How to Write a Resume Cover Page

Follow these eight steps to write a resume cover page that convinces hiring managers to read your resume and then call you in for an interview:

1. Make your name stand out

Write your name in a header at the top using big, bold letters to help the hiring manager remember your application.

Place your contact information (phone number, email address) either beside or below your name so they have no trouble contacting you later on.

2. Add the hiring manager’s contact information

Follow business letter etiquette by putting the hiring manager’s name with the company contact information in a left-aligned list under your header.

If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, write the department you’re applying to.

3. Address the hiring manager or company department by name

Use the “Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.][Hiring Manager/Department’s Name],” format for your cover letter salutation. Never write “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” because these greetings are impersonal and make you seem less interested in the job.

4. Craft a catchy opening paragraph

Start your cover letter by expressing passion for your work, describing a relevant skill or achievement, or use a well-crafted sentence to explain how your skills and experience can directly benefit the company.

5. Expand on the details mentioned on your resume

The second and third paragraph of your cover page is where you have a bit more space to expand on the qualifications you highlighted on your resume.

If necessary, use a bulleted list to highlight your most notable professional achievements, skills, or prior responsibilities that directly link to this position.

6. Close with a call to action

Thank the hiring manager for reading your cover page, and request an interview via a short closing paragraph that formally ends your cover letter.

Additionally, mention when you’re available and remind the hiring manager that your contact details are listed at the top of the page.

7. Sign off politely

No need to get too creative here. Close your cover page with a customary sign-off like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”.

8. Put your name at the end

Place your typed or handwritten name at the bottom of the page to officially sign your cover letter and finalize your application so you can send it out.

And if you’re unsure whether you’ve got the correct cover letter format by this point, use a creative template that comes pre-formatted (it’s a lot easier).

How to write a cover letter

Dread writing cover letters? Read our guide to learn how to write a great cover letter that convinces hiring managers you’re the ideal person for the job.

Read Our Guide

Cover page examples

We have two resume cover page examples you can download for free.

The first is a cover page for a resume with no experience and the second shows you how to write a a cover page for a resume with a full work experience section:

1. Cover page example without experience

The below cover page example was written to accompany a college student’s resume for an internship:

Download This Free Example

2. Cover page example with experience

This example of a cover page is for an experienced teacher’s resume:

Download This Free Example

Frequently asked questions about resume cover pages

If you still have questions about cover pages, we’ve answered a few here:

What is on a cover page for a resume?

A cover page is a one-page letter that explains why you’re qualified for your target job, and that you’d like to interview for the role. A resume cover page includes 3-4 paragraphs (or 250-400 words) and sometimes uses a bulleted list to highlight achievements not mentioned in your resume.

A cover page should always have:

1. A header with your contact details
2. The date you send the letter
3. The receiver’s name and contact information
4. A greeting
5. 3-4 paragraphs
6. A closing call to action
7. A professional sign-off
8. Your name

What should a cover page look like?

A cover page should look like a business letter. It should be professional, clearly formatted, and no longer than one page, with a focus on why you’re a strong fit for the role.

It should have the same contact information (name, phone number, email address) as your resume.

We recommend using the same colors and template for both so the design is consistent.

What’s the difference between a cover page and a cover letter?

There is no difference. A cover page is another name for cover letter or cover sheet, which serves to introduce you and support your resume with a personalized message.