individual support worker cover letter

Support Worker cover letter examples

Are you looking for your next role as a support worker?

Then you need a strong cover letter that’s going to secure you an interview.

But we understand that you’re always on hand to support others, so now it’s our turn to support you.

Let us help you find your dream job by creating a standout application. Check out our top tips and support worker cover letter examples below for guidance.

CV templates 

Support Worker cover letter example 1

Support Worker cover letter example 2

Support Worker cover letter example 3

The Support Worker cover letter examples above should give you a good idea of the type of content you need to include in your own cover letter, and how it should be structured.

But if you’re really looking to wow recruiters and get your CV in front of the very best employers, then check out our guidance on how to write your own effective cover letter below.

How to write a Support Worker cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Support Worker cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of Support Worker with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Support Worker cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Support Worker cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Support Worker cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Support Worker cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well.

I am thrilled to apply for the Support Worker position at Cedar Residential Home. As a recent school leaver with a passion for supporting the elderly, I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to providing exceptional care and companionship to residents in assisted living.

During my regular volunteer work at the local community centre, I work with groups of up to 20 elderly citizens, engaging them in art and music activities and fostering a warm and supportive environment. I introduced a community buddy up scheme with teenagers from the town which lead to a 20% increase in participant satisfaction surveys. Additionally, in my work experience placement at St Thomas’ Residential Home, I demonstrated my commitment to personalised care by assisting 15 seniors with dressing and grooming each day.

I am confident that my compassionate nature and excellent communication skills make me an ideal fit for this role, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Jack Simpson

Hi Fabio De Sigley,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Support Worker position at Creighton Children’s Home. With a decade of hands-on experience supported by a Level 4 Diploma in Social Work, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the children under your care.

As a qualified Support Worker with a compassionate approach, I have worked with children between the ages of 3 and 19 within children’s homes and outpatient support. My expertise in implementing personalised care plans has led to a significant improvement in the well-being of numerous children.

For instance, in my previous role at Park Children’s Home, I facilitated therapeutic art activities that resulted in a 25% enhancement in social interactions among children. I have also held roles as a Mentor and Child Advocate, enabling me to advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable children effectively. During my role at Mind Charity, I witnessed a remarkable 38% overall development improvement in the children I supported.

Thank you for your consideration and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Carey Jackson

Hi Barbara,

I am eager to apply for the Lead Support Worker position at Priory House, catering to adults with physical disabilities.

As a Senior Support Worker with Companion UK, I have successfully motivated and supervised teams of up to 15 members of staff, delivered exceptional care, 1-2-1 personal support, and engaged clients with developmental and physical disabilities in numerous activities. By encouraging choice and participation, I have witnessed a significant enhancement in residents’ well-being, with a commendable 30% increase in overall satisfaction in the four years I have worked there. With a level of professional development and registration, including Level 4 NVQ in People Management, my experience in a diverse care setting enables me to empower individuals to reach their full potential. I am committed to flexibility and am willing to participate in the on-call rota, ensuring uninterrupted care for residents. With a full, clean driving license, I can readily travel, and cover work allocated on the roster.

I am eager to discuss how my qualifications and experience align with Priory House’s values. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Support Worker job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Cover letter examples

Support Worker

In this example, Samantha selected a matching cover letter template that showcases her proven track record as a Support Worker in the UK. This cover letter follows a modern style and clean design, matching her CV.

"Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to providing comprehensive support to children, young adults, and adults. My hands-on experience encompasses delivering clinical, physical, and emotional assistance to individuals, ensuring their comfort and fostering a positive environment for their growth and development."

Table of contents

How to Write a Support Worker Cover Letter

Landing a support worker position requires more than just a good CV ; it demands a well-crafted cover letter that effectively communicates your passion, qualifications, and dedication to making a positive impact on others' lives. As a support worker, empathy and interpersonal skills are paramount; your cover letter serves as the initial gateway to showcase your suitability for the role. 

This article offers insights, tips, and practical advice on how to write a cover letter for a support worker role. Let's delve into the essential elements that will set your cover letter apart and increase your chances of landing more interviews!

Customise this support worker cover letter example

Support worker cover letter example.

In this example, Samantha selected a matching cover letter template that showcases her proven track record as a support worker in the UK. This cover letter follows a modern style and clean design, matching her Support Worker CV .

For a similar example, refer to our care assistant cover letter.

What to include in a support worker cover letter?

A good cover letter should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific role you're applying for, whether it is a mental health support worker, disability support worker, general care assistant, or even an internship . Your cover letter should showcase key skills and achievements relevant to the job. For example, generic soft skills for a support worker include but are not limited to empathy, compassion, patience, and listening skills.

Research the company culture before crafting your cover letter and add the skills accordingly, giving yourself an advantage over other candidates.

The structure of a good support worker cover letter is straightforward. Ensure you incorporate the following must-have sections below:

Learn more about different sections in our writing guide on how to structure your cover letter .

How to start a cover letter for a support worker job

Begin your cover letter with a captivating introduction, conveying your excitement for the position and showcasing your qualifications. Ultimately, create a persuasive argument for your ideal fit that grabs the recruiter's attention, enticing them to delve deeper into your application.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the Support Worker position at Compassionate Care. As a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in providing care and support, coupled with my commitment to fostering a positive environment, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

For more information, refer to how to start a cover letter.

How to write the body of a support worker cover letter 

In the main body of your cover letter, delve into the specifics of your qualifications and experiences, demonstrating how they align with the employer's requirements. Once you have mentioned relevant skills, go even further with this by illustrating your skills with concrete examples. Whether you have 10 years of experience or no experience, it’s important to highlight relevant achievements, be it big or small, articulating how your unique expertise can contribute to the support team. 

Organise this section cohesively for a smooth narrative, addressing job requirements while emphasising your career goals and potential impact on the organisation.

Through my professional journey, I've recognised the importance of clear communication and adaptability, enabling me to navigate complex challenges with precision and flexibility. This collaborative approach has not only resulted in successful outcomes but has also cultivated positive relationships within the teams I've been a part of. Over the course of my career, I have refined my skills in support work through hands-on experiences spanning 5+ years. An outstanding achievement involves leading a team in designing and implementing a client-centric support system for a prominent healthcare facility. This initiative significantly improved patient satisfaction scores by 20% and streamlined support processes, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

How to end a support worker cover letter 

Concluding your cover letter with a compelling and positive closure is essential to making a memorable impact. A similar theme throughout is to keep it clear and concise, where you can express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Furthermore, it should convey your eagerness to engage in a more detailed discussion about how your skills align with the organisation's mission during an interview. 

Wrap up proactively by inviting further communication and reinforcing your confidence in making a meaningful contribution to the support team.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my support worker skills and dedication to enhance the impact of Better Care Support Services. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in depth how my experiences align with the goals of your support team. Enclosed, you will find my CV for your convenience, and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team's success. Sincerely, Katie Davies

How to write a cover letter for a support worker with no experience

To write a cover letter for someone who is just starting out their career or even changing careers , emphasise your relevant academic background, courses , skills, or any applicable hands-on work experiences that underscore your potential.

Start with a concise introduction expressing your keen interest in the support worker role and your eagerness to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context. 

Illustrate how your academic accomplishments and extracurricular involvements have endowed you with the essential skills for the position, laying the groundwork for a compelling discussion in the body of your cover letter.

I am reaching out to express my enthusiasm for the support worker position at Harmony Care Services. Despite lacking direct experience in the field, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at the University of London, eager to translate my academic insights into meaningful support for individuals in need. My coursework, particularly in counselling methodologies, human development, and community outreach, has equipped me with a solid foundation. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my passion for assisting others to the impactful work at Harmony Care Services. I am confident that my academic background and dedication make me a promising candidate for this support worker role.

Key takeaways 

Crafting a compelling support worker cover letter is essential for making a distinctive impression in your job applications. By incorporating a personalised introduction, highlighting your distinctive strengths, and expressing genuine interest, it ensures that you capture the attention of hiring managers in a competitive job market.

Next steps?  

Explore a range of customised cover letter templates and CV examples designed to suit your career objectives. If you require support, our CV Writing Service is available to streamline the process for your convenience.

What is a good supporting statement for a support worker?

A good supporting statement for a support worker should highlight your compassion, empathy, and commitment to helping others. It should also emphasise relevant skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

How do I write an application letter for support work?

To write an application letter for support work, start by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Detail your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Discuss your passion for supporting others and explain why you are a suitable candidate. Close the letter by expressing enthusiasm for an interview.

How do you write a cover letter for a disability support worker?

Like any support worker's cover letter, tailor it with relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For a disability support worker, key skills include communication, reliability, emotional intelligence, patience, and understanding of different needs.

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Cover Letter for Support Worker: Free Examples and Tips

In this article, we look at how to write a cover letter for a support worker with free examples and tips.

What should you put in a cover letter if this will be your first job? What’s the best way to sound mature and responsible if you are still quite young? Keep reading to find out our top tips for writing a great support worker cover letter.

We have example cover letters from candidates applying to be a support worker with young people, with the elderly in a retirement community and in a residential care home for people with learning difficulties.

Table of Contents

What is a support worker, what should you include in a cover letter for a support worker job, how to write a cover letter for a support worker with no experience.

• Support Worker cover letter Example 1 – Working with young people

Support Worker cover letter Example 2 – A young candidate with no experience

• Support Worker cover letter Example 3- A focus on residential care

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

More cover letter examples.

A support worker is a person who provides assistance, care, and empowerment to those with various needs and medical conditions.

These needs can include physical and mental health needs, learning and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, and more. Support workers are responsible for helping clients stay healthy and active, assisting them with personal hygiene, and helping them communicate and express themselves.

They may also provide advice and information on accessing other services, help clients with daily activities, and maintain records of their support. Support workers’ salaries vary depending on experience.

These could include:

• Safeguarding skills
• Leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of health and safety compliance
• Training, mentoring or tutoring skills
• First-aid skills

2. Qualifications

A high school or college diploma and qualifications or certification in any of the skills listed in section 1 will help you to get a support worker job.

3. Soft skills

The skills desired in a support worker include patience, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations.

You should have the ability to work independently and the ability to work as part of a team.

Support workers should have compassion, kindness and be motivated to help people. They need enthusiasm for the role and to show that they share the employer’s work values, culture, and style.

4. Experience

Experience can include care assistance experience, or working in paid or volunteer roles with transferable skills such as teamwork and being highly organised.

For example, ‘I have been a Youth Group Volunteer for several years and also a member of the Big Sister Big Brother program and understand the impact that a positive adult role model can have on youngsters’.

5. Examples of Skills

When writing a cover letter for a support worker role, you need to demonstrate a variety of skills. To stand out from other applicants you should also highlight your education and any relevant experience.

Show how your experience and education make you a great fit for the job and how your skills can help the organization achieve its goals.

For example, ‘I am currently working on my academic coaching skills with a focus on numeracy and literacy and hope that this will be an asset to your home school programme.’

Step 1: Talk about your experience with volunteering, or working in a team at school

Talk about the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the role, such as knowledge of classroom procedures and knowledge of safeguarding.

Mention that you are task-oriented and a hard worker, and have achieved good results to help others through volunteering and teamwork.

Step 2: Clearly define your relevant skills and experience

Talk about any first aid child care or equality and diversity certifications you may have.

It is also important to highlight your transferable skills and qualifications that are relevant to the role.

If you do not have any professional experience, let the employer know how you have shown the personal skills that are necessary for the industry in other ways, such as supporting a sick relative or babysitting experience.

Lastly, when you finish your letter, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and show your passion for the job. Make it clear you want to learn and you will work very hard.

Step 3: Show off your personality and character

Often, experience is less important to a team leader than a positive, can-do attitude.

Where experience is not a requirement, make sure you impress the recruiter by explaining how hard you will work and how you believe that you will be good at the job because you have a caring, supportive nature and you want to work in a job that helps people.

Support Worker cover letter example 1 – Working with young people

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the position of Support Worker at the Trensham Young People’s Facility. As a dedicated and passionate individual, I believe I am an excellent candidate for the role.

I provide excellent care to the individuals I am working with. I have excellent physical fitness and the emotional stability required to be successful working with young people, and I am able to remain calm and focused under pressure. I am a highly motivated individual, capable of working one-to-one and as part of a team. I have been a Youth Group Volunteer for several years and also a member of the Big Sister Big Brother program and understand the impact that a positive adult role model can have on youngsters.

I am confident I can provide excellent care to those in my care and am always willing to act on feedback and continue to learn and improve. I am currently working on my academic coaching skills with a focus on numeracy and literacy and hope that this will be an asset to your home school programme.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in more detail.

[Your Name]

I am writing to apply for the position of Support Worker at Bellevue Retirement Community, and I believe that my experience of volunteering at school and in the community could make me a positive addition to the team. I have always wanted to work with people and I am a quick learner and committed to developing my skillset.

I understand that a support worker must be patient, respectful and compassionate and I look forward to the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues. You will find that I am a highly motivated self-starter who is always the first to volunteer for any task. At school, I won a citizenship award for fundraising and I take pride in surpassing any targets I am set in order to help the team.

I would welcome the opportunity to interview and learn more about the role. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Support Worker cover letter example 3- A focus on residential care

Dear (Hiring manager),

I am writing to apply for the post of Support Worker at Crane House. I am an empathetic and committed support worker with three years of experience working in residential care homes with people with learning disabilities. I believe strongly that all residents should have the opportunity to be part of a strong community and contribute to wider society and I do everything I can to support and encourage the residents in my care to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

In my current role as Support Worker, I supervise meal times and the communal housework rota as well as organising monthly excursions. This involves coordinating staff and volunteers and making sure that everyone has accurate information and can contact me at all times during the trip for support. My favourite destinations include the local safari park and the Art Attack project.

I am confident that my experience and positive attitude make me a strong candidate for the Support Worker position. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the opportunity to meet your team.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version

What should a cover letter for a support worker include?

A cover letter for a support worker should include an introduction that outlines your reasons for applying for the role, as well as your qualifications and relevant experiences.

What qualifications should a support worker have?

A support worker should have a high school diploma or equivalent. In some cases, a college degree may also be required.

Mention any other qualifications such as First Aid training certificates or exam passes in languages other than English.

How do I write a cover letter for a support worker job advert?

• Start off with an introduction that outlines your reasons for applying for the role and why you are the best candidate for the job.
• Read through the job advert and identify the requirements outlined and how you will meet them. Explain how your experience and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for the role.
• Mention why you are passionate about being a support worker. Demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities of the role.
• Highlight your communication skills and how you can build relationships with people. Explain how you are able to effectively listen and empathize with individuals who require support.
• Summarize your past experiences, qualifications and education that make you a suitable candidate for the role. Showcase how your skills and experience will help you succeed as a support worker.

What personal qualities should a support worker demonstrate?

Personal qualities, including patience, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations, will impress the hiring manager.

Also, the ability to work independently or as part of a team and a friendly and empathetic personality is a plus.

What else should I consider when sending a cover letter for a support worker?

When sending a cover letter for a support worker, it is important to consider the following:

• Include a sentence or two about your work philosophy.
• Explain why you want this job.
• Focus on skills that you can show a record of excellence in.
• Match the format and design of your cover letter to the format and design of your resume.
• Use your unique voice in your writing.
• Keep it free of grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Use keywords or phrases that match the job listing.
• Offer insight into why working as a support worker is the right career step for you.
• Show your personal interest in the role.
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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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How to Write a Letter Of Support (With Examples)

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Summary. To write a letter of support , introduce yourself and then respectfully explain why the individual or organization you’re writing about deserves the reader’s backing. This letter can help students get scholarships, nonprofits get funding, and governments get reelected.

Letters of support are important considerations to make when applying for a job , for acceptance to a university, or for an organization looking for funding to support a goal.

The objective of these letters is relatively the same: to convince the person who reads them to take a specific action.

Being able to write a successful supporting letter is a great skill to have. In this article, we will go over how to write one, give an example, and give you tips to write the best support letter.

Key Takeaways

A letter of support can boost a student’s, organization’s, or government’s credibility.

Introduce yourself and then write your main points about why you support the individual or organization.

Be persuasive, but brief and respectful in your support letter.

What Is a Letter of Support?

How to write a letter of support, professional letter of support example, tips for writing an effective letter of support, support letter faq.

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A letter of support is a document used to bolster your credibility through a third-party testimonial. Letters of support are essential to students, businesses, and governments. For each, letters of support are used for different reasons.

For example, an organization or business might be looking for funding. A government may be applying for a grant to achieve a specific goal in a set amount of time. A student may be looking for their acceptance to a school, and a letter of support could help give them the additional credibility needed.

Letters of support can make or break an individual’s chances of getting what they want. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your letters are both effective and persuasive .

Make sure you know what your specific goal is so that you can best instruct the narrative, whether you are writing one or requesting one.

Although it may seem simple and straightforward to write a letter of support, there are a few details to be aware of before you dive in. Remember, writing a persuasive letter is the best chance you have of getting financial support for the goal you’re trying to achieve.

The header. Start the letter of support by including a heading on the top-left side of the letter. Here you can include the writer ’s name, institution, and the date of writing.

Salutation. Put the correct salutation in your letter, and be sure you are addressing the recipient correctly. Research to find out if they go by Dr., Mrs., Mr., or Ms., and address them with, “Dear.”

The introduction. The first thing you’ll want to do is introduce yourself . Who are you, and why should the reader care?

Next, be sure you clearly state your intent in the first few sentences and highlight your relationship with the applicant or the importance of your cause.

The body. The body of the letter should answer the question, “Why?” Whether it is what a student was like in class or why funding is necessary for a new initiative, it should clearly and articulately answer the “why” for the reader.

The conclusion. The ending of your letter of support should summarize your key points and restate the value of their support while offering any final details that could sway your reader.

As a best practice, a letter of support should be no longer than two pages in length, except for specific circumstances. Be sure to either ask for or provide any additional details or requirements that must be in the letter before the writer begins their process.

Letters of support can make a massive difference for applying students or certain causes, so it’s important to make sure you’re articulating your key points effectively. Use the template above as a starting point, but make an effort to personalize the letter as much as you can.

When requested and submitted, letters of support can be extremely influential in determining an acceptance or whether your project is worthy of funding.

Consider three parts – your opening, which identifies the project and who you are supporting, a middle that indicates the relationship between the writer and the funding effort, as well as closing remarks .

Lastly, remember to ensure all letters of support are addressed to the same person at the same address and that all terminology such as project or company names is being used correctly.

Letter of Support Sample Teresa Morris Lego Company 1275 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Dear Mrs. Morris, I am pleased to be writing a letter of support for my colleague Alyssa Bauble’s proposal for the development of the Boys Girls Club of America to the Lego Company to fund the Choice Program to encourage secondary schooling for low-income children. We strongly support this grant application and the focus on encouraging our city’s children by increasing access to affordable or free schooling options. As an organization whose mission is to better the lives of the youth across America through creativity and play, we know your true passion is fostering the brilliant minds of tomorrow. We’ve long admired your initiatives across your organization to fund projects that have greatly benefited the children of our country. Through this letter, we acknowledge the specific roles and responsibilities we will fulfill in this partnership. In the event you agree to the funding, we would expect our role in this project to include: Forming a true partnership to grant access for low-income youth to apply for scholarships or receive grants to attend secondary schooling. Gathering input from the children on ways to improve in the future. Study this roll-out as a national benchmark to model other programs with the potential to spread across the country. Creative and innovative ideas on how best to encourage membership. The Boys Girls Club of America will take responsibility to lead the Choice Program’s overall goals and strategy, as well as the day-to-day operations. We look forward to working with you in educating the youth of our communities. Sincerely, Lara Michigan Senior Director, Club Activities Boys Girls Club of America

Because this letter is so important, there are a few details you’ll want to take into consideration when you ask someone to write one or write one yourself:

Keep it short. When crafting your letter of support , ensure you are as concise as possible. Use short phrases when you can and direct language that gets to the point quickly.

Use proper formatting. An important letter requires attention to detail. Remember, first impressions are everything. Be sure that you format your letter, so it’s as visually appealing and easy to read as possible.

Proofread. Since first impressions are everything , make sure you proofread your letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. If your letter is dotted with mistakes, it will tarnish the letter’s credibility and be a turn-off for your reader.

Be persuasive, but not pushy. Because this is a persuasive letter, you’ll want to make sure that comes through in the tone of your letter. Be sure to stay away from pushy or rough language.

Try not to stress fundraising. Making fundraising the focal point of your letter could be a detriment to your cause. Instead of focusing on the money, keep your primary focus on the support you need for the proposed projects, such as education support.

Give them an out. As with any letter of request , it’s essential to ensure your reader has a way out, should they choose not to participate.

What is in a letter of support?

A letter of support contains an introduction of the writer and several persuasive main points. Whether it’s talking about how great the student was in class or how effective a nonprofit is, a support letter is trying to get the writer and the reader on the same page as far as the credibility of the letter’s subject.

Why is a letter of support required?

A letter of support is required to back up your claims about your credibility on an application. Students, businesses, nonprofits, and governments can benefit from letters of support when they’re applying for universities, scholarships, grants, or other programs.

Some applications may even require a support letter.

Who should write a letter of support?

Qualified people who have interacted with and are in support of the individual or organization they’re writing about should write a letter of support. Often organizations and individuals will ask you to write a letter of support, or you can offer them one for them to use if they want to.

Tufts Office of the Vice Provost for Research – How to Write an Effective Letter of Support

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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