what do you put on a cover page for a resume

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What Is a Resume Cover Page?

Definition & Examples of a Resume Cover Page

How a Resume Cover Page Works

• Resume Cover Page Requirements

Examples of a Resume Cover Page

A resume cover page is a letter sent along with your resume when applying for jobs. It provides additional information on your skills and qualifications to a prospective employer.

Here's why you need a cover page and how to write one.

A resume cover page provides detailed information on why you're qualified for the job you're applying for. Don't think of the letter as a summary of your resume. Well-written cover letters explain why you're interested in this specific position and organization and why you're the best candidate for the job.

• Alternate names : Cover letter, covering letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to land an interview. Specificity is essential. If you write a generic letter and use it for every job application, it will show. It sends a signal that you're not that interested in the position and that you're not attentive to detail.

While it might sound overwhelming and time-consuming to personalize each cover page , the groundwork will be quite helpful if you do get an interview. Your research gives you a sense of the organization and how you can contribute it, and you can use that information to inform your interview.

Your cover page is your first impression with a hiring manager. In addition to making a case for your candidacy, take the time to proofread the letter and/or ask a friend or trusted mentor to review it and provide feedback.

The only time you shouldn't send a cover page is if the job posting specifically says not to.

Requirements for a Resume Cover Page

Before you start writing, spend some time  reviewing the job advertisement . A close examination of the ad will reveal what's important to hiring managers. For instance, if the posting mentions the need for organization and time management skills, mention in your cover letter that you're deadline-driven. If the position calls for leadership competencies, mention teams or projects that you've overseen. 

The format of a resume cover page varies slightly depending on whether you're emailing your resume as an attachment or sending it in the body of an email. Here's the standard format for an attachment. 

Standard Cover Letter Format

Your Contact Information

Name Address City, State, ZIP Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer Contact Information  (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Salutation : Dear Mr./Ms. Name: ( begin here if you are sending the cover page in the body of an email)

First Paragraph Provide information on how you found out about the job and why you're applying. Mention the precise job title. 

Middle Paragraphs This section of the cover letter can be one paragraph or several. Use this space to describe your experience, focusing on how it shows that you're a good match for the position and have the necessary qualifications.

Final Paragraph Wrap up your cover page letter here by thanking readers for their consideration, and providing information on how you will follow up. 

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Typed Signature

Below is a sample resume cover page to help you craft your own.

Sheila Johnson 1234 Dogwood Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914 (123) 456-7890 sheila_johnson@email.com

July 2, 2020

Ms. Alexandra Eliot Hiring Manager ABC Company 3457 Neyland Street Knoxville, TN 37913

Dear Ms. Eliot:

I was very interested to learn that ABC Company is searching for a new Administrative Assistant through your recent posting on Indeed.com. Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in this position.

As a recent graduate from Pellissippi State Community College’s Administrative Professional Technology Program, I can offer you advanced Microsoft Office 365 and QuickBooks accounting software skills. I am well-versed in traditional administrative tasks such as database management, data entry (typing 83 WPM), filing, and appointment scheduling.

You specify in your job posting that you're looking for someone with strong web design and social media management experience. Concurrent with my education at Pellissippi State, I also worked part-time as a Social Media Assistant for the Riverside Creative Agency. In that capacity, I helped create and manage new social media accounts on Facebook and LinkedIn for many local businesses. I’m sure that the skills I gained in social media design, SEO, and AdWords will allow me to contribute substantially to the in-house management of your website and social media presence.

My training, practical experience, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence will ensure that I hit the ground running as your next Administrative Assistant. ABC Company is widely respected as one of Knoxville’s best workplaces, and I would love to launch my career with your organization.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.

Sheila Johnson

Type your name at the close of the email followed by your contact information (email and telephone number). Your email  subject line  should include your name and the role you are seeking.

Key Takeaways

• A resume cover page is a letter sent along with your resume when applying for jobs. 
• It provides detailed information on why you're qualified for the job you're applying for.
• Tailor each cover page to the position. Don't just summarize your resume; provide context and make a case for your candidacy. 
• Use an example to help you craft your own cover page. 

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What Is a Cover Page?

A cover page, also often called a cover letter, is one of the first things a hiring manager reads when reviewing your application. To make a positive first impression, your cover page should be easy to read and include information about why an employer should hire you. Read this article to learn the basics of cover pages, what details and information should be included and how to format a cover page.

What is a cover page?

A cover page is a one-page letter you send to employers in addition to your resume and any other application materials they ask for. You can describe your skills, experience, education and achievements that make you a good fit for the role. Be sure to include the reason why you applied for the position. A cover page can serve as a way to explain your interest in the role since a resume has limited space. Consider submitting a personalized cover page with each application you send.

What to include in a cover page

Here are the main items you should include in a cover page: 

At the top of your cover page, add a formal business header.

Example of a business header:

• Your name, address, phone number and email address
• The recipient’s name, company and address

If you’re unsure of the name of the person you need to send your cover page to, you can use the company name instead.

After your header, add a salutation that addresses the recipient. A professional salutation will have the recipient’s title and last name. For example, ‘Dear Mr. Wise.’ Reread the job description to see if there’s a specific person you should address, or you can contact the company. Use ‘Dear Hiring Manager,’ or ‘Dear Hiring Committee’ if you don’t know who to address. 

Details about the job and company

In your first paragraph, explain what job you’re applying for and how you found it. Specify which website you found the job advertisement on so hiring managers know which recruitment efforts are working. 

If someone referred you, include their name so the hiring manager can contact that person for more details about you. Including a name can also get the employer’s attention, making it more likely that they’ll invite you in for an interview. 

Skills and experience

Use your second paragraph to describe why you’re the right person for the job. Go into detail about any certain skills you have that the employer may find useful. If possible, relate your skills to some in the job description. Your cover page is a good place to write about how you use your skills in the workplace, so give specific examples. 

If you have any experience that relates to the job, you can also write about that in the second paragraph. Try to incorporate how you used the skills you mentioned to excel in the role. 

Additional items

If education, certifications or licensure are important for the job, list them in the next paragraph. 

Examples of additional information you might want to include:

• Degree title
• Year awarded
• Awarding body
• License number
• Expiration date

You can also add any achievements or accomplishments, such as winning an award. 

Interest in the role

In the next paragraph, tell the employer why you’re interested in the role. Look at the company’s website and the job description, then pick one or two things that make you excited about the job or business. This shows the employer that you did your research and truly want to work for the company. 

The final paragraph of your cover page should have a call to action for the hiring manager to follow up with you. State that you’re looking forward to learning about the next steps in the interview process, and that they can contact you if they have any questions about your resume and qualifications. You can also thank them for taking the time to read your cover page and resume. 

After that, include a professional closing, like ‘Sincerely,’ ‘Best’ or ‘Regards.’

Name and signature

Add a space after your closing to add your signature. If you’re sending your cover page by email, you can add an electronic signature or leave the space out. Below your signature, print your name. 

Cover page tips

Here are some tips to consider when writing your cover page:

• Keep it short.  Cover pages should be less than a page long. This ensures the employer can read it all the way through instead of scanning it. 
• Only include the necessary details. To keep the hiring manager’s interest, add details that are relevant to the role. Keep it focused so it’s easy to read in a short amount of time. 
• Use keywords if possible.  Look at the job description for any keywords you might be able to add. Skills, responsibilities and qualifications are all good areas to check for words you can incorporate in your cover page. 

By following these tips, you can create a cover page that hiring managers read from beginning to end.

Cover page template

You can use this template to write your own cover page:

[Your name] [Your address] [Your phone number] [Your email]

[Recipient’s name] [Recipient’s company] [Recipient’s address]

Dear [Recipient’s name],

[In the first paragraph, describe the role and how you found it.]

[Use the second paragraph to describe your skills and experience.]

[The third paragraph should explain your interest in the job.]

[End your letter with a call to action.]

[Closing], [Signature] [Your name]

Cover page example

This is an example of a basic cover page:

Michael Chang 43 2nd Ave. Franklin, PA 555-555-5555 [email protected]

February 4, 2020

Leandra Hussein Pennsylvania Glass, Inc.  673 Jacobs Ln.  Franklin, PA

Dear Ms. Hussein,

Thank you for considering me for your open transportation coordinator position. Morgan Lee, an accounting clerk at your company, informed me of the role on Monday, and I was excited to apply. 

In my three years as a transportation coordinator, I have developed excellent communication, time-management and organization skills. At my current job as a transportation coordinator with Diaz and Associates, I created a new fleet schedule and matrix that increased the number of local deliveries by four per day. I was also awarded Employee of the Month in November 2019.

After researching your company, I believe I would be a perfect fit for the role. I value teamwork and working hard to help others in achieving a common goal.

I would enjoy the opportunity to speak with you more about the job and your company. I have attached my resume for you to review, and I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Regards, 

Michael Chang

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How to Make a Cover Page

Last Updated: May 31, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Amber Rosenberg, PCC . Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 138,971 times.

Many professional and academic documents will require a cover page, but the information required for a cover page varies depending on the nature of the document. Some cover pages, like those you would send with a resume, are actually letters. Others, like those used for academic essays, are actually title pages. For all cover letters, using a standard font such as Times New Roman, in at least a 12-point size, is recommended.

Formatting a Cover Page For Your Resume

• You should usually use standard 1-inch (2.5-cm) margins, but you can use margins as small as 0.7 inch (1.8 cm) as long as they are the same on all sides.

• If you have a fax number, you should include it below your phone number and above your e-mail address.

• Write out the full name of the month, rather than abbreviating by using a number. For example, rather than write 1/1/2001, you should write January 1, 2001.
• Leave a blank line above and below the date.

• Note that you do not need to include an e-mail address, phone number, or fax number for the company.
• If you do not know the name of a specific contact at the company, skip over that information.

• When you can determine the gender of the receiver, leave out his or her first name and address the receiver as "Mr." or "Ms." For example, "Dear Ms. Smith" or "Dear Mr. Johnson."
• If you do not know the gender of the receiver, skip the title and use his or her full name. For example, "Dear Pat Roberts."
• Leave a blank line before and after you address the receiver.

• If you are a student, state the university you attend and your major.
• Indicate what position you are applying for as well as how or where you heard about the position.
• You can also mention the name of a professional or academic contact you know who has a positive connection to the reader or company.

• List any special projects, awards, or accomplishments that have a clear connection to the skill set requested by the employer.

• You can include your phone number and e-mail address, as well, but it is not entirely necessary since this information is included in your header.

• Always use black ink to sign formal documents.

Making a Cover Page For a Fax

• Include your phone number and your fax number beneath your name and address.
• Leave at least two blank lines below this header and the rest of the document.

• It's a good idea to save your document as a template for future fax use, since the general format will remain the same.
• The most important quality to your fax cover sheet is that it be clear and easy to read.

• Label the date with "DATE," the receiver's name with "TO," your name with "FROM," and your phone number with "PHONE."
• In the United States, the date will be written in "Month, Day, Year," while in most other countries, it will be written "Day, Month, Year."

• Label the time with "TIME," the receiver's fax number with "FAX," your fax number with "FAX," and your e-mail address with "EMAIL."
• Note that the receiver's name and fax number should be placed on the same horizontal line. Likewise, your name and fax number should be placed on a shared horizontal line of their own.

• Note that this line does not need to be in all capital letters.

• If you had previous contact with the receiver concerning this fax, state that information.
• Introduce your message with the label "MESSAGE:"
• Below your message, ask the receiver to verify the receipt of the document by calling the phone number provided or using the e-mail address provided.

• Specific privacy guidelines for transmission of protected confidential information may vary. If you work for a health provider, you may need to follow additional guidelines to protect the privacy of your client.

Formatting a Cover Page For Your Manuscript

• Use your real name. If you are submitting the manuscript under a pen name, you can follow your real name with your pen name. Introduce a pen name with "A.K.A." or "(Pen name: John Doe)."
• If you're submitting your work to a context that will be judged anonymously, you'll include your contact information on the cover page, while omitting your name and contact information from the title page.

• You do not need to use an exact word count. For instance, if your manuscript is 63,472 words, round it off to 63,000 or 63,500.
• Introduce the word count with "Approximately ______ words."

• Typing the title in all capital letters is a fairly common practice, but it is not necessary.
• It's not necessary to underline, italicize, or bold the title.

• You don't have to include any indication of copyright protection, as your work is automatically protected.
• Never bind or connect the pages of your manuscript in any way. Your cover letter, like the other pages of your manuscript, should be unbound and placed in an envelope or box.

Using APA Style For Your Cover Page

• Introduce the running head with the words "Running head." Follow this label with a colon.
• The running head itself should be in all capital letters.
• The running head should be no longer than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.

• The page number and running head should be evenly aligned horizontally.

• Capitalize the first letter of all major words but not for minor words. For example: How to Make a Cover Page
• Do not italicize, bold, or underline the title.

• For example, if you are submitting the paper for a class taken at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, you should include this in the line beneath the author's name (i.e. your name, and the names of your co-authors.)
• Check with your professor for any additional guidelines.

Using MLA Style For Your Cover Page

• Be aware that cover pages are not standard in MLA format, but some professors do request them.

• Do not bold, italicize, or underline either the title or the subtitle.

• Your name should be written using the same font and size as the other words on your title page.
• Don't try to use a cute or clever font for any part of your cover page, as professors don't care for this.

• Introduce your instructor as "Dr." when appropriate. If you cannot use this title to address your instructor, at least introduce him or her as "Professor." For example, "Dr. John Doe" or "Professor John Doe."
• Include both the course name and number.

Using Chicago Style For Your Cover Page

• In Chicago style, cover page and title page refer to the same thing.
• Your professor may have other requirements. Make sure you use the preferred formatting for your course.

• Capitalize the first letter of each major word in your title, but not those belonging to minor words. For example: How to Make a Cover Page
• Alternatively, some style guides suggest that the title be presented in ALL CAPS.
• Do not underline, italicize, or bold the title.
• If you have a subtitle, place a colon following your title and write the subtitle on the following line.

• Your name should be typed about three quarters of the way down the page.
• Use the same font and size that you've used throughout the cover page.

• Include both the name and course number of the subject.
• Write your professor's full name and title. Use "Dr." only when appropriate. For example: "Dr. John Doe" or "Professor John Doe."

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/resumes-cover-letters/resume-formatting-tips/
• ↑ Amber Rosenberg, PCC. Pacific Life Coach. Expert Interview. 8 March 2022.
• ↑ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/549/01/
• ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-edit-fax-cover-page#1TC=windows-7
• ↑ https://winningwriters.com/resources/manuscript-tips
• ↑ http://academictips.org/mla-format/mla-format-cover-page/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/02/

About This Article

To make a cover page using MLA format, start by setting your margins to 1 inch on all sides and keeping the alignment centered. Next, choose 12 point Times New Roman for your font and place your title roughly one-third of the way down, capitalizing the first letter of every major word in your title. Then, skip several lines below the title and write your full name, as well as any other collaborators. Finally, list the name of your instructor, the name of the class, and the date, making sure to separate each element with a double-spaced line. To learn more, like how to make a cover page using APA or Chicago Style, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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