HBR Guide to Your Job Search

CHAPTER 8

How to Write a Cover Letter

by Amy Gallo

For a lot of people, writing a cover letter is the most challenging (and least enjoyable) part of a job search. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s what to know about crafting a cover letter that will catch the hiring manager’s eye.

What the Experts Say

First, you almost always need to write a cover letter when applying for a job. Sure, there will be times when you’re submitting an application online and you may not be able to include one, but whenever possible, send one, says Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and the author of Great on the Job. “It’s your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important ...