how to write cover letter recruitment

How to Write a Recruiter Cover Letter (With Template)

Key takeaways

• A cover letter can be the most important element in a job application. Ensuring your profile stands out to recruiters is crucial to your professional success.
• A well-tailored cover letter should provide relevant information clearly and concisely. Focus on detailing your skills and why you are the right person for that specific role.
• The included Recruiter cover letter template provides an easy starting point to craft your own cover letters. Adapt and personalize it to fit your profile.

A well-written cover letter is key to quickly getting the attention of prospective employers. Among countless job seekers, resumes, and application letters, yours need to stand out on first impression if you want to ensure your job search   translates to a new role .

In this post, you will discover:

• Reasons why a well-crafted cover letter is key to professional success, from entry-level roles to senior positions
• Cover letter do’s and dont’s
• A Recruiter sample cover letter you can easily adapt and personalize

A well-tailored   cover letter : The key to   job application   success

Ensuring you know how to write a cover letter that is clear, informative, and tailored to the role you are applying to will benefit you in many ways. Well-crafted cover letters have many benefits, which include:

• Showcasing relevance:   Tailoring your cover letter allows you to emphasize the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific job requirements. This immediately captures the attention of the   talent acquisition   team, recruiters, or human resources reps.
• Demonstrating research:   A good cover letter conveys your understanding of the organization's needs and illustrates how you can contribute to its success, signaling to potential employers that you've done your homework.
• Telling your story:   Each job application is unique, and a tailored cover letter enables you to craft a personalized narrative. It lets you connect your professional journey with the role's specific challenges and opportunities, making your application more compelling.
• Highlighting cultural fit:   Your cover letter allows you to address the company's values, mission, and culture. By aligning your experiences and values with those of the organization, you demonstrate a cultural fit and convey your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
• Addressing specific requirements:   Job postings often include   specific skills or qualifications   the employer is seeking. Tailoring your cover letter enables you to address these requirements directly, showcasing how you possess the desired attributes and can meet the company's expectations.

Cover letter tips

A great cover letter should reflect your professional profile and personality. However, no matter what your cover letter's content is, the tips below will help ensure the message you want to convey is clear and easily accessible to hiring managers.

• Keep it concise:   Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences.
• Use a clean layout:   Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.
• Include   contact information :   Provide your contact information at the top of the cover letter, including your name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Use   headers   and sections:   Organize your cover letter into clear sections with headers such as Introduction, Work Experience, and Achievements for easy readability.
• Maintain a professional tone:   Keep the tone of your cover letter professional and upbeat. Avoid overly casual language, and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences.
• Use keywords:   Incorporate relevant keywords from the Agile Project Manager   job description   and company website into your cover letter. This can help your application pass through   applicant tracking systems (ATS)   used by many employers.
• Highlight achievements with bullet points:   Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments or notable projects. This makes it easier for the reader to grasp your accomplishments quickly.
• Use quantifiable data:   Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
• Match company tone:   Adapt your writing style to match the tone of the company and industry. Research the company's culture to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
• Showcase company knowledge:   Demonstrate your understanding of the company by referencing its values, mission, or recent achievements. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work for this specific organization.
• Address employment gaps (if applicable):   If you have employment gaps, briefly address them in a positive light, focusing on any skills or experiences gained during those periods.
• Proofread   thoroughly:   Eliminate typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure your English (or any language you use) is correct.
• Include a   call to action :   Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and indicating your readiness for an interview.
• Follow submission instructions:   If there are specific instructions for submitting the cover letter, such as naming conventions or document formats, ensure that you adhere to them.
• Save as a PDF:   Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting it. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software.

While understanding the correct steps to write a cover letter is crucial to your professional success, knowing what mistakes to avoid is equally important. The best cover letter can easily be made useless by a tiny blunder. Avoid making the mistakes listed below; you will be halfway to your new job.

• Don't use a generic greeting:   Avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern," “Dear sir or madam, “ or “Dear hiring manager.“ Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person.
• Don't repeat your resume:   An effective cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on specific experiences and achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.
• Don't exaggerate or lie:   Be truthful in your cover letter. Exaggerating your qualifications or providing false information can harm your chances and damage your professional reputation.
• Don't use unprofessional email addresses:   Ensure that the email address you use in your contact information is professional. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional terms.
• Don't include irrelevant information:   Keep your cover letter focused on the job. Avoid including unrelated personal details or experiences that do not contribute to your suitability for the role.
• Don't use jargon unnecessarily:   While demonstrating your knowledge is essential, avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse the reader. Use clear and straightforward language.
• Don't sound overly eager:   Expressing enthusiasm is positive but can easily feel unauthentic if overdone.

Remember, the goal of a practical cover letter is to present your qualifications in a clear, organized, and compelling manner while adhering to professional standards.

How to structure your Recruiter cover letter

Express your genuine interest in the Recruiter position in the opening paragraph. Convey your passion for talent acquisition and your eagerness to contribute to a dynamic and results-driven recruitment team. If applicable, mention any referrals that have influenced your decision to apply for this specific role.

About your current role

Highlight your achievements that have positively impacted the success of your current team. Emphasize your role in implementing specific recruitment procedures or tools that have streamlined processes, demonstrating your proficiency in identifying and attracting top-tier talent.

Use this section to outline your current responsibilities and ongoing projects, emphasizing how they align with the requirements and objectives of the Recruiter role.

About your experience

Detail your hands-on experience in recruitment tasks, underscoring your commitment to finding the right talent and contributing to the overall organizational success. Clearly communicate that your recruiting skills and readiness for the role are well-established. 

This section is also an opportunity to highlight the number of years you've spent as a Recruiter and any additional skills acquired throughout your recruitment career path .

Notable achievements

Highlight notable accomplishments that showcase your effectiveness as a Recruiter. Whether you played a key role in successfully filling critical positions, implementing innovative sourcing strategies, or improving the efficiency of the recruitment process, use this section to concisely mention your achievements, how they were measured, and their impact on the overall talent acquisition efforts.

Why you want to work there

Express your interest in the company by highlighting specific aspects of its workplace culture, mission, and values related to recruitment that resonate with you. Convey how these align seamlessly with your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the company's success through your expertise in recruiting. Be concise but articulate about your motivations.

Specific projects or initiatives that motivated you to apply

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization by referencing specific recruitment-related projects or initiatives that have captured your interest. Draw connections between these initiatives and your skills and experiences, emphasizing how your contributions align with the company's recruitment goals. This shows your genuine interest and proactive approach to aligning with the company's mission.

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm to contribute to the company's success as a Recruiter. Express your eagerness to discuss how your skills align with the company's recruitment objectives and invite the reader to reach out with any questions they may have. Sign off with a professional salutation.

Recruiter   cover letter template

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Recruiter position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a dedicated background in talent acquisition and a proven track record of successfully identifying and securing top-tier candidates, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your organization.

About my current role

In my current position as a Recruiter at [Current Company], I have:

• Conducted end-to-end recruitment processes, from job requisition to candidate onboarding, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
• Utilized a variety of sourcing methods, including online job boards, social media, and networking, to identify and attract high-caliber candidates.
• Collaborated with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, define job requirements, and develop effective recruitment strategies.

About my Recruiter experience

My experience extends to:

• Evaluating resumes, conducting interviews, and assessing candidates for cultural fit and alignment with organizational goals.
• Managing candidate pipelines and ensuring timely communication to provide a positive candidate experience.
• Staying updated on industry trends and best practices to enhance recruitment strategies and processes.

Some of my notable achievements include:

• Successfully reducing time-to-fill by [percentage] through the implementation of streamlined recruitment processes.
• Spearheading campus recruitment initiatives that resulted in the hiring of top graduates and strengthened the company's talent pipeline.
• Implementing a diversity hiring program that increased the representation of underrepresented groups within the organization.

Why I want to work for [Company]

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its [mention aspects unique to the company and are a core part of its mission and values such as commitment to attracting top talent, dedication to fostering a diverse workforce, growth,...]. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my recruitment skills to contribute to [Company Name]'s success in building a high-performing and diverse team.

Specific projects or initiatives of [Company] that motivated me to apply

In researching [Company Name], I was impressed by your recent initiatives in [specific recruitment-related project or achievement]. I believe my experience in recruitment aligns seamlessly with your organizational objectives. My commitment to identifying and securing the best talent and my dedication to delivering high-quality recruitment services would make me a valuable addition to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Recruiter role at [Company Name]. I look forward to contributing to your team's success.

[Your Full Name]

Get your career rolling with Deel

Your job application is your chance to tell your professional story, and a well-tailored cover letter is your narrative's opening chapter. Remember that personalization is key. Make each word count, emphasizing how your background uniquely positions you as the ideal candidate, and get your dream job. 

Looking for even more inspiration?   Discover how to write a stellar cover letter in 5 steps .

Discover more tips and tools to help boost your career further and climb the steps to your dream job on   the get-hired content hub .

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5 Recruiter Cover Letter Samples & Writing Tips in 2024

• Recruiter Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Recruiter
• HR Recruiter
• Technical Recruiter
• Senior Recruiter
• Writing Your Recruiter Cover Letter

It might seem ironic for you to have to write a cover letter since recruiters usually read everyone else’s! But now, you’ll have to show how you’re qualified to find top talent.

You’re essential to the success of any company, serving as gatekeepers who develop an eye for the greatest additions to the company team. Recruiters also do their fair share of paperwork like drafting contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and other documents for the employment process.

You’re probably not pumped about writing a cover letter to complement your recruiter resume , but a recruiter needs to demonstrate their  job skills  like any other professional! Fortunately, we’ve assembled five example recruiter cover letters for your inspiration. Coupled with our AI cover letter generator , you’ll be off to a great start.

Recruiter Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Anytime you can show you already embody the qualities listed in the job description, do so! Then, quantify them with examples and metrics to provide credibility in your recruiter cover letter.
•  Dig through the  recruiter job description  and company website for flecks of gold that align with your own experiences, such as a program you’re great with, a soft skill you naturally exemplify, or a goal similar to one you’ve previously met.

Level up your cover letter game

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

Entry-Level Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Capture that experience like Lila does—detail what skills you applied (in this case, data analysis and reporting), tools you employed (cue Tableau), and the accomplishments and lessons you gathered along the way.

HR Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Dedicate a line or two of your HR recruiter cover letter’s experience sections to how you used those software programs to effect improvement in the recruitment phases across different workplaces in your career journey. An example could be how Hugo shaves off 32% of onboarding time using DocuSign.

Technical Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Mind the job description’s tone and mirror it while you present your overlapping personal traits and qualifying abilities. It’s not just about the job—it’s also about the interpersonal workplace dynamic.
• If you’re applying as a technical recruiter, researching the company and studying the job ad is imperative. Your selling points lie in your alignment with industry specifics.

Senior Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• This letter establishes personal connections before presenting the hard qualifications necessary to land a senior role. There’s much to condense, so choose your words wisely!
• Picking which details to include in your senior recruiter cover letter can be intimidating since your professional history is undoubtedly extensive. The key is to research the company and examine the job description for specific needs you can fulfill.    

Is Your Recruiter Resume Ready to Wow?

As a recruiter, you know your resume is the most important document in your job application. Follow our  resume tips  and start building yours now with this easy, breezy interactive resume that you can edit. 

or download as PDF

Beat the Competition with Your Recruiter Cover Letter

Now that you’ve looked at three recruiter cover letter samples, let’s get into some of the broader themes that make them great: Customize your cover letter to the particular job and company, go in-depth with your biggest couple of achievements, and polish your tone.

Step 1: Knowledge is power

Oh, how many generic letters get tossed aside with a sigh. But you want yours to dazzle, and the quickest means to that end is tailoring your cover letter to the  recruiter job listing . Your cover letter shouldn’t read like it could apply to any recruiter position: You want the company to know that you want to work for  them .

A great start is taking some notes while combing through the job description. Jot down anything you find that makes you think, “That’s me!” so that you’ll have a handy list to refer to once you start writing your first draft. Look for specific needs you can fill. Also, research the company—especially its mission statement—so you can show you’re a great fit in that area.

Step 2: Leverage your success

Many people jump into writing their cover letters, only to wind up repeating what they’ve written in their resume—but your potential employer has already skimmed it in bullet-point form.

Instead of repeating your resume’s bullet points, go beyond them to explain why they matter. For good measure, revisit Step 1 to pick the accomplishments most relevant to where you’re applying.

Your recruiter cover letter should explain how one or two accomplishments benefitted your previous company.

• Your resume might mention that you onboarded 5 employees—but how did that increase revenue? 
• Did your work impact retention rates, showing that you improved the work environment? 
• Did you lead an impressive workplace strategy overhaul that left employees quantifiably happier in their positions?

Make sure you shine a spotlight on these sorts of accomplishments!

Step 3: Presentation is key

Imagine you’re conducting an interview with someone to help place them in a job role, and they have good experience and qualifications—but when they talk about themselves, they sound like they don’t even care.

What you say is important, but  so is  how  you say it . The tone and overall message of your recruiter cover letter are well worth the time it takes to refine them.

Not to sound like a broken record—but, once again, referring to the company website and job description will help you. Does the company come across as corporate and formal? Or is it more laid-back, emphasizing employee familiarity and a creative work environment? Company culture is your key to nailing the right tone.

What you say is important, but  so is  how  you say it .

Ensure your overall message is ideal, too—even if that means switching out an accomplishment that isn’t as relevant as you first thought. Your letter should be no more than a page and should send the message that you already know the company’s job role and exactly how you’ll fit in. Don’t skimp on proofreading, editing, revising, and rewriting to get this right.

A Simple Outline for Your Recruiter Cover Letter

It’s time for you to take a crack at writing your recruiter cover letter, so keep those last three tips in mind as you think about each section. You may or may not have found a  resume outline  helpful, but chances are, a cover letter outline will really help yours take shape. 

How to start a recruiter cover letter

Your contact info:  Include your name, address, phone number, and email address (along with your LinkedIn or other professional social media) if you’re using a cover letter template.

• Formatting : Leave your name out of your address if you’re using a block format.

190 Fictional Court Wilson, NC 27893 (123) 456-7890

Date:  This should reflect the exact submission date of your application materials.

February 3, 2023

• Formatting : The date should reflect the submission date of your application materials.

Inside address:  The inside address is just the address where you’re sending your cover letter! Make sure you research and use the person’s real name and company role, shunning generic phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Eloise Kemper Electronic Arts Hiring Manager 209 Redwood Shores Parkway  Redwood City, CA 94065

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a fresh line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting—it looks much nicer!

Greeting:  Your greeting, or salutation, is crucial in making the right first impression. Always   do your homework and find out the name of the person you’re writing to (hint: LinkedIn will help ya!).

Dear Ms. Irwin, Dear Ms. Kemper:

• Formatting : Colons are more formal, so you’ll usually default to these. However, if the company culture is more friendly and casual, you can use a comma to reflect that.

How to write your recruiter cover letter

Body:  Your cover letter’s body should include 3-4 paragraphs that show your interest in the recruiter position, your credentials that make you the ideal hire, and your excitement for future contact.

• Formatting : Keep text single-spaced within body text but double-spaced between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  Many cover letters run together with nothing that makes them stand out. Make sure yours isn’t one of them by putting in the effort to make it unique to the job position and company!

I love video games. Especially arena games. And I’ve worked as a recruiter for other companies before, so I’d fit in well with you guys.

Why It’s Bad:  While leading with a personal connection is good, this applicant over-stresses the gamer aspect at the expense of their qualifications—where are those? Also, the company culture is laid-back, but this tone takes informality too far.

With 6 years of well-rounded experience as a recruiter—and gamer—plus a background of rapid growth fueled by my finance degree and knack for managing high-volume interview funnels, I would love to use my overarching communication and strategy skills as your senior recruiter to set the roadmap for successful, inclusive hiring. I pride myself on being inquisitive and would love to help Electronic Arts by recruiting top talent to provide games, online services, and worlds with infinite possibilities. 

Why It’s Good:  This applicant has a lot of info to cover in a limited space for a senior role! They make a quick mention of their gaming connection and then move on to the skills that qualify them for the job, wrapping up with a direct reference to the company’s mission statement. Perfect! 

Paragraphs 2-3:  Now’s the time to show that your opening paragraph wasn’t full of empty claims! Use this space to provide examples of your best accomplishments, keeping each section focused on a single achievement.

You don’t have much room, so stick to that one time you drastically improved time-to-hire or that prestigious strategy overhaul you led multiple departments through.

While documenting employee data and feedback, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was room for improvement. So, I researched and fine-tuned a new employee benefits package that improved current employees’ satisfaction by 8%—and then I pushed things further by creating and streamlining data management plans inspired by my educational background. These infrastructures optimized employees’ processes and boosted satisfaction rates by 14%. 

Why It’s Good:  Taking the opportunity to demonstrate growth within your career is smart! This one’s a winner for highlighting various skills and two metrics that come together to further the same core goal, maintaining the paragraph’s focus while demonstrating ambition and versatility.

Closing paragraph:  It’s time for your grand finale! Summarize how your qualifications and values align with the needs specified in the job listing and the company’s vision statement. Finally, provide a call to action that blends seamlessly with the rest of your paragraph and invites further communication.

Can’t wait to work for your company. Helping people find their ideal jobs sounds good, and I’m qualified to help them navigate. Contact me for more info if needed.

Why It’s Bad:  The choppy sentence structure is informal, abrupt, and disinterested. We also see a lack of detail and an indifferent call to action.

I care about clients’ well-being and have the self-motivated management and interpersonal skills to make it count. I would love to use this people-focused outlook to proactively reach clients who view me as the long-term solution as they let me know what they’ll need next. I’d love to meet soon to share more about how my ability to juggle performance objectives and hiring needs can empower TalentCare’s teams—and clients. 

Why It’s Good:  The enthusiasm here is genuine. This applicant feels passionate about the recruiter job role and is eager to use their position to help others, which the company values. Additionally, the references to the job description’s wording and the warm call to action reinforce compatibility.

How to end a recruiter cover letter

Signature:  If you didn’t thank the reader for their time in your closing paragraph, then there’s no time like the present! Once you say “thank you,” sign off with your real name.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration, 

Tomas Zepeda

• Formatting :  If you’re presenting hard copies of your recruiter cover letter, quadruple space in order to sign your name by hand in blue/black ink.

Enclosure(s):  This part of your cover letter is important since it signals that there’s more to your application package! For example, a recruiter would include their job resume and any needed certifications.

Enclosures: Resume Application IPMA-CP certificate 

• Formatting : Make sure you use the proper singular or plural form of “enclosure,” depending on how many items you’re enclosing.

Secure Your Next Recruiter Role with a Resume That Wins

You’re so close—congratulations on investing in your cover letter! But before you call it a day, it’s essential to take this opportunity to write or  review your resume  and cover letter to ensure that your entire application package is thoughtfully put together, polished, and impressive.

Pro tip: It’s actually easier to write your cover letter once you’ve completed (or at least drafted) your resume! When you  build your resume , you get to see all your bullet-point accomplishments laid out in one place so that you can pick out the finest achievements to address in more depth.

And don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. We have a treasure trove of versatile  resume templates  you can use to start writing your own, including this one here. 

Technical Recruiter Resume

Need a resume to pair with your technical recruiter cover letter?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get your next recruiting role as you use our resources and tools. We’re rooting for you every step of the way, so you can get to finding and retaining the best talent at your next dream job.

While what you write in your cover letter should be customized for each job, using a template can be extremely helpful to speed up the process and present a consistent, professional look for each one. Think about how you were probably impressed when prospective employees you were recruiting handed in cover letters that were well laid out. It’ll help you stand out to hiring managers and show you know how to approach hiring when making those key decisions yourself.

Standing out as a recruiter can feel like a tough task. After all, the other applicants are also very knowledgeable in the hiring process, just like you are. A great way to stand out is by using key metrics from your achievements and being very specific to the needs of each role you apply to. For instance, if the company wants to reduce turnover after hirings, you could explain how improving recruiter job descriptions in your last position helped boost candidate satisfaction rates post-hiring by 58%.

Your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page. Think about how many applicants you’ve generated during recruiting. It can be tough to manage all the information about each candidate, so concisely focusing on key abilities like social media recruiting and job boards will help those primary skills grab attention.

9 Recruiter Cover Letter Examples

Recruiters are the gatekeepers of the job market, expertly sifting through countless resumes to find the perfect match for a position. Similarly, your cover letter is the key that can unlock the gate, presenting your skills, experience, and potential in a way that stands out from the crowd. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for aspiring recruiters, showcasing how to make your application as compelling as the candidates you'll be seeking.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a recruiter cover letter is by addressing the recipient by name, if known, to make it personal. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to grab their attention by mentioning a notable achievement or skill relevant to the job. For example, "As a recruiter with 5 years of experience in tech industry, I've successfully filled over 100 positions, 80% of which were senior roles." This shows you're qualified and results-driven, which is what recruiters are looking for.

Recruiters should end a cover letter by summarizing the key points, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, and providing a clear call to action. This could be a statement indicating the recruiter's availability for a follow-up conversation or interview. For example, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to your company's success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience." It's also important to end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by the recruiter's full name. This ending reiterates the recruiter's interest, provides a clear next step, and maintains a professional tone.

A recruiter's cover letter should ideally be no longer than one page. This is because the purpose of a cover letter is to provide a brief overview of your qualifications and to pique the interest of the reader, rather than to provide a comprehensive account of your experiences and skills. A one-page cover letter is usually sufficient to convey the key points without overwhelming the reader with too much information. It's important to keep the content concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific role or company you're applying to. Remember, the goal is to entice the reader to look at your resume for more details.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Recruiter can seem daunting, but it's entirely possible and can still make a strong impression. Here's how: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the role. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct experience as a recruiter, you likely have skills that are relevant to the role. For example, if you have experience in sales or customer service, you can highlight your communication skills, ability to build relationships, and persuasive abilities. If you have experience in HR or administration, you can highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail, and understanding of HR processes. 3. Show your knowledge of the company and industry: Research the company and the recruitment industry and show your knowledge in your cover letter. This can demonstrate your interest and initiative, and show that you're serious about the role. 4. Discuss your willingness to learn: If you're new to recruitment, it's important to show that you're willing and eager to learn. You can discuss any relevant courses or certifications you're planning to take, or express your willingness to learn on the job. 5. Close with a strong conclusion: In your conclusion, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the reader for considering your application and express your hope for a chance to further discuss your qualifications. 6. Proofread: Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A well-written, error-free cover letter can make a strong impression. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even without direct experience, your transferable skills, eagerness to learn, and knowledge of the company and industry can make you a strong candidate for a recruitment role.

Related Cover Letters for Recruiters

Human resources cover letter.

Social Worker Cover Letter

Technical Recruiter Cover Letter

Recruiter Cover Letter

Senior Recruiter Cover Letter

It recruiter cover letter, corporate recruiter cover letter, executive recruiter cover letter, staffing recruiter cover letter, campus recruiter cover letter, hr recruiter cover letter, healthcare recruiter cover letter, related resumes for recruiters, recruiter resume example.

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Recruiter Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

How to build a compelling recruiter cover letter in 5 easy steps

While small businesses can handle hiring on their own, larger companies rely on the skills of professional recruiters to find the best available talent to join their teams. To earn a job as a recruiter, you need a cover letter that highlights your best abilities and accomplishments, as well as your dedication to the position.

In this guide, we will teach you 5 easy steps for writing a recruiter cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about how to:

• Create your recruiter cover letter header & headline
• Personalize the content & greeting of your recruiter cover letter
• Construct a compelling recruiter cover letter introduction
• Describe your best skills & accomplishments as a recruiter
• Write a strong conclusion for your recruiter cover letter

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Create a proper recruiter cover letter header & headline

To begin, the very first step to writing a cover letter as a recruiter is to write a well-formatted header and headline.

A cover letter header comes first, containing all the need-to-know information about the applicant and the employer. This information should include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company & department you are applying to
• The address of the company

Ensuring your header is nicely organized helps to give your cover letter greater structure and visual appeal, so pay attention to how you list this information and make sure it is orderly.

Here is an example of a well-formatted recruiter header

Jack King , Professional Recruiter (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/jack-king

To: Tech Gods United HR & Recruitment Department 1234 Street Address Philadelphia, PA, 19019

After you have crafted your recruiter header, the next step is to write an engaging cover letter headline that attracts the attention of employers.

To write this headline as a recruiter, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.

Here is an example of an effective recruiter headline, followed by a brief explanation of its key components

Looking for a Recruiter with a High Onboarding Success Rate? Here’s Why I am Perfect for this Role

Trigger Word/Number : Looking for, Here’s Why Keyword: Recruiter, Onboarding Success Rate Adjective/Verb: High, Perfect Promise: for this Role – this part of the headline indicates to the employer that you will specifically explain why your skills are a good match for their current opening.

2. Personalize the content & greeting of your recruiter cover letter

Before you begin writing the introduction and body paragraphs of your cover letter , it is crucial to have the proper information handy to personalize the letter for a specific job.

Personalization is the process of tailoring a cover letter using precise details about a company gained from thorough research. By doing so, you not only show the employer your excellent attention to detail but also a high level of effort within your job application.

When researching a company, look for key details such as:

• What the company’s stated goals and values are – look specifically for what kind of language they use and find ways to incorporate this language into your cover letter.
• What projects or major clients the company is currently involved with – use these details to explain how your skills and experience can benefit the company’s ongoing business affairs.
• The exact person at the company who will review your letter – you will use this information to create a personalized greeting that addresses this person by name.

Here are 3 examples of personalized recruiter cover letter greetings

Dear Ms. Mary Green,

• Dear Recruitment Manager Mary Green,
• Dear Ms. Mary Green & the Recruitment Team,

Pro Tip: Always double-check that you are using the correct honorific (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., etc.) for a person before submitting your cover letter. Never blindly guess – if you are unsure, remove the honorific entirely.

Find out your resume score!

3. Construct a compelling recruiter cover letter introduction

Now that you know how to personalize and tailor your cover letter for the job at hand, it’s finally time to begin writing the body content – starting with your introduction .

A strong recruiter cover letter introduction will be compelling, including details such as:

• An overview of your professional history (years of experience, specializations, etc.)
• A brief explanation of why you are applying for the position
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible) – including mutual acquaintances helps you build initial rapport and credibility with an employer

Pro Tip: Having mutual acquaintances with a company you are interested in is not the most common scenario. However, you can take matters into your own hands by using a professional platform like LinkedIn to grow your network and connect with current employees and associates of companies that interest you.

Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a recruiter’s cover letter

I am a professional recruiter with more than 6 years of experience working in corporate consulting firms. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting your company’s Head of HR, John Doe, at a business conference. Mr. Doe reviewed my resume and strongly recommended I apply for this position – and after speaking with him more about your company’s values and goals – I have determined I am the ideal candidate for this job.

4. Describe your best skills & accomplishments as a recruiter

With your introduction in place, it’s time to write the body paragraphs. Ideally, a recruiter’s cover letter should contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that offer key insights into your best professional attributes, including:

• What key skills and competencies do you possess
• What relevant accomplishments make you stand out as an applicant
• How do you plan to apply your skills and experience in the role
• What value can you contribute to the company

As you write this information, make sure the details about your skills and accomplishments are as specific and quantifiable as possible. This will make your cover letter more impactful for the employer by showcasing the value you have to offer.

Here are 6 examples of recruiter skills that are excellent to describe in a cover letter

• Creating and posting job descriptions to various platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Candidate outreach methods
• Electronic file management
• Onboarding procedures (interviewing, hiring, etc.)
• Knowledge of employment laws
• Conducting job interviews

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a recruiter cover letter

As a recruiter for [Former Employer], I helped raise the onboarding success rate by more than 20% by introducing new hiring marketing materials and a streamlined recruitment process. This process included the use of a new digital platform designed for recruitment, which I played a vital role in sourcing and implementing.

5. Write a strong conclusion for your recruiter cover letter

Finish off your recruiter cover letter strong with a well-written closing statement. Your cover letter conclusion should include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a strong closing statement from a recruiter’s cover letter

I am greatly excited by the prospect of working for your excellent company and hope to hear from you within a week to further discuss this opportunity. I am available to meet or speak directly any weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If I have not heard back by next Wednesday, I will reach out to check on my application’s status. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.

With Appreciation,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

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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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Recruitment Consultant

Last Updated: May 20, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA . Katherine Kirkinis is a Career Coach and Psychotherapist who has served as a career expert for Forbes, Medium, Best Life, and Working Mother Magazine, and as a diversity and inclusion expert for ATTN and Quartz. She specializes in working with issues of career, identity, and indecision. She has doctoral-level training in career counseling and career assessment and has worked with hundreds of clients to make career decisions through career assessments. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at The University of Albany, SUNY where her work focuses on diversity and inclusion, racism in the workplace, and racial identity. She is a published author and has been featured in academic journals as well as popular media outlets. Her research has been presented at 10+ national APA conferences since 2013. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 778,644 times.

Recruitment consultants work with businesses to match job seekers to open positions. When they believe a certain candidate will match a particular job, they forward the applicant's information to the business for further review. Writing a cover letter to a recruiter is your first step in getting a job, and you can follow these steps to make sure that cover letter is perfect.

Sample Cover Letters

Writing Your Cover Letter

• If you're unaware of the recipient's gender, then use the person's full name after "Dear."

• The opening sentence should read something like: "I am writing with interest in being matched with a job in sales and customer service."

• A good introduction would be: "I am a recent graduate of Rutgers University, where I majored in management."

• Recruiters may or may not advertise the companies that they work with. If the recruiter you're writing to has made this information public, mention the specific companies you're interested in working for. This demonstrates that you're a serious candidate who has done research into the job you want.

• Remember that this section shouldn't just restate your resume; the recruiter already has your resume. What it should do is elaborate on some points that don't get fully covered on your resume. For example, you may have done an internship for a semester. This is only one line on your resume, but you can elaborate on how it gave you invaluable skills and experience for the job you're seeking.
• You can also bring up experience that isn't on your resume. For example, tutoring your neighbor might not be suitable for a resume, but you can mention how this experience gave you a sense of responsibility, which will help you in the job you're seeking.

• Look at the transferable skills you've attained. For example, if you're looking for a job in sales, you might not think your stock worker position at a retail store gave you much experience. But if you dealt with customers, that means you've gained customer service experience. These skills easily transfer over to dealing with potential clients for your company.
• If you've never had a job, things you've done in school can also be applicable. You might have given a classroom presentation. That means you have public speaking experience. Other classroom experience that gives you job skills are the ability to meet deadlines, multitask, and work under pressure.

• Your closing should sound something like this: "As you can see from my qualifications, I am an ideal candidate for a position in sales and marketing. I greatly look forward to hearing from you and speaking further. Thank you very much for your time and consideration."

Getting Ready

• What was your area of education?
• What are your past experiences?
• Have you had a job in the past that you enjoyed?
• Consider whether you intend this as a career or as a temporary job. You might be more willing to compromise over a temporary job than over a lifelong career.

• Recruiters will typically say so if they recruit for certain jobs and positions, so make sure you read their website or posting carefully.

• Read Make a Resume for tips on putting together a strong resume.

• Place your name, title, and address on the top left of the paper.
• Place the date below this.
• Put the person's name, title, and address below this.
• Address the person appropriately. Start with "Dear Mr." or "Dear Mrs."
• Have 1-inch margins around the paper and use single spacing. Don't indent, just use a double space in between paragraphs.
• Use an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point font.
• End with "Sincerely," then leave 4 lines so you can manually sign your name. Below this, type your name and title.

Expert Q&A

• Always use standard fonts, margins, and paper when writing a cover letter. Your originality should come through in the content, not the form of your letter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do not take on an overly conversational tone. Although your letter should sound good when read aloud, it should be professional and polite. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing a cover letter, check out our in-depth interview with Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA .

• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CoverLetters.html
• ↑ Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA. Career Coach & Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 7 March 2023.
• ↑ http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-tips/5-simple-steps-to-a-successful-cover-letter-hot-jobs/article.aspx
• ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 7 October 2020.
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/11/30/the-6-worst-ways-to-pick-a-career
• ↑ http://www.letterwritingguide.com/request.htm
• ↑ http://businessletterformat.org/

About this article

To write a cover letter for a recruitment consultant, start by placing your name, title, and address in the top left corner. Next, include the date one line below that, and the recipient's name, title, and address one line below the date. Then, greet the person with the salutation “Dear” followed by their full name. In the body of the letter, state the position you’re interested in, along with your relevant skills and interests. Close the letter by reinstating why you’re a good choice, and sign the letter “Sincerely,” followed by your name. For more cover letter writing tips, like how to format using proper spacing and margins, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Recruiting Coordinator cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Recruiting Coordinator Example 1
• Recruiting Coordinator Example 2
• Recruiting Coordinator Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Recruiting coordinators are responsible for the recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to onboarding new employees. They need to be organized and efficient, with a strong attention to detail.

To show hiring managers that you’re the right person for the job, you need a well-written cover letter. Follow these examples and tips to learn how to write a recruiting coordinator cover letter that stands out.

Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Recruiting Coordinator position at Topdown Staffing. I have more than five years of experience in the recruiting and staffing industry, and I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a valuable member of your team.

I am motivated by the challenge of finding the best talent for my clients and enjoy the process of working with candidates to find the right fit for their career goals. I have a proven track record of success in finding top talent for a variety of positions and industries. I am also skilled in managing the recruitment process from start to finish, including screening resumes, conducting interviews, and extending job offers.

In my previous role as a Recruiter at ABC Staffing, I was responsible for finding qualified candidates for a variety of positions within the company. I was able to successfully fill several positions in a short period of time by using my strong network of contacts and my ability to identify qualified candidates quickly. I am also experienced in managing the onboarding process for new employees, which I successfully did for several new hires at ABC Staffing.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a valuable member of your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon with more information about the Recruiting Coordinator position at Topdown Staffing. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications would be a perfect fit for this role.

Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing in regards to the open Recruiting Coordinator position at your company. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a successful member of your team.

I have been working in the recruiting industry for the past three years and have experience in all stages of the recruiting process. I am an expert in sourcing candidates, screening resumes, and conducting interviews. I am also knowledgeable in HR and payroll processes.

I am a highly organized and efficient individual who is able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I have a proven track record of successfully meeting deadlines. I am also a strong communicator and have excellent interpersonal skills.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and am confident that I can make a significant contribution. I look forward to hearing from you.

Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Recruiting Coordinator position that you have posted. I believe that my experience as a recruiter, along with my education and training, make me an ideal candidate for this position.

I have been working as a recruiter for the past five years. My experience has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and candidates. I have worked with both small and large companies, ranging from start-up businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. I have also had the opportunity to work with a variety of different positions, including entry-level positions all the way up to senior management.

My experience has taught me how to effectively communicate with candidates and clients alike. I have learned how to listen carefully to what each party needs and then find a solution that works for everyone involved. I have also learned how to be flexible when necessary. I know how to adapt my approach based on the situation at hand.

I am confident that my experience as a recruiter will help me succeed in this position. I am also confident that my education and training will allow me to quickly learn any new skills that are required of me. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person so we can discuss my qualifications in greater detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your experience and knowledge.

When applying for a job as a recruiting coordinator, it’s important to show employers how you’ll be able to help your clients by using your experience and expertise. Some great ways of doing this include:

• Providing a brief overview of a past project (or similar projects) that shows how you helped customers achieve their goals. This will also give hiring managers an idea of the type of work they can expect from you in the future.
• Mentioning specific metrics for improvement (e.g., decreased churn rate, increased subscription rates) and positive results that stem from your efforts as well as any awards or recognition received for achieving such results.

2. Customize Your Cover Letter

To convince employers to hire you, customize each application by highlighting how your past experiences make you a strong candidate for the job. For example, if one of the company’s goals is to increase user retention, mention how your previous experience in customer service will help boost retention rates. If there are any specific business problems listed on their website or job description as part of their hiring process, be sure to include these issues in your cover letter when referencing why you’re a good fit for the role.

3. Show results you can bring to the table

One of the most important parts of your cover letter is highlighting what you’ve done for previous employers, and how that past experience will be valuable in this new role. This shows hiring managers that not only do you have strong customer service skills, but also that you know how to grow a company through production and sales growth. Here are some examples of successful cover letters where candidates show their value and results:

• Increased online sales by 35% in first quarter with new CRM system implementation
• Created a marketing campaign by analyzing data from all sales channels, increased revenues by 52% over previous year
• Opened five new accounts as well as managed 10 existing client files; improved client retention rate from 95% to 97%, with two clients renewing contracts early

4. Proofread your cover letter

Hiring managers are looking for reliable, hardworking individuals who are committed to excellence. Provide them with no reasons to doubt you by proofreading your cover letter. If it’s riddled with errors, they will assume you won’t be able to provide high-quality customer service.

School Secretary Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Legal intern cover letter examples & writing tips, you may also be interested in..., health policy analyst cover letter examples & writing tips, parent liaison cover letter examples & writing tips, community engagement specialist cover letter examples & writing tips, building inspector cover letter examples & writing tips.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
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More From Forbes

Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples

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Embarking on a career change is a pivotal moment, fraught with uncertainty but brimming with potential. And especially in cases where your resume might not directly align with the job at hand, your cover letter becomes the narrative that connects the dots. A well-crafted cover can illuminate your strengths, align your past experiences with your future aspirations, and persuade potential employers to see the value you bring.

The Importance Of A Cover Letter In Career Changes

In career transitions, your cover letter is your storyteller. It explains the why and the how of your career change, showcasing your enthusiasm and demonstrating how your background equips you with unique perspectives and transferable skills. It addresses potential concerns about your career shift head-on, presenting your transition as an asset rather than a liability.

Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter

1. Personalize Your Approach : Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible. Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position. You want to show that you’re not conducting a generic job search, but that you’ve done your research. You’ve perused (not skimmed) the company website and you read that 20-page yearly report from the CEO. You’ve even read their blog and can quote freely from it. You’ve educated yourself.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills : Highlight the skills and experiences from your previous roles that are relevant to the new position. Be specific and quantify achievements where possible.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Commitment : Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in the new field. Express your passion for the career change and your eagerness to contribute.

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4. Tailor Your Narrative : Connect your past experiences to the job you're applying for, demonstrating how your unique background can bring a fresh perspective to the role.

5. Address Potential Concerns : Be upfront about your career change, framing it as a positive decision guided by clear motivation and a strong understanding of the new field.

6. End with a Strong Call to Action : Conclude by expressing your desire to discuss your application further in an interview, showing proactivity and determination.

7. Use Strategic Language : Avoid clichéd adjectives. Opt for vivid, specific language that paints a clear picture of your capabilities and achievements.

Example: General Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company], transitioning from a career in [Current Industry] to [New Industry]. My experience in [Current Industry] has equipped me with valuable skills that I am eager to apply in [New Industry]. For instance, while working as [Previous Position], I developed a keen ability to [transferable skill], resulting in [specific achievement].

In [Current Industry], I honed my skills in [relevant skill] and demonstrated my ability to [relevant achievement], directly benefiting my team by [specific outcome]. I am particularly drawn to [New Industry] because [reason for interest], and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill] and [another skill] to the [Position] at [Company].

[Your Name]

Tweaks For Various Career Stages

Whether you are making a change early in your career or transitioning later, your cover letter should reflect your rationale and excitement for this new path.

Example: Early Career Cover Letter

As someone at the early stages of my career, I am eager to leverage the foundational skills I gained in [Initial Field], such as [specific skill], in [New Field]. My recent role as [Previous Position] allowed me to develop [relevant skills or experiences], which align closely with the requirements of the [Position] at [Company].

Example: Late Career Cover Letter

Transitioning into [New Field] at this point in my career is a deliberate and enthusiastic choice, driven by my deep-seated interest in [aspect of New Field]. With extensive experience in [Previous Field], I bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that can contribute to innovative solutions and strategies at [Company].

Tweaks For White And Blue-Collar Roles

Transitioning between white and blue-collar roles offers a unique opportunity to highlight diverse skills and experiences.

Example: White To Blue Collar Cover Letter

I am eager to apply the strategic and managerial skills honed in my white-collar career to the hands-on, dynamic environment of [Blue Collar Field]. My experience in [White Collar Role], where I developed [specific skills], aligns well with the challenges and responsibilities of the [Blue Collar Position] at [Company].

Example: Blue To White Collar Cover Letter

Transitioning from [Blue Collar Field] to [White Collar Field], I bring practical, on-the-ground experience that can inform and enhance the strategic decisions in [White Collar Role]. My background in [Blue Collar Role], where I mastered [specific skills], equips me with a unique perspective beneficial for the [White Collar Position] at [Company].

Including A Career Change Statement On Your Resume/CV

While your cover letter is the ideal place to elaborate on your career change, your resume/CV should also reflect this transition. A brief career change statement, positioned at the beginning of your resume, can effectively set the context for your career narrative. This statement should succinctly convey your transition, emphasizing your commitment to the new field and highlighting any transferable skills or relevant experiences.

How To Craft A Career Change Statement For Your Resume

1. Objective Statement : Begin with a clear, concise objective that outlines your career goals and demonstrates your enthusiasm for your new field.

2. Summary of Qualifications : Follow your objective with a brief summary of your most relevant qualifications, focusing on skills and experiences that transition well into your new career.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills : Clearly identify and emphasize any skills from your previous career that are pertinent to your new path. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your proactive approach in aligning your skill set with the new role's requirements.

4. Tailor Your Experience : Adjust the descriptions of your past positions to highlight the responsibilities and achievements most relevant to your desired career path. Use quantifiable achievements to underscore your adaptability and impact.

5. Education and Training : If you have pursued any education or training relevant to your new field, highlight this prominently on your resume to illustrate your dedication and commitment to your career change.

Make Your Language Unique

To avoid sounding like everyone else, remember to use distinctive and precise adjectives in your cover letter and resume. For instance:

• Instead of "experienced," try "seasoned" or "accomplished," providing specific examples that demonstrate this experience, like spearheading a successful project or leading a team to exceed its targets.
• Replace "passionate" with "enthused" or "committed," detailing a project or initiative you pursued with zeal, which can resonate more authentically with hiring managers.
• Substitute "results-driven" with "outcome-focused," illustrating this with a particular scenario where your focus on results led to tangible success for your organization.

Your cover letter and resume are your advocates, narrating your professional journey and articulating why you are not just seeking a new job, but embarking on a new career with purpose and passion. By carefully crafting these documents to reflect your individual story, you position yourself as a memorable and compelling candidate, someone who stands out from the crowd.

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How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

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Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest. 

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with  EURES  or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

Make it readable

Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear and simple language.  Use strong verbs (e.g. ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’).

Use reverse chronological order

Always list the most recent experience on the top followed by previous ones. In case of long gaps in working or learning, include an explanation.

Polish and fine-tune

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, provide a professional e-mail address, and add a professional photograph of yourself.

Your Europass profile

Your Europass profile is the place to keep a record of all your skills, qualifications and experiences. If you keep your Europass profile up-to-date then you will always have all the information you need to create tailored CVs and job applications quickly.

Good luck with your applications!

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