name drop in cover letter

How To Name Drop In Your Cover Letter (With 5 Templates)

Picture this: you're applying for a job at a prestigious company, and you realize that you have a mutual connection with the hiring manager. You wonder, "Should I mention this connection in my cover letter? Will it help or hurt my chances of landing an interview?" Name-dropping, or mentioning someone's name to leverage their credibility or connections, can be a risky move in your job search. However, when done correctly, it can also be advantageous in a competitive job market. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of name-dropping in a cover letter and provide you with useful tips and real-life examples to help you make an informed decision.

The Purpose of Name-Dropping in a Cover Letter

Name-dropping in a cover letter can serve several purposes when done correctly:

Demonstrating a personal connection : Mentioning someone who can vouch for your skills and character can help establish trust with the hiring manager. According to a ResumeLab survey , 83% of recruiters believe cover letters are still very important when making a hiring decision. A personal connection can add weight to your application and show that someone is willing to put their reputation on the line for you.

Providing a reference : A well-known contact within the company can serve as a reference for the hiring manager, giving them an additional resource to verify your qualifications and experience.

Grabbing attention : Name-dropping can make your cover letter stand out and grab the hiring manager's attention, potentially increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Increasing chances of being considered : The ultimate goal of a cover letter is to land a job interview. Name-dropping can potentially increase the chances of being considered for the position, especially if the person you mention has a strong reputation within the company.

However, it's essential to remember that name-dropping should not be the sole focus of your cover letter. Instead, it should be an additional element that enhances your overall application.

When and How to Name-Drop Effectively

Before you decide to name-drop in your cover letter, consider the following guidelines:

Relevance : Only name-drop if the person you're mentioning is relevant to the position and known to the hiring manager. If the connection is too distant or unrelated to the job, it may not carry much weight.

Relationship : Ensure that the person you're mentioning has a positive relationship with the hiring manager. Name-dropping someone who isn't on good terms with the hiring manager can backfire.

Research : Use resources like LinkedIn or company websites to find potential contacts to mention in your cover letter. Ensure that the person is still with the company and holds a significant position.

Permission : Always ask for permission before using someone's name in your cover letter. This shows respect for their privacy and prevents potential misunderstandings.

Placement : Include the contact's name strategically within your cover letter. Mentioning their name in the opening paragraph can help grab the hiring manager's attention early on.

For example, you might write: "I was excited to learn about the Marketing Manager position at ABC Company from Jane Smith, the Senior Marketing Director. Jane spoke highly of the company's innovative approach to marketing and the supportive team environment, which aligns with my values and experience."

Finding a Contact at the Target Company

To find a suitable contact to mention in your cover letter, consider the following strategies:

Leverage LinkedIn : Use LinkedIn to identify potential contacts within the organization. Look for mutual connections or people who hold significant positions within the company.

Reach out to friends or acquaintances : If you know someone who works at the target company, ask them if they can introduce you to a relevant contact or provide insight into the company culture.

Attend industry events : Participate in industry conferences or networking events to meet potential contacts who might be able to help with your job search.

Select a relevant contact : Ensure that the person you choose to mention is relevant to the position you're applying for and holds a respected position within the company.

Verify their relationship : Research the contact's relationship with the hiring manager and their position within the company to ensure that your name-dropping will have a positive impact.

Asking for Permission to Use Someone's Name

Before you name-drop in your cover letter, it's crucial to ask for permission from the person you plan to mention. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Be professional : Reach out via phone, email, or in-person conversation, and be respectful of the person's time.

Explain your intentions : Share the job description and your reasons for wanting to mention their name in your cover letter.

Show gratitude : Express gratitude for their help and support.

Prepare for rejection : If the person does not grant permission to use their name, respect their decision and avoid mentioning them in your cover letter.

Potential Drawbacks of Name-Dropping

While name-dropping can be beneficial, it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks:

Perceived as unprofessional : If not done correctly, name-dropping can come across as presumptuous or manipulative, leaving a negative impression on the hiring manager.

Risk of mentioning the wrong person : If you mention someone the hiring manager has never heard of or has a poor relationship with, it could hurt your chances of landing an interview.

Overshadowing your qualifications : Relying too heavily on name-dropping can overshadow your qualifications and skills, detracting from the overall strength of your application.

Damaging professional relationships : Name-dropping without permission can damage your professional relationships and harm your reputation.

To mitigate these risks, follow the guidelines provided in this article and focus on showcasing your qualifications and skills in your cover letter.

5 Templates You Can Use In Name Dropping

When incorporating name-dropping into your cover letter, it can be helpful to have some templates as a starting point. These templates provide you with a solid foundation to structure your introduction and showcase your connection or recommendation. While personalization is crucial, these templates offer a versatile framework that can be adapted to various scenarios. Let's explore a few examples of name-dropping templates that you can use to effectively highlight your connections and increase your chances of making a positive impression on hiring managers.

Template 1: Mutual Connection

Template 2: industry influencer, template 3: alumni connection, template 4: company insider, template 5: industry conference.

Name-dropping in a cover letter can be a valuable tool when used appropriately and in conjunction with a strong overall application. By considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, following the guidelines for effective name-dropping, and using real-life examples as a guide, you can make an informed decision about whether to incorporate name-dropping into your cover letter. As you navigate your job search, remember that your qualifications and skills are the foundation of your application, and any additional strategies, such as name-dropping, should be used to enhance your chances of success. Good luck!

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter

In This Guide:

What is name-dropping in a cover letter, should you name-drop in a cover letter, how to name-drop in a cover letter, template for name-dropping in a cover letter.

Quick Answer: Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact with the hiring manager, and using it as a referral for your job application. It shows someone else is willing to vouch for you. Find someone you know at the company you are applying for, determine their reach, and ask for their permission before opening your cover letter with their name.

A great way to get ahead of the competition in the job searching process is to have the opportunity to name-drop.

That can be done using a contact you have in the company you have targeted, or someone who has worked in the company until recently and has parted on good terms.

It goes without saying that you can’t just name-drop without the person’s permission, as that works as a referral .

So how to do that right and get the best out of name-dropping on your cover letter?

In this article, we are going to find out by answering the following questions:

And we are going to leave you off with a template for you to use when name-dropping in your own cover letter .

If you feel you are not getting your cover letter just right, check out our cover letter builder and get it done in no time .

But if you are ready to learn how to name-drop on your cover letter, stick around.

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First things first, we need to understand what name-dropping actually is.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is the process of mentioning a mutual contact you share with the hiring manager, and you are using it as a referral for your job application.

This shared connection can be a friend, networking acquaintance, or anyone else you know.

When name-dropping is done right, it can be a great asset for you, as it emphasizes your experience , and ability to work effectively with others in the past.

Name-dropping in your cover letter is generally a great idea, as it shows that someone else is willing to put their reputation on the line to vouch for you.

Hiring managers often rely on referral recommendations, as they come from within the company they work at, and come from trusted employees.

So, as long as you have your referral’s approval, you should absolutely take the opportunity and name-drop in your cover letter.

Name-dropping in a cover letter can be fairly simple, as long as you know what you are doing.

Follow the below steps, and you will master it in no time.

Find someone you know at the company you are applying for

Whether you have stumbled upon a job ad or are specifically interested in the company, the first step is to find someone you know who works at the same company.

If no name comes to mind at first, don’t worry, there are some things you can do.

The first place you would want to look is LinkedIn , where you can go through employees at any company, as long as they have listed to be working there in their profile.

If that fails, you can try taking a look at your friends list on Facebook, and whether any of them work at your desired company.

If all that fails, you can always try the company’s website, or single Google the company’s name and some of your friends’ names.

Determine their reach

If you have found a contact in your desired company, you are one step closer to the opportunity to name-drop.

Take the chance to ask them about the company, and all the processes inside, so that you can get a better understanding of the company.

But more importantly, you need to find out what terms are they with the hiring managers.

A referral by someone who the hiring manager does not trust, can’t do you any good.

Ask for permission to use their name in your cover letter

If all goes well, you should be able to get to this step, which should be easy, as long as you are on good terms with your contact.

It is essential for you to get their permission before you name-drop in your cover letter.

It is not only polite, but it also helps them prepare in case the hiring manager contacts them with some additional questions about you.

Drop their name into your cover letter opening

Placement of your name-dropping in your cover letter is of great importance, you would want it as early as possible so that you can catch the hiring manager’s attention.

The best way to go is to include the name of your contact at the very beginning of your letter, where you introduce yourself.

Don’t go into detail, as it would only take up valuable space from your cover letter. The hiring manager would surely get in touch with your contact and find out whatever they need.

If you are sending your cover letter as an attached file in an email, make sure you mention your contact’s name in both your email’s body text and the full-length cover letter you attach. This way you ensure that the referral would be noticed.

Send them a copy of your cover letter before you send it out

Last, but not least, send your contact the cover letter before you send it out.

As they vouch for you, it is nice of you to present them with your application document, so that they would be prepared for any potential questions from the hiring manager.

And now, as promised, we have a template for you to use in your own cover letter:

Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I was approached by [Contact’s Name], who told me about your open [Role Name] position at [Company Name]. I’m writing to submit my application for the position because […]

We are all done, now you know how to name-drop the best possible way in your cover letter.

Let’s do a quick recap of all you need to do to get the best out of your referral:

• Find someone you know in the company you have targeted – you can try searching through LinkedIn, Facebook, the company’s website, or even Google them
• Determine your contact’s reach and how much trust would the hiring manager have in them
• Always ask for permission before you use their name for referral in your cover letter, it is not only polite, but it would also help avoid awkward situations between them and the hiring manager
• Make sure you name-drop in the beginning of your cover letter, as you would want the hiring manager to notice it as soon as possible
• Last but not least, send your contact a copy before you send your cover letter out, and make sure you thank them

Now that you have all the knowledge you need, find a contact in your dream company, and get ready to nail the name-dropping in your cover letter.

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When and How to Name-Drop in Your Cover Letter

All the career pros say "it's not what you know, but who you know." There's no real scientific proof of that concept, but experience tells us they're right. So if you know someone who works for a company you're applying to, don't be afraid to mention their name in your cover letter. Many businesses actually encourage and reward their employees for referring job candidates. If your contact works for your target organization, find out the proper procedures for an employee referral and follow those carefully. Here are some other guidelines to being an effective name-dropper:

• Make sure your contact knows the hiring manager who will be reviewing cover letters and resumes. It's pretty useless to mention someone the hiring manager has never heard of.
• Make sure your contact is on good terms with the hiring manager. If there was some kind of falling out between the two, dropping that name could do more harm than good.
• Double-check that your contact is OK with being named. It's in poor taste to reference someone without letting them know you're doing it. Like your references, anyone you would mention in a cover letter deserves a chance to back out if they're not comfortable with it.
• Pass a copy of your cover letter on to your contact so they know what you're saying about them. In fact, in some cases, you could even ask them to hand-deliver your cover letter and resume to the hiring manager. However, you should also follow the employer's typical procedures (applying online or by email) so they'll have an electronic version that they can forward to others.

To highlight a contact in your cover letter effectively, do it in the opening paragraph. Here's an example:

Jason Alexander, Product Manager at ABC Productions, suggested I get in touch with you regarding the Associate Product Manager opening. In addition to the background information Jason provided, I've had the pleasure of reviewing ABC Productions’ web site and am very enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Or, you could say something like this:

I would like to express my interest in the Associate Product Manager position at ABC Productions. Jason Alexander, one of your Product Managers, has told me great things about the company ...

If you have the right contact within the company who can vouch for your character and work ethic, you could jump a step ahead of your competition. And as always, keep networking. The broader your network of friends, family, colleagues, and online contacts, the better your chance of having a helpful name to drop.

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How to Name Drop In A Cover Letter

Connections make the world go round.

If you want to test this theory, take two minutes and jot down a list of people who've played a role in the journey to your current position. Every mentor, stranger on a plane, or former boss has unique insights, and it's possible that without those insights, you wouldn't have the career you do today.

So, if you find yourself applying for a new opportunity thanks to one of these people, how can you intentionally acknowledge someone as a referral? In other words, how can you name drop in a cover letter to help you stand out? Keep in mind that name-dropping is a form of networking, and "Networking is building and maintaining relationships over time… because you never know when they'll come in handy." So, be your own PR agent - after all, you know yourself best!

Name dropping, in general, has a reputation for being sleazy and uncomfortable. But there are strategies you can use when name-dropping to add a personal touch to your application without sounding like you're relying solely on your connections to get a foot in the door.

Introducing yourself and tactfully mentioning the person who referred you to the role in the opening paragraph can help your application stand out.

Check out the three common situations below in which you may want to name drop in your cover letter and examples for how to do so in each.

If you're being recommended by a colleague:

"Your Senior Manager of Marketing, Lauren Smith, managed me at PowerToFly and recommended I apply for the Content Marketing Associate position at [Company Name]. Under her lead, I was promoted twice and spearheaded... "

DO mention your contact in the first paragraph of your cover letter, what they do at the company, and how you know them.

DO make sure you have the approval of the person you are mentioning

DON'T keep the entire focus of your introduction on your contact ( you should be the focus of your cover letter!) or sound arrogant when mentioning you know them.

If you met the Hiring Manager at an event:

"It was a pleasure meeting you at the PowerToFly event on April 12th in New York, and per your recommendation, I would like to apply to the Senior Software Engineering Role at [Company Name]. In light of our conversation about [Project X], I'm confident that my experience in _______ would allow me to excel in the role."

DO mention what event you attended and where/ when it was held. Hiring managers attend multiple events, be specific.

DO make a connection to your conversation and explain why it led you to apply.

DON'T forget about the job description. Regardless of what your conversation was about at the event, after the introduction, your cover letter should neatly tie your experiences to the job description.

If you've never met, but have been influenced by someone at the company:

After watching the PowerToFly Chat & Learn series on Diversity with Dionna, your Diversity and Inclusion Executive, I felt inspired to apply to your Diversity and Inclusion Associate role. It really resonated with me when Dionna said she "loves helping companies grow to their fullest potential" because for the last five years I've led my team in multiple diversity initiatives…

DO be specific about what content you read/watched and why it made an impact on you.

DO verify that this person still works at the company you're applying to.

DON'T use content that isn't relevant to the role you are applying to. Save this inspiration for your interview.

Ultimately, by name dropping, you are leveraging your communication skills (must have!) and helping the hiring manager connect the dots to who you know at the company.

It can be difficult to praise yourself and convey why these connections matter in just a few words on paper, but a small connection could make a large impact on whether or not you move to the next step of the interview process.

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How to Name-drop in a Cover Letter - Sample & Tips

It's not bad practice to name-drop in a cover letter . In fact, if someone has referred you to the position, or has recommended you for it and asked you to put in an application, name-dropping in a cover letter could be the best thing you do for your application.

• # Should I Name-drop in a Cover Letter
• # How to Name-drop and Tips for Name-dropping
• # Examples of Name-dropping in a Cover Letter
• # How to Name-drop in a PDF Cover Letter

Name-drop in a Cover Letter Template

Should I Name-drop in a Cover Letter

There are pros and cons of name-dropping in a cover letter. Name-dropping gives your potential new employer a reference to go to for your application. When you're name-dropping in a cover letter, the recruiting manager of the company will be able to seek out the person that you mention in your cover letter to ask them about your professional relationship and previous experience.

However, name-dropping correctly takes some tact. You'll need to be able to slip in the name that you're dropping without it being too obvious or drawing too much attention to it. The name-drop should be subtle. This guide will show you how to name-drop in a cover letter without it seeming out-of-place or unprofessional.

How to Name-drop and Tips for Name-dropping

When you're name-dropping in a cover letter, make sure the person whose name you're using has given permission for the name-drop, or has referred you to the job position and pushed you to apply. Similarly, make sure that the recruiting manager knows who your contact at the company is. Name-dropping a random employee won't really get you anywhere, if you're going to name-drop in a cover letter, mention someone of good standing in the company, who you know has a good relationship with the managerial staff. If they're part of the managerial staff, that's even better.

There are a few ways to name-drop in a cover letter, but one of the easiest is during the beginning of the cover letter, when you're introducing yourself and telling the recruiting manager what position you're applying to. Instead of writing "I am interested in applying to the XXXX position...", you could write "On the recommendation of XXXX I am applying to the XXXX role at your company."

The quick example above is the simplest way to name-drop in a cover letter, and because it's at the beginning of the cover letter, the recruiting manager will be able to make a note of the name and move on to the rest of your application before finding out more information from the employee or staff member that you've name-dropped.

Don't fall over yourself trying to make the person whose name you're dropping sound important. If the manager knows who they are, then they will discuss your application with them very briefly. Having an internal contract does help your application, but it won't guarantee that you'll get the job over the other applicants. Name-dropping just means that you'll have another reference, outside of the ones that you've named on your application, to speak for you and attest to your skills and experience.

If you're going to use your contact's name in a more in-depth or complex way, let them see your cover letter before you send it. They have a right to know what you're saying about them before a recruiting manager sees it, and they are completely in control of what they're okay with when it comes to being named in your cover letter as a reference.

Don't rely on name-dropping in a cover letter to secure you a job position. At best, it might get you an interview, but you'll earn the job role on skill, experience, and personality. Employers want someone who will fit the role and the team and aren't looking to hand out positions to anyone they feel isn't right for it just because they know a contact at the company.

Examples of Name-dropping in a Cover Letter

As mentioned above, there are many ways to name-drop in a cover letter. Below are two examples of ways that name-dropping in cover letters can work.

• "Dear Mr. Yates, On the recommendation of Peter Jones, the HR Manager at your company, Blue Fin Inc., I would like to apply for the position of Sales Executive advertised on your website's career page." In this example, you would name-drop at the beginning of your cover letter. It adds a professional tone to the letter, and lets the manager know that you have a good amount of knowledge about the company.
• "In a previous role with Yellow Light International, I worked under Dr. Tiana Reign, who I believe now works within your managerial team. In this position, I headed several projects, and I believe that the skills I gained in leadership and project management would..." In this example, the name-drop would be later on in the cover letter, when talking about job experience, but it's obvious that the applicant knows a current employee at the company and cites that they have worked with them before. Either option is a viable way to name-drop in a cover letter, and will help you when you're figuring out how to name-drop in a cover letter in the best way.

How to Name-drop in a PDF Cover Letter

If you are preparing a PDF cover letter, our professional PDF cover letter templates will be your best choice. After downloading the template in this page, you just need to edit the content with a professional PDF editor: Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor . This PDF software will help you edit and customize the PDF template into your own awesome cover letter.

Step 1. Open the Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2024-04-18 13:58:49

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This question is about how to write a cover letter .

How to name drop in a cover letter

To name drop in a cover letter, it is important to remember a few things:

Don't rely exclusively on name-dropping. A cover letter is meant to be an introduction to you as a candidate, as well as a strong representation of your qualifications, skills, talents, and fitness for the desired position.

While name-dropping may be an asset of value to an employer if they think they can leverage anything from your good connection, remember your cover letter should still focus primarily on yourself.

When you were referred. This is definitely a case where you should name-drop. Listing the person who referred you will immediately bring specific context to your cover letter.

It also might be seen as strange if you don't mention this person since they have spoken about you to the hiring manager.

Keep it concise. Again, remember your cover letter is about you, so you should not go on and on about another relevant person in this context.

This is also recommended because most cover letters shouldn't be very long, and they need to be digestible. Keep most of the cover letter's contents to your specific value to the prospective employer.

Always get permission to name drop. When mentioning someone in your cover letter, you should ask for their permission to do so.

This way, it is not unexpected for the person, and they can be prepared to back you up or sing your praises if they are asked about you.

Don't be arrogant. It's important not to have name-dropping come off as bragging in your cover letter.

You don't want the hiring manager to think you are entitled to the position because of your personal connection in any way.

Stay honest. It might be tempting to embellish your relationship with the connection in your cover letter, but do not do this.

This can have a negative effect on the hiring manager's thoughts about you if they ask the person about you and they contradict one of your statements.

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How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter

Name dropping in a cover letter can be effective when done strategically to enhance your application’s credibility and relevance.

Name dropping, the practice of mentioning a mutual contact or a respected individual in your cover letter, can be a valuable strategy to grab the attention of potential employers. When used strategically, it can enhance your application’s credibility and relevance. Here’s how to effectively name drop in a cover letter:

1. Identify the Right Connection: Before mentioning anyone, ensure that the individual you’re name dropping is relevant to the job or company. Ideal connections include current or former employees, mentors, or individuals respected in your industry.

2. Obtain Permission: If you plan to mention someone as a reference, ask for their permission first. They should be aware of your intentions and be comfortable with their name being associated with your application.

3. Choose the Right Placement: The most effective placement for a name drop is in the opening or closing paragraph of your cover letter. It should flow naturally within the context of your introduction or conclusion.

4. Provide Context: When mentioning the individual’s name, briefly provide context for the connection. Explain how you know them, any collaborations or interactions you’ve had, or why their opinion matters in the context of the job you’re applying for.

5. Showcase Relevance: Emphasize why the connection is relevant to your application. Highlight how their insights, guidance, or endorsement align with the company’s values or the position’s requirements.

6. Keep it Concise: Be concise in your name drop. Avoid lengthy stories or excessive details. The mention should enhance your credibility without overshadowing your qualifications.

7. Tie it to Your Qualifications: Connect the name drop to your qualifications and the value you can bring to the company. Show how the connection reinforces your suitability for the role.

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MyPerfectResume Blog

The art of cover letter name dropping.

Almost any cover letter advice handed off by counselors and career advisors will offer a version of this time tested rule: Rely on your connections. Open your letter with a reference to a mutual colleague, or a moment during a long-ago networking event when you met and shared pleasantries with the person who’s now reading your resume and holding your future in his or her hands. If you know your reader personally or through a mutual friend, say so.

But of course, this is easier said than done. And there are plenty of socially awkward ways to pursue this route that can cause more harm than good. Meanwhile, what should you do if you and your reader don’t share any mutual connections at all? Here are five considerations that can help you navigate the art and science of the cover letter name-drop.

1. If you think you have nothing in common with your reader, think again . Many job seekers, especially at the entry level, assume that they have absolutely no personal connection to the hiring manager reviewing their application. But before you decide to give up on this advantage, take a closer look. If you know the person’s name, do a quick Google search. Look over the person’s profile on LinkedIn. You may not have any personal friends or coworkers in common, but check before you miss an opportunity.

2. Personal connections aren’t always people . Maintain a flexible definition of this term, and tune into overlaps between her life and yours that aren’t necessarily human beings. Did you attend the same alma mater? Did she once work for the company as your sister? Even if you can’t claim that this distant connection makes you buddies, at least it gives you some insight into what she’s like to work for. And sharing this detail might give her some insight into your personality and your potential as a cultural fit.

3. Lay subtle emphasis on any of your former employers , projects, or mentors who have big names in this field that she may recognize.

4. Don’t be oily . Describing a connection in a straightforward way and trying to claim a close “friendship” are two very different things. You won’t be hired just because you and the manager attended the same university, or once spent a few hours at the same conference. So watch out for statements that suggest entitlement or demand. But a casual mention of this overlap can add some warmth to your message.

5. Mention your connections in the beginning of your letter—and then move on . Don’t put off this detail, but don’t confuse connections with credentials. As you list your hard qualifications for this position, leave your shared personal background behind. In cover letters as in life, success lies in details and timing.

A Strong Resume Is Your Greatest Ally 

A few impressive names and personal connections can get your cover letter the extra attention it needs, but remember: Nothing puts your letter—and your candidacy—in the winner’s circle faster than a great resume. Visit MyPerfectResume for formatting tools and resources that can help you make a strong impression

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How to Write a Good Cover Letter for a Research Position

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!

Some people believe cover letters are a science. Others seem to think they are more akin to black magic. Regardless of how you feel about cover letters, they are one of the most important parts of the job application process. Your resume or CV may get you an interview, but a good cover letter is what ensures that the hiring manager reads your resume in the first place.

Writing a cover letter for any job is important, but the art of writing a good cover letter for a research position can make or break your application. While writing a cover letter for a research position, you have to walk a fine line of proving your expertise and passion while limiting jargon and dense language.

In this post, we will explain cover letter writing basics, and then dive into how to write a research specific cover letter with examples of both good and bad practices.

What Is A Cover Letter and Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell a story and connect the dots of your resume. Resumes and curriculum vitae (CVs) are often cold and static—they don’t show any sort of character that will give companies a hint about if you will fit in with their culture. 

Your cover letter gives you the chance to demonstrate that you are an interesting, qualified, and intelligent person. Without proving that you are worth the time to interview, a company or research organization will set your application in the rejection pile without giving it a second look. 

So, what is a cover letter, exactly? It is an explanation (written out in paragraph form) of what you can bring to the company that goes beyond the information in your resume. Cover letters give a company a glimpse into the qualities that will make you the ideal candidate for their opening. 

Note that a cover letter is not the same as a letter of intent. A cover letter is written for a specific job opening. For example, if I got an email saying that the University of Colorado was looking for a tenure track faculty member to teach GEO 1001, and I chose to apply, I would write a cover letter. 

A letter of intent, however, is written regardless of the job opening. It is intended to express an interest in working at a particular company or with a particular group. The goal of a letter of intent is to demonstrate your interest in the company (or whatever type of group you are appealing to) and illustrate that you are willing to work with them in whatever capacity they feel is best. 

For example, if I loved the clothing company, Patagonia and wanted to work there, I could write a letter of intent. They may have an opening for a sales floor associate, but after reading my application and letter of intent, decide I would be better suited to a design position. Or, they may not have any positions open at all, but choose to keep my resume on hand for the next time they do. 

Most organizations want a cover letter, not a letter of intent, so it is important to make sure your cover letter caters to the specifics of the job posting. A cover letter should also demonstrate why you want to work at the company, but it should be primarily focused on why you can do the job better than any of the other applicants.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: The Basics 

Writing a cover letter isn’t hard. Writing a good cover letter, a cover letter that will encourage a hiring manager to look at your application and schedule an interview, is more difficult (but certainly not impossible). Below, we will go over each of the important parts of a cover letter: the salutation, introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as some other best practices.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Salutation

Don’t start with “Dear Sir/Ma’am” (or any iteration of a vague greeting, including “to whom it may concern”). Avoiding vague greetings is the oldest trick in the book, but it still holds a lot of weight. Starting a cover letter with the above phrase is pretty much stamping “I didn’t bother to research this company at all because I am sending out a million generic cover letters” across your application. It doesn’t look good. 

The best practice is to do your research and use your connections to find a name. “Dear Joe McGlinchy” means a lot more than “Dear Hiring Manager.” LinkedIn is a great tool for this—you can look up the company, then look through the employees until you find someone that seems like they hire for the relevant department. 

The most important thing about the salutation is to address a real human. By selecting someone in the company, you’ve demonstrated that you’ve done some research and are actually interested in this company specifically. Generic greetings aren’t eye-catching and don’t do well.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Introduction

Once you’ve addressed your cover letter to a real human being, you need a powerful introduction to prove that this cover letter is worth the time it will take to read. This means that you need a hook. 

Your first sentence needs to be a strong starter, something to encourage the hiring manager not only to continue reading the cover letter, but to look at your application as well. If you have a contact in the company, you should mention them in the first sentence. Something along the lines of “my friend, Amanda Rice (UX/UI manager), suggested I apply for the natural language processing expert position after we worked together on a highly successful independent project.” 

The example above uses a few techniques. The name drop is good, but that only works if you actually have a connection in the company. Beyond that, this example has two strengths. First, it states the name of the position. This is important because hiring managers can be hiring for several different positions at a time, and by immediately clarifying which position you are applying for, you make their job a little bit easier.  Next, this sentence introduces concrete skills that apply to the job. That is a good way to start because it begins leading into the body, where you will go into depth about how exactly your experience and skills make you perfect for the job. 

Another technique for a strong lead-in to a cover letter is to begin with an applicable personal experience or anecdote. This attracts more attention than stereotypical intros (like the example above), but you have to be careful to get to the point quickly. Give yourself one or two sentences to tell the story and prove your point before you dive into your skills and the main body of the cover letter.

A more standard technique for introductions is simply expressing excitement. No matter how you choose to start, you want to demonstrate that you are eager about the position, and there is no easier way to do that than just saying it. This could take the form of “When I saw the description for X job on LinkedIn, I was thrilled: it is the perfect job for my Y skills and Z experience.” This option is simple and to-the-point, which can be refreshing for time-crunched hiring managers. 

Since we’ve provided a few good examples, we will offer a bad example, so you can compare and contrast. Don’t write anything along the line of: “My name is John Doe, and I am writing to express my interest in the open position at your company.” 

There are a few issues here. First, they can probably figure out your name. You don’t need that to be in the first sentence (or any of the sentences—the closing is an obvious enough spot). Next, “the open position” and “your company” are too generic. That sounds like the same cover letter you sent to every single employer in a hundred mile radius. Give the specifics! Finally, try to start with a little more spice. Add in some personality, something to keep the hiring manager reading. If you bore them to death in the first line, they aren’t going to look over your resume and application with the attention they deserve. 

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Body

So, you’ve addressed a real human being, and you’ve snagged their attention with a killer opening line. What next? Well, you have to hold on to that attention by writing an engaging and informative cover letter body. 

The body of a cover letter is the core of the important information you want to transmit. The introduction’s job was to snag the attention of the hiring manager. The body’s job is to sell them on your skills.  There are a few formatting things to be aware of before we start talking about what content belongs in the body of the cover letter. First, keep the company culture and standards in mind when picking a format. For example, if I want to work for a tech startup that is known for its wit and company culture, I can probably get away with using a bulleted list or another informal format. However, if I am applying to a respected research institution, using a standard five paragraph format is best. 

In addition, the cover letter should not be longer than a page. Hiring managers are busy people. They may have hundreds of resumes to read, so they don’t need a three page essay per person. A full page is plenty, and many hiring managers report finding three hundred words or less to be the idea length. Just to put that into context, the text from here to the “How to Write a Good Cover Letter Body” header below is about perfect, length-wise. 

Now, on to the more important part: the content. A cover letter should work in tandem with a resume. If you have a list of job experiences on your resume, don’t list them again in the cover letter. Use the valuable space in the cover letter to give examples about how you have applied your skills and experience. 

For example, if I have worked as a barista, I wouldn’t just say “I have worked as a barista at Generic Cafe.” The hiring manager could learn that from my resume. Instead, I could say “Working as a barista at Generic Cafe taught me to operate under pressure without feeling flustered. Once…” I would go on to recount a short story that illustrated my ability to work well under pressure. It is important that the stories and details you choose to include are directly related to the specific job. Don’t ramble or add anything that isn’t obviously connected. Use the job description as a tool—if it mentions a certain skill a few times, make sure to include it!

If you can match the voice and tone of your cover letter to the voice of the company, that usually earns you extra points. If, in their communications, they use wit, feel free to include it in your letter as well. If they are dry, to the point, and serious, cracking jokes is not the best technique.

A Few Don’ts of Writing a Cover Letter Body   

There are a few simple “don’ts” in cover letter writing. Do not: 

• Bad: I am smart, dedicated, determined, and funny.
• Better: When I was working at Tech Company, I designed and created an entirely new workflow that cut the product delivery time in half. 
• Bad: When I was seven, I really loved the monkeys at the zoo. This demonstrates my fun-loving nature. 
• Better: While working for This Company, I realized I was far more productive if I was light-hearted. I became known as the person to turn to in my unit when my coworkers needed a boost, and as my team adopted my ideology, we exceeded our sales goals by 200%. 
• Bad: I would love this job because it would propel me to the next stage of my career.
• Better: With my decade of industry experience communicating with engineers and clients, I am the right person to manage X team. 
• Bad: I know I’m not the most qualified candidate for this job, but…
• Better: I can apply my years of experience as an X to this position, using my skills in Y and Z to… 
• Bad: I am a thirty year old white woman from Denver…
• Better: I have extensive experience managing diverse international teams, as illustrated by the time I…  

The most important part of the cover letter is the body. Sell your skills by telling stories, but walk the razor’s edge between saying too much and not enough. When in doubt, lean towards not enough—it is better for the hiring manager to call you in for an interview to learn more than to bore them.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Conclusion

 The last lines of a cover letter are extremely important. Until you can meet in-person for an interview, the conclusion of your cover letter will greatly affect the impression the hiring manager has of you. A good technique for concluding your cover letter is to summarize, in a sentence, what value you can bring to the company and why you are perfect for the position. Sum up the most important points from your cover letter in a short, concise manner. 

Write with confidence, but not arrogance. This can be a delicate balance. While some people have gotten away (and sometimes gotten a job) with remarks like, “I’ll be expecting the job offer soon,” most do not. Closing with a courteous statement that showcases your capability and skills is far more effective than arrogance. Try to avoid trite or generic statements in the closing sentence as well. This includes the template, “I am very excited to work for XYZ Company.” Give the hiring manager something to remember and close with what you can offer the company. 

The final step in any cover letter is to edit. Re-read your cover letter. Then, set it aside for a few hours (or days, time permitting) and read it again. Give it to a friend to read. Read it aloud. This may seem excessive, but there is nothing more off-putting than a spelling or grammar error in the first few lines of a cover letter. The hiring manager may power through and ignore it, but it will certainly taint their impression. 

Once the cover letter is as flawless and compelling as it can be, send it out! If you are super stuck on how to get started, working within a template may help. Microsoft Word has many free templates that are aesthetically appealing and can give you a hint to the length and content. A few good online options live here (free options are at the bottom—there is no reason to pay for a resume template).

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research Position

Writing a cover letter for a research position is the same as writing any other cover letter. There are, however, a few considerations and additions that are worth pointing out. A job description may not directly ask for a cover letter, but it is good practice to send one unless they specifically say not to. This means that even if a cover letter isn’t mentioned, you should send one—it is best practice and gives you an opportunity to expand on your skills and research in a valuable way.

Format and Writing Style for a Research Position Cover Letter

Research and academics tend to appreciate formality more than start-ups or tech companies, so using the traditional five paragraph format is typically a good idea. The five paragraph format usually includes an introduction, three short examples of skills, and a concluding paragraph. This isn’t set in stone—if you’d rather write two paragraphs about the skills and experience you bring to the company, that is fine. 

Keep in mind that concise and to-the-point writing is extremely valuable in research. Anyone who has ever written a project proposal under 300 words knows that every term needs to add value. Proving that you are a skilled writer, starting in your cover letter, will earn you a lot of points. This means that cover letters in research and academia, though you may have more to say, should actually be shorter than others. Think of the hiring manager—they are plowing through a massive stack of verbose, technical, and complex cover letters and CVs. It is refreshing to find an easy to read, short cover letter. 

On the “easy to read” point, remember that the hiring manager may not be an expert in your field. Even if they are, you cannot assume that they have the exact same linguistic and educational background as you. For example, if you have dedicated the last five years of your life to studying a certain species of bacteria that lives on Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, all of those technical terms you have learned (and maybe even coined) have no place in your cover letter. Keep jargon to an absolute minimum. Consider using a tool like the Hemingway Editor to identify and eliminate jargon. While you want to reduce jargon, it is still important to prove that you’ve researched their research. Passion about the research topic is one of the most valuable attributes that a new hire can offer. 

Use your cover letter to prove that you have done your homework, know exactly what the institution or group is doing, and want to join them. If you have questions about the research or want to learn more, it isn’t a bad idea to get in touch with one of the researchers. You can often use LinkedIn or the group’s staff site to learn who is working on the project and reach out.

What Research Information Should be Included in a Cover Letter

A research position cover letter is not the place for your academic history, dissertation, or publications. While it may be tempting to go into detail about the amazing research you did for your thesis, that belongs in your CV. Details like this will make your cover letter too long. While these are valuable accomplishments, don’t include them unless there is something  that pertains to the group’s research, and your CV doesn’t cover it in depth. 

If you do choose to write about your research, write about concrete details and skills that aren’t in your CV. For example, if you have spent the last few years working on identifying the effects of a certain gene sequence in bird migration, include information about the lab techniques you used. Also, try to put emphasis on the aspects of your resume and CV that make you stand out from other candidates. It is likely that you will be competing with many similarly qualified candidates, so if you have a unique skill or experience, make sure it doesn’t get lost in the chaos—a cover letter is the perfect place to highlight these sorts of skills. 

Industry experience is a great differentiator. If you have relevant industry experience, make sure to include it in your cover letter because it will almost certainly set you apart. Another valuable differentiator is a deep and established research network. If you have been working on research teams for years and have deep connections with other scientists, don’t be afraid to include this information. This makes you a very valuable acquisition for the company because you come with an extensive network

Include Soft Skills in Your Cover Letter

Scientific skills aren’t the only consideration for hiring managers. Experience working with and leading teams is incredibly valuable in the research industry. Even if the job description doesn’t mention teamwork, add a story or description of a time you worked with (or, even better, lead) a successful team. Soft skills like management, customer service, writing, and clear communication are important in research positions. Highlight these abilities and experiences in your cover letter in addition to the hard skills and research-based information. 

If you are struggling to edit and polish your letter, give it to both someone within your field and someone who is completely unfamiliar with your research (or, at least, the technical side of it). Once both of those people say that the letter makes sense and is compelling, you should feel confident submitting it.

Cover letters are intended to give hiring managers information beyond what your resume and CV are able to display. Write with a natural but appropriately formal voice, do your research on the position, and cater to the job description. A good cover letter can go a long way to getting you an interview, and with these tips, your cover letters will certainly stand out of the pile.

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How to Name Drop Effectively During Interviews?

In 2021, 83 % of recruiters believe cover letters will still be crucial for making hiring decisions, according to a report by ResumeLab. Cover letters aid candidates in emphasizing how well-suited they are to the position and the organization. They offer a brief insight into what a candidate might bring to the table beyond a resume of achievements. So, it is clear that cover letters are crucial. But how can you liven up things in a cutthroat job market? Talking about contacts or recommendations is one method for standing out. However, this requires sensitivity, so be careful when mentioning names. There are efficient ways to carry it out correctly.

Name-dropping is the act of mentioning or making an allusion to significant figures and organizations in dialogue, narrative, song, online persona, or another form of communication. The technique frequently carries a bad reputation that might cause others to roll their eyes in public. But it is also a good thing because it gives hiring managers a little more context and demonstrates your connection to the organization, function, or sector. But use caution when naming drops in your cover letter. It must be a pertinent connection, and if you don’t know how you should name drop effectively then go through this article to know more about name dropping. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Name Dropping During Interviews

If your talents and experience are a match, it can be the difference between getting an interview and receiving an offer. However, name-dropping isn’t always a negative thing, particularly if you’re looking for a new job. But you should take care of the way you use it for name-dropping. Here are few do’s and don’ts for name dropping:

• Keep it Short

Keep in mind that your cover letter should focus on you, the candidate, rather than your relationship. Mention that, then continue. Also when mentioning anyone don’t write it like an essay, keep it short.

• Get Approval 

Make sure to get permission from the people you plan to mention in your application. Of course, if you’re going to talk about a stranger who inspired you, then this won’t apply.   

• Ensure That it is Pertinent

Name-dropping is acceptable only when it is pertinent to the position you are looking for. While mentioning a personal connection unrelated to your job may be acceptable in some situations, you should exercise caution in doing so. Make sure the connection can speak to your abilities in the workplace.

• Be Truthful 

To make yourself look good, it could be tempting to embellish your relationship with a company employee. However, if the hiring manager asks that individual about you and they don’t know anything about you or they dispute one of your assertions, it will probably have the opposite effect. So be honest while mentioning someone.

• Choosing a Name of a Stranger

The worst name-dropping mistake you could make is this one. Even if you’re only exaggerating, it can give the impression that you’re confused or, yes, dishonest. So never use someone’s name if you don’t have any kind of relationship with them. Or if they even don’t know you.

• Not Asking Before Name Dropping

Name-dropping is most frequently planned. In other words, you decide in advance to utilize your contact’s name to get your email read because you notice that they are associated with your ideal firm or professional role model. 

So your move should be to get permission from your connection to use their name. This safeguards you in the unlikely event that there is information you would not have known (for example, if they aren’t familiar with the target or have severed ties with them). Alternatively, they might be able to help you advance even further now that they know about the situation. For example, they might suggest that you address your email to a different person or even offer to go one step further and arrange the introduction on your behalf.

• Assuming Things Will Only Get Worse

You’ve located an excellent contact who permitted you to use their name, and it was successful. It attracted the interest of anyone you wanted to meet with, and it might even have assisted you in getting an interview. And it’s true that when you’re seated across from someone, the initial few minutes of your small talk will frequently center on the connection you two have in common. Then, the game began. Your chance to impress the other person with who you are is now. Therefore, if it’s an informational interview, you should prepare some questions to ask. 

Additionally, if it’s a job interview, you should put just as much effort into preparation as you would for any other. You don’t want to give the idea that you think you can coast because you know the appropriate people if you neglect this stage.

Tips to Name Drop Effectively

One of the quickest paths to a new career is networking. Name-dropping has an equal chance of success and failure. Sometimes the process is simple and you won’t need to think too hard about how to respond when asked how you learned about the position. But you should prepare about how you will name-drop in an interview. Here are some tips to name-drop for effective interviews:

1. Expect Nothing in Return  

Do not believe that the mention of a mutual acquaintance will compel the facility to elevate you above the rest of the applicants or otherwise treat you differently. You might be able to establish a link by mentioning someone you have in common, but each applicant will be evaluated based on their individual qualities and the business’s internal procedures. 

2. Include a Reference to it in Your Opening Statement 

When you first speak with the recruiting manager, give the hiring manager the name of your contact. For instance, “Dr. Patil advised me to submit my CV for your position as Billing Administrator.” Next, elaborate on why you believe you would be a good fit for the given position.

3. Use Other Names That Can be Helpful 

It’s not necessary for the name you mention to be a mutual link. Perhaps you had a good experience with a person who is well-known in your neighborhood but isn’t specifically connected to the facility to which you are applying. As long as you don’t awkwardly use their names, it’s acceptable. 

4. Refer to Names When Necessary 

If someone has asked you specifically or if it’s necessary, then you should name-drop. Avoid unnecessarily repeating the name of your contacts. You might mention individuals while outlining your experience in an interview. For example, consider citing a specific Nurse Manager who can attest that patients were reassured and satisfied with your care if you are highlighting your patient satisfaction rate.

When to Name Drop During Job Hunt for Best Effect?

Nevertheless, you shouldn’t solely rely on name-dropping. It ought to be an easy way to strengthen your application. But, if you’re going to mention someone during job hunting, then you must choose the right timing. In the following situations, mentioning someone by name is appropriate: 

1. Someone Referred You  

In general, you should name everyone who recommended you for the position you’re applying for. If you don’t, it might be weirder because they’ve probably talked to the Recruiting Manager about you. 

2. You Are Connected to the Business on a Professional Level 

Even if you weren’t referred, it’s acceptable to mention the name of a person you know who works there. This person might be someone you formerly worked with (or for) or went to school with. Keep the details of your partnership vague. Just quickly state how you met, and make sure it has something to do with the position. 

3. You Share a Connection

It’s not always necessary for the individual you mention to work for the organization you’re applying to. The Recruiting Manager may know someone you already work with or that you share a professional connection. If, for example, the mutual contact can speak to your experience, you might bring up this relationship in your cover letter. 

4. You Were Motivated by a Coworker at the Organization 

You may have never truly met the person you want to mention. It might occasionally be appropriate for your cover letter (but proceed with caution). Maybe you’ve followed the founder of the company’s career, and they motivated you to pursue a job in that field. You can briefly mention that you are aware of their efforts and share their beliefs. In addition to name-dropping, this makes it easier for you to relate to the company’s objective. Just be careful not to give the impression that you know them when you don’t.

Conclusion 

Keep the emphasis on you and your experience, regardless of how you name-drop or who you name-drop. Include a direct connection to the position you’re looking for. The Hiring Manager should understand right away why this relationship is significant, and you shouldn’t come across as obtrusive, intrusive, or arrogant. If done correctly, name-dropping can be significant for you. But if you did any mistake while name-dropping, then it can have opposite effects.

1. Give some examples of name-dropping.

Here are a few name-drop example sentences. Try something like this if you’re only mentioning a referral briefly:

Example 1: “I am applying for the position of technical writer on the recommendation of (name), (title), and (company).”

Example 2: “I used to work for (name), who is now the (title) at (company), at (former company). I worked on a range of content initiatives throughout that time, such as blog articles, newsletters, and light copyediting.

Example 3: “For X years, we collaborated on the monthly content calendar at the (former company).”

2. Can name-dropping affect the interview process?

Depends on your relationship with the name you are mentioning. For example, if you know the HR of the company and if HR also knows that you’re good at working, the HR can try to get you in the company as soon as possible.

3. Is it rude to name-drop?

It depends on how you do it. Name-dropping in interviews can be your strategy to get the job. But if you make any mistake, then your employer can think that you’re not professional enough. Because Hiring Managers notice every tiny thing in a candidate.

Related Articles

What Does Designation Mean on a Resume?

Why is a Cover Letter Important and How to Write It?

Why Will a Company Blacklist You?

How To Write a Thank You Letter for Promotion?

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• Board index Legal Employment/Careers Judicial Clerkships

Proper Way to Name Drop in Cover Letter Forum

Proper way to name drop in cover letter.

Post by Anonymous User » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:25 pm

Re: Proper Way to Name Drop in Cover Letter

Post by nixy » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:53 pm

Post by mjb447 » Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:35 am

Post by Anonymous User » Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:57 pm

Post by DougEvans789 » Wed Jun 10, 2020 4:50 am

Post by mjb447 » Wed Jun 10, 2020 10:42 am

DougEvans789 wrote: ↑ Wed Jun 10, 2020 4:50 am I’d be careful about namedropping clerks you didn’t know before beginning the application process. I sometimes talk to people about my judge, and I’d be a little weirded out to learn that my name made it into a cover letter. Obviously, I’m not the judge, but maybe (s)he’d see it the same way.

Post by HillandHollow » Wed Jun 10, 2020 5:03 pm

Post by justanotherlurker » Fri Jun 12, 2020 1:15 am

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