The ultimate cover letter checklist

Follow these steps—plus check out our tips and examples—to help your cover letter stand out.

<a href=The ultimate cover letter checklist" width="707" height="398" />

[Photo: DaniloAndjus/Getty Images]

Resumes and LinkedIn profiles may get the lion’s share of attention, but a good cover letter can go a long way toward impressing hiring decision-makers. One survey by ResumeLab found that 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can land an interview even if your résumé isn’t good enough.

But writing a cover letter is hard. Many applicants would skip them if they could. You may not know how to start, or the idea of writing about yourself might overwhelm you. And yes, the type of writing necessary for a cover letter is different from most other kinds of writing.

The good news? We’ve got you covered. Read on for easy steps you can follow to simplify the cover letter process, an example cover letter, and bonus cover letter tips.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a note that accompanies a job application and/or resume that serves to introduce you to the employer and show why you’re a match for the job. You might think a resume does this just fine, but there are things a cover letter can do that a resume can’t.