What Date Should I Put On My Cover Letter

When it comes to crafting a cover letter, many job seekers often overlook a seemingly simple yet
crucial detail - the date. While it may seem like a minor element, the date on your cover letter holds
more significance than you might realize. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of choosing the
right date and offer insights on when to put it on your cover letter to make a positive impression on
potential employers.

Why Does the Date Matter?

1. Freshness Matters: Including the current date on your cover letter indicates that your
application is up-to-date and relevant. Employers appreciate candidates who stay proactive
and submit recent documents.
2. Organization and Professionalism: A dated cover letter reflects your organizational skills
and attention to detail. It shows that you have a structured approach to job applications,
which is a desirable trait for employers.
3. Tracking Applications: For employers managing numerous applications, a dated cover letter
helps them track and organize submissions. It ensures that your application doesn't get lost in
the sea of resumes and cover letters.

When to Put the Date on Your Cover Letter

1. The Day You Submit Your Application: Ideally, the date on your cover letter should match
the day you submit your application. This aligns with the principle of providing the most
current information.
2. Same Day or Slightly Earlier Than Your Resume: Ensure that the date on your cover letter
is the same day as your resume or a day earlier. Consistency in dates across your application
materials creates a professional and cohesive presentation.
3. Avoid Future Dates: Do not put a future date on your cover letter. This may create
confusion and make it seem like your application is not current. Always use the present or
past date to maintain accuracy.

Tips for Including the Date Effectively

1. Formatting Matters: Place the date at the top of your cover letter, aligned with the left or
right margin. Use a format that is common in your region (e.g., month/day/year or day/month
/year).
2. Be Mindful of Electronic Submissions: If submitting your application electronically, ensure
that the date on your cover letter matches the submission date. This is especially important
when applications are submitted online.
3. Update for Each Application: Tailor your cover letter for each job application, and update
the date accordingly. This reinforces the idea that your application is specific to the job in
question.

In conclusion, the date on your cover letter is a small yet impactful detail that contributes to a
polished and professional job application. By paying attention to this element, you demonstrate your
commitment to presenting the most current and relevant information to potential employers. Make a
positive impression from the start by ensuring that the date aligns with the submission of your
application.
For expert assistance in crafting a compelling cover letter and optimizing your job application
documents, consider reaching out to BestResumeHelp.com . Their professional resume writers can
provide personalized guidance to enhance your job search success.
Templates should only be used as a guide so avoid using them word-for-word. For more information,
please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy. In these cases, the date can help demonstrate that
you have taken the time to research and tailor your application to the specific opportunity. As a job
seeker, it is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and
enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. In just one week after making the changes the AI
suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and. Advertising Third parties place
advertising cookies in order to measure and send you content based on your preferences. How to
Write a CV Learn how to make a CV that gets interviews. If the job listing states an application
deadline, including the date in your cover letter serves as a crucial reminder to the employer. You
should insert a comma between day and year in the American notation, but the British version
requires no comma. The fee will cover some of the costs associated with asylum processing, which
does not include its own fee. Sample Cover Letters with Dates Here is an example of a cover letter
that includes a date. However, there are also times when it may be more appropriate to leave the date
off of your cover letter, as shown in the second sample. I firmly believe that the skills I acquired
align seamlessly with the requirements of the Junior Marketing Coordinator role at ABC
Corporation. Health Insurance Paid Vacation Remote Work Opportunities Dental Insurance 401k
With Matching Vision Insurance Promote From Within Flexible Work Hours Personal Sick Days
Performance Bonus Calculating your job matches. It helps to establish a sense of professionalism and
organization from the outset of the application process. Recognize the digital abyss In today's digital
job market, your cover letter might not always make it past the application tracking systems (ATS).
To learn more, please visit our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy. Resume Help Improve your resume
with help from expert guides. For instance, if you have gaps in your work history, explaining those
gaps shows that you have given careful thought and consideration to your job search. Your letter
must give the impression that you are applying to only this company because the position here is
exactly what you seek. It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long. This could include taking
classes, attending workshops, or volunteering in your field. How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand
Out Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. This often results in
cover letters that are formulaic and fail to stand out, diminishing their effectiveness in capturing the
hiring manager's interest. When to Include Dates in a Cover Letter When preparing a cover letter,
many job seekers often wonder whether or not to include dates in their application. Candidates who
want to land a job need to take the time to do their research, get to know the company and be
specific about why they are a good fit. - Leigh Yanocha, Knopman Marks Financial Training. If you
are applying for a position where you have a personal connection or the job posting doesn’t specify
any deadline or timeline, you may want to reconsider including dates. DHS has begun the fee study
required by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 to meet the additional fee guidelines and
processing time requirements. For instance, if you have gaps in your work history, explaining those
gaps shows that you have given careful thought and consideration to your job search. The Role of
Cover Letter in Job Applications As a job applicant, you may have heard about the importance of
submitting a well-written cover letter, but you might be unsure about what exactly a cover letter is
and why it matters.
Here, a cover letter can serve as a heartfelt testament to your dedication and personal motivations,
which might not be apparent on your resume. Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to
review your cover letter for feedback. In addition, including dates can also show the employer that
the applicant has put thought and effort into the application process, as it highlights a level of
organization and attention to detail. B. Importance of dates in a cover letter The importance of
including dates in a cover letter cannot be overstated. From the employer’s perspective, having clear
dates on the cover letter can help them to quickly and easily sort through applications and prioritize
responses. Employers, if you want to read something interesting, ask for it. In addition to
introducing yourself, a well-written cover letter will demonstrate your knowledge about the
company and position you are applying for. It is important to exercise your discretion and assess the
job you are applying for properly before deciding whether or not to include dates in your cover
letter. Frequently Asked Questions about Including Dates in a Cover Letter When it comes to
creating a cover letter, many job seekers wonder whether or not they should include the date. Age
discrimination: Including dates on your cover letter may reveal your age and potentially lead to age
discrimination during the hiring process. By following these best practices, applicants can ensure that
they are presenting themselves in the best possible light and making a good first impression with the
hiring manager. With my recent degree in Marketing and Communication from Queen Mary’s
University, I am eager to bring my knowledge and expertise in market research and social media
marketing to contribute to your team’s continued success. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons
and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the job. We will accept prior
editions of most forms during a grace period from April 1, 2024, through June 3, 2024. While it can
be helpful to include a date to provide context and show that your application is timely, it is not
always necessary or expected. Showing your awareness of this timeline demonstrates your attention
to detail as well as your ability to work under pressure. This could include taking classes, attending
workshops, or volunteering in your field. This is a common way to format a cover letter that includes
a date. B. Sample Cover Letters without Dates Here is an example of a cover letter that does not
include a date. Focusing too much on yourself: Your cover letter should focus on how you can help
the company, not just on your own career goals. For one, it can make the applicant stand out from
the crowd if other applicants have neglected to include a date. However, there are also times when it
may be more appropriate to leave the date off of your cover letter, as shown in the second sample. In
this section, we will explore the definition of a cover letter, its role in job applications, and the
importance of crafting a successful one. A. Definition of Cover Letter A cover letter is a document
that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. A well-crafted cover letter goes beyond just
reiterating your resume—it's a chance to showcase your personality, highlight your relevant skills
and explain why you're the perfect fit for the position. Employers appreciate honesty and
transparency, and it is better to address the gap in your cover letter than to wait for the employer to
ask about it later. This will demonstrate that you are aware of the deadline and have taken the time to
get your application in on time. It is important to exercise your discretion and assess the job you are
applying for properly before deciding whether or not to include dates in your cover letter. The Role
of Cover Letter in Job Applications As a job applicant, you may have heard about the importance of
submitting a well-written cover letter, but you might be unsure about what exactly a cover letter is
and why it matters. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply
any affiliation or association with Zety. It shows you've taken the time to personalize your
application, reinforcing the good word put in by your contact. Helps with organization: Dates can
help the hiring manager keep track of your work history and accomplishments. The inclusion of dates
can also help demonstrate the timeliness and relevance of the information presented in the letter.
Strong middle: Use the second and third paragraphs to show that you are a perfect fit for the
position on offer and the company and that they are the ideal place you’d love to work. This will
demonstrate that you are aware of the deadline and have taken the time to get your application in on
time. As recruiters grapple with the sheer volume of applications, the brevity and clarity of a well-
crafted resume have become more crucial than ever. Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a
culture you love. However, many job seekers choose to do so as a way of showing that their
application is up-to-date. For example, instead of saying “I graduated in May 2015,” you could say
“I graduated in the spring of 2015” or “I graduated in May.” This can still give the employer an idea
of your timeline without providing an exact date. Let’s look at a standard cover letter template Your
contact details (full name, address, email and phone number) Reader’s details (Company name,
reader’s full name, address, email and phone number) Formal greeting (3-5 words). Your cover letter
can illustrate how your unique skills and experiences align with the company's vision and culture,
helping you stand out in a pool of candidates. One of the reasons I am drawn to XYZ Enterprises is
your unwavering commitment to innovation in the fast-paced and ever-evolving tech sector. Benefits
of adding dates Including the date in a cover letter can provide a number of benefits. Ultimately, the
focus should be on the qualifications and experiences that make you the best fit for the role,
regardless of whether or not you choose to include dates on your cover letter. It is an opportunity to
showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities. Remember, your cover
letter is your chance to make a good first impression. Use these tips to make sure it catches the hiring
manager’s attention and demonstrates why you’re the best candidate for the job. How to Make Your
Cover Letter Stand Out Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. A
cover letter that showcases your creativity and personality can be as compelling as the portfolio
itself. Disputes are generally filed when the fee is due, but we denied the filer’s request, they have
changed their mind about the request, or they assert that the service was not provided or was
unreasonably delayed. However, there are some situations where you may want to take a different
approach. Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter A. It’s important to weigh the pros and
cons and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the job. It shows that
they are invested in the position and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their application is
in order. Misunderstanding: The date format doesn’t matter as long as it includes the month, day,
and year. For example, if you choose to include the day of the week, make sure to do so consistently.
Learn more about how to avoid common cover letter mistakes While your CV outlines your
academic achievements and your employment history, whether you’re invited to interview usually
hinges on your cover letter. If I’m sending my cover letter via email, do I still need to include the
date. Trying too hard to stand out by using methods such as unusual fonts and coloured paper is a
huge turn off for recruiters. May reveal gaps: Including dates may reveal gaps in your work history,
which could potentially harm your application. Avoid overloading your cover letter with excessive
personal stories or information that isn't relevant to the job requirements. In order to do that, you
must include the essential cover letter information. Prioritize your resume Don’t forget that in the
fast-paced world of recruitment, your resume often takes precedence.
Cover letters with dates, like the sample above, can be useful in situations where you are responding
to a specific job listing or have a connection to the company or position that you are applying for. It
also gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their writing style and demonstrate their attention
to detail. In addition, including dates can also show the employer that the applicant has put thought
and effort into the application process, as it highlights a level of organization and attention to detail.
B. Importance of dates in a cover letter The importance of including dates in a cover letter cannot be
overstated. Subject The subject differs in the American and British cover letters. Please enable
JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. This is particularly important when there is a
tight timeline for the hiring process. This shows that they are not paying attention to details or are
not managing their time effectively. C. Best practices for including dates on a cover letter When
including a date on a cover letter, it is important to do so in a professional and consistent manner. I’m
used to working at startups where, as much as you’d like to, you can’t get everything done at once,
so I’ll be able to prioritize features that will help users most while still making reasonable asks of the
product team. Job Search Learn how to find the right job and get it. Font size: The ideal size will
vary based on which font you choose, but keep it between 10 and 12 pt. While there is no one-size-
fits-all answer to this question, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about
date handling in a cover letter to help clear up any confusion. A. Answers to Some Common
Questions About Date Handling in a Cover Letter Do I need to include a date on my cover letter. As
a job seeker, it is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and
enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can
harm your chances of being considered for the role you are interested in. Click the box next to each
cookie to opt in or out. In this case, your heading info would go after your name at the end.
Employers, if you want to read something interesting, ask for it. In just one week after making the
changes the AI suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and. It’s important to
weigh the pros and cons and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the
job. Please make sure you have typed your email address correctly so we can send you the checklist.
Use a suitable tone Maintain a professional and courteous language throughout your cover letter.
Include an original idea for the company, or show off an impressive professional achievement in a
way that will make them want to learn more about you. Trying too hard to stand out by using
methods such as unusual fonts and coloured paper is a huge turn off for recruiters. This is
particularly important when there is a tight timeline for the hiring process. Papadopoulos suggests
decreasing the header space first. However, it’s still a good idea to include the date on your cover
letter as a way of showing that your application is current. B. Misunderstandings That Job Seekers
Regularly Have About Putting a Date on a Cover Letter Misunderstanding: If I don’t include the
date, my application will look more recent than it actually is. Explanation of why dates are included
Dates are important in a cover letter as they provide a clear timeline of when the letter was written
and sent. Avoid overloading your cover letter with excessive personal stories or information that isn't
relevant to the job requirements. Ultimately, the decision of whether to include a date on your cover
letter should be based on the specific circumstances of your application. Short and sweet Date in the
US: March 15, 2014 Date in the UK: 15 March 2014 Recipient The address of the recipient follows
next. While certain parts of a cover letter, such as contact information and salutations, are easy to
remember, the contents of the cover letter’s paragraphs are more difficult to write.