An email cover letter is an opportunity to leave a memorable impression upon recruiters, and we’re here to help you captivate employers with your unique charm and unparalleled skills. In this guide, review the following:
- Whether it's more effective to send your cover letter as a separate file or attach it to an email
- Professional cover letter samples to assist you in creating your own personalised email cover letter
- The best ways to construct a captivating cover letter
- How to craft a standout email job application that exudes excellence and professionalism
Let’s get started!
So, what’s an email cover letter?
Picture this: instead of the usual generic cover letter that's attached as a separate file, imagine crafting a magnetic email introduction that immediately grabs the attention of potential employers. An email cover letter is like a doorway to your career aspirations and your professional potential, delivering a concise and impactful message within the body of your email. It's a refreshing twist on the traditional approach, making you stand out in a sea of job applicants.
Should I include a cover letter in the email or as an attachment?
Not sure whether to paste your cover letter into the email or attach it? Usually, employers provide instructions on whether to include your cover letter as an attachment or in text form. Following these instructions precisely is crucial to avoid your application being overlooked.
If the instructions ask you to attach your cover letter, go ahead and attach the file to the email. But remember, it's a good idea to add a little sparkle to the body of your email as well. Start with a captivating opening that grabs their attention and directs it towards the attached cover letter and other application materials. You can customise the amount of information you include in the email to make it more engaging.
Check out our example below:
Dear (Employer Name)
I would like to apply for the position of (insert position) at (insert company name). Please find attached my documents including my CV and cover letter attached to this email.
Ngā mihi,
(Your Name)
If you need more help, here’s the process we follow (and swear by!)
- Make your email cover letter stand out by personalising it! Start by addressing the recruiter by their name if possible. If you're not sure about their name, "Dear Recruiting Team" is a respectful alternative.
- Introduce yourself briefly and mention the specific job role you're applying for right at the beginning. This grabs the recruiter's attention and clearly states your purpose.
- To demonstrate your suitability for the role, highlight 1-2 relevant skills or accomplishments that showcase why you're the perfect candidate. This will impress the recruiters and showcase your qualifications.
- When concluding your email cover letter, include a clear call-to-action statement for employers to contact you. This can involve sharing your contact information or expressing your desire for an interview.
- Wrap up your letter with a professional and respectful signature, such as "best wishes,” or “ngā mihi,” followed by your name. This leaves a positive and polite impression on the recipient.
By following these tips, you can create a well-structured and captivating email cover letter that greatly increases your chances of catching the attention of potential employers. Woo hoo!
If the job posting leaves you guessing about the preferred method of submitting your cover letter, it's time to play detective. Start by investigating if there are any other application materials that need to be attached. If you find yourself amidst too many documents, a smart move would be to craft a brief introduction email and attach the full cover letter along with the other materials. Now, if the job advertisement forgets to mention a cover letter, don't stress! You can effortlessly incorporate it into the body of your email, seamlessly blending it with your application. Below, you'll find an outstanding email cover letter example featuring an attached CV. Feel free to adapt it to your liking to make it truly your own.
Tēnā koe, Mr. Tipene,
I really enjoyed our kōrero at the Kia Manawanui event last Tuesday in Napier. Thank you for your time! As requested, I have attached a copy of my CV to apply for the accountant role with Maui & Manaaki Accountants. After 11 years of working as an accountant and a proud CPA, I would love to add value to the Maui & Manaaki Accountants team.
Previously, I worked in Deloitte’s Accounting team for five years, before moving to PwC in 2018 to assist the PwC accounting team. In just six years, I helped both Deloitte and PwC New Zealand increase their client roll by more than 1,600 clients.
If you have any questions, I’d love to connect with you further to discuss how I can add value, expertise and insights to help the Maui & Manaaki Accountants team grow. I have attached my contact details, including my email [include email] and phone number [include phone number] and I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Ngā mihi nui,
Maihi Henare
How to write an effective email cover letter
When crafting an email cover letter, you have the power to make it stand out by adding a touch of personality. Unlike a traditional cover letter, an email cover letter allows you to skip the header. Instead, why not conclude your email by sharing a few closing sentences that include your personal information? Wrap it up by signing off with your full name and perhaps even your phone number in your call to action or email signature. To add an extra touch of professionalism, you can include convenient links to your LinkedIn profile, relevant social media accounts, online portfolio, or any other pertinent professional websites in your email signature.
Remember, just like a typical cover letter, your email cover letter should be a breeze to read. Stick to standard email fonts and sizes, with a classic black colour. And don't forget to create a visual breather by leaving a blank space or two between each paragraph. With these small tweaks, your email cover letter will surely make a lasting impression!
Enhance your job application with our captivating email cover letter templates! Our templates ensure that your sample cover letter is effortlessly formatted, leaving you with more time to focus on crafting your message. Our collection boasts a range of professional cover letter templates tailored to specific industries. With our templates, you can confidently present yourself as a top candidate for any position.
Crafting the perfect tone for an email job application
Unlike traditional cover letters submitted online, your job application email sample offers unique advantages. One major perk is the opportunity to address the recruiter personally. Not only do you have their email address, but you likely have their name as well. While it's customary to use "Dear" followed by the recruiter's name in many industries, certain fields appreciate a more casual approach. Injecting a personal touch by using "Kia ora" or "Hello" followed by their first name can create a warmer connection right from the start. Stand out from the crowd and tailor your email to suit the preferences of your potential employer with this simple yet effective approach.
When it comes to the suggested tone in writing, there is one exception. If you're drafting an email sample for an internship application, it's advisable to adopt a semi-formal tone. As a student reaching out to someone in a higher position, your goal should be to strike a balance between enthusiasm and politeness. While there's no need for excessive pleasantries, it's crucial to ensure that your email reflects your respect for the employer's valuable time.
If you find yourself sending your job application sample via email due to a personal connection with the recruiter, it might be because you have a prior working experience at the company or some other affiliation that allows you to apply directly. In these instances, it is crucial to tailor your email job application to sound like it's coming from someone the recruiter is familiar with. Adjusting your tone based on your existing relationship will help ensure that your email cover letter sample comes across as casual and friendly, creating a more engaging and personalised message.
Key Takeaways
Make your email cover letter and attached document stand out by avoiding repetition while keeping employers engaged. Here are some key points to remember:
- Follow the conventions and rules for cover letter content, but find ways to add a unique touch.
- Include most of the same achievements, but present them in a fresh and distinct manner.
- Remember that emails allow for a more casual and friendly tone compared to cover letters.
- Optimise your email layout by placing contact information and social links in the footer section rather than at the top.
To further enhance your cover letter writing skills, visit the cvapp.nz website, where you can find expert-approved cover letters for various industries and job positions. You’ve got this – karawhiua!
