great job will be the one who shows the recruiters, quickly, that he or she has the capacity to be all three of those things.

But sadly, most people miss out on the number one opportunity they have to showcase their ‘awesomeness’ when they fail to plant positive seeds right from the introduction, à la your cover letter. Most people squander the opportunity; instead of using their cover to their advantage, they toss out bland, cliché-filled, or completely unnecessary resume lines. Or worse, they go on and on about all the things that they want out of the deal, without realizing that the company cares ‘more’ about what it’s going to get from you.

So, the big question is, how do you pull off a killer cover letter, one that conveys passion and talent and that makes the recruiter or hiring manager’s day?

Follow these steps:

1. Tell Them Why, Specifically, You’re Interested in the Company

Hiring managers don’t like reading those cliché lines in cover letters. They want to know that you have taken out time to research the company; that you are approaching the organization for very specific reasons, not for the same reasons that everyone else is giving.

Example: Try a high-personality lead in like this: “Having grown up with the John Doe Restaurant (literally) in my backyard, I understand firsthand how you’ve earned your reputation as one of the most family friendly restaurants in Lagos State. For 17 years, I have been impressed as your customer; now I want to impress visitors in the same way your team has so graciously done for me.”

See also: Why It’s Imperative to Update Your Resume regularly

2. Outline What You Can Deliver

Hold up! This is not the typical “Hey, I’m great. I swear” proclamation. You need to analyze the job description and use any other relevant information you’ve gathered about the opening, determine the key requirements and priorities for this job, and make it instantly clear to the reviewer that you can deliver the goods on these key things.

Example: Consider having a section within the letter that begins with, “Here’s what, specifically, I can deliver in this role.” And then expound upon your strengths in a few of the priority requirements for that role (they’re typically listed first on the job description or mentioned more than once).

3. Tell a Story, One That’s Not on Your CV

Quick fact, humans love stories far more than we love data sheets. (OK, this is me speaking for most humans). So, what’s your story? What brings you to this company? Were you good at mimicking TV commercials as a kid? Did the product make some incredible difference in your life? Do you sometimes pull into the parking lot and daydream about what it would feel like to work there? Tell your story. Just make sure you have a great twist.

Example: Say you’re applying for a sales representative position with a baked goods company known for its exquisite cookies and pies. You may want to weave a sentence or two into your cover letter about how you took part in a cake eating contest when you were 10, and that you’ve been a cake fanatic ever since. (Yes, this was me, but I actually came in second place. Sigh.)

4. Address the Letter to an Actual Person Within the Company

There is not one employee at your future new company who is named “To Whom it May Concern,” so please ditch that line. You’ve got to find a real person to whom you can direct this thing.

See also: Types Of CV: Chronological CV

This might seem so hard or overwhelming, but it’s often easier than you may think. Just take a stroll to LinkedIn and do a ‘People’ search using the company’s name as your search term. Scroll through the people working at said company till you find someone who appear to be the hiring manager. If you can’t find an actual manager, try locating an internal recruiter, the head of staffing or, in smaller companies, the head of HR. Address your masterpiece to that person. Your effort will be noted and appreciated.

And a last, critical factor when it comes to delivering a great cover letter: Be you! Nothing beats being honest. Genuine writing always goes much, much further than sticking to every rule you’ve ever read. Rules can be bent. In fact, if you truly want that amazing job with the brilliant co-workers, cool boss, and mouth-watering bonuses? Then by all means, bend those rules!

Check out amazing jobs on Ngcareers today

About Stellamaris Obomanu

Loves to read, loves to write, loves to laugh, loves life and yeah, she's as real as they come.
Tags: , , / Posted in: Career, Cv/Resume Tips, Interviews/ Q & As

116 Comments

  1. AGAS ERONDU says:
    December 26, 2015 at 7:44 pm / Reply

    Please sir I will like to have a sample of your resume and cover letter

  2. Abu Ganiyu says:
    February 4, 2016 at 12:35 pm / Reply

    Hi! I’m Abu by name, I need your help and I want you to send me a cover letter that we help me

  3. aduloju olaoluwa says:
    February 21, 2016 at 2:18 pm / Reply

    could you please send me a copy of the cover letter.
    Thanks

  4. ifeoluwa says:
    February 22, 2016 at 3:55 pm / Reply

    thanks Stellamaris, i really appreciate this write up.

  5. victor ogoh says:
    March 7, 2016 at 8:55 am / Reply

    pls send me a cover letter that will really help me . at list a sample .

    tanx so much

  6. queen says:
    March 7, 2016 at 12:23 pm / Reply

    pls send me sample of a cover letter. Thanks

  7. mayowa says:
    March 14, 2016 at 12:10 pm / Reply

    please, could you send me a copy of cover letter?

  8. Falade Seyi says:
    April 4, 2016 at 9:46 am / Reply

    Please send me a copy of a cover letter . thanks

  9. Moses Egene says:
    April 27, 2016 at 11:47 am / Reply

    Thank you sir for this wonderful writ-up. Please can i have a sample copy of a CV and a Cover Letter?
    Thank you.

  10. adex says:
    May 9, 2016 at 8:36 pm / Reply

    please i need a sample cover letter for software developer. Thanks

  11. Adefolalu Abiola says:
    May 19, 2016 at 7:56 am / Reply

    Thanks alot Stella. I need a copy of a cover letter on administration and management skills.Also how do I go about analyzing my past achievement.Thanks

  12. OGBU MICHAEL UGOCHUKWU says:
    May 23, 2016 at 1:02 pm / Reply

    HI, I love your write up…I will love to see your sample of a cover letter please.

    Thanks.

    • Adefolalu Abiola Adeyemi says:
      May 25, 2016 at 9:41 pm / Reply

      my name is adefolalu abiola. I rounded up my ND at chartered institute of administration.Where i got my diploma certificate in Business Studies.I went further to study other courses such as Certificate in Travel and Tourism. Where i was trained on travel management also in airline booking and reservations.I also had alot of job experience which is being attached in my cv. I am a kind of person very friendly and welcoming to people. Always loving to be found in any job environment or atmosphere that allow my skills and potentials such as creativity,innovative,marketing and administrative skills to be unveils.

  13. Nwosu Rosita U. says:
    May 27, 2016 at 8:08 am / Reply

    Pls send me a sample of a good cover letter

  14. Ebere says:
    June 2, 2016 at 12:29 pm / Reply

    This is quite insightful….hmmmm! I pray it helps in landing me a new pay cheque.

  15. Jennifer says:
    June 3, 2016 at 12:18 pm / Reply

    Pls send me a copy of the cover letter

  16. Peter Obinwanne says:
    June 7, 2016 at 11:13 am / Reply

    please sir, can i have a sample of cover letter and CV as well

  17. Peter Obinwanne says:
    June 7, 2016 at 11:15 am / Reply

    Please sir, can I have a sample of cover letter and CV as well
    thanks

  18. John O says:
    June 10, 2016 at 11:04 pm / Reply

    Please sir, i will love u to send me a copy of cover letter

  19. Ibanga Joseph says:
    June 15, 2016 at 7:53 am / Reply

    wow! This is lovely , lady Stellamaris . Please can you do me the favor of sending one those sample of cover letter to my email ( jjibanga@gmail.com) thanks.

  20. chris says:
    June 16, 2016 at 1:33 pm / Reply

    Excellent piece!

  21. muna says:
    July 15, 2016 at 8:03 am / Reply

    Please sir,
    Can I have a sample of cover letter and CV sent to my mail.
    Thank you

  22. oluwasusi kolawole emmanuel says:
    July 22, 2016 at 11:28 am / Reply

    Pls sir I ned a sample of u cover letter

  23. AUSTIN says:
    August 5, 2016 at 12:09 pm / Reply

    sir , i am a graduate of sociology , i love working with the NGO and also as a MARKETER , sir i need a template of cover letter on the two field. THANKS

  24. Abangwu Patrick says:
    August 6, 2016 at 12:57 pm / Reply

    Good day, you are obviously doing a wonderful job!!! Please, kindly send me a sample copy of the COVER letter, Thanks, abangwupatrick@yahoo.com

  25. Ernestina says:
    October 3, 2016 at 10:26 am / Reply

    Thank you so much for this wonderful writ-up. Please can i have a sample copy of a CV for a recent graduate and a Cover Letter?
    Thank you.

  26. Idris says:
    October 6, 2016 at 9:45 am / Reply

    Thanks for the write-up can you send me a copy of cover letter for a fresh graduate

  27. Abuh Godwin says:
    October 20, 2016 at 11:22 am / Reply

    I will like to have a sample of a cover letter that will help me land that dream job of mine

    Thank you

    Abuh Godwin

  28. yusuf mohd says:
    October 24, 2016 at 10:08 pm / Reply

    sir i need your help please writing me a good cover letter

  29. Asoluka Ikechukwu says:
    November 23, 2016 at 8:00 am / Reply

    Pls sir, I really need a sample of resume and cover letter .

  30. Joy Amodu says:
    December 2, 2016 at 4:09 pm / Reply

    good day,

    I will like to see a sample of a good cover letter that will assist me

  31. Olasunkanmi Damilare S. says:
    December 14, 2016 at 7:25 am / Reply

    Good morning, pls can you help me send the sample of cover letter and how to write application to any organization. I will be looking towards your reply. Thanks…. olydray@yahoo.com

  32. Ololade says:
    December 14, 2016 at 10:14 pm / Reply

    Thank you madam! This is a volunteer service and very insightful. Kindly send me likely interview questions and answers to my mail oakinnawo@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you

  33. Josh A says:
    December 19, 2016 at 7:21 am / Reply

    I need
    a sample pls

  34. Olagunju funke says:
    December 23, 2016 at 4:00 pm / Reply

    Pls can I have a copy of cover letter and cv please

  35. OLUSEGUN OPEYEMI AMOS says:
    January 2, 2017 at 12:53 pm / Reply

    could you send me a sample of cover letter

  36. Richard says:
    January 9, 2017 at 10:33 pm / Reply

    Please i need a cover letter that make employer sence great about me

  37. Richard says:
    January 9, 2017 at 11:44 pm / Reply

    wating

  38. Rejoice Niyi Animasaun says:
    February 3, 2017 at 6:43 pm / Reply

    Please kindly send me how to send a letter of appointment. Thanks

    • ngcareers says:
      February 15, 2017 at 4:50 pm / Reply

      A letter of appointment is a written offer of a specified position in an organization. After a candidate has gone through all the necessary interviews and pre-screening, they will be issued a letter of appointment if they are chosen for the job. It sometimes, but not always, confirms details of the said position and the start date. It may also include salary and bonus information.

      How to Write a Letter of Appointment

      1. Clearly state the position or title of the candidate, and give a brief overview of what this entails.
      2. Explain why the candidate was selected over other possible choices.
      3. List any salary, benefits or perks of the position.
      4. Cordially prompt the recipient to respond with their acceptance if necessary.
  39. Usman mustapha says:
    February 9, 2017 at 12:51 pm / Reply

    Pls i need a sample

  40. Opara Augustine says:
    February 15, 2017 at 6:37 pm / Reply

    pls I need a copy of the cover letter for broadcast engineering and electronics engineering job. pls soo urgent.

  41. Augustine says:
    February 16, 2017 at 7:27 am / Reply

    Please, I need a sample of cover letter

  42. Imoh Augustine says:
    March 9, 2017 at 2:48 pm / Reply

    Am an administrative officer/executive secretary in my company but i need cover letter that comprises my field and customer service representative. I will appreciate if is been forwarded to my email.

  43. Adeleke Adenike says:
    March 20, 2017 at 8:49 am / Reply

    Pls I need a copy of cover letter that comprises the field of Personal assistance to the managing director of a company. I will appreciate if forwarded to my email.

  44. onwuudiwe esther says:
    March 24, 2017 at 10:30 pm / Reply

    please ,i need a copy sample of cover letter

  45. Kigbu says:
    March 28, 2017 at 4:42 pm / Reply

    Thanks. With this i can write a very attractive cover letter.

  46. Fadare Abiodun says:
    April 5, 2017 at 3:37 pm / Reply

    This is a very good write-up, but sir, can I get a sample of a cover letter?
    Thanks

  47. azeezat says:
    April 23, 2017 at 6:15 am / Reply

    Pls I need a copy of cover letter that comprises the field of business analyst to the managing director of a company. I will appreciate if forwarded to my email.

  48. Nwoke Onyemachi Romanus says:
    May 2, 2017 at 6:15 pm / Reply

    Please I need a cover letter. I have a Bachelor degree in foreign languages and Literature ( French).

  49. sunday ajibade says:
    May 3, 2017 at 11:43 am / Reply

    pls sir i need a copy of your cover letter..thanks: sunday_ajibade2005@yahoo.com

  50. jennypatra says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:15 pm / Reply

    Gudmorning sir! please can you help me by sending a copy of cover letter and application letter, Thank you. Jennypatra22@gmail.com

  51. Onyebuchi says:
    May 26, 2017 at 12:13 pm / Reply

    Thanks,
    Can I please get a sample of cover letter as it concerns accounting. I would so much appreciate it.
    Thanks.

  52. oke says:
    June 13, 2017 at 1:35 pm / Reply

    Good afternoon sir..thanks for d wonderful write up. Pls sir can u send me a sample of a cover later and a resume? Email… okeoghenekohwofair@gmail.com

  53. Lumina Eyaro says:
    June 15, 2017 at 5:46 pm / Reply

    Good afternoon sir, well done. This is a great job.
    Kindly send a sample resume and cover letter to my email.
    I will really appreciate.
    Omokagbo0077@gmail.com

  54. Omowunmi says:
    July 1, 2017 at 8:11 pm / Reply

    Good day sir, thanks for dis wonderful writeup,pls sir can u kindly send me a cover letter sample on computer scientist,secretary,personal assistant and stock keeper on my mail.
    Olasco4u2c@gmail.com
    Will really appreciate if you can do that for me sir.

  55. CHINEDU NKEMDILIM ERICBENSON says:
    July 2, 2017 at 1:25 pm / Reply

    please can i get a copy of the cover letter? my email is dilim4eva@gmail.com thanks

  56. NKOMO NKOMO AKUNJOR says:
    July 20, 2017 at 3:29 pm / Reply

    Please my name is Nkomo Nkomo, can you please help me and sent a cover letter to my mail.

  57. Yakubu Ezekiel says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:32 am / Reply

    Good morning, pls can you help me send the sample of cover letter and how to write application to any organization. I will be looking towards your reply. Thanks… yakubuezekiel67@gmail.com

  58. Alli says:
    August 22, 2017 at 10:02 pm / Reply

    Good day, please help me send the sample of cover letter and how to write application to any organization. Thanks…..Sundayalli81@gmail.com

  59. Christopher Ogbonnaya Odi says:
    August 29, 2017 at 11:41 am / Reply

    hello, your writing is highly recomendable, pls i will like you to do me a favour by forwarding your job application cover letter samples via Chrisocuzoe@gmail.com,
    thanks!

  60. Adoga Theresa says:
    September 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm / Reply

    I relly love your write well done. Please can you send me a sample of your cover letter please.

  61. Adoga Theresa says:
    September 12, 2017 at 3:45 pm / Reply

    Please sir can you send me a sample of your cover letter please please please please thanks.

  62. Progress Emmanuel says:
    September 23, 2017 at 6:20 am / Reply

    Please i need a copy of a cover letter. I will appreciate if it is sent to my email.

  63. Christiana essien udoh says:
    October 16, 2017 at 8:41 am / Reply

    Pls sir help me with a sample of cover letter to my email.thanks

  64. Deen says:
    December 7, 2017 at 8:51 am / Reply

    Send me a sample cover letter

  65. Peter Temidayo says:
    December 28, 2017 at 10:52 am / Reply

    Please send me a copy of cover letter

  66. James says:
    January 2, 2018 at 2:34 pm / Reply

    This is one of the best i have read in a long while. Nice writeup

  67. Anwuli says:
    January 8, 2018 at 6:10 pm / Reply

    Please Sir I need a sample of your cover letter…by

  68. Ibeakanma Jennifer says:
    January 15, 2018 at 8:04 am / Reply

    Hi, thanks for the good work. Please kindly send me a sample of cover letter and standard resume to my email, thanks….

  69. Hadassah says:
    January 23, 2018 at 4:10 am / Reply

    Good day,
    Kindly assist with the sample cover letter.
    Many thanks.
    Saintmary4christ@yahoo.com

  70. Adewale dayo says:
    January 23, 2018 at 6:11 pm / Reply

    Please help me with a sample of cover letter please

  71. Anita Maryrose Innocent says:
    February 20, 2018 at 6:20 pm / Reply

    I am well pleased with what you are doing here, but I am a type of person that find it difficult to write , which I can’t tell whether is lack of intelligent or lack of experience? That is why I am appealing to you to send me the sample of this your cover latter.

  72. Ismail Adebanjo says:
    February 23, 2018 at 2:57 am / Reply

    Hello sir. Pelease i need a sample of your cover letter ..
    Thanks!

  73. Benjamin Onwuka says:
    March 7, 2018 at 6:07 pm / Reply

    Pls help me send sample of a cover letter.thanks

  74. Vivian says:
    March 20, 2018 at 3:34 pm / Reply

    Please, send me the sample of your cover letter and CV. Thanks

  75. Adeyemo Idris says:
    March 20, 2018 at 6:38 pm / Reply

    Please, send me a cover letter example

  76. Kelvin says:
    April 9, 2018 at 12:57 pm / Reply

    Good day

    Hope you are doing fine. Please kindly assist me with a sample of a cover letter I will really appreciate it.
    Thanks from Kelvin

  77. Precious says:
    April 24, 2018 at 11:40 am / Reply

    Good day Sire, please help me by sending to my mail box a sample of a cover letter and a CV. Thanks God bless you.

  78. Akinbami Oluwambe says:
    May 1, 2018 at 1:43 pm / Reply

    Please, kindly help with a sample of a cover letter.

    Thank you.

  79. Ability says:
    May 3, 2018 at 12:39 pm / Reply

    Please I need your help me with the sample of cover letter. Thanks

  80. Nnadi ijeoma angela says:
    June 19, 2018 at 6:50 pm / Reply

    Well done sir, can u please send to me a copy of a cover letter

  81. Anthony says:
    July 3, 2018 at 3:56 pm / Reply

    Pls kindly help me with a sample of cover letter and cv. Thanks from Anthony

  82. oluyombo oluwale says:
    July 5, 2018 at 10:26 am / Reply

    Beautiful write up, great thanks.
    Kindly forward a sample of cover letter
    To me (boluyombo@gmmail.com)

  83. ugona says:
    July 9, 2018 at 6:32 am / Reply

    Nice write up,Sir I need your simple template of cover letter,here is my email.Ugonnajoseph49@gmail.com.thanks

  84. Oge says:
    July 18, 2018 at 7:57 am / Reply

    Please send me a copy or sample of a cover letter. Thank you

  85. Bello Garba says:
    July 24, 2018 at 1:07 pm / Reply

    Pls help me with the sample of a cover letter.

  86. Okpara Chizoba says:
    August 1, 2018 at 8:15 am / Reply

    Nice one Sir, I need your simple template of cover letter,here is my email.regisokpara@gmail.com.thanks

  87. Obialor Priscillia says:
    August 3, 2018 at 12:39 pm / Reply

    Thanks a million dear, your writeup is amazing, please can I get a sample of a genuine cover letter too? here’s my mail: obialor132.op@gmail.com. Thanks in anticipation.

  88. joseph sundy uyah says:
    August 6, 2018 at 9:40 am / Reply

    please I need a cover letter deliver to my mail. thanks brownsonjoe135@gmail.com

  89. Daramla Olalekan says:
    September 7, 2018 at 4:22 pm / Reply

    Pls I need sample of a cover later pls.

    Help me.

    Thanks

  90. Collins Osayande Osagiede B.Sc., CSS. says:
    September 8, 2018 at 9:19 am / Reply

    This is awesome , keep up the good job.

    Thanks.

  91. Gowon Suleiman says:
    September 11, 2018 at 4:41 pm / Reply

    pls kindly send covèr letter and resume to my email I beg pls urgently .zoinprince.GS@gmail.com.

  92. Edozie Edith says:
    October 2, 2018 at 6:42 am / Reply

    Good morning, you indeed doing a great work here. please can you send to me a copy of a cover letter, please I don’t to miss out in this job I’m about to apply.
    Thank you Sir.
    email: oluky4j2us@yahoo.com

  93. yusuf zayyan says:
    October 3, 2018 at 8:31 am / Reply

    thank you for this opportunity I really appreciate. please can I get a sample copy writing?

  94. OLADIPUPO says:
    October 29, 2018 at 6:47 pm / Reply

    Great Job sir, please can I have a sample of cover letter
    Email: abdulazeezdolapo@gmail.com

  95. Chiamaka says:
    November 2, 2018 at 10:28 am / Reply

    Thanks you sir for the write up . pls can you send me a sample copy of written cover letter

  96. Humble Eze says:
    February 1, 2019 at 3:18 am / Reply

    Thanks a lot sir, this is so wonderful. Pls sir can you send me a sample of d most updated resume and cover letter. Thanks in anticipation

  97. Gloria says:
    February 4, 2019 at 7:56 pm / Reply

    Pls send me cover letter &resume

  98. Ojo Michael Abiodun says:
    April 17, 2019 at 7:15 pm / Reply

    Please send me a cover letter and a resume

  99. Mary says:
    May 2, 2019 at 7:26 am / Reply

    Pls i need a copy of a cover letter

  100. IKECHUKWU CHRISTOPHER CHIJIOKE says:
    May 29, 2019 at 5:30 pm / Reply

    Please send me a sample of it. Thanks

  101. Joseph adetola fere says:
    June 24, 2019 at 8:25 am / Reply

    Pls sir kindly send me resume and cover letter to my email jadetola7@gmail.com

  102. Adama says:
    July 4, 2019 at 7:06 am / Reply

    Please sir I need a cover letter and resume

  103. Deborah olamide says:
    July 22, 2019 at 8:13 am / Reply

    Please can I get a copy of the cover letter and resume of my email (ogunleyedeborah2010@gmail.com) ? I will really appreciate if I get one. Thanks

  104. Ambali Azeezat says:
    September 1, 2019 at 7:22 pm / Reply

    Please can you assist me with a copy of CV ,& cover letter to be sent to my mail @ hayzeddamilola@gmail.com. Thanks in anticipation

  105. Onyegbule Uchenna says:
    December 5, 2019 at 10:47 am / Reply

    Please, send me a detailed copy of a cover letter. Thanks

  106. Agidi ogbonna says:
    December 5, 2019 at 9:06 pm / Reply

    Pls I need a copy of a cover letter on administration. Pls send to egidiogbanna@gmail.com. Tanx

  107. Godwin Egbe says:
    January 25, 2020 at 4:29 pm / Reply

    Please, send me a cover letter on front desk officer/administration: I need it. Thanks.

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