Cover Letter Tips

Get quick answers to common questions about cover letters. Learn how to explain missing skills, address career gaps, format your letter, and get it into the right hands.

Introduction

• Do I need a cover letter?

1. Cover Letters: Formatting Questions

• Who do I address it to?
• Do I need to use a particular format?
• What happens if it's more than one page?

2. Cover Letters: Content Questions

• What makes a bad cover letter?
• Can I explain a missing skill in my cover letter?
• How much should I talk about what they need versus what I want?

3. Cover Letters: Situational Questions

• How do I address a career gap?
• If I want to relocate, should I explain that in the cover letter?
• If I'm trying to pivot my career, should I mention this?
• What should I say if I have an employment barrier?

4. Cover Letters: Distribution Questions

• If I'm applying through a recruiting agency, do I need a cover letter?
• If I’m applying through someone I know, do I need a cover letter?
• How do I make sure my cover letter gets read?

5. Cover Letter Tips

• Additional cover letter resources