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With all of attention given to creating a professional resume, don’t forget that finding the right cover letter template is just as important. And some professionals would argue that it is more important.

“The resume focuses on you and the past,” Joyce Lain Kennedy writes in Cover Letters for Dummies. “The cover letter focuses on the employer and the future. Tell the hiring professional what you can do to benefit the organization in the future.”

What exactly goes into a cover letter, and where can you find some free cover letter examples online? Follow this guide to find out more:

What Should Go In Your Cover Letter

First, every single cover letter should be 100 percent unique to the job that you are applying for. In essence, this means writing the letter specifically to the company that you wish to the join and directly to the hiring manager.

Additionally, your cover letter should reflect on the specific position and the company. The reason that you want to discuss the company in your cover letter is to prove to the hiring manager that you researched their organization. Remember, the key is to have a personalized cover letter for every job that you seek.

Within your cover letter, should you should harken back to your resume by briefly bragging about specific accomplishments. You should also reference key aspects of the job description to prove that you fulfill the requirements.

Make sure that you also include specific keywords related to your industry in the cover letter. And if you have a killer reference, it might not be a bad idea to include that.





What Shouldn’t Go In Your Cover Letter

With all of that being said, you should try to avoid certain language in your cover letter. For example, it would be wise to leave salary requirements out of your cover letter. When the time is right in the interview, then you can discuss salaries.

If you have anything negative to say about an ex-employer, keep it out of your cover letter — and don’t bring it up during the interview. Also, don’t stick unnecessary or personal information in the cover letter. Instead, focus on the job, the company and what you bring to the table.

Throughout the cover letter, you should limit how many times you use the word “I” because it can get redundant. Additionally, don’t repeat your resume verbatim in your cover letter.

Finally, don’t write an entire novel for your cover letter. Keep it at four to five paragraphs max — and each paragraph should be short and easy to ready.

Finding A Cover Letter Template

Although you should personalize the document, it is totally appropriate to start with a cover letter template that is designed for your industry. In other words, start with the template and then build your personalized cover letter.

There are many websites that offer professional cover letter examples and templates. Here are a few examples:

With a little work, you can create a winning cover letter so that you can get your dream job.