Creative Cover Letter Example
A creative cover letter makes you stand out by adding a bit of personality and flair to your application.
In our creative cover letter example, the candidate is applying for a senior-level social media manager position. By the second paragraph, she has the readers attention. Then, she establishes her qualifications:
How To Write A Good Cover Letter
Hiring managers may receive hundreds of cover letters and resumes for a single job post. Potential employees only have a few seconds to make a good first impression, and a boring cover letter could land them straight in the no pile.
Cover letters allow employers to hear your voice, understand your intentions and learn about your personality. Hiring managers want to know why your skills and personality are the right fit for the company, and a successful cover letter should do this.
Follow these eight tips from hiring experts to write a cover letter that will score you an interview:
Is A Cover Letter Necessary
If the job ad calls for a cover letter, yes, it is necessary to include one. Failure to have a cover letter for a job can immediately disqualified you from consideration if its explicitly stated that one is required. As a job seeker, you need to demonstrate that youre able to follow directions. An employer might interpret your missing cover letter to mean that you didnt pay attention to what was asked of you. Not a good look.
If a job ad doesnt say a cover letter is required, then you do not need to include one with your application. That said, if the job application has a section for any additional information you would like to share with an employer, its highly recommended that you copy and paste the text of your cover letter into this area. The same is true if youre required to email your application copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email.
As good a source of candidate information as a resume is, it doesnt really give you the same kind of opportunity to share your personality with an employer. Culture fit is very high on the list of determining factors that can cause you to be hired, and a good cover letter can mean the difference between you getting called in for an interview or not.
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Creative Cover Letter Templates
There are certain positions in which creativity is not just recommended, its expected. For those situations, we’ve developed a line of creative cover letter templates perfect for expressing your passion and eye for good design. These templates offer just the right balance of text and visual elements to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd.
Ideal for applicants in fields like fashion, media, photography, film, art and design, these templates are for those unafraid of bold colors and page elements that make a statement. With our free creative cover letter templates, you can rest assured that your cover letter is just as unique as you are.
Case Study #: Demonstrate An Understanding Of What The Company Needs
Michele Sommers, the vice president of HR for the Boys & Girls Village, a nonprofit in Connecticut, recently posted a job for a recruiting and training specialist. I was looking for someone with a strong recruiting background who could do everything from sourcing candidates to onboarding new hires, she says. She also wanted the person to hit the ground running. Were a small team and I cant afford to train someone, she says.
More than 100 candidates applied for the job. The organizations online application system doesnt allow for cover letter attachments, but one of the applicants, Heidi , sent a follow-up email after submitting her résumé. And its a good thing she did, because she wouldve been weeded out otherwise, Michele says.
Heidis résumé made her look like a job hopper very short stints at each previous employer. Michele assumed she was a poor performer who kept getting fired. She was also the only candidate who didnt have a four-year college degree.
But Heidis email caught Micheles eye. First off, it was professional. Heidi stated clearly that she was writing to double-check that her application had been received. She went on to explain how she had gotten Micheles name and information and her personal connection to Boys & Girls Village .
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The Quickest Way: Use A Cover Letter Builder
A good cover letter builder is the fastest way to create a high-quality cover letter. Builders let you choose a cover letter design, ask you a few questions about yourself and your previous work experience, and then generate a letter you can download in different file formats .
You can also use a resume builder to create a matching resume that pairs with your cover letter.
Do Your Research And Customize It
Just like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to each position and company. Instead of a template-style cover letter, use industry-specific language that references points from the job description and company website.
Do your research, find out who the hiring manager is, and address the cover letter to them. While this isnt always possible, addressing the hiring manager specifically sets you apart. If youre unsure who the hiring manager is, use a generic salutation but only as a last resort.
Address the cover letter to a specific person within the company, not the general and much-hated dear sir or madam,’ said Alina Cincan, managing director and co-founder of Inbox Translation. This shows the candidate has done some research and is truly interested in working with that company, not just any company.
Christa Shapiro, former managing director at the staffing firm Kforce, said one thing that always draws attention to a cover letter is mentioning why you want to be a part of that particular organization. Show a passion for the organization and industry employers dont want to hire someone who will not care about their work.
Tip: If you cant find the name of the hiring manager, dear hiring team is a friendlier introduction than to whom it may concern.
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It Showcases Your Interest In The Position And/or Company
Many candidates blindly shoot off job applications, believing in quantity over quality. To be as efficient as possible, theyll either send a generic cover letter or fail to send one altogether. A cover letter with specific details about why you would be a great fit for the company youre applying to shows youve done your research and are interested in working for that company specifically. Employers will take notice of candidates who took their time to learn about the company and want to be there, as opposed to just wanting a job.
Professional Cover Letter Templates
If youre in a professional industry, then you know just how important presentation can be. Theres no point in creating a high-quality professional resume if your cover letter formatting doesnt have the polished look to match. Our professional cover letter templates make it easy for you to focus on conveying your expertise the visuals are taken care of.
These free templates feature neutral color palettes with soft leading lines to create an attractive layout without overpowering the essence of your letter. Our professional cover letter templates are especially effective for formal industries like education, administration, medicine, legal and finance.
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Example Cover Letter For A Firefighter
Review the following example cover letter for a firefighting position to help you outline your own details:
Thomas Hillson
Oakwood Fire Station
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m writing to express my interest in the available role of Firefighter at Oakwood Fire Station. I have over 10 years of experience working at three major fire stations in the Toronto area, and I feel your position can help me further my firefighting skills in a more urban environment. My goals closely align with your continued dedication to providing exceptional service to local residents, and your unique training regimen and professional opportunities are of particular appeal to me.
Having personally responded to over 300 fires and emergency situations in the past three years working at Blue Skies Fire Station, I have been able to accumulate a variety of useful skills that can benefit me in a new position, including emergency care, patient care, and fire prevention. I also have experience travelling to six schools in the northern Toronto area to discuss fire safety with children in grades one through eight. In addition, I possess specialized training in hazardous materials and advanced certifications in emergency medicine, allowing me to respond to a wide variety of calls effectively.
Sincerely,
Why This Is A Great Cover Letter
Right from the start, this applicant showcases the managerial skills they developed while working in the service industry. They then highlight how theyll apply those skills to make an immediate impact on the company.
Additionally, the applicant mentions the company by name three times. Its clear that theyre familiar with the business, have an interest in joining this specific team, and understand how theyd fit on the team if hired.
Lastly, our applicants cover letter includes their address to highlight how close they live to the restaurant. Pointing out where you live can be helpful if youre applying for a non-remote job because it shows the employer that you wont need to move or even commute very far if hired.
However, note that listing your address on a cover letter is optional in 2022 because most applications are submitted online.
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Newsflash: A Cover Letter Is Not A Repeat Of A Resume These Examples Show You How It’s Done
A great cover letter will show that you’re the right candidate.
If you’re wondering how to write a cover letter, you’re in the right place! Monster’s library of cover letter examples can help you do exactly that.
It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or level you’re at in your careerto get noticed by potential employers, your professional cover letter needs to knock their socks off. Writing a good cover letter is about much more than friendly greeting it’s a tool that lets hiring managers know that you’re the candidate they’ve been hoping for.
Because recruiters and hiring managers have seen every type of cover letter format imaginable, for maximum wow-factor, you must build a cover letter that highlights your industry-specific experience, accomplishments, and credentials.
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How To Write A Cover Letter For Insurance Agents
Once in a while, youll encounter a hiring manager who doesnt require a cover letter, but this is also rare. Your application will be incomplete without a cover letter, so always complement your resume with one unless specifically stated otherwise.
If you dont have much experience, highlight your educational qualifications and show the recruiter how specific courses have prepared you for the position. A cover letter also allows you to express your interest in the job.
The structure of your insurance agent cover letter should have the following information:
- A header section
I recently saw an open insurance agent position at Allstate Insurance and would like to apply for the same. I believe that my experience will allow me to perform my duties diligently and serve your customers well.
The example above starts with a lazy greeting not directed to any specific person. It also fails to give details that show the recruiter what makes you a unique candidate.
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Modern Cover Letter Templates
When youre in an industry thats forward-thinking and innovative, a traditional cover letter just wont cut it. Thats why weve developed a collection of sleek options to convey your unique abilities in fields like tech, start-ups, marketing and design. If a youthful look is what youre after, our free modern cover letter templates are right for you.
These templates are characterized by bold headers with energetic color palettes and strong fonts. They allow optimal white space for a clean look, all while highlighting what really matters your most impressive achievements and unique qualifications.
Address Potential Resume Concerns
A well-crafted cover letter does more than explain why youre the right person for the job. It also gives you the chance to explain items on your resume that might otherwise be considered red flags.
Address any issues that may give a hiring manager pause, such as gaps in employment, said Diane Domeyer Kock, senior vice president and managing director at Robert Half.
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Creating A Cover Letter
A Cover Letter allows a potential employer to be introduced to you and your resume. It is the first document an employer sees, therefore serving as your first impression and also allows the employer to get a more comprehensive look at who you are and why you are qualified for the job. This being your first impression, you want to take advantage of the opportunity and prepare the reader for your application. State why you are you writing, why you are a good match for their organization/company, and when you intend to contact them.
During job search process writing a Cover letter can be very challenging. You are challenged to create a document about yourself that is not selfish and self-centered. But DON’T WORRY, we have all the tools necessary to aid you in this process. Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be on your way to creating an excellent Cover Letter.
Display your written communication skills.
There are also hardcopy Cover Letter templates available upon request at the Counseling and Testing Center.
- Leave space between heading and name of specific person
- Use 1 inch margins all around the document
- Single space your letter
THE CLOSING STATEMENT
The Unique Cover Letter
This sales cover letter is one of the best examples weve seen of how to mix creativity with professionalism:
Why this is a good cover letter example
In an industry as competitive as sales, you need your application to be convincing and memorable. This candidate takes that lesson to heart.
Starting with an unusual cover letter introduction helps this job seeker immediately set themselves apart from more traditional competitors. Then, they move into a convincing sales pitch about their relevant skills and qualifications.
Also, they present their most impressive accomplishments in an easy-to-read, eye-catching cover letter format by using:
- a numbered list
- bolded paragraph headers
- italic text to emphasize the names of their past companies
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Explain Why Youre The Best For The Job
The second part of your cover letter is the body. This is where youll add your job duties/responsibilities at your previous job. As you add them, use figures and facts to quantify the achievements and show the hiring manager the value you could bring to the company. This section of your cover letter can have two to three paragraphs.
incorporate the right keywords and action verbs
The second paragraph in this section describes how your previous experience and skills have prepared you for the job. This is where youll add an achievement that sets you apart from everyone else if you have one.
My position allowed me to improve my communication and negotiation skills. Im also a great team player who collaborates well with people to ensure the company achieves its targets. I believe that my valuable experience and skills will allow me to perform an excellent job.
The example above describes the candidates responsibilities and shows the recruiter how their experience and skills has prepared them for the new job.
The example above highlights the candidates duties but fails to give details of their achievements that make them stand out.