How To Write A Cover Letter Body (With Examples)

You’ve got the basic formatting and structural elements figured out, but now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.

This is the area where most job seekers begin looking for some help, because the body (also called the argument) is the most important part of the document.

It will also vary greatly depending on the specific job market you intend to enter.

You want to make sure that every part of your cover letter is formatted correctly from top to bottom. That means your body paragraphs need to be laid out properly between your heading and signature. Having a concise cover letter makes it easier for the reader to scan and pick up the important details of your qualifications. That is why understanding the importance of formatting is the first step in writing a great cover letter.

What is the Body of a Cover Letter?

The body of a cover letter is where you give a hiring manager a closer look into your stand-out accomplishments and what makes you the perfect fit for the position. This section is where you sell yourself and explain your most relevant skills and experiences.

The body is taking all of this information and breaking it down into easily digestible sections. Typically, the body of your cover letter will be four paragraphs that each have a defined focus.

How To Demonstrate Your Qualifications And Fit

When writing your argument, you should keep in mind that your goal is show the recruiter why you would be an asset to the organization and essentially show evidence through past results. One of the biggest cover letter mistakes is to have too much information that is not relevant to the position. If you let these two questions guide what you include, it will help to ensure that your letter is focused.

What Should My Argument/Body Include?

So, how do you actually show that you are a good fit for a company and have the necessary skills? This comes by simply stating what you believe your skills and credentials are.

Are you results-driven?

Are you a team-player?

Mention skills that match the job description. Include previous job titles you held while acquiring these skills and be specific.

What Have I Done to Prove These Credentials?

This involves backing up what you say in terms of your qualifications. You should also use this an opportunity to show how your experiences are unique, giving the recruiter a better sense of who you are. Some ways you can do this are by discussing:

• Projects. Discuss specific projects that you were a lead on or played an integral role to overall success.

• Awards. Mention any special awards of recognition you received.

• Notable Accomplishments. Explain any goals or objectives that you were able to exceed. This could be helping to develop a process or improving overall productivity.

What to Include in Each Paragraph

1. First Paragraph.

   The best way to start your cover letter is with a strong introductory paragraph. Let the recruiter know what experience has led you to applying for this particular position and show enthusiasm. At the same time, this experience should also begin to show the recruiter your potential as a good candidate for the specific role.

2. Second Paragraph.

   The second paragraph is where you go into detail on why you are qualified for the position and what makes you perfect the role. Here is where you can show how you are different from other candidates with your work history, skills, and accomplishments. You want to relate all of these qualifications to the duties of the job you are applying for.

   One of the best cover letter tips we can give is to scan the original job description for keywords. This is a fool-proof way to make sure you include the most relevant skills that the hiring manager is looking for. Of course, stay honest. Many people writing an entry-level cover letter might be lacking in certain areas, but this is where transferable skills and speaking to your character can come into play.

3. Third Paragraph

   The third paragraph of your cover letter should cater to the employer, showcasing why you are a good match for the company. Spend time doing research on the organization, learning the core principles it was built around and what its main mission is. Look into the overall company culture and what type of people work there. All of this information can be found within the job posting, the company website, and professional sites like LinkedIn.

   Once you’ve done your research, write a paragraph describing how you fit in and what value you could bring to the company. How can you help with the mission? What have you done to prove that your values align? Here, sell the recruiter on what you can bring to the team.

4. Fourth Paragraph

   The end of your cover letter is just as important as the opening. You need to give the hiring manager a final thought on why you would be perfect for the role, without regurgitating the points already presented.

   A strong way to close your cover letter is by simply showing your passion for the role, expressing gratitude, and then adding a call-to-action (CTA). The CTA will prompt the recruiter to take action on your application packet, ultimately scheduling you for the next step in the interview process.

Sales Cover Letter Body Example

Dear Ms. Lee,

After being a sales professional in the public sector for nearly a decade, I felt compelled to apply for your Sales Consultant position with SalesTech. I have been looking to get into the private sector after being a results-driver in my previous roles. I have the necessary skills of organization and prioritization that I feel would also drive my success with your company.

In my previous role as a Sales Consultant at Avid Corp., I proved to be an effective problem solver. I was able to provide custom solutions to some of our biggest clients, earning me Sales Lead of the Year. I also am a team-player that welcomes collaborative input, with my talents contributing to over $150,000 in sales Q1 for my department.

Similarly to SalesTech, I believe that technology is a key driver to success. Just as the company invests in using the most cutting-edge technology to improve overall efficiency, I continuously invest in myself via certifications. As a licensed CPA, I bring a deeper understanding of finances and numbers than most candidates. I also believe that continuous education leads to success, and I would take full advantage of the professional development programs offered at SalesTech.

I know that I would be an ideal fit for the Sales Consultant position, and I am excited to learn more about the opportunity. With my valuable insights and proven history of results, I can be an asset to the team. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail during the interview process.

Best regards,
Khalid Jones

Design Cover Letter Body Example

Dear Mr. Thomas,

As the constant creative, I was pleased to find the Web Designer job posting on your company’s website. Recently freelancing for a sports marketing company, I believe Sports One would be the ideal company for me to start focusing my talents on my true passion. While I have designed websites for diverse industries, my vast knowledge of sports and the clientele involved would make me an ideal member of the Sports One team.

In my former Web Designer role, I focused on website creation and mobile app design. I created more than 20 apps in a two-year time period, proving that I can deliver a high volume of projects. Several of my apps received special recognition, including multiple App Innovator awards. I also am highly motivated when it comes to meeting deadlines, delivering completed designs to clients well ahead of schedule. I regularly use the latest software to create search engine optimized graphics, further driving positive results for clients.

Sports One is also known for their initiatives in the industry, including the Women in Sports Design program for young women. I also believe in developing future talent, which is why I have offered free workshops for high school students. Our core values of youth development and ushering in fresh perspectives are similarly aligned.

I have the creativity, drive, and passion for sports that would make me excel at the web designer position. I would love the opportunity to further detail my work experience and qualifications. Please reach out at your earliest convenience to discuss what an asset I would be to the Sports One team.

Best Regards,
April Smith

HR Cover Letter Body Example

Dear Ms. Washington,

Having been an enthusiastic and motivated HR professional for nearly seven years, your posting for the Human Resources Manager position appears to be an excellent fit. I have been searching for an opportunity that would allow me to broaden my horizons, and First Choice is the innovative company that I have been looking for. My experience in human resources and dedication to employee relations make me an ideal candidate.

In my previous Human Resources Liaison role at Avid Corp. I managed a team of four people. I trained them on all aspects of company benefits, compensation, and payroll. I also created many of the company’s materials for HR and safety regulations. To further showcase my collaborative efforts, I served as a liaison to hourly employees and mid and senior management. I was such an effective communicator that I led various all-employee meetings and was promoted to Lead Liaison within one year with the company.

One of the main reasons that I would be an excellent team member at First Choice is because the company truly cares about its employees. The organization has been on the “Top 5 Companies To Work For” list three years in a row, and I believe this is an environment I would thrive in. My go-getter attitude and positive outlook would also be well received.

I welcome the chance to further illustrate how my vast human resources experience would make me a great employee at First Choice. Reach out at your earliest convenience and I can detail my work experience, while also learning more about the role at the company.

Thank you for taking the time to review my resume and cover letter. I appreciate your consideration.

Best Regards,
Lane Johnston

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

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.