Crafting a returning to work cover letter can be a stumbling block for many job seekers who have already plunged into the application process. While your resume presents the facts, your cover letter should narrate the compelling story of your proudest professional triumph without echoing your resume. Striking the balance between professionalism and personal touch, all while dodging overused phrases and keeping it to one page, can seem daunting, but it's your ticket to stand out.
- Personalize your returning to work cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your returning to work cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your returning to work cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your returning to work cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your returning to work resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
If the returning to work isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Returning to Work cover letter example
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- Emphasizing relevant past experiences, like the implementation of a transformative automated recruitment system at IBM, directly showcases the candidate's capability to innovate and improve HR processes.
- Highlighting the results achieved, specifically the reduction in hiring process duration by 40%, provides tangible evidence of the candidate's impact and effectiveness in past roles.
- Articulating alignment with the company's vision and innovative approaches in HR demonstrates that the candidate is not only qualified but also a cultural fit for the organization.
- Explaining the desire to contribute to a shared goal of a thriving and engaged workforce indicates a candidate's team-oriented mindset and dedication to organizational objectives.
Structuring and formatting your returning to work cover letter
Here's what the structure of your returning to work cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your returning to work resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your returning to work cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your returning to work cover letter.
The top sections on a returning to work cover letter
Header: This includes your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information. It's essential as it provides the recruiter with immediate access to your details and establishes a professional layout of the document.
Greeting: Address the letter to a specific person if possible, using their name and title, to personalize the letter and show that you've done research on the company, which reflects your genuine interest in rejoining the workforce.
Introduction: Briefly state your intention to return to work, mention the role you're applying for, and give a concise reason why you are a strong candidate, which will capture the recruiter’s attention and set the tone for the cover letter.
Body: Divide this section into one or two paragraphs detailing your relevant work experience, the skills you've maintained or gained during your time away from the workforce, and how these will benefit the company, proving you are updated and prepared to return to your professional career.
Closing: Conclude with a strong closing statement that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the role, includes a polite request for an interview, and thanks the recruiter for considering your application, leaving a positive and professional final impression.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Since the job title is not specified in the request, I will provide a general list suitable for most professional roles. If you have a specific job title in mind, please specify so I can tailor the list accordingly.
- Relevant experience in the field: To ensure job competency and the ability to hit the ground running.
- Industry-specific skills: To demonstrate expertise and reduce training time.
- Strong communication skills: To interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Adaptability and learning agility: To adjust to changes and new technologies in the workplace.
- Leadership and teamwork: For roles that involve managing teams or collaborative projects.
- Achievements from previous roles: To show a track record of success and contribution.
How to personalize your returning to work cover letter greeting
Before you start writing your returning to work cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.
Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your returning to work cover letter salutation.
What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?
Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Department,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
- Dear Dr. [Last Name],
Your returning to work cover letter introduction and the value you bring
Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction.
Use those first two sentences of your returning to work cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.
Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.
That is - what is your value as a professional?
Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?
What to write in the middle or body of your returning to work cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your returning to work cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your returning to work cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Finishing off your returning to work cover letter with what matters most
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your returning to work cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your returning to work cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
No experience returning to work cover letter: making the most out of your profile
Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their returning to work cover letter to stand out.
Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.
Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.
Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?
Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.
Key takeaways
Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your returning to work cover letter to tell a story that:
- Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
- Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
- Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
- Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
- Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.
