Although it has become less common, writing a cover letter or a personalized application email is important to show a potential employer that you are worth taking the time to interview. Most employers want to see that you did your research and are genuinely interested in their opportunity. Make sure to specify which position you are applying to or what type of position you are interested in, if there is no specific job advertised. Employers should be able to read your cover letter / email and be able to know the basics of who you are and why you would be a good fit for their company. Below are a few things that should be included in your letter as well as a couple of examples to give you some inspiration.
Things to include:
- Identify things that you have in common with the hiring manager or company such as:
- Education
- Projects that you have worked on
- Personal information about the hiring manager found on CareerShift or LinkedIn that interests you such as articles written, etc. that make your message more personalized to the person it is being sent to
- Keywords or phrases that are in the job description:
- Project types that you have experience in
- Software
- Codes or agencies
- Additional knowledge and experience that matches the job requirements
Example 1: (Highlights about you)
Dear “NAME” or Hiring Manager,
I’m excited to be applying for the position of “TITLE” at “COMPANY NAME” and I have included my resume.
In the last two years my intern lighting architectural talents have leaned toward lighting design. I completed my education in Architectural Design Studies. Attending school and working at the same time showed me how to be flexible, adjusting for odd and unexpected hours and working my life around projects effectively. It also showed me how to adapt to changing environments maintaining solid and friendly relationships with coworkers. I have been directly involved in over 20 successfully completed commercial, educational, multi-family, airport, and recreational projects. In addition to my experience in lighting design, I’m also proficient with AutoCAD and experienced with Revit.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to learning more details about the “TITLE” position at “COMPANY”. I would appreciate the opportunity to interview with you and further discuss how my experience can contribute to the company.
Sincerely,
First and last name
Phone number
Email address
Example 2: (Short and Sweet)
Dear “NAME” or Hiring Manager,
I am very interested in applying for the “TITLE” position I recently found on “WEBSITE/SOURCE”. I believe my qualifications and experience greatly match your job specifications.
(Add a little information about your experience that matches the job and company)
Please take a moment to review my attached up-to-date resume. It would be a pleasure to hear back from you soon to set up an interview and discuss this exciting opportunity.
Sincerely,
First and last name
Phone Number
Email address
Example 3: (When there is no position advertised)
Dear NAME or Hiring Manager,
I am a well experienced Engineering Manager that would like to inquire about positions available within “ORGANIZATION”, and submit my resume for consideration.
(Include some professional experience that is pertinent to the organization or position that you are interested in. What type of projects do they do, that you can cite specific experience with?)
(Include some information on the organization that made you interested in working for them.) I am interested in your organization’s reputation as a leader in the engineering industry. My research into your organization has shown me that you work closely with a range of clients. I would appreciate the opportunity to interview with you in order to introduce myself and discuss any suitable positions that may be available.
Thank you in advance for your time,
First and last name
Phone Number
Email address