Formal Cover Letter – Looking or searching for a job is important to starting your career, and before that happens, you’ll need to create a cover letter. Well, a cover letter is necessary. Why did I say that? I’ve been there too, and a resume is different from it. This article will guide you through how to create a formal cover letter with examples or samples.

Just keep in mind that writing a cover letter will help in your job search. Just make sure you’re writing the perfect one. With a well-written cover letter, you can tell the HR specialist or hiring manager about yourself and why you are a good fit for the position.

So, if you’re having a problem with it, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Start creating it now. We made a sample formal cover letter below, which you can use as your reference.

What is a Formal Cover Letter?

A formal cover letter is a formal business letter as the word “formal” means following the rules or etiquette.

In addition, it is the first thing that a job seeker does; it is an attached document along with your resume, which is used to introduce yourself in a more formal way. It is also used for applying for a job in general. Your cover letter helps you to stand out as the perfect candidate among other applicants.

Why do we use Formal Cover Letters?

People use it when applying jobs in any kind of business environment. It offers more relevant information than a resume. It is also the first step in your application to get hired.

Additionally, your cover letter gives you a chance to tell the hiring manager a little bit more about your experience than what’s on your resume.

What to include in a Formal Cover Letter?

Show eagerness for the position and knowledge about the company
Highlight your achievements and detail your experiences.
Include any certificates, skills, and expertise.

Tips in writing a Formal Cover letter

Personalize the letter or Be Specific.
– Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the specific job position, and do not use generic language. Don’t forget to include your skills, strengths, experiences, and achievements. Mention your qualities that will give you an edge among other applicants.
Simplify
– Make your cover letter clear and concise. Don’t use complicated words, and use your best writing skills. A simple cover letter with no errors has the potential to get hired.
Omit unnecessary details
Don’t include something which is not applicable to your letter. It’s better to leave your personal things and focus on your topic.
Take time
– You don’t have to rush everything when writing your cover letter. A written cover letter is not just a letter. Your career depends on this. Investigate the company or any business environment to which you intend to apply.
Proofread
– After writing the letter, it is important to re-read everything you wrote. A letter with grammatical errors and typos will most certainly fail to get the job.

How to write a Formal Cover Letter? Template

Time needed: 3 minutes.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to write a formal cover letter.

Write the sender’s information
The next step is to write the name and address at the top left corner of the letter. Always leave 1 line of space blank before writing the next part of the letter.
Write the Date
The next step is to write the date at the top left corner of the letter.
Write the receiver’s information
The third step is to write the receiver’s information.
Write the salutation
The fourth step is to write the salutation. Writing the salutation, you may start with “Dear” (e.g. Dear Mr./Mrs.), but if you want to be more formal use the word “To“. It is more polite to write the full name of the person to whom the letter is addressed.
Write the body
The fifth step is to write the body of your cover letter. Your letter should be polite and use the right words so that the person reading it can easily understand it.
Write the Closing salutation with your signature
Lastly, write the closing part of the letter. For closing words, you can use Sincerely, Best regards, etc. Then signature over the printed name of the sender’s name.

Feel free to download the example formal cover letter here.

Download

Business Cover Letter Example

Here’s an example of formal cover letter template that you can use when applying for a job.

Your Name
Address, City, ST ZIP Code
Telephone  Email

Date

Recipient Name
Recipient Company Name
Recipient Address

Dear Recipient Name,

To get started right away, just tap any placeholder text (such as this) and start typing to replace it with your own.
Want to insert a picture from your files or add a shape, text box, or table? You got it! On the Insert tab of the ribbon, just tap the option you need.

Find even more easy-to-use tools on the Insert tab, such as to add a hyperlink or insert a comment.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Standard Cover Letter

Here’s another sample of a formal cover letter template that you can use when applying for a job.

                                                                       YOUR NAME HERE
                                       Street Address | City, State, Zip Code | Email | Phone Number

DATE

Hiring Manager Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear [hiring manager name here],

My name is [your name here] and I am a seasoned [industry or trade here]
professional with over [number] years of experience. I recently came across your [job
title] posting on [where you found it] and I’m writing to express my interest in helping
[company name here] achieve [xyz].

In my current role as a [your current role] at [your current company], I am responsible
for [responsibility #1], [responsibility #2], and [responsibility #3]. The professional
experience I’ve gained during my time here has helped me to [achievement #1] and
[achievement #2], while improving my overall [focus area] knowledge.

Prior to this position, I spent [number] years working as a [previous role] for [previous
company]. In this role, I was tasked with a handful of unique challenges, including
[challenge #1] and [challenge #2]. Over the course of my time there, I was able to

overcome and redefine these challenges by [action #1], [action #2], and [action #3].
I’ve attached my resume for further review. Please do not hesitate to reach out via
phone or email if you’d like to speak about my experience in more detail: [email
address] and [phone number].

Thank you for your consideration.
Best,

[your name here]

Formal Cover Letter Sample With Writing Tips [Template]