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How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter (Without Sounding Pretentious!)

A 2024, recruiter-backed guide on name-dropping in your cover letter to enhance your job application, build credibility, and open doors— all without sounding pretentious!

6 months ago   •   7 min read

You're right there, hovering over your keyboard, contemplating whether to include that notable name in your cover letter.

You wonder: "Will this give me an edge.. Or just seem boastful?"

We’ve all been there. And the good news is, there’s a pretty straightforward answer!

Generally speaking, you should name drop in a cover letter if that will help you get your foot in the door (make sure you have their permission first, of course!).

In order to avoid sounding arrogant, though, remember that name dropping isn’t about flaunting your connections. It's just one tool that you have for showing how your range of skills, experience, and accomplishments make you a great fit for the job.

In 2024, when hiring managers have to sift through a deluge of applications for every open position, your professional network is more than just a rolodex of contacts. It's a bridge to potential opportunities. Name-dropping, when done well, can help open doors that might otherwise be closed.

In this guide, we'll talk about what name-dropping really means in a cover letter and why it can be a powerful tool if used wisely. You'll learn how to build trust and credibility, create connections, and highlight your experiences through name dropping without sounding like a know-it-all.

Let’s get started!

What is name dropping?

Name dropping is when you mention an influential person you know in your cover letter. The idea is that the fact that you know this person will put you in a better light, too.

If you know someone at the company you’re applying for or had a chance to work with someone who is well-known in your field, it’s usually a good idea to name drop in your cover letter .

Of course, you need to do it without sounding like you’re full of yourself! (No worries, the rest of this article will help!)

How to name drop in a cover letter

Get permission.

Before you name drop in your cover letter, make sure the person you're mentioning approves. Double-checking that it’s okay not only shows respect for the individual's privacy but also adds authenticity to your reference.

For example, after double-checking you might be able to write, “My mentor, John Smith, a Senior Developer at your firm, encouraged me to apply. He piqued my interest in this job when he described the team's innovative approach to software development.”

Integrate name-drops into your story

Instead of bluntly stating your acquaintance with an influential person, integrate this information into your story in a way that feels natural and relevant. This method of name dropping in a cover letter ties your experience to the influential person, without being in-your-face. It also provides context for the connection and demonstrates that you’re a team player.

For example, instead of saying, “I know John Smith, your VP of Marketing,” try, “During my tenure at MarketingMinds, I collaborated with John Smith on a successful brand repositioning project.”

Use name-dropping to demonstrate your skills or experience

Instead of focusing on the connection itself, focus on what you have achieved or learned through the relationship. This way, instead of sounding snobby when you mention who you know, it sounds like you’re (rightfully) thankful for the opportunities you’ve had and you’re ready to make the most of what you’ve learned.

For example, a statement like, “Working alongside Sarah Johnson, a renowned data analyst, helped me develop a deep understanding of predictive analytics,” shifts the emphasis to your skills and the value you gained from the experience.

Showcase achievements first

Highlight your achievements before mentioning your connections. This way, your skills and successes remain the focal point.

For instance, you could say something like “I led a team that increased sales by 30%,” and then provide context, “under the guidance of industry expert Jane Doe.”

Use name-dropping as support, not the lead

Treat name-dropping as a nice little sideshow to your qualifications, not the main attraction. Your experiences , skills , and achievements should always take center stage in your cover letter . After all, waltzing into an interview and assuming you’ll be hired based on who you know is a quick way to make enemies.

Avoid sounding pretentious

Even if you don’t mean to sound full of yourself, be aware of your tone. Speaking humbly reflects respect and gratitude for the opportunity, rather than self-importance.

Boastful statements like “I was handpicked by the CEO for this project” might sound confident, but they’ll also can be perceived as arrogant. Opt for a humbler approach, such as, “I had the privilege of working closely with the CEO on X project.”

Before you send that cover letter, make sure your resume is ready for the hiring manager! Score My Resume gives you detailed feedback on how to improve your resume so that your skills and experience shine!

Example: Name dropping in a cover letter

Here’s an example of name dropping in a cover letter that showcases achievements first, integrates the name-drops into the applicant’s story, and uses the name drop as support, not the lead.

It also demonstrates that this applicant knows what they’re talking about when it comes to the company they’re applying at:

Why name drop?

There are several reasons you should name drop in your cover letter, if you can do so honestly and humbly! Here are a few:

Build trust and credibility

When done with tact, name dropping can significantly enhance your professional image. It implies that respected industry figures acknowledge your skills and potential. Think of it as a subtle endorsement of your capabilities— one that took your colleagues zero extra time to write.

Create connection

Name dropping can foster a sense of shared network or community, which is particularly effective in referral cover letters. If the hiring manager knows or respects the individual you mention, it can create an instant connection, giving your application a personal touch.

Highlight your experience

After all the advice we’ve given on how not to sound arrogant when name dropping, you may think that’s the primary danger with it. However, when it’s done right, name dropping can subtly underscore your experiences and the professional circles you've been a part of— without making you seem braggadocious.

This can hint at your exposure to certain high-level professional environments, adding depth to your application.

Open doors for yourself

In certain situations, mentioning a well-regarded connection can unlock opportunities that might otherwise be hard to reach. It's a way to gently nudge open the door to new possibilities, making your application stand out.

When is name dropping a good idea for a cover letter?

Name dropping can be a powerful tool if you use it in the right ways. Let’s explore what those are:

When you have a direct and positive relationship

It's crucial to only mention individuals with whom you have a positive professional relationship. This could be a former boss, a mentor, or a colleague who has directly influenced your career path.

It probably should go without saying, but please don’t mention someone you don’t get along with. The hiring manager might ask the person you mentioned about you and then... Well, you can probably say goodbye to an advantages dropping their name would’ve given you in the first place.

When you have a referral from a respected colleague or mentor

If someone influential in your industry or within the company you're applying to has referred you to the position, it's a good idea to mention it. Referral cover letters often carry more weight, since they come with an implicit endorsement.

When you have collaborated on significant projects together

This is especially relevant when you've worked on projects that are related to the job you're applying for.

For example, “During my time at GreenTech, I collaborated with John Adams, an expert in sustainable technologies, on developing eco-friendly housing solutions.”

This not only shows your experience but also connects you with a known figure in the field.

When you have an endorsement or recommendation

If a well-respected figure in your field has formally endorsed your work or recommended you for your expertise, mentioning this can add credibility to your application.

For example, “My recent project was commended by Sarah Johnson, a pioneer in educational technology, for its innovative approach to digital learning.”

When they have given you mentorship or guidance

If a recognized professional has significantly contributed to your career development, highlighting this relationship can be beneficial.

Here’s an example: “Under the mentorship of David Park, a renowned marketing strategist, I gained deep insights into consumer behavior analytics, which I believe will greatly benefit my role in your marketing team.”

When you have shared professional achievements

If you and the individual you're naming have achieved notable successes together, it's worth mentioning.

An example could be, “Working alongside Emily White at CloudTech, we co-authored a paper on cloud security innovations that was recognized at the International Tech Conference last year.”

When is name dropping is a bad idea for your cover letter?

Here are situations where name dropping could backfire:

When there’s no real connection

Don’t name drop if you don't have a meaningful or direct relationship with the person.

For instance, it's not a good idea to mention a high-profile individual you met briefly at a conference without any significant interaction or professional relationship. Most hiring managers can see through that and won’t think better of you for it.

When there’s controversy or negative publicity around the person

You should skip mentioning individuals who are currently embroiled in controversies or have a negative reputation in the industry. Associating yourself with people who have a bad reputation could reflect poorly on your judgment.

For example, if the person is known for a recent scandal, mentioning them might do more harm than good.

When the person is irrelevant to the position or the company

Name-dropping is inappropriate if the person has no relevant connection to the job or company you're applying to. Mentioning a renowned scientist when applying for a marketing role in an unrelated industry might come across as irrelevant or like you’re trying to impress rather than inform.

When mentioning them will overshadow your own qualifications

Don’t let name-dropping overshadow your achievements and skills. Focus on what you've accomplished rather than relying heavily on your connections to make a case for your suitability for the role. After all, they’re hiring you, not your connections

When you don’t have permission

If a contact or mentor has specifically requested not to be named in your job applications or public documents, it's important to respect their privacy and discretion. Ignoring their wishes could damage your relationship with them and your professional reputation.

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When and How to Name-Drop in Your Cover Letter

All the career pros say "it's not what you know, but who you know." There's no real scientific proof of that concept, but experience tells us they're right. So if you know someone who works for a company you're applying to, don't be afraid to mention their name in your cover letter. Many businesses actually encourage and reward their employees for referring job candidates. If your contact works for your target organization, find out the proper procedures for an employee referral and follow those carefully. Here are some other guidelines to being an effective name-dropper:

• Make sure your contact knows the hiring manager who will be reviewing cover letters and resumes. It's pretty useless to mention someone the hiring manager has never heard of.
• Make sure your contact is on good terms with the hiring manager. If there was some kind of falling out between the two, dropping that name could do more harm than good.
• Double-check that your contact is OK with being named. It's in poor taste to reference someone without letting them know you're doing it. Like your references, anyone you would mention in a cover letter deserves a chance to back out if they're not comfortable with it.
• Pass a copy of your cover letter on to your contact so they know what you're saying about them. In fact, in some cases, you could even ask them to hand-deliver your cover letter and resume to the hiring manager. However, you should also follow the employer's typical procedures (applying online or by email) so they'll have an electronic version that they can forward to others.

To highlight a contact in your cover letter effectively, do it in the opening paragraph. Here's an example:

Jason Alexander, Product Manager at ABC Productions, suggested I get in touch with you regarding the Associate Product Manager opening. In addition to the background information Jason provided, I've had the pleasure of reviewing ABC Productions’ web site and am very enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Or, you could say something like this:

I would like to express my interest in the Associate Product Manager position at ABC Productions. Jason Alexander, one of your Product Managers, has told me great things about the company ...

If you have the right contact within the company who can vouch for your character and work ethic, you could jump a step ahead of your competition. And as always, keep networking. The broader your network of friends, family, colleagues, and online contacts, the better your chance of having a helpful name to drop.

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How To Mention A Referral In Your Cover Letter (With Examples)

• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

Having a referral by someone who is already employed at the company you’re applying to can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Mentioning a referral in your cover letter is one of the ways to do this. To help you write the best referral in your cover letter, we’ll go over how to include a reference in a cover letter, provide some referral cover letter examples, and some benefits to being referred. Key Takeaways: Make sure you have a reliable referral that is in good standing with a company, and that they know they are being included before putting down a referral. Candidates that are referred also tend to feel more of an obligation to the company, their reference, and their team, allowing them to get up to speed more quickly and adapt to the new culture and workplace more efficiently. Writing a cover letter with referral will allow you to highlight the key skills you can bring to the position and provide specific examples of why you are the best fit for this job. In This Article    Skip to section What is a referral cover letter? How to mention a referral in your cover letter Referral cover letter examples Who to ask for a referral The benefits of being referred Referral in your cover letter FAQ Final thoughts Expert Opinion References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What is a referral cover letter?

A referral cover letter is an application document for a potential job opportunity that mentions a mutual contact you may share with the hiring manager or someone in the company. This connection can be an old colleague, a friend, or a networking acquaintance who likely works at the company you are applying to.

When done effectively, you can drop their name in your cover letter to emphasize how your skills and abilities align with the job and how you’ve worked with your referral in the past. You can mention specific projects and details that you know this person may be able to vouch for.

Your cover letter is the first thing your employer or hiring manager is likely to see, so use it as your moment to shine. This document will allow you to provide additional details about your education, qualifications, skills, and work ethic. You can point to specific projects and challenges you may have experienced and discuss how you overcame them and how those abilities translate to the job you are applying for.

How to mention a referral in your cover letter

When mentioning a referral in your cover letter, make sure your referral knows you are including them before, and then mention their name in the letter and explain why they are recommending you. Here is a more detailed list of how to add reference in cover letter:

Make sure your referral knows. Mentioning a referral in your cover letter is appropriate when you have directly contacted the person you’re planning to mention as your referral. This could be someone you contacted or someone that contacted you. It can even be someone who is not your contact on LinkedIn or other networks, but you’ve reached out to them, and they’ve agreed to be a referral.

However, in instances where you have not asked for explicit permission from the person you’re planning to use as your referral or this person is not in good standing with their employer, you should stay clear of mentioning them in your cover letter .

Mention who is referring you. The purpose of the cover letter is to impress from the start . Mention your referral within the first paragraph of your note. To do this effectively, include:

The person’s name

How you know them

How they are familiar with your skills and qualifications

Explain why they are recommending you. You can give the hiring manager a quick summary of why they are recommending you and how your past experience gives you the skills required to do the job well.

Keep it short. Try to keep your referral to one single paragraph in your cover letter. The rest of your letter should expand more on you and your skills, including how the things you have learned in previous work environments are transferable to your new role .

Send a copy of your cover letter to your referral. The last thing you should do is send a copy of your cover letter to your referral so they can read it over. Doing this is a nice gesture and allows them to know what you are saying about them. Be sure to also thank them for their help.

Referral cover letter examples

We’ve included some examples of how it may look to include a referral in your cover letter.

Cover letter with referral example

Dear Angela Morris, I am writing to inquire about the Marketing Director position, which came highly recommended to me by Bill Jeffries, Vice President of Marketing at Apple, Inc. Bill and I worked closely together for several years at Nabisco, where we tackled a variety of event coordination and digital lead generation efforts. Bill believes my marketing experience and skill for developing memorable events can have a profound impact on the marketing team and organization as a whole.

Dear Larry Smith, Bill Jeffries suggested I reach out to you regarding the Marketing Director position at Apple, Inc. I met Bill while coordinating a conference at the end of last year. We worked closely together with vendors, contracts, and design. He was able to see my ability to bring booths to life, develop innovative ideas to capture new leads, and drive to continually improve marketing programs, which is why he’s referred me to this role on your team.

Dear John Riley, Tom Johnson suggested I contact you regarding the Customer Representative Position at XYZ Company. I worked with Tom last year when we worked together at ABC Corp. Working closely together allowed him to see my ability to connect with others and drive sales. This is why he referred me to this role and your team.

Who to ask for a referral

Getting a referral when you don’t know someone well can sometimes be tricky. But there are a variety of ways to be referred for a job . A connection at the company you’re applying for might inquire whether you’re interested in exploring new job opportunities. You may have an old connection on LinkedIn that you forgot about.

LinkedIn is a great tool to explore whether you know anyone at the company you are applying to. You can easily see if you know an existing connection or if one of your contacts knows someone at the company currently.

Once you choose someone to provide a referral , be sure to reach out to them before applying for the job. Ask if they are willing to give you a referral for the job. Even if you assume this person will build your credibility with the hiring manager, it’s important to check with them first. You don’t want to bombard someone at the last minute, and you certainly don’t want to tell the hiring manager that a person has vouched for you when they actually haven’t.

To do this, you can send them an email or a letter asking them for a referral. Similar to a reference letter , this will give the person you are asking a chance to look over the requirements and think about how they can best help you. This also gives them an opportunity to opt out of a referral in case they don’t feel comfortable.

The benefits of being referred

Being a candidate who is referred by someone respected in the company is a tremendous benefit for you as a job seeker such as an expedited hiring process or the ability to highlight key skills. Here are some more benefits of being referred.

It can quicken the hiring process. Even if a company doesn’t have a formal employee referral program , the human resources (HR) department typically welcomes referrals. They help to expedite the hiring process and ensure that strong candidates fill open spots on teams.

Allows the interviewer to see you in a different light. When you are referred for a job, it might feel like a lot to live up to. However, if you view it as a step up during your interview process , you will be better suited for your interview. Ultimately, having a candidate referred gives the hiring manager an authentic glimpse into the kind of employee you will be and will help them relate your experience to the position.

A better understanding of the company culture. The person who referred you will likely be asked to provide insights into how you will fit into their company culture . However, there is no need to worry because the person who referred you would not have vouched for you if they didn’t think you were the right fit for this job.

Being able to highlight key skills. Putting this referral in your cover letter will allow you to highlight the key skills you can bring to the position and provide specific examples of why you are the best fit for this job. Cover letters give you another area to share additional details that your resume may not include.

Referral in your cover letter FAQ

Should you mention a referral in a cover letter?

Yes, you should mention a referral in your cover letter. Mentioning a referral in a cover letter helps to emphasize how your skills and abilities align with the job and how you’ve worked with your referral in the past. The best way to do this is to mention specific projects and details how you know the person and how they can vouch for you.

Who should be a referral for a job?

A referral should be someone you know such as an old colleague, former classmate, or someone from your network who works at the company you are applying for. The person who is referring you should be a current employee and someone you trust. They should be able to help highlight your strengths and abilities.

How do you mention a referral in your cover letter?

To mention a referral in your cover letter be sure to mention by name the person who referred you and your relationship to the. This should be a person who is a current employee who can highlight your skills and abilities. Your referral in your cover letter should be kept short and to the point.

Final thoughts

If you come into a company with the right type of referral and a person who can actively vouch for your work ethic, you’ll already place yourself ahead of the competition. Even if you have a vast network and land your dream job, continue to network . Ensure that you always depart work environments on good terms with colleagues and managers. You never know who you will cross paths with later in your career journey: the broader your network, the better chance you will have to name-drop in the future.

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Expert Opinion

How To Mention A Referral In Your Cover Letter

Martha Nicks Career Services Provider

“My colleague XXX recommended that I contact you directly about this position ” is an easy way to name drop your referral in the cover letter. To strengthen the statement, add something about the relationship of the referral to the company.

University of South Florida – Cover Letter Do’s & Don’ts

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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6 Tips On How To Address Your Cover Letter

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20 Examples Of How To Address a Cover Letter to an Unknown Recipient

Introduction.

Imagine sending out dozens of job applications, only to realize that you've been addressing your cover letters incorrectly. As it turns out, addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient can be a tricky task. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide strategies for finding the right name, using job titles as an alternative, formatting the letter, avoiding common mistakes, leveraging professional networking, and understanding the importance of personalization. By following our advice, you can increase your chances of landing that job interview and making a great first impression.

Finding the Right Name

Before you give up on finding the recipient's name, consider these research strategies:

Check the job post for a specific name. Sometimes, the name of the hiring manager or contact person is listed in the job posting. Read the post carefully to see if a name is mentioned.

Search the company website for a company directory or listing of key personnel. Many organizations have a "Meet Our Team" or "About Us" section that introduces their staff members. Look for someone with a relevant title, such as "Hiring Manager" or "Human Resources Director."

Call the company directly and ask for the appropriate contact person. If you're unable to find the name online, consider calling the company and asking for the name of the person responsible for hiring for the position you're applying for. This approach can be particularly effective for smaller organizations.

Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to find the recipient. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers. Try searching for employees at the company with relevant titles, then check their profiles for clues about their role in the hiring process. You can learn more about how to find the name of the hiring manager using LinkedIn in this helpful article.

Personalize your cover letter. Addressing your cover letter to a specific individual shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. This extra effort can make a big difference in how your application is perceived by the recipient.

Using a Job Title

If you're unable to find the recipient's name, consider using a job title or department head as an alternative:

Address the letter to the job title of the reader. For example, you might write "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Human Resources Director." This approach is more specific and professional than using a generic greeting like "To Whom It May Concern."

Consider addressing the letter to the head of the department where you're applying to work. If you know the department your job falls under, try addressing your cover letter to the department head, such as "Dear Marketing Director" or "Dear IT Manager."

Explain why using a job title or department head can still demonstrate professionalism and personalization. Although it's not as ideal as using a specific name, addressing your letter to a relevant job title shows that you've put some thought into your application and have a clear understanding of the company's structure.

Provide examples of different job titles to use as salutations. You can find a list of different job titles to use as salutations in this resource.

Discuss the potential impact of using job titles on the success of the job application. While using a job title may not guarantee success, it can increase your chances of making a favorable impression. A personalized salutation indicates that you're genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to research the company.

Formatting the Letter

When addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient, follow these formatting tips:

Always use "Dear" to start the address. This is a professional and respectful way to begin a cover letter.

Use a gender-neutral title (such as Ms.) if the recipient's gender is unknown. If you're unsure of the recipient's gender, it's better to use a neutral title like "Ms." rather than making assumptions.

For non-gender-specific names, use the recipient's full name. If you can't determine the recipient's gender based on their name, address the letter using their full name, such as "Dear Taylor Smith."

Maintain a professional tone even when the name is unknown. Even if you don't know the recipient's name, it's crucial to keep your language and tone professional throughout your cover letter.

Provide examples of well-formatted cover letter salutations.

While it's always best to try and find the name of the hiring manager or recruiter, there may be times when you just can't find that information. Don't let it deter you. Below are 20 examples of how you can address your cover letter when the recipient is unknown:

1. Dear Hiring Manager, 2. To the Recruitment Team, 3. Dear Human Resources Team, 4. Attention Hiring Committee, 5. Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team, 6. To the [Company Name] Team, 7. Dear [Company Name] Recruiter, 8. To Whom It May Concern, 9. Dear Hiring Authority, 10. Attention [Company Name] Hiring Professionals, 11. Dear Talent Acquisition Team, 12. Hello [Company Name] Selection Panel, 13. Dear Recruitment Advisor, 14. To the [Industry] Professionals at [Company Name], 15. Attention [Company Name] Talent Scouts, 16. Dear Hiring Advocate, 17. To the Selection Committee for [Job Title], 18. Dear [Company Name] Staffing Team, 19. Attention [Job Title] Recruitment Panel, 20. Dear [Company Name] Hiring Panel,

Remember, the goal is to be as respectful and professional as possible in your salutation. Even if you don't know the recipient's name, demonstrating courtesy in your greeting will set a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter.

Also, avoid overly casual greetings like 'Hello' or 'Hi there,' which might seem unprofessional, and stay clear of outdated phrases such as 'Dear Sir or Madam.' Instead, opt for more modern, inclusive alternatives. Be sure to follow your greeting with a comma or a colon, then leave a space before starting the body of your letter.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient, it's essential to avoid these common mistakes:

Using generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern." This phrase is outdated and impersonal, and using it can make your application seem generic and unprofessional. Instead, try to find a specific name or use a job title, as discussed in previous sections.

Using incorrect titles or making assumptions about the recipient's gender. Making assumptions about someone's gender or using an inappropriate title can potentially offend the recipient and hurt your chances of landing an interview. Stick to gender-neutral titles or use the recipient's full name when in doubt.

Addressing the letter to the wrong department or job title. Be sure to double-check that you're addressing your letter to the appropriate person or department. Sending your application to the wrong person can result in your application being overlooked or discarded.

Failing to proofread the cover letter for errors, even in the salutation. Typos and other errors can make a poor impression on the recipient. Be sure to proofread your entire cover letter, including the salutation, before submitting it.

Provide examples of mistakes that could hurt the applicant's chances of landing an interview. Some examples of common errors include misspelling the recipient's name, using an informal greeting (such as "Hey"), or addressing the letter to an unrelated department (e.g., "Dear Accounting Manager" when applying for a marketing position).

Utilizing Professional Networking

Leveraging your professional network can be an effective way to find the name of the recipient for your cover letter:

Use platforms like LinkedIn to research the company and its employees. As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn is a valuable resource for job seekers. You can use the platform to find employees with relevant titles, learn more about the company culture, and even discover mutual connections who might be able to provide an introduction or additional information.

Connect with current employees or alumni of the company. Networking with people who work at the company or have worked there in the past can give you valuable insights into the hiring process and help you identify the appropriate contact person for your cover letter.

Search for the appropriate contact person within your professional network. Use your connections to find people who work at the company you're applying to, and ask if they know who the hiring manager for your desired position is.

Networking can help job seekers get noticed by potential employers. Building relationships with people at the company can increase your chances of getting noticed and potentially even lead to a referral. Learn more about how networking can help job seekers get noticed by potential employers in this article.

Offer examples of successful job seekers who found the recipient's name through networking. For instance, this cover letter that landed a job seeker a role at LinkedIn is a great example of how personalizing your cover letter and leveraging your network can help you stand out.

Importance of Personalization

Personalizing your cover letter can make a significant difference in the success of your job application:

Discuss the impact of personalization on the reader's impression of the applicant. A personalized cover letter demonstrates that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position, which can make a positive impression on the recipient.

Provide statistics on the success rate of personalized cover letters compared to generic ones. According to resume statistics , candidates with typos in their cover letters or resumes are 58% more likely to be dismissed, while those who do not include specific employment dates are 27% more likely to be dismissed.

Offer expert opinions on the importance of addressing cover letters to specific individuals. Many career experts agree that addressing cover letters to specific individuals can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Explain how personalization demonstrates research skills and genuine interest in the company. Taking the time to research the recipient and tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company shows that you're not only a thorough and detail-oriented candidate, but also genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Share anecdotes of successful job seekers who personalized their cover letters and landed interviews. For example, one job seeker found the recipient's name through LinkedIn and personalized his cover letter , which helped him land an interview and ultimately secure the position.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient can be challenging, but by following our tips and strategies, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Remember to:

• Research the recipient's name or use a relevant job title.
• Personalize your cover letter to demonstrate genuine interest in the position.
• Maintain a professional tone and formatting throughout your cover letter.
• Avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing an interview.
• Leverage your professional network to find the appropriate contact person.

By applying these tips to your job search, you'll increase your chances of success and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Good luck with your job applications!

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter

In This Guide:

What is name-dropping in a cover letter, should you name-drop in a cover letter, how to name-drop in a cover letter, template for name-dropping in a cover letter.

Quick Answer: Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact with the hiring manager, and using it as a referral for your job application. It shows someone else is willing to vouch for you. Find someone you know at the company you are applying for, determine their reach, and ask for their permission before opening your cover letter with their name.

A great way to get ahead of the competition in the job searching process is to have the opportunity to name-drop.

That can be done using a contact you have in the company you have targeted, or someone who has worked in the company until recently and has parted on good terms.

It goes without saying that you can’t just name-drop without the person’s permission, as that works as a referral .

So how to do that right and get the best out of name-dropping on your cover letter?

In this article, we are going to find out by answering the following questions:

And we are going to leave you off with a template for you to use when name-dropping in your own cover letter .

If you feel you are not getting your cover letter just right, check out our cover letter builder and get it done in no time .

But if you are ready to learn how to name-drop on your cover letter, stick around.

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First things first, we need to understand what name-dropping actually is.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact you share with the hiring manager, and you are using it as a referral for your job application.

This shared connection can be a friend, networking acquaintance, or anyone else you know.

When name-dropping is done right, it can be a great asset for you, as it emphasizes your experience , and ability to work effectively with others in the past.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is generally a great idea, as it shows that someone else is willing to put their reputation on the line to vouch for you.

Hiring managers often rely on referral recommendations, as they come from within the company they work at, and come from trusted employees.

So, as long as you have your referral’s approval, you should absolutely take the opportunity and name-drop in your cover letter.

Name-dropping in a cover letter can be fairly simple, as long as you know what you are doing.

Follow the below steps, and you will master it in no time.

Find someone you know at the company you are applying for

Whether you have stumbled upon a job ad or are specifically interested in the company, the first step is to find someone you know who works at the same company.

If no name comes to mind at first, don’t worry, there are some things you can do.

The first place you would want to look is LinkedIn , where you can go through employees at any company, as long as they have listed to be working there in their profile.

If that fails, you can try taking a look at your friends list on Facebook, and whether any of them work at your desired company.

If all that fails, you can always try the company’s website, or single Google the company’s name and some of your friends’ names.

Determine their reach

If you have found a contact in your desired company, you are one step closer to the opportunity to name-drop.

Take the chance to ask them about the company, and all the processes inside, so that you can get a better understanding of the company.

But more importantly, you need to find out what terms are they with the hiring managers.

A referral by someone who the hiring manager does not trust, can’t do you any good.

Ask for permission to use their name in your cover letter

If all goes well, you should be able to get to this step, which should be easy, as long as you are on good terms with your contact.

It is essential for you to get their permission before you name-drop in your cover letter.

It is not only polite, but it also helps them prepare in case the hiring manager contacts them with some additional questions about you.

Drop their name into your cover letter opening

Placement of your name-dropping in your cover letter is of great importance, you would want it as early as possible so that you can catch the hiring manager’s attention.

The best way to go is to include the name of your contact at the very beginning of your letter, where you introduce yourself.

Don’t go into detail, as it would only take up valuable space from your cover letter. The hiring manager would surely get in touch with your contact and find out whatever they need.

If you are sending your cover letter as an attached file in an email, make sure you mention your contact’s name in both your email’s body text and the full-length cover letter you attach. This way you ensure that the referral would be noticed.

Send them a copy of your cover letter before you send it out

Last, but not least, send your contact the cover letter before you send it out.

As they vouch for you, it is nice of you to present them with your application document, so that they would be prepared for any potential questions from the hiring manager.

And now, as promised, we have a template for you to use in your own cover letter:

Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I was approached by [Contact’s Name], who told me about your open [Role Name] position at [Company Name]. I’m writing to submit my application for the position because […]

We are all done, now you know how to name-drop the best possible way in your cover letter.

Let’s do a quick recap of all you need to do to get the best out of your referral:

• Find someone you know in the company you have targeted – you can try searching through LinkedIn, Facebook, the company’s website, or even Google them
• Determine your contact’s reach and how much trust would the hiring manager have in them
• Always ask for permission before you use their name for referral in your cover letter, it is not only polite, but it would also help avoid awkward situations between them and the hiring manager
• Make sure you name-drop in the beginning of your cover letter, as you would want the hiring manager to notice it as soon as possible
• Last but not least, send your contact a copy before you send your cover letter out, and make sure you thank them

Now that you have all the knowledge you need, find a contact in your dream company, and get ready to nail the name-dropping in your cover letter.

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To Whom it May Concern? How to Address and End a Cover Letter

We’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter, whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

Customers Interviewed by:

In our modern age of personalization, To Whom It May Concern is both an antiquated and detached way to address a cover letter . It may also imply that you haven’t researched the company or that you assume the letter can be read by anyone. Below, we’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter , whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

When it comes to addressing a cover letter, advice columns frequently spotlight these two pitfalls:

• Mistake 1 : Failing to address your cover letter to a specific person
• Mistake 2 : Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person

Most job postings don’t specify who will be reading your cover letter. This puts job seekers in a tricky situation. Fixing the first mistake could cause you to make the second. So what’s the best way to replace “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter?

Get instant feedback on your cover letter with Jobscan’s cover letter optimization tool. See it in action .

3 Key Tips for Addressing Your Cover Letter

1) don’t address your cover letter to the recruiter.

For many job openings, the first person you need to impress is a corporate recruiter. That doesn’t mean you should address your cover letter to them.

“Recruiters do not read cover letters,” a long-time healthcare recruiter told Jobscan . “Bottom line.”

That might be an overstatement — most don’t, some do — but many recruiters would admit that they aren’t the intended audience of a cover letter. “It’s mostly for the hiring manager,” said a recruiter in the non-profit industry. “For us [recruiters], it’s just an extra step in an already elongated process.”

The healthcare recruiter agreed: “If you’re sending it straight to a hiring manager who’s looking at a much lower number of applicants, they might actually read that.”

2) Search for the Hiring Manager’s Name

The best way to personalize your cover letter is to address the hiring manager by name. However, it can be difficult to identify the hiring manager, and your educated guess could cause you to address your cover letter to the wrong person. Here are some tips for finding the hiring manager.

Search the Company Website

Few job postings list the hiring manager by name but many will tell you the position to which you’d be reporting.

With this information, a little detective work can reveal the name of the hiring manager.

Start off by browsing the company’s website. Look for an about page, company directory, or contact page. These pages are frequently linked at the very bottom of the website. Companies that feature employees on their about page make it much easier to figure out who will be reading your cover letter.

You can also try searching the website. If the website doesn’t have a built-in search bar, use this syntax in Google:

“[position you’ll be reporting to]” site:company website

This will reveal hard-to-find about pages or other mentions of the position in the company’s blog posts, press releases, and other pages.

Search LinkedIn

If a company doesn’t list the hiring manager on their website, LinkedIn is your next best resource.

Start off by searching for the company page on LinkedIn. Once you’re on the company’s LinkedIn page, click “See all X employees on LinkedIn” near the top.

Depending on the company size, you can either browse all positions or narrow your results by adding search terms to the search bar (e.g. “Marketing Manager”) and utilizing the “Current companies” filters on the right side of the screen.

Search for the “reports to” position from the job listing. If it wasn’t provided in the listing, search for keywords related to your prospective department (e.g. “marketing”). If the company uses an intuitive corporate hierarchy  you should be able to determine who will be reading the cover letter.

Contact the Company Directly

There is nothing wrong with calling or emailing the company to ask for the name of the hiring manager. Be polite and honest with the administrative assistant or customer service representative. Explain that you’re about to apply for a job and you’d like to know who you should address in your cover letter.

If they aren’t able to provide an answer or transfer you to someone who knows, let it go. The last thing you need is word getting back to the hiring manager that you were pushy with one of their colleagues.

3) Use a More Personalized “To Whom it May Concern” Alternative

You can still personalize your cover letter, even when you don’t know the identity of the hiring manager. Instead of “To Whom It May Concern,” which casts a wide net and is specific to no one, try addressing your cover letter to one specific person.

The most generic version of this is:

Dear Hiring Manager,

But job seekers can often be more specific. Take a look at these examples:

Dear Customer Experience Manager, 

Dear Customer Experience Hiring Team Manager, 

Some other alternatives include addressing your cover letter to an entire department:

• Dear Engineering Department,

Dear Engineering Team, 

OR addressing the entire team:

Hi Jobscan Team,

Dear Jobscan Team,

As with many aspects of the job application process, demonstrating that you put in some extra effort can make a difference. Doing some research before addressing a cover letter contributes to a positive first impression.

8 cover letter salutation examples

Here are eight standard cover letter openings you can choose from. Select the one that best suits the energy of the company you’re applying to and use either a specific name or department depending on the information you have available.

• Hi Mr. Smith,
• Hello Jobscan Team,
• Dear Ms. Whittaker and Team,
• Good morning, Mr. Kennedy
• Good afternoon, Louise, 
• To the Jobscan hiring manager, 

How to end a cover letter

Just as important as beginning your cover letter is ensuring you end it on a strong note. Your cover letter ending should not be underestimated in its ability to help you move forward in the hiring process. After making your case in the previous paragraphs, you need to end your cover letter with a strong call to action to entice the recruiter to invite you for a job interview.

Madeline Mann , an HR leader in the technology industry and creator of Self Made Millennial , says that while no conclusion will save a bad cover letter, it can distinguish you from another good candidate.

It’s all about enthusiasm, according to Madeline. “Companies want people who want them,” she says. If you can draw to the company’s values and show how interested in working with them you are, that’s a substantial advantage. You want to create a lasting impression by incorporating that enthusiasm in your cover letter ending.

“Companies want people who want them” – Madeline mann

A good conclusion, in fact, should reflect the rest of your cover letter.

Set up the end of your cover letter with a strategic middle section

If you want your cover letter ending to be effective, you first need to build momentum. Most recruiters and career coaches agree that by the time you get to the end of your cover letter, it needs to possess the following three elements:

• It tells a story about yourself
• It shows your value concretely
• It calls the recruiter to action

Julia Reiter, a career coach based in Toronto, suggests that you lead up to your cover letter ending by showing that you understand the company’s current challenges and are equipped to solve them. This will make your cover letter call to action all the more effective.

Although the job description will give you information about what the company is looking to accomplish, it will not help you distinguish yourself from other applicants. Show the company you are willing to go the extra mile by researching the key industry challenges and the particular issues they might be facing (beyond the obvious ones).

For example, you can read articles from industry-related publications and get acquainted with the numbers and statistics about the particular business areas your company is engaged in. By being aware of the particular issues they are facing, you can more easily make your skillset and experiences relevant.

When you talk about your past experiences and accomplishments , make sure you mention the problems the company is facing. For example, if you are applying for a customer success manager position at a Software-as-a-Service company, a relevant issue might be high churn rates.

Instead of writing something like “my experience in customer success makes me confident I will be a great addition to your team,” write something like “When I worked at XYZ company, I was able to reduce the churn rate by 30%. With this experience and my deep knowledge of B2B consumer psychology, I am prepared to ensure we have one of the lowest churn rates in XYZ industry.”

End your letter with a call to action

You may be tempted to write that “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” for your cover letter ending. That isn’t a call to action. For Madeline, the end of a cover letter serves to give one last push and show interest and enthusiasm in a way that stands out.

Likewise, Julia says, “now that the company knows you are aware of their current challenges and are equipped to solve those challenges for them, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them how they can make your skills and experiences a reality on their team. What number can they reach you at for an interview?”

How do you conclude a cover letter? Here are 3 examples

• “I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about how I could join your team in its quest for XYZ value. I’m particularly thrilled about XYZ project and would love to know how I can contribute to it.
• “I am keen on meeting with you to see what I can contribute to XYZ company as it moves on in its journey to XYZ goal. I am available at your convenience for a phone call or in-person meeting.”
• “I would love to get your thoughts on what I mentioned. I am happy to hop on a phone call at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help XYZ company with XYZ issue.”

Read more : Check out our cover letter examples page, which covers a wide range of jobs, industries, and situations.

Mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter

The mistakes people make when they end their cover letter are often the same ones they made earlier in the piece. However, they can be particularly detrimental to your chances of landing an interview if they constitute the final impression a recruiter has of you.

When ending a cover letter, avoid:

Making it about yourself instead of the company: use sentence constructions that make the recruiter see how the company is going to benefit from hiring you. For example, try to use “you” or “we” instead of “I.”

Sounding generic or robotic: we’ve all seen these cover letters that end with the same plain paragraph. If you write one of those, the last impression you’re giving is not different from those given by all other applicants.

Selling yourself short: the conclusion is your last chance to show off the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize it and use it as a segue into your call to action.

How to end a cover letter with the appropriate salutations

Always remember that recruiters review hundreds of applications for each position. When you are competing with that many candidates, the slightest mistake will disqualify you immediately Although you may not think too much of the salutations, they can hurt your chance of landing an interview.

Make sure your salutations are formal and polite. You should be respectful not only by indicating your appreciation of the recruiter’s time but also by being concise. Do not overdo your salutations and do not employ informal greetings. “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” “kind regards,” are all safe options.

When ending your cover letter, you want to balance confidence, respect, and appreciation.

17 cover letter ending examples

Depending on the energy of the business you are applying to, and your own personality, select one of the following 17 cover letter closing options.

• Best wishes,
• Sincere thanks,
• Many thanks,
• Thanks in advance,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Thank you for your time,
• Respectfully, 
• Sincerely, 
• Sincerely yours, 
• Yours truly, 
• Kind regards,
• With best regards,
• Looking forward to speaking with you, 
• With gratitude,

One Final Important note: Cover letters aren’t what they say they are

Cover letters don’t introduce your resume, they supplement it.

In order to get your cover letter into the hands of a hiring manager who cares, your  resume has to get past the recruiter and, in many cases, the applicant tracking system they’re using.

Try analyzing your resume below to receive instant optimization tips and recruiter insights from Jobscan so that the time you spend crafting your cover letter isn’t a waste.

The keyword analysis also shows exactly what to focus on in your cover letter.

Jobscan Premium (one month free)  even has a cover letter scan feature.

Editor’s Note: A section of this article was originally written in a separate blog post by Léandre Larouche on June 9, 2020. It has been updated and combined with this article as of June 10, 2021.

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How to Add a Person Who Recommended You for a Job in the Cover Letter of a Resume

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How to Make a Resume Reference Page

Character & moral references in a letter to an employer, how to include job recommendations in a cover letter.

• How to Write a Letter Checking the Status of a Job
• What to Say When You Call About Interviews for Job Positions

Sometimes, it’s all about who you know.

Mentioning a reference or dropping a familiar name in a cover letter or job interview can be an asset when done correctly. While you don’t want to come across as using someone’s name as a foot in the door, framing the connection as a point of reference and credibility can make a strong impact.

Why Name Dropping Works

Using a well-respected or well-known person in your industry as a reference can give you credibility by association. That’s because the person considering you for a job may assume that if you’ve got the recommendation of a big wig in the industry, you must have merit. Mentioning a familiar name can also set you apart from the pool of applicants, even in a crowded field.

Choosing Your References

There are several ways to choose people as references. You may even ask multiple people to serve as references or to write letters of recommendation, and then select the most appropriate ones to use, depending on the job you’re seeking. Good categories include:

• Former high-ranking employers.
• Well-known names in the industry you have an association with.
• Personal contacts that have connections in the companies you’re interested in working for.
• Networking contacts who have given you job leads.

Always ask people if they are willing to be a reference before you use their names in your job search.

Making the Reference

Mentioning references in your cover letter should be a smooth act rather than an in-your-face name drop. Reference how you know the individual, or note how the reference is connected to the person you’re contacting. This gives the reader a frame of reference to work from.

Jim Smith, CEO at ABC Co., is a former college buddy. He suggested I reach out to you about potential opportunities in your research division.

My dear friend Carole Frank (owner of CPA Services) mentioned that you have an opening in your accounting division, and she thought I’d be a good match.

Susan Young and I used to work together at Sweet Treats Bakery, and she told me you’re always looking for top-tier pastry chefs.

I ran into our mutual friend Bob Wheeler at a charity event last week, and he said you’re conducting a search for a new vice president of acquisitions. I’d love the chance to learn more about what you’re looking for in the role.

The way you mention references should be conversational, so it feels like you’re establishing ties rather than just naming names.

Making a Secondary Name Drop

Even if you don’t have a direct reference, you can still attach yourself to people, places and things in such a way that you gain a professional boost.

I was at a chamber of commerce luncheon last week and heard your CEO Bob Puckett speak about the challenges of re-branding campaigns. He said you’re always looking for innovative new minds, and as such, I’m sending you a copy of my resume for consideration.

If you’re including letters of reference with a cover letter rather than just indicating where you got your lead, note the fact in your verbiage and attach the letter to your email or regular paper mail. Include the simple statement, Enclosed, please find a letter of recommendation from Henry’s Restaurant owner Michelle Henry.

If one of your "names" lands you a job, be sure to connect later and express your appreciation. Your gratitude and professionalism will be remembered.

• Financial Times: Name-dropping: Poor Taste or Savvy Strategy?

Lisa McQuerrey has been an award-winning writer and author for more than 25 years. She specializes in business, finance, workplace/career and education. Publications she’s written for include Southwest Exchange and InBusiness Las Vegas.

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Cover Letter Referred by a Contact Examples

Cover Letters and Email Samples to Use for a Referral

One of the surest ways to grab an employer’s attention is to  get a referral for the job . In fact, PayScale research shows that one-third of workers received a referral for their current position. And no wonder—if you were a hiring manager, wouldn’t you rather hire someone who comes recommended than take a chance on a stranger?  

But simply getting a referral isn’t enough.

To maximize the benefits, you have to make sure that the hiring manager knows that you’ve been referred.

The best way to do that is to mention it in your cover letter. It’s the ideal place to share your referral’s name and the context you know them in.

Tips for Cover Letters That Get the Hiring Manager’s Attention

• Be professional.  Your cover letter should be written as a formal business letter, whether it’s sent as an attachment, via mail, or email. An attachment or mailed letter should begin with your contact information, the date, and the hiring manager’s contact information. An  email cover letter  should include the referral in the subject line of the message.
• Start on the right foot.  Begin your letter with a  salutation  followed by the hiring manager’s name. Mention your referral in the first paragraph of your cover letter, with a brief explanation of your connection.
• Show your interest.  Next, mention what interests you about the position, and why you’re qualified for the job. Let your passion show. Employers want to hire candidates who are enthusiastic about the job.
• Say thank you.  Make sure you thank the person for their time and consideration, and use an appropriate  cover letter closing , followed by your signature (for a printed letter) and typed full name. In an email, your contact information would follow your typed name.
• Use cover letter samples.  Your cover letter may be the first thing the hiring manager sees so you need to make a good impression.  Review these cover letter samples  for a variety of scenarios including a follow-up letter, inquiry letters, job/industry specific sample cover letters, cold contact, and referral letter samples. Be sure to customize your letter for every job application.
• Proofread, edit, and test before sending.  Your final product should be typo-free and professionally formatted before you send it to the hiring team.

If you’re sending your cover letter via email, send yourself a test message before you email the employer.

That way, you can be sure that your formatting holds up in transmission and that there are no funny gaps or missing words in the final copy.

Cover Letter Example With a Referral

This is an example of a cover letter with a referral. Download the referral cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Example With a Referral (Text Version)

June Amour 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 june.armour@email.com

September 1, 2018

Raymond Maximillian Sales Director Rubymax, Inc. 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Maximillian,

I am writing to express my interest in the International Sales position open at Rubymax, Inc. I am very familiar with your products and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how I could help increase your International presence.

My colleague Joe Smith recommended that I contact you directly about this position. Joe and I have worked closely in the industry for many years, and he thought that I would be a good match for Rubymax.

My ten years of experience marketing widgets internationally have given me an overall knowledge of the business, directly applicable to your interest in increasing sales abroad.

In my previous position as International Sales Rep with ZQR Company, I successfully increased our revenue in each of my territories by over 50 percent within my first year. In the five years I spent at ZQR, I helped to establish sales bases in an additional five countries, while continuing to increase revenue in all.

Please take the time to review my resume. I believe that I am an excellent candidate for the position you have advertised, and would very much like the opportunity to meet with you discuss what I have to offer Rubymax, Inc. I truly appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Signature  (hard copy letter)

June Armour

Email Cover Letter With a Referral

Subject: Referred by Sloane Greene

Dear Ms. Future,

I am writing to you in regard to the position of billing manager that you have posted on your company website. I worked with Sloane Greene in the billing department of XYZ Enterprises for several years before taking a hiatus to raise my children.

When I mentioned I was returning to the workforce, she recommended I contact you about this position, as she felt that I would be an excellent fit for your organization.

At XYZ, I worked closely with Sloane to convert our billing system to handle the increase in sales volume the company was experiencing. I oversaw the seamless transition when our deliverables doubled in less than 6 months. I have successfully managed both small and large billing departments but am most comfortable in an environment like that at your company. I feel that my experience would be an asset to Bright Enterprises and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you regarding the open position.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Beth Maple bethmaple@email.com 123-456-7890

Key Takeaways

If You Have a Referral, Say So Right Up Front: Include it in your cover letter and be sure to feature it in the first paragraph.

Use Cover Letters Samples to Guide Your Writing: But be sure to customize your cover letter for the specific job.

Be Professional: Use business-letter format and be sure to proofread your final draft before sending.

Say Thank You: Thank the hiring manager for their time and be sure to send thank-you notes to people who give you a referral, as well as to interviewers once you’ve met with them. 

PayScale. " The Impact of Job Referrals ." Accessed Feb. 25, 2020.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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There are multiple parts of a cover letter but for the purposes of this article, I am going to focus on an approach for writing the body of your cover letter. The body of your letter should typically be between one and three paragraphs. To write the body, or middle part of your letter, review the recruiters’ wish list, better known as the job qualifications and skills requirements. Now, think of yourself as being on trial and needing to provide evidence. After reviewing the required skills, explain how you have what they need. Let’s take one example.

The employer needs a candidate with excellent communication skills. Now think of yourself as being on trial and needing to provide evidence that you have excellent communication skills. Here is an example of a claim backed up by evidence:

By working with clients in one-on-one settings, training new hires, and presenting at national case competitions, I continue to strengthen my communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

You may dedicate one paragraph to each required skill or weave all the skills you want to mention into one paragraph. Be sure to match paragraphs with skills the employer needs. You should not go on about your communication skills when the employer needs someone with strong analytical skills. Give your audience what it wants. That means tailoring, and tailoring messages takes time.

Employers spend time and money to advertise a position. Employers think through and communicate to potential applicants what they want and need in the candidate. You do not have to possess every skill or requirement on the employer’s wish list. Just like Santa Claus does not bring you everything on your wish list, employers rarely find a candidate that is a 100% match.

Let’s say I want to hire someone with problem solving skills. I could hire someone with a degree in math, philosophy or English. Each candidate should explain to me how they solve problems. One candidate will use numbers, another will use logic, and the other will use writing to work through problems. If I need a problem solver, the method of problem solving is less important to me than the skill of exceptional problem solving.

Cover letters highlight skills. Your resume lists what you have accomplished or your results. The cover letter is where you explain how you will use what you have already done, to transition or take on the challenge of a new role.

For example, your resume may indicate that you: “ Reduced lead time by 25% in one quarter by implementing a tactical performance scorecard for the company’s three largest suppliers. ”

What skills did you further develop or enhance during that project? Time-management? Attention-to-detail? Analytical skills? Those skills that you highlight in a cover letter distinguish the cover letter from the resume.

How much time you spend on your cover letter depends on how varied the roles are for which you are applying. It is helpful to keep all of your paragraphs in a master cover letter document so you can handpick skills to accentuate based on previous letters you have drafted.

Networking Tip

How formal the culture is at the company you are applying to will also help you determine how you write your cover letter. Networking with alumni in the company pays off when you need to learn about the company culture and work environment.

Consider who you are writing to – an HR generalist or the functional expert? If you are writing to an HR generalist, refrain from getting overly technical. If you are writing to a functional expert, show off your technical know-how.

Remember, your resume gets a recruiter’s attention. Your cover letter gets you invited to interview.

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