Many job seekers have asked me for a template cover letter. Personally, I don’t think there is a one size fits all cover letter template like you can employ with a resume. Why? Because each cover letter should address how you would fit in their company and why you’d be good at that specific job.
So instead of sharing a template, I’m going to share a strategy and technique for you to follow. We’ll call this the ProjectHelpYouGrow Cover Letter Strategy.
The format I recommend is 4 parts.
1: Introduction
2: Why you want to work for the company
3: How you would specifically fill the role
4: Conclusion including request for the interview
Section One: Introduction
The introduction is short, two to three sentences.
Address it like this, unless you specifically the name of the person that will read it and their Title.
Example:
Dear Hiring Manager / Human Resources / Recruiter,
My name is Ira Bowman (your name of course) and I have recently discovered the role you have available for Sales Manager (the job title) at Bowman Digital Media (company name). I’m excited about the opportunity to potentially join your team.
Section Two: Why you want to work for the company
In this section you want to talk about the things that appeal to you most about the company. Could be the culture, the location, the history, their reputation, ownership. I recommend at least three things. This helps to show that you know something about them.
Example:
Joining Bowman Digital Media is exciting to me for a few reasons. First off, I really like the idea of joining a newer business and helping to be a part of the founding story. Second, I have seen from your business interactions with prospects and clients on social media just how much the company values client relationships. Third, I think that Social Media Marketing (SMM) has a very big future and the prospects of joining a company that is trail blazing in that arena certainly is enticing.
Section Three: How you would specifically fill the role
Key word matching here is of utmost importance. Take the words they’re using in the job listing and infuse it into your answer here. Use their terms for the job title and explain how you’d be good at the things they’re requesting in the job description.
Example job description:
Looking for a seasoned sales professional to bring in clients for our social media marketing company in the Southern California region. Ideal candidate would: have at least 5 years of business to business sales experience, a bachelors degree in marketing, excel in communications, have a strong social media presence, previous experience in software or technology sales, have a high understanding of Search Engine Optimization, be self-starting and place a priority on customer service. We’d be thrilled to find someone who is a proven hunter with and an established book of business. Job requires some travel for face to face client meetings, as such, so only candidates in the local area will be considered.
Example response:
I am a seasoned sales hunter in the software / technology field here in Southern California. Not only do I have a large social media presence (over 180,000 followers on LinkedIn alone) and a keen understanding of Search Engine Optimization. What has helped me throughout my career to retain clients and generate referrals is the priority I place on delivering exceptional customer service. When reading the job description, I see very clearly how well what you’re looking for describes my experience and skillset and I believe I’m a very strong candidate for the role.
Section Four: Conclusion
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my cover letter and resume. I am officially requesting an interview for this position. I hope to hear from you soon on scheduling a day/time/location to meet and discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Ira Bowman (your name)
Sample Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager / Human Resources / Recruiter,
My name is Ira Bowman and I have recently discovered the role you have available for Sales Manager (the job title) at Bowman Digital Media. I’m excited about the opportunity to potentially join your team.
Joining Bowman Digital Media is exciting to me for a few reasons. First off, I really like the idea of joining a newer business and helping to be a part of the founding story. Second, I have seen from your business interactions with prospects and clients on social media just how much the company values client relationships. Third, I think that Social Media Marketing (SMM) has a very big future and the prospects of joining a company that is trail blazing in that arena certainly is enticing.
I am a seasoned sales hunter in the software / technology field here in Southern California. Not only do I have a large social media presence (over 180,000 followers on LinkedIn alone) and a keen understanding of Search Engine Optimization. What has helped me throughout my career to retain clients and generate referrals is the priority I place on delivering exceptional customer service. When reading the job description, I see very clearly how well what you’re looking for describes my experience and skillset and I believe I’m a very strong candidate for the role.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my cover letter and resume. I am officially requesting an interview for this position. I hope to hear from you soon on scheduling a day/time/location to meet and discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Ira Bowman