how to write a cover letter for a lateral move

120 Questions to Ask When Making a Lateral Move

Have you ever thought about switching lanes in your career without necessarily speeding up or hitting the brakes? Welcome to the concept of a “ lateral move ” — a strategic shift to a role that’s on the same level but offers fresh challenges and new perspectives and may even reignite your passion.

It’s like taking a new path without changing the altitude. Exciting, right? But, as with any change, there are questions to ponder before making this leap to ensure you make the best choice. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Professional Development and Growth Opportunities

Cultural fit and work environment, compensation and benefits alignment, position roles and expectations, work-life balance and flexibility, long-term career path, frequently asked questions.

• What opportunities for professional development are available in this new role?
• How does the company support ongoing learning and education for employees?
• Will I have access to mentoring or coaching in this lateral position?
• Are there resources allocated for attending workshops or industry conferences?
• What types of projects will I have the chance to work on?
• How does the team embrace innovation and new ideas?
• Can you describe a typical career path for someone in this role?
• What are the expectations for skill expansion and growth?
• How often are performance reviews conducted?
• Is there support for professional certification or advanced training?
• Will this role offer exposure to other departments or teams?
• Are there internal courses or training programs I can take part in?
• How does the company recognize and reward employee growth?
• Are there leadership opportunities within this new role?
• Is there a chance to contribute to high-impact projects?
• Can employees initiate their own projects or areas of research?
• What kind of support does the company give to innovation-led initiatives?
• How do you define success within this role?
• Are there opportunities to work on cross-functional teams?
• How does the company facilitate a continuous learning culture?
• Can you describe the company culture in detail?
• What are the core values of the organization, and how are they embodied day-to-day?
• What is the team dynamic like in the department I’m moving to?
• How is collaboration typically handled across teams?
• What types of employee events or team-building activities does the company offer?
• How does management support a positive work environment?
• What is the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion?
• How is feedback from employees typically received and acted upon?
• What are some recent initiatives the company has undertaken to improve the workplace?
• How do colleagues usually communicate, and what tools do they use?
• How does the company support work-life balance for employees?
• Can you tell me about any wellness programs or initiatives?
• How does this department handle conflict resolution?
• What are the expectations regarding overtime and work availability?
• How are major decisions communicated to the staff?
• What strategies are in place to maintain high levels of staff morale?
• How approachable are the leadership team and management?
• Can you provide examples of how the company puts its values into action?
• How has the company’s culture evolved over the past few years?
• What makes this company unique to work for compared to competitors?
• How does the compensation for this role compare with industry standards?
• Are there any bonuses or incentives tied to this position?
• What is the company’s philosophy on compensation growth?
• Can you explain the criteria for salary increases or promotions?
• What kind of health insurance and other benefits are included?
• Does the company offer retirement plans or financial planning services?
• Are there opportunities for stock options or equity?
• Is there a structured process for reviewing and adjusting compensation?
• What are the paid time off policies?
• Does the company offer any unique benefits or perks?
• Are there family or parental leave policies in place?
• How does the company support employees during major life events?
• Are relocation expenses covered for the lateral move?
• What kinds of discounts or partnerships with other companies does the employer offer?
• Are there opportunities for profit-sharing or performance-based bonuses?
• How transparent is the company about compensation structures?
• Can you detail the employee recognition programs?
• What wellness benefits, such as gym memberships or mental health support, are available?
• Are there flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts available?
• How does the company support continuing education, and does that include financial support?
• What are the primary responsibilities of this new role?
• Can you outline the day-to-day tasks I would be expected to handle?
• How does this position contribute to the company’s overall goals?
• What are the performance metrics for this role?
• How is success measured in this position?
• Are there existing processes in place, or is there flexibility to create new ones?
• What are the short-term and long-term expectations for someone in this position?
• Who would I report to directly, and can you tell me about their management style?
• What types of projects is the team currently working on, and how will I fit in?
• Can I look forward to any upcoming changes or developments in the role?
• What are the challenges commonly faced in this position?
• How autonomous is the position, and what level of independent decision-making will I have?
• What is the typical workflow, and how is workload management handled?
• How often will I interact with upper management and other key stakeholders?
• Are there regular team meetings or one-on-one check-ins?
• How does the company handle performance feedback and development conversations?
• Is there a probationary period, and what does it entail?
• What are the company’s policies on remote work or flexible hours for this role?
• Does the role require travel, and if so, how much?
• How frequently are role expectations and responsibilities reviewed or updated?
• How flexible are work hours in this role?
• Can employees work remotely, and if so, how often?
• What support systems are in place for employees seeking a better work-life balance?
• Does the company offer any options like compressed workweeks or job sharing?
• How does the company accommodate employees with family or caring responsibilities?
• What is the stance on overtime, and how is it managed?
• Are there on-site facilities, such as a gym or daycare, that help promote work-life balance?
• How are time-off requests typically handled?
• Does the company encourage breaks and time away from workstations?
• What is the typical turnaround time for responding to emails or calls outside work hours?
• Are there initiatives to reduce employee burnout or stress?
• Can you provide examples of how the company has supported employees during a crisis or personal hardships?
• How are peak seasons and workloads managed to avoid overworking staff?
• How much notice does the company typically give for working overtime or weekends?
• Is there a culture of taking work home, and how is it perceived?
• What personal or family-related leave policies does the organization have in place?
• How is employee well-being monitored and promoted within the company?
• Are there policies related to sabbaticals or extended unpaid leave?
• How does the organization ensure employees are not pressured to work beyond their capacity?
• How are vacations scheduled and managed to ensure employees can take time off when needed?
• In what ways can this lateral move advance my long-term career goals?
• How often do lateral moves lead to promotions within the company?
• Are there opportunities for upward mobility from this position?
• Can you provide examples of employees who have successfully transitioned within the company?
• Is ongoing career mentorship available to help guide my professional trajectory?
• What career development plans would be in place for me in this role?
• Does the company typically fill senior positions through internal promotions?
• How does the company help individuals prepare for leadership roles?
• What skill sets does the company view as crucial for advancement?
• Can employees transfer to different departments as part of their career development?
• How are individual career aspirations aligned with company needs?
• Are there systems in place to track and discuss career progression?
• Does the company offer succession planning for key roles?
• How transparent is the company about potential career paths?
• What professional development opportunities are linked to this role that could benefit my career in the long term?
• How does the company invest in the career growth of its employees?
• Are there opportunities to be involved in high-visibility projects that could further my career?
• What types of internal networks or professional groups could I join to enhance my career?
• How does internal mobility within the company impact an employee’s career trajectory?
• Is there a formal process for expressing interest in different roles or projects within the company?

How do I decide if making a lateral move is the right decision for me?

It’s essential to consider these factors:

– Role interest: Ensure the new position aligns with your career interests. – Company culture: Evaluate the department or team’s culture for compatibility. – Career progression: Consider the new role’s potential impacts on your career trajectory.

Does a lateral move mean a person won’t get a pay raise?

Not always. While a lateral move is typically at the same level, it doesn’t mean the pay will be the same. Depending on the new role and its responsibilities, there might be a change in salary – either up or down.

Is making a lateral move a good career move?

Yes. Here’s why:

– Skill development: You get to learn new things and become more versatile. – Networking: You meet and work with new people, which can help in the future. – Avoiding burnout: Changing roles can bring new excitement and reduce the feeling of being stuck.

Can a lateral move impact my future job prospects?

Yes. It can impact your job prospects positively. The diverse experience and wider skillset gained from a lateral move can make you more appealing to future employers. It shows adaptability and eagerness to learn, which are valuable traits in any professional setting.

How can I talk to my boss about wanting to make a lateral move?

1. Be clear about your intentions: Know why you want to move. Is it for new skills? More challenge?

2. Request a meeting: Instead of springing it on them, ask for a specific time to discuss your career path.

3. Prepare your points: Before the meeting, list down the benefits of your move—not just for you, but for the team and company.

4. Listen actively: Be ready to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

Switching lanes in your career journey can be refreshing and rewarding. Remember, it’s not just about moving; it’s about moving smart. With the right questions in your pocket, you’re all set to make the best decision for your future. Best of luck!

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Robby Salveron

Robby is a multimedia editor at UpJourney with a journalism and communications background.

When she's not working, Robby transforms into an introverted art lover who indulges in her love for sports, learning new things, and sipping her favorite soda. She also enjoys unwinding with feel-good movies, books, and video games. She's also a proud pet parent to her beloved dog, Dustin.

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• How to Make a Lateral Career...

How to Make a Lateral Career Move

7 min read · Updated on June 15, 2022

A lateral move can be a great tool for your career path. But keep these tips for making lateral career moves in mind.

Once upon a time, your professional growth and career development options were limited. You would continue to get promoted at your current company in a linear manner until you ran into a dead end. At that time, your options were to stay where you landed and hope the obstacle would work itself out, or leave the company for a promotion or career advancement elsewhere. With those limited choices, no one lived happily ever after.

Enter the modern-day career lateral move – position changes that allow you to step sideways instead of up. A recent study by Cornerstone OnDemand revealed that 89 percent of respondents would consider a lateral job move with no financial incentive. Far from being a waste of time and effort, lateral career moves can actually propel you forward in a powerful way if you consider a longer time horizon.

In a difficult economy with fewer new positions and openings being created, your current company may not have room on the organizational chart to give you a meaningful promotion in the near future. Perhaps you work for a small company and your boss is 15 years away from retirement with no plans to go anywhere. In some circumstances, you may not want a linear promotion but would welcome a career move. A lateral career move can be a great tool to get you what you want.  

Whatever your situation, here are three big points to consider when it comes to a lateral career move.

1. Think about your goals and priorities.

Why are you contemplating a career move, and what are you hoping to accomplish as a result? It's OK to be motivated by a mix of factors.

Perhaps a raise would be nice. A change in responsibilities and daily tasks might re-ignite your excitement about showing up at the office. Sometimes, a reassignment is the perfect way to stop working with a manager that you don't have great chemistry with. A shorter commute, a better work life balance, more job security, a specific mission-critical skillset that you aren't getting today or an assured career track could all contribute to your thought process. List all the relevant factors honestly, and rank them in order of priority to get yourself organized when choosing between job offers .

2. Consider your options: internal vs. external lateral move.

Your two main sets of options are to take a role consistent with your current position responsibilities within your company, or to consider a similar position elsewhere. Both are valid possibilities depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

If you love the company you're at – for its mission, pay, benefits, short commute, better job title, or a fantastic culture – consider applying for a position at your current level in a different department or functional area. You get the advantage of keeping certain elements of your professional life the same while gaining a new set of puzzles to solve with a different group of people. Large companies may offer temporary or permanent transfers to another city or even abroad if you are interested in traveling.

If you would rather switch companies, an external lateral move is the best fit for you. Even if you select a position in another industry (e.g. you are a marketing assistant in a professional services firm, and you accept a similar role in a hospital fundraising department) you have your base skills to fall back on while you learn the ropes of the new field.

Remember that you may have to be flexible. My own career track is a great example. I was happy as a manager at a top auditing firm, but knew that I did not want to follow the audit partner career track. Because I loved the firm, and had always been fascinated by forensic investigations, I decided to interview for a new position at the internal forensic accounting department. I was accepted as a transfer into forensics in August, to be effective November 1st.  I gave my notice to my audit teams so that they could change staffing for the upcoming year, and wrapped up my audit projects.

The year was 2008. What I didn't know in the summer was that the financial crisis would hit at the end of September. In the aftermath, a firm-wide decision would freeze all internal transfers indefinitely effective October 1. I had left the position I was in – and watched my landing pad evaporate overnight.

What do you do in that situation? I took a deep breath and began my external search for a new opportunity. My big takeaway from that experience was the importance of keeping an open mind. No matter how confident you are that things will line up exactly as you have planned, sometimes they don't.

3. Do your research.

Titles aren't made equal – a manager may be that in name alone if there is no one reporting up to her! Be sure to look at actual responsibilities and opportunities that come when you make a lateral career move.

From someone who has successfully executed a lateral move at the same company and has watched dozens of professionals do the same, here are some extra tips for making your transition smooth.

People around you might say that making a lateral move isn't worth it unless it comes with a promotion and more money. Know your own reasons for doing this. Perhaps you're stuck in a dead-end job and the possibility of a linear promotion is slim. Maybe you don't want that promotion because the change in new responsibilities would move you away from what you enjoy most. Be clear in your own mind first, and take what others say with a grain of salt.

When switching to a new industry, keep in mind that you will have to learn quickly. The good news is that you already understand the core role. Make connections at your new company and seek out mentors that you can rely on for advice and guidance.

Don't get seduced by higher salary alone. Consider the whole package: benefits, health insurance, maternity leave policy if it's relevant to you, the possibility of shifting your work hours to take advantage of commute patterns, a policy that allows telecommuting and the company culture will all make a difference for your overall experience.

Keep the big picture in mind. No smart career move is made in isolation – so consider how this step moves you closer to where you want to go. Perhaps having exposure to multiple functional areas as a manager paves your way for a CEO track. Maybe working in the accounting department gives you hands-on experience of budgeting and reconciliations that will help you in the MBA classes you are taking. Think about how this decision helps the future you.

Don't jump laterally every couple of years. Your goal is to stay in a position long enough to learn and make an impact. Restarting your learning curve too frequently does not serve you or your company.

In closing, lateral moves are a great way to shift your career goals towards a new challenge. Consider your reasons and priorities – this is your opportunity to shape your next few years in a way that will serve your overall professional and personal development. Do your research and due diligence, so that you don't make your decision based on a shiny title or a salary bump alone. Having more options puts you in a powerful position, so be open to the possibilities, go outside your habitual patterns, and make this step count.

Need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free resume review  today!

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How To Explain a Career Change in Your Cover Letter (With Examples)

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If you’re more comfortable writing code than writing about yourself , you might find cover letter requirements tedious or even intimidating. For job seekers who are switching careers though, a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between your past roles and where you want to go.  

Even if you’re making a big career change, there are skills and lessons from your previous experience that will be a huge asset in future roles. As a career switcher, you likely have a lot of ground you could cover in the letter, but avoid the temptation to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Give the most space to the most important takeaways — recruiters and hiring managers will likely skim longer letters anyways.  

Learn something new for free

Intro to chatgpt.

Curating your story and focusing on the commonalities between this opportunity and your previous experience will show that you understand the role and industry, and what you can bring to it. While cover letters aren’t always required for job applications (and some people even think they’re unnecessary), crafting a concise and focused letter is still a great exercise. Why you’re making a career change is bound to come up in interviews, so it’s good to be able to articulate your reasons for doing so confidently. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your cover letter so you can stand out as a candidate. 

Do highlight: Transferrable technical skills  

If there’s any overlap in the technical skills you developed in previous roles and this opportunity, spell out those connections. “Highlight things from your previous career path that will be beneficial in your new career,” says Jean du Plessis , Senior Engineering Manager at Upbound . 

You might have taken an interest in technology while working in a different field, so you volunteered to set up the company website, for example. Perhaps you have some portfolio projects using some of the same languages or frameworks in the company’s tech stack . 

Example: Applying to a Business Intelligence Data Analyst position  

“As a Marketing Manager, I work with teammates across the marketing department and wider business to develop campaigns to reach new customers. My favorite part of the job is using data to report on campaign performance and refine marketing strategy, so I’m excited about the opportunity to make data analysis my full-time focus.”  

Don’t: Try to hide your gaps   

If you’re making a career change, there will naturally be areas where you lack experience. Highlighting your growth areas and enthusiasm to learn will create a far better impression than glossing over or attempting to disguise them. The same applies to technical interviews — being transparent you don’t know something and talking about how you’d figure it out is always better than hiding it. If you want to feel more confident that you meet the role’s requirements before you even go into the interview, you can use our job-readiness checker to analyze how your skills fit the job description.  

Many job seekers get discouraged when positions require years of experience just to apply. One way to overcome this experience gap is by having a strong portfolio of projects and talking about the languages or skills you’re currently studying.  

Remember that anyone applying for a junior role will be in the same position, and hiring managers expect there to be a ramp-up period for onboarding and training entry-level folks. You can present these hard skills gaps as opportunities for growth and call out the aspects of the role that excite you.  

Example: Applying for a Front-End Engineer position  

“One of the aspects of this role that appeals to me is building UIs leveraging React. I’ve taken several React courses and built my own projects using React (here’s a link to my portfolio project) and am excited about the opportunity to gain more experience using it in a professional setting and learning from my teammates.” 

Do highlight: Soft skills  

“Technical skills can be learned, but character attributes that you’ve already developed and have evidence for are a bonus,” says Jean. As a candidate making a career shift, it will benefit you most to focus your cover letter on mapping the soft skills you’ve already demonstrated to the new career you’re pursuing.  

Soft skills are highly transferable, even across industries. “If you were a Chef, for instance, you have experience with working under pressure,” says Jean. Having experience in different environments often means you have a fresh perspective to bring to the role. 

Example: Applying for a Support Engineer position  

“In my previous role in food service, I learned to work under pressure and meet the diverse needs of customers. I’m adept at coordinating with a team to manage multiple tasks at once and deliver orders on time, even during peak hours. My adaptability and problem-solving skills directly apply to critical situations that Support Engineers face, like escalations.” 

It can also be advantageous to have previous experience in other roles within the same industry or sector — even if you didn’t work for a “tech” company. Technical skills are needed in almost every industry today, and you can bring valuable context to a role if you have worked in the industry before. Codecademy learner Jacinta Hayward landed an interview for a cybersecurity role at a healthcare company because of her background working in the disability sector. 

Don’t: Undervalue your professional and lived experience  

Don’t downplay your experience in the workplace. Your experience and growth from problem solving , navigating situations of conflict, negotiating deliverables and due dates, and understanding customer needs are all valuable to potential employers. “You have an advantage in that you’re bringing more work and life experience to an entry-level role,” says Jean. “You have worked with people and learned the politics of business.”  

You might think that drawing these connections between your past and desired roles is too obvious or making a reach, but hiring managers are often more open to it than you might think. If someone is skimming your resume or LinkedIn profile quickly, they might not reach those conclusions themselves. Your cover letter is where you can add that color and context to your career journey.   

Example: Applying for a QA Tester position  

“As a gamer and early adopter of technology, I’ve always enjoyed beta testing new releases. I find it fun to identify bugs and glitches, and like collaborating with developers to share feedback and improve on the user experience. I believe my attention to detail and experience communicating with developers will be as asset as a QA Tester.” 

Do: Tailor your resume  

While your cover letter is a critical part of your application, especially if you’re making a career change, don’t neglect your resume. While there’s no perfect resume (don’t get hung up on whether it should be one or two pages, for example), you do want to prioritize the most relevant experience to the job you’re applying for. 

“Apply a weighting in terms of the amount of space on the page you give to the most important roles you’ve held,” says Lucy Jones, Headhunter and Director of the Executive Search firm Lawson Brooke . “Those could be the roles you held the longest, or had the greatest impact in, determined against the role to which you’re applying.” If there are common threads throughout your career path, like the types of customers the company served or professional skills you applied, give those the most prominence in your resume.  

“It sounds like a lot of hard work — and it is — but you would naturally have more than one resume to emphasize different aspects of your career,” says Lucy. You can read more about optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile in our article about how to get a hiring manager’s attention without a degree . 

If you’re feeling really stuck, try asking Chat GPT to write the cover letter for you so you have a rough first draft to work with. You don’t want to submit an AI-generated cover letter as is, but having something more than a blank page can be helpful to overcome writer’s block. You can also browse Codecademy learner stories for more inspiration on how other career changers describe their career change journeys. 

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Training Industry

Why lateral moves are beneficial to your career.

They say you can’t step into the same river twice. The river, and the person, is constantly changing and moving. Such is the way with work. The job market is constantly changing in nature and tone, but at the end of the day, a river is a river, and a job is a job.

No matter how the career landscape changes, we will want to make positive steps forward to better our careers. But what if that next step to forwarding your career wasn’t forward at all? What if your best next move was to the side?

What Are Lateral Moves?

At its simplest, a lateral career move means taking a new job at the same pay grade or organizational level. It involves taking on new duties and responsibilities, usually — but not exclusively — at the same company. You wll find that these fluid opportunities are most common at start-ups, but we can expect them to become more common at established companies in the very near future.

Lateral career moves can be curious and exciting: Haven’t you been curious about trying someone else’s job? Have you never observed the social media team or the sales crew and thought you would thrive in their shoes? Lateral moves liberate us from the idea that once we enter into a career, we need to trudge away at it forever. It allows us to experiment with our career paths so that we can identify our purpose and goals.

Why Lateral Moves Are Beneficial

They’re Fun!

Firstly, lateral moves can be beneficial because they are fun: They are appealing to people who like learning new things. People who get joy from building new skills and mastering new experiences will find lateral moves exciting and worthwhile. Ultimately, lateral moves are intrinsically rewarding to those who yearn to be challenged.

They Make You More Employable

Moving on to more pragmatic reasons, lateral moves will make you stand out to future employers. It makes perfect sense: If you have more skills, you’re of more value. What’s more, it’s easy for job seekers to say they can do X, Y and Z in a cover letter, but with a lateral move under your belt, you have concrete evidence to back it up in an interview and, more importantly, on the job.

They Will Impress Your Current Company 

Lateral moves will also reflect well on you to your current employees and colleagues. It will show that you’re willing to try new things and that you are keen to develop yourself. These transitions across your company will also strengthen your network across the organization.

They Make For Better Managers

This networking is great for making new friends at work, but it also strengthens your case for a promotion (i.e., vertical movement) when the time comes. Who better for management than someone who already knows how the other departments work?

They Increase Job Security

Lateral moves also give you greater job security at your current place of work. They will endear yourself to your company and help show your value. If cuts have to be made, management will be more likely to keep an employee with knowledge and skills across the enterprise.

They Could Reduce Burnout

Finally, a lateral move could be a unique solution to burnout, which is all too common in the modern workplace. A change of scenery could be a great remedy to fix a rut in your professional life.

They Suit Your Boss, Too

Dietrich Moens, chief executive officer of Spacehuntr, a corporate event solutions provider, thinks of lateral moves as cross-pollination. “I’ve found that when members of our team switch departments, it breaks down roadblocks,” Moens says. “They’re greater for productivity and even opened the way for innovation in our work processes. It’s a sort of beautiful cross-pollination.” What’s more, it could even save your boss money. Hiring for a new position takes up time, resources and energy. You can minimize that by hiring from within.

Additionally, Moens says, “We’ve seen that lateral moves have made for better managers. When you’ve lived in someone else’s shoes, you become more understanding. These workers are better at recognizing, understanding and resolving friction. It’s remarkable.”

Lastly, make for a more skilled worker, and if that’s not good for bosses, what is?

Top Training Tips For Making Lateral Moves Work

So far, it’s been a case of easier said than done. But how do you make a lateral career move work in practice? Consider the five-step plan below to ensure your lateral move is successful.

• Self-examine: The first step is some self-examination. Why are you looking for a lateral move? Understanding this desire is the best way to figure out how to motivate yourself and focus your efforts.
• Speak to Your Manager(s): Open communication with your team and your manager(s) is essential. Your manager needs to endorse and support what you’re doing fully. After that, their support and advice could and should be invaluable to you.
• Set Goals: After speaking to your manager, it’s time to set goals . For how long are you going to be in this new position? What level of competence do you hope to achieve? How steep should your learning curve be? 
• Mutual Learning: Your company might not have the time or the resources for you to take time away from the job to learn. Try to work training into your daily routine so that you can learn while completing your responsibilities and tasks.
• Review: As in all areas of working life, you need to self-review, be peer-reviewed, and receive a performance review. Reviews, done properly, help us grow and serve as rewards for our hard work.

You only need to listen to the stories of successful people themselves to see that there’s more than one way to succeed. Ultimately, the path to the top is littered with failures, surprises, and seizing chances when they come your way. Maybe a lateral move could be the career opportunity you have been looking for?

• #career growth
• #career path
• #career pathways
• #lateral career growth
• #professional development

Harry Prince

Harry Prince has been the Creative Content Manager at  Spacehuntr  since 2020. With a keen eye for SEO and strategy, his areas of interest include event technology, trends, marketing, catering, architecture and interior design.

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How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job In 2023 (With Examples)

• How To Write A Cover Letter
• When Is A Cover Letter Necessary

Free Cover Letter Templates

• Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

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Cover letters aren’t required with every application, but the majority of managers pay more attention to a candidate who includes a cover letter. This is especially so if you make an effort to tailor your letter to the specific position. It’s important not to just change the names and job positions, but also to show how your professional experience fits with the job.

A good cover letter greatly increases your chance of getting an interview. If you’re looking to write a cover letter, rework a letter that you have, or just want to know what’s involved in the job application process, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways:

A cover letter should be a maximum of one page long, with three to five paragraphs.

Before writing your cover letter, it’s important to reread the job description and include keywords from it.

Do research to figure out who you are addressing, and make sure to keep your greeting gender neutral if you don’t know.

Tailoring your resume to each job can help you stand out from other candidates.

What is a cover letter?

Why cover letters are important, how to write a cover letter, cover letter examples, cover letter template, do’s and don’ts in a cover letter, cover letter faq, expert opinion.

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A cover letter is a one-page document that describes your professional background, fitness for the role, and interest in the company. Cover letters are a way of introducing yourself to hiring managers in a more engaging way than resumes can.

While your resume spells out the “who, what, where, when” of your relevant experience, a cover letter fills in the “why” and “how.” A good cover letter not only expands on your resume’s accomplishments but also highlights the soft skills that make you an excellent person to work alongside.

While there are no official formatting guidelines for cover letters, hiring managers and recruiters do have certain expectations regarding structure, length, and content.

Writing a good cover letter is important because it is your chance to stand out from other potential candidates. Showing your personality while also matching the tone of the company will help recruiters to visualize how you could fit into the role.

Simply submitting a cover letter isn’t enough though. Each cover letter you write should be specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for (just like resumes). It’s essential that you show the reader that you’ve done your homework and understand exactly what function you’d be serving if hired. You do that by providing examples of past work experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities of the new job.

Cover letters are inherently unique based on who’s writing them and for what position. However, as a cover letter is a business letter, it has an expected format that it should follow. This is important because you want the hiring manager to be able to look over your cover letter quickly and understand your qualifications and interest in the position.

Here’s the standard way that a cover letter should be formatted and what to include:

The header. The header of your letter is where you should input all of the contact information for yourself and the hiring manager . Do you best to address it directly to the person who’ll be reading the letter — typically either the hiring manager or HR manager.

Traditionally, you should include both your name and address and the employer’s name and address. However, as the majority of applications are online, the employer’s address is often omitted. But a traditional cover letter’s heading would look like this:

Page Roman 444 Frog Rd. Marigold, TX, 10987 August 27th, 2021 Chris Morgan Marketing Manager New Media Company 833 Rune Rd. Marigold, TX, 10987

If you’re emailing your cover letter, you can simply include your name, telephone number, email address, and fewer address details (just your city and state will suffice). You can also include a zip code if you live in a big city with multiple zip codes.

Jessica Dancer jessica. dancer @email.email | (555)-444-3333 | Colombus, OH 43110

Be sure to use a professional-sounding email address that’s not associated with your current or past employer. It’s disrespectful to both your current employer and the company you’re applying to, and will likely hurt your chances of being invited for an interview.

The greeting or salutation. Traditionally, the best salutation would be to use Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]. Make sure that you know the person’s gender when doing this, however, as you don’t want to misgender the hiring manager. Using “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” is becoming more popular for this reason, patriotically among younger workers.

Dear Mr. Morgan, Dear Mrs. Smith Dear Ms. Conner

Avoid using generic greetings such as “To whom it may concern” as it’ll look like you didn’t bother to personalize the letter (even if you did.) That particular phrase has become somewhat controversial as well, so if you need to put a generic address — if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, for instance — use something else, such as:

Dear Hiring Manager Dear [Department] Manager Dear [Title of the Person You’d Report to if Hired] Dear [Department] Hiring Team

Opening paragraph. The opening of your professional cover letter should instantly grab the attention of your reader . Try to lead off with one of your most relevant and impressive accomplishments.

Open strong . Open with a statement other than your name or stating your interest in the position. Lead with an interesting experience or achievement that directly relates to the new position.

Convey your personal value. There are always other qualified applicants with similar skills, so it is key to express why you personally would bring value to the organization. Give specific details as to the value you brought in a previous position, and how that could transfer to the new role.

Show your enthusiasm. Recruiters want to hire candidates who are excited about the position. Express enthusiasm and convey why you are passionate about the role. This is another opportunity to share a quick personal anecdote related to the job.

Keep it short. All of these points in your opening paragraph shouldn’t be more than a sentence or two each. You don’t want your introduction to be too long, as you want the reader to be able to quickly go through your cover letter.

As a Content Writer with a passion for travel and literature, I was thrilled to see the Senior Content Writer position open up at BookFly. My past experience driving organic traffic by 23% YoY to the travel website, XTravel, would translate perfectly into the position’s stated goals from the job description.

First body paragraph. Here is where you should really sell yourself across several areas. Showcase how your personality traits, such as being honest or having the ability to work under pressure, make you a good fit.

Emphasize transferable skills. Explain how the skills you’ve cultivated make you the perfect fit for the role. This can include collaborative work you’ve done in the past, a leadership role you had that drove results, or interpersonal skills.

Revisit the job description. Make sure to pull relevant skills from the job description and put them in your cover letter. If the hiring manager spent the time to list those skills, they’re going to be looking for candidates that have them.

It also helps with applicant tracking systems that may sift through cover letters looking for keywords.

Don’t skimp on personality traits. These are especially important if you don’t have a lot of experience. Desirable skills such as ambition, dedication, and getting work done on time are good for both entry-level positions and if you’re making a career change.

I have a passion for content creation and a deep understanding of the content cycle, from ideation to promotion. My years in the digital publishing world have crafted my ability to drive killer CTR and resonate with an audience. Not only did CTR jump by 2.1% in the months after I was brought on board, but it had a knock-on effect on social media engagement, which rose by 8% in the same time frame. I believe good content has its roots in good data. This is why while at Media Company I created a content-marketing dashboard to highlight KPIs like those mentioned above. The dashboard allowed us to take advantage of wins more rapidly and avoid repeating losses.

Second body paragraph. Just as an employer wants to know why you’d want the role, they also want to know why you’d want to work at their company. Do your research and learn more about the core values of the company. Discuss how they align with your own.

Check the company’s website but also start to explore LinkedIn for greater insights. Employers want to make sure that you fit into the overall culture, and this is also something you should consider for yourself. However you feel you fit into the work culture, explain to the recruiter why. Paint a picture of how you’ll be better from the company, and how the company will also benefit.

I thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at creating structures from scratch. I spearheaded our SEO efforts, developing workflows and systems to ramp up content production from zero. BookFly’s commitment to core values of “collaboration and imagination” aligns with my own preferred approach to tackling projects and dreaming of big ideas.

Closing. The closing of your letter is your final impression to the hiring manager, and therefore should clearly express your eagerness to take on the position. You don’t need to rehash all of the accomplishments and skills highlighted in previous sections. Consider this more of a statement of intent.

First, express gratitude that they took the time to consider you for the job by making it all the way through your letter. Then, quickly remind them of the benefits that you can bring to the role and company.

Finally, your closing should state a clear call-to-action (CTA) for the recruiter to take next, such as calling you to schedule an interview. Being confident and direct at the end of your cover letter helps to close the deal.

I look forward to learning more about how the Senior Content Writer operates within BookFly and the current content process. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, Jessica Dancer

With thousands of cover letter templates on the internet, you want to make sure you choose the right one. Here’s a basic format of what a good cover letter will contain:

Jessica Dancer [email protected] | (555)-444-3333 | Colombus, OH 43110 Dear Mr. Morgan, As a Content Writer with a passion for travel and literature, I was thrilled to see the Senior Content Writer position open up at BookFly. My past experience driving organic traffic by 23% YoY to the travel website, XTravel, would translate perfectly into the position’s stated goals from the job description. I have a passion for content creation and a deep understanding of the content cycle, from ideation to promotion. My years in the digital publishing world have crafted my ability to drive killer CTR and resonate with an audience. Not only did CTR jump by 2.1% in the months after I was brought on board, but it had a knock-on effect on social media engagement, which rose by 8% in the same time frame. I believe good content has its roots in good data. This is why while at Media Company I created a content-marketing dashboard to highlight KPIs like those mentioned above. The dashboard allowed us to take advantage of wins more rapidly and avoid repeating losses. I thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at creating structures from scratch. I spearheaded our SEO efforts, developing workflows and systems to ramp up content production from zero. BookFly’s commitment to core values of “collaboration and imagination” aligns with my own preferred approach to tackling projects and dreaming of big ideas. I look forward to learning more about how the Senior Content Writer operates within BookFly and the current content process. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, Jessica Dancer

If you’re putting the cover letter in an email, you can omit putting the contact information at the top and instead include it below your signature. You want to make sure to include your name, phone number, and LinkedIn link, as well as a professional portfolio , if applicable.

Dear hiring manager: I am writing about the position of veterinary receptionist at Pet Care Clinic posted on indeed.com. I am a certified dog trainer with both Petsmart and Petco, allowing me insight into animal behavior. I’m also an aspiring novelist , making me a fast, experienced typist as well as adept with Microsoft Word and Apple Pages. Since I’ve worked at pet stores for several years, I am familiar with different kinds of animal and animal care, as well as building a rapport with pet owners. While I enjoy working with animals and my coworkers, I would like to move into a business where I can continue to learn and build on my experience. I would also like to work for a smaller business. Veterinary medicine has always interested me, and I very much enjoy learning new things. I’m eager to learn more about it in order to help customers make the best choices for their pets. I’ve always enjoyed working with animals, even before I was able to get a job that allowed me to. I grew up with dogs and cats, so I’m comfortable and familiar with their behavior. Being a pet owner myself, I’m able to understand what customers are looking for in a veterinary clinic and tailor the experience to their needs. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Michelle Bolivar Email: [email protected] Phone: (555) 545-9706

[your contact information] [date] Dear [Hiring Manager], I’m writing to apply for the open [position] at [company] that you posted [place job ad was found]. I believe that my [relevant experience] would be an excellent fit with [company name]. I have long been interested in [specific industry/department], and particularly your company because [why you’re interested in the company/awards they have won/accomplishments]. That experience and [relevant skills] that I’ve cultivated as a [current position] for [time worked in position or industry] will be an asset to the company as it’ll make me effective [at the job/particular aspect of the job]. The [responsibilities required in the job description] will be a [challenge/interesting task] and I look forward to making use of my [relevant skills]. I excel at [working with a team/working alone] and I want to use my expertise to further [company’s] success. I am excited about the possibilities this position holds, and I believe that my qualifications ensure I’d be an asset to your team. I look forward to being able to further discuss the details of the position and my qualifications with you in an interview. Please let me know if you require further information from me. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your name] [Your contact information (if it’s an email)

Knowing the proper format of a cover letter is the most important factor, of course, but there are some additional dos and don’ts that if you follow can make your cover letter better. It’s during the editing process, it’s important to go over and make sure that you haven’t made any common mistakes that’ll hurt your chances.

Here are 10 dos and don’ts for writing a good cover letter:

Do’s:

Do start by scanning the original job posting for keywords you can include in your letter.

Do be proud of your accomplishments and make sure to highlight them.

Do clearly express why you would be an asset to the organization.

Do tailor your cover letter to every hiring manager and position that you apply for.

Do try to find unique experiences, but make sure to always discuss measurable and relevant results.

Don’ts:

Don’t feel the need to lie about your skills or accomplishments. One of the worst mistakes to make is being caught in a lie.

Don’t copy and paste a template and only change your name and job titles. Recruiters will not see the value in a plug-in-play cover letter that has been used by multiple applicants.

Don’t forget to be direct and include a call to action.

Don’t make your cover letter too long. Similar to your resume, you want the reader to sum up who you are and get a quick explanation of why you’re a good fit.

Don’t forget to proofread. Grammatical errors on a cover letter and resume are a quick way to get your packet in the “no pile”.

What do you write in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, you should mostly write about impressive accomplishments from past jobs or academic experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

What is the purpose of cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to help a hiring manager see why your background makes you suitable for the role in question. While a resume lists achievements, educational background , and skills , it doesn’t give the reader an idea of your actual expertise or personality.

A cover letter allows you to share your approach to work, as well as your ability to communicate your value effectively. A good cover letter makes it easy for a reader to think “I could imagine this person working for us.”

How do you write a simple cover letter?

To write a simple cover letter, start with the header and greeting we outlined above. Next, state your interest in the position (give the exact job title as listed in the job description) and mention your years of industry/job experience.

To keep your cover letter simple, you can now briefly mention in 1-2 sentences or 3-4 bullet points what parts of your background are most important for the hiring manager.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application, and sign off as usual (e.g., “Sincerely, [full name]”).

What is the best way to start a cover letter?

The best way to start a cover letter is with an accomplishment that speaks directly to your ability to provide value for the company. Other good strategies include describing your long-standing passion for the field, mentioning an important reference at the company, or referring specifically to challenges the company is currently facing.

Do you introduce yourself in a cover letter?

No, you do not introduce yourself in a cover letter. By that we mean you do not say “My name is so-and-so” — you simply jump into your background and why you’re interested in the position.

Your name can be found at the bottom of the cover letter, as well as the header, your email address, and your resume, so there’s no need to force it awkwardly into your cover letter’s opening.

How do you end a cover letter?

To end a cover letter, thank the reader for their time and/or consideration, express enthusiasm for further correspondence and conversation, and sign off with a standard closing like “Sincerely.”

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be a maximum of one page long, with three to five paragraphs. Half a page is the shortest that your cover letter should be.

Harvard Business Review — How to Write a Cover Letter

University of Washington — Writing the Cover Letter

What’s a quick cover letter tip?

Michael Akbar Vice President Certified Professional Career Coach

Use your six seconds to show the employer in a tailored cover letter and resume that you understand their pain and will make their lives better if put in the position.

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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.

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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How To Write An Effective Cover Letter

Here are 10 tips that will help you to put your best foot forward.

When you work with a recruiter, there is generally no need to write your own cover letter; the cover letter comes from us. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the exercise of writing a cover letter altogether. It’s crucial that you work with your recruiter to convey any information that may be helpful in marketing yourself to the prospective employer.

I shy away from giving candidates a detailed cover letter template. You do not want your letter to sound too formulaic. It should be authentic and, if signed by you, in your voice. Even using the same cover letter to apply for multiple positions can get risky. It’s easy to spot the non-tailored cover letter.

Here are 10 tips that will help you to put your best foot forward:

• Read the job description . Read it line by line. I cannot stress enough the importance of tailoring your cover letter to the specific job.
• Do not simply repeat what is on your resume . You may want to highlight just the most important points from your resume, but you primarily want to include relevant information  not  in your resume.
• Think of your cover letter as a first-round interview . What questions might you anticipate? You will want to address: a. Why are you looking to make a move, and why specifically do you want to work  here , with  us? b. If applicable, why do you want to move to the new city? What personal or professional ties do you have to the new location? c. If applicable, why do you want to move from a firm to an in-house role?
• Above all, your cover letter must answer the question,  “How are you going to add value to our firm/company?”  In your cover letter and in your interviews, remember that it’s not about you. It’s about what  you  can do for  them . A prospective employer will be turned off by candidates who only talk about how this move will advance their own careers.
• Remember the old adage  “Show, don’t tell.”  Give concrete examples of your relevant soft skills: a. What precise skills or experiences do you have that qualify you for this job? b. What do you bring to the table that makes you unique? c. Why should we hire you instead of your competition?
• Give your cover letter a basic structure , for example, an opening sentence/paragraph, your “arguments,” and a conclusion. Your cover letter will offer substantive information, but it will also be judged as a representation of your writing and communication skills.
• Be concise .
• Try to find the appropriate recipient’s name . I am always turned off by the “To Whom it May Concern” letters.
• If you are applying for a lateral law firm position and  your class year  for promotion purposes is different from your JD year, be sure to highlight this.
• Proofread . Absolutely no typos!

Your cover letter, whether it comes from you or from your recruiter, should not be a recap of your resume. It should add color and personality to your application, offer the reader a chance to see you as a real human being, and answer the question, “Why should we hire  you ?” Think of it as a practice screening interview.

Will a good cover letter really move the needle? Realistically, it may only make a difference to a small percentage of applications. But why not give every job application your best shot?

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Great Cover Letters: Harder to Write but Worth the Effort by Kelly Lux

I just finished reading more than 100 cover letters–those of the applicants for a professional position. The experience left me with the feeling that  almost no one  knows how to write a standout cover letter; and I’m here to help change that.

Why Cover Letters are So Important

Let’s take a brief look at what you’re dealing with in the world of job applications.

Most applications today are submitted online; a full 80% of Fortune 500 companies accept only online applications , as do many other medium and large businesses.

The remaining 25% of resumes may wind up looking very similar to yours in terms of education, skills and experience. This is where the cover letter can be a defining piece of information.

Cover letters tell a recruiter the following things:

• How well you can write
• What your attention to detail is like (typos = automatic rejection in many cases)
• How well you read the job description
• How much research  you have done on the company
• How badly you want the job

In addition, a GREAT cover letter will show a recruiter:

• How you would be a great fit for the position
• What you can do for the company, based on what the job description seeks
• Direct links to your LinkedIn and other social profiles
• How well you can sell yourself

A Bad Cover Letter is Easy to Write

A bad (and typical) cover letter goes something like this:

Dear Potential Employer: I am applying for the Junior Account Manager position I found on careerbuilder.com. I’m looking for an opportunity that will allow me to use all my skills. I’m a high energy person who enjoys working with people and I have excellent communication skills. As you will see from my resume, I graduated from Montana State with a degree in business, concentration in marketing in 2013. I am currently working at X company where I do A, B and C.  Prior to that, I was at Y company, where I did D, E and F. (and so on) If you would like to speak with me, please contact me at the above phone number. Sincerely, Candidate

While this may be a bit extreme, it highlights the biggest problems with the typical cover letter.

In a nutshell, those problems are:

1.   It’s generic. Starting with the greeting (Dear Potential Employer), you get the feeling that this cover letter could be used for any application. From there it goes on to share basic facts that can be seen with a quick look at the resume. If the employer gets to the cover letter portion of the process, assume they have already seen your resume and don’t need a recitation of your skills, experience and education, especially if they are not specifically related to the job for which you are applying.

It’s nice to get a better picture of what a candidate has done at a previous employer, but if you choose to share these details in your precious cover letter real estate (unless you’re applying for a PhD level research position), make it one page. Also make sure that you a) share how the details relate to the job being applied for; b) aren’t just reciting tasks or duties (shoot for accomplishments) and c) quantify what you did.

For example: In the job description for the Communications Manager position, you mention you are looking for someone who has experience with process improvement .  While I was employed with Agency X, I developed a new procedure for handling internal communications requests that increased my department’s on-time delivery of projects by 35%. This is just one example of experiences that will enable me to help improve processes and drive results for your Communications Department, if I am selected for the position.

What this kind of paragraph does for you in a cover letter is show that you have read and understand the job description, that you have related experience, and how you can apply it to the position for which you are applying. Since you mention it is just one example of a variety of experiences, this leaves open the door for further discussion on this topic at an interview. Make sure you are ready to answer the question about those other experiences when it comes up.

You do not have to relate everything in the job description to what you have done in the past; just a couple of examples will do.

Make sure you are not exaggerating your role in the examples that you relate. This is often done by applicants to get their foot in the door for an interview, but does not make a good impression on the interviewer when they find out that what you referred to as ‘developed a new procedure’ was actually ‘worked on a team that recommended a new procedure.’ Always be specific and accurate about what your role was.

You may feel like this, but don’t let your cover letter be all about you.

2.   It’s all about YOU. Do you see one instance of ‘this is what I can do for you’ in this example of a typical cover letter? No, because it’s information that candidates leave out of cover letters 90% of the time. While you’re using your cover letter to sell yourself, you need to sell yourself  into this new organization . So it’s not as  important to say what you have done, but how you can relate that work to what the needs of the new position are.

Most employers see ‘fit’ as a big piece of what they are looking for in candidates. If you’re only telling how you fit into a previous organization, it’s hard to recognize how you might fit into the new organization – which may be a completely different situation.

3.   There’s no enthusiasm.   Nowhere in the example of the typical cover letter do you see the candidate express enthusiasm for the open position. The letter makes the job applicant sound boring and bored with the job search process. Show sincere enthusiasm for the job, the company, and the opportunity. If you can’t muster enthusiasm for those three things in your cover letter, maybe you shouldn’t be applying.

A Great Cover Letter is Harder (But Not Impossible) to Write

Why is it harder to write?

Because you need to put some serious thought into it. You won’t get far sending out generic cover letters. You need to think about whether or not the job description of any position you are applying for is really applicable to your skills, education and experience. In addition, is this a company you really want to work for? Is the position a lateral move or a step up (or back)–and how can you justify the move in a cover letter or interview?

You need to do some research.  Recruiters who read your cover letter are looking for evidence of research. Depending on what kind of change you’re making, you may need to research the industry, company, department, and position . This doesn’t mean looking at the homepage of a company’s website. Make yourself familiar with the company’s products and services, what their place is within the industry, and what they’ve been in the news for recently. Utilize LinkedIn company pages and other online resources to help .

You need to use your network. Reach out to some connections that can help you get a feel for the culture of the organization, and insight into the open position.

LinkedIn is a great place to make these connections. Hopefully you have been building your connections on LinkedIn so that you have at least a second degree connection at the target company, and someone who can introduce you. If you do, request a 5-minute phone conversation where you can ask some targeted questions, questions that you can’t easily find the answer to on the company website or through a quick Google search. This will make a good impression on the person inside the company, and hopefully give you some insight into what to expect in an interview. The conversation may also let you know whether or not the position you want to apply for is truly a good fit for you.

Whenever you write a cover letter, be human, be likeable, tell a story, and do your homework. Show the employer the letter was not written by a robot and you will be head and shoulders above 90% of your peer candidates!

For further reading on what makes a great cover letter, see here  and here .

Have some tips to share on writing a great cover letter or an example of one you wrote that helped get you an interview? Please share in the comments!

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How to Mention Relocation in a Cover Letter

• Should You List Your Address?
• How to Mention Relocation
• Option 1: Mention It at the Beginning
• Option 2: Mention It at the End

Review a Sample Letter Mentioning Relocation

When you’re planning on relocating to a new area and you need to find a job in a different city , it’s important to be careful how you handle all that information in your cover letter. Hiring managers often look for people in the immediate vicinity, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity just because you currently live outside of their area . Read on to learn how to mention relocation when you write a cover letter.

If you’re applying for a senior position or a job with a shortage of qualified candidates, you have a good chance of being considered for a job even though you currently live in a different location. However, if you’re applying for a low or mid-level position where there may be many qualified applicants who already live in the area, you can risk being screened out if you submit documents with an out-of-town address.

Employers will be more likely to consider someone who is already going to be in the area, so they don't have to deal with the logistics and expense of moving a new hire.

You need to phrase your cover letter correctly, so you can get your application considered by prospective employers, even if you currently live outside of their region. 

First of all, keep the focus on your  qualifications for the job  rather than on where you live. Secondly, make it very clear that you are planning a move to the new location.

Finally – if your budget allows – you can mention that you are more than happy to travel, at  your own cost , to their campus or office for a personal interview and that you also plan to be responsible for your own moving expenses.

Should You List Your Address on Your Resume and Cover Letter?

You will find career counselors who advise omitting your physical address on your resume and cover letter entirely, because this may lessen your chances of consideration and because of potential identity theft. However, many hiring managers will still perceive such an omission as a “red flag,” wondering why you have omitted your address even as they note that the latest job mentioned on your resume is located 1,000 miles away from them. Until omitting physical addresses on professional resumes becomes commonplace, it’s probably best to be upfront and explain your current address and relocation plans.

How to Mention Relocation in Your Cover Letter

You’ll typically benefit the most by addressing the fact that you’re moving upfront. This will make it clear that you’re not applying just as a way to get to the new location. After all, your main rationale for applying for any job should be the nature of the work, followed by the appeal of the organization.

You can either mention the fact that you are moving at the beginning of the cover letter or closer to the end. But either way, a statement that addresses your interest in the job itself should precede any reference to the fact that you're relocating.

Option 1: Mention It at the Beginning of Your Letter

This type of statement can be included early in the first paragraph of a cover letter.

Sample Cover Letter Mentioning Relocation

Maximum Communications 123 Main St. Anytown WA, 12345 555-555-5555 maximum@communications.com

September 1, 2018

Drew Smith 123 Home Dr. Hometown PA 56789

Dear Mr. Adams,

It was with much excitement that I learned of Maximum Communications’ search for an Associate Marketing Coordinator. I am highly interested in consideration for this position since it would enable me to apply my project management skills and also would tap my passion for event planning.

The recent trajectory of growth at Maximum Communications, including your latest addition of Pepsi as a client, further stimulated my interest in applying for this position.

My wife and I are planning to relocate  (or, even better, “are in the process of relocating”)  within the next two months to the Seattle area to be closer to her family, so the timing of this job opening is ideal.

Option 2: Mention It at the End of Your Letter

Perhaps the best way, however, to address relocation is to incorporate a statement in a final paragraph which mentions traveling to the area. This a) allows you to focus on the job and your qualifications themselves at the beginning of the letter; and b) gives you more time to make it clear that the employer wouldn't be responsible for your travel costs, moving costs , or any other expenses.

As mentioned above, organizations usually expect to fund travel and bring in candidates from outside locations to interview for senior and hard-to-fill positions. However, for more entry-level jobs there may be a preference for local candidates. 

Dear Mr. Smith,

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position. I will be traveling to Seattle for a conference  (or to find an apartment or to network with local college alumni)  in two weeks and would be available to meet at that time. However, I would also be glad to travel, at my own expense, for an interview at your convenience. Please know that I also have resources in place that would allow me to relocate and begin work immediately upon hiring. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.

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

Review a Sample Letter Mentioning Relocation (Text Version)

Susan Jones 111 Oak Street Anytown, MA 02222 555-222-3333 susan.jones@email.com

Mr. James Redstone Managing Director GRE Enterprises 222 Market Street San Diego, CA 20165

Dear Mr. Redstone,

I heard with great interest in the open position of Sales Coordinator at GRE Enterprises from my supervisor, James Gray. He suggested I contact you directly, as we had been discussing my next career opportunity and my family’s upcoming move to the San Diego area.  

At ABC, my contributions to the sales team have been well documented. My sales have consistently exceeded my goals by double digits, and my client satisfaction ratings have been maintained at the highest standards. My organizational and communication skills have placed me in a leadership role among the entry-level staff.    

 As you know, ABC is a company similar in size and scope to GRE. As I look toward my next position, I believe the possibility of continuing my career path in sales with your group will be a wonderful opportunity to help make your company even more successful.

I will be traveling to San Diego several times in the next few months and would love to meet you at your convenience to discuss how I can contribute to your sales team.

Thank you for your consideration.

Susan Jones (signature hard copy letter)

Susan Jones

If you are sending an email cover letter , list your contact information in your signature after your name.