How to Write a Resume Cover Letter: With a Template
Published:
Last Updated:
Category: Job Search Preparation & Interview Tips
Published:
Last Updated:
Category: Job Search Preparation & Interview Tips
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
When mailing a resume, many people wonder, "Do I need a cover letter (soefujo)?" or "What should I write?" A cover letter is a greeting note attached to your application documents, and it's one of the business manners that gives a polite impression. This article explains, in an easy-to-understand way, the role of a resume cover letter and the basics of how to write it, a template you can use as-is, and the manners for enclosing it.
A cover letter is a document attached when you mail or hand over application documents such as a resume or work history, serving as both a greeting and a content confirmation. It has the role of conveying at a glance "who, from where, sent what, and for what purpose," and it is common to attach it as a business manner. It isn't mandatory, but attaching one gives a polite and considerate impression. Note that for web applications or email submissions, the email body serves as the greeting in place of the cover letter, so a paper cover letter is often unnecessary.
A cover letter is basically composed of the following items, arranged from top to bottom.
Unify the paper size to A4 along with the resume and work history. For how to choose the size, please also refer to our article on resume size.
Here is a template you can use as-is. Replace the ___ parts with your own information.
When enclosing, pay attention to the order and orientation of the documents.
Creating it on a PC is common and recommended, as it's easy to read and to edit. Handwriting is no problem either, but in that case write in neat characters and make sure there are no typos.
For applications by email or form, the email body serves as the greeting, so a paper cover letter is basically unnecessary. It's enough to write your intent to apply and the content of the attached documents concisely in the email body.
They basically refer to the same thing. They are called "soefujo," "soejo," "cover letter," and so on, but the role of a greeting note attached to application documents is common. There's no need to worry about the difference in naming.
A resume cover letter is a greeting note attached to your application documents, and it leads to a polite, considerate impression. Fit the basic items—date, recipient, sender, body, and itemized note—onto one horizontally written A4 sheet, and match the paper size with the documents. When enclosing, place the cover letter on top, put everything together in a clear file, and send it without folding—that's the manner. Using the template as a reference, prepare a document that gives a good impression. For how to write in general, please also see our resume writing guide article.
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