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How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

Proofread before sending, cover letter template, cover letter sample, sending an email cover letter, more cover letter examples.

When you apply for a job with a  curriculum vitae  (CV), it's important to include a cover letter, also known as a covering letter. This letter allows you to make a favorable first impression, using narrative in your own tone of voice to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to seriously review your attached CV.

Like a resume, a CV summarizes your skills and experience. The  difference between a CV and a resume  is length, the focus on credentials, and what the documents are used for. Typically, a CV is required to apply for roles in academia, scientific research, and medical fields. 

While your CV provides a detailed—and often lengthy—look at your experience and credentials, the cover letter is an opportunity to call out your most important qualifications and make a compelling case for your candidacy for the role at hand. Here's what you need to know to write a successful curriculum vitae cover letter. 

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organization

The CV cover letter should be  tailored to respond to the unique and specific requirements  requested by each organization you are approaching. 

Do not use the same cover letter for every job you apply to, even though it may seem like a timesaver. 

Each letter needs to provide detailed information about why are you are qualified for the specific job in question, and it should outline the reasons for your interest in the company or organization. Being specific is advantageous. Even if you're applying for two similar roles in two different hospitals, the two hospitals may serve different populations or require slightly different responsibilities for people in the role. Your letters to each hospital should reflect that. 

Use your cover letter to identify the skills or experiences most specific to the job, rather than copying directly the information in your CV.

What to Include

As a candidate, it's tempting to feel like the cover letter is unnecessary, since it is likely that all the pertinent information is included in your CV. Still, as you can see, the cover letter is a helpful tool in your application. Here's what to keep in mind as you write a cover letter. 

Format Matters

The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter.  Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam” if possible.

If the letter recipient's name isn't provided, try these  tips to determine the correct contact person . 

Start With an Introduction

Typically, the first paragraph will be an introduction—if you are applying to a job ad, mention it here. Mention the job title, any reference number, and where and when you saw it. The first paragraph is also where you should mention if someone referred you to the position. 

The Body of the Cover Letter

The body of the letter—the second and third paragraphs—should highlight your relevant skills and experience. Highlight your  transferable skills , achievements, and versatility. Explain what you can contribute and what makes you stand out from your competition. Include mention of your current or last job, qualifications, and professional and academic training, tailoring your information to make it as relevant as possible to the organization or job applied for.

In the body of the cover letter, you can mention personality traits relevant to the role at hand. You can also use this space to call out why you're interested in this specific role, at this specific company. Potential employers and hiring managers will appreciate it if you can show you've read the job ad and researched the company. 

Avoid lengthy repetition of information covered in your CV. Unlike a CV, it is acceptable to write a cover letter in the first person.

Conclude the letter by succinctly summarizing why an employer may want to meet and employ you. Include a polite expression of interest in further dialogue with the recruiter. Do mention that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further in a personal interview and that you await a response in due course.

Follow Instructions 

In some cases, an advertisement will indicate that a more substantial letter is required. 

Always follow specific instructions and include any information if it is specifically requested. For instance, some employers may ask you to include your current salary or your desired salary range. 

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well 

Ensure that your CV cover letter flows freely. You do not need to precisely match every point on the job description. The reader should be left with an overall impression that you are a potentially valuable addition to the workforce.

The letter should be readable and engaging. 

Negative information of any sort should be avoided in your cover letter, as well as on your CV.

You'll want to be sure your letter is free from grammar or spelling errors. It should also be clearly presented—that means using standard formatting, and common  readable fonts  (such as Times New Roman or Verdana) in an appropriate size. 

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Depending on the employer's submission requirements, cover letters can be submitted online with your CV, uploaded online, or mailed. Be sure to follow the application instructions and follow the directions on how to apply. Consider this template for how to structure your letter: 

Belinda Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 belinda.applicant@gmail.com

October 25, 2021

Clark Lee, PhD Biology Department Chair Northwestern University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Dr, Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of assistant professor in the Biology department, as described in the Northern University website. The opportunity to teach biology appeals to me, and I believe I can be an asset to the department due to my experience as a field biologist, as well as my work as an adjunct professor at Southern State University. In accordance with your job description, I have the following skills:

• Experience lecturing to large audiences

• Experience with learning management systems and course design

• Ability to assist with labs for other professors

• Experience with grant writing and research

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae so you may examine my work and research experience, the papers I’ve published, and my educational background.

I can be reached anytime by email at Belinda.applicant@gmail.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this position.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Belinda Applicant

When you are sending your cover letter by email, list your contact information in your signature rather than at the top of the letter. List your name and the job title in the subject line of the message. 

Here are more examples of cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

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Prepare a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter

Curriculum vitae.

Y our CV  is  usually the first thing a prospective employe r  sees about you . It  showcases your experience as a physician  as well as your  education, skills, qualifications,  publications and  other  information that may influence  a  hiring decision.   It is the main tool  employers use to  distinguish between candidates .   

A good place to start is t he  AAP C a reer Center   which has  resources  on preparing a CV and cover letter .     

Following are  essential elements  for your CV :  

• Name: Your full legal name  
• Contact Information: Address, phone number  and  email address   
• Education and Medical Training:  
• Post-Graduate Training – Includes  Residency /Internship  
• Medical School  
• Undergraduate   
• Practice Experience :  Name of Practice/Hospital, Location, Title, Type of Practice, Brief Description  
• Licensure: State and license number or the status of applications for licensure  
• P rofessional  a ffiliations  and  m edical  a ssociation  m emberships :  e.g.  American Academy of Pediatrics / Section on Pediatric Trainees  and/or Section on Early Career Physicians
• Certifications –  Board Certification or Status: List month,  year  and board certificate number  (i f still in process,   state your current status )     
• Include any basic or advanced life support training including BLS, ALS, PALS, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program   
• Activities and committee memberships, including roles and brief descriptions of associated accomplishments ( e.g.  projects you managed, leadership or managerial skills   - clinical and nonclinical )  
• Leadership experience  
• Honors  and awards    
• Research  experience  
• P ublications and presentations .  As you  gain more  experience, you may divide this into peer- reviewed publications,  non-peer-reviewed  publications, and poster presentations .  

  Some additional elements you may include if applicable:  

• Academic  a ppointments  
• Quality improvement and continuous improvement involvement  
• Community service or volunteer experience  
• Lectures or teaching portfolio   
• Procedural skills  
• Languages spoken

Proof, double proof and triple proof  the information.   Accuracy is essential.   It may be a good idea to send your CV to a mentor or faculty advisor for feedback and you may even ask to see their CV as a reference.  When formatting your CV, avoid unusual fonts or formats that are difficult to read.    

Because you may be asked to provide your CV even when you are  not applying for a job  i t’s  a good idea to keep your CV updated as an official record of your professional achievements.  You will continue to edit your CV throughout your career. For example, your medical school CV will include undergraduate accomplishments, but after residency you may want to edit your CV to include only the major activities/honors from your undergraduate time. Be sure to add new publications and presentations as appropriate.

Cover Letter  

Once  you r CV is done,  you  need to create  a   cover letter to submit  with your  application. In general, the cover letter expresses  your  interest in a position, summarizes  your  qualifications, and aligns  your  skill sets and experience to the needs of an employer. Do this without being too obvious. Sublteltyis important. All of this is accomplished in a direct, well-written letter.  Target the c over letter  to each  specific position and employer. ​  

Be sure to explain any gaps in training or employment. Brief and clear explanations are best. During your interview you elaborate. Describe what the gap experience taught you to be a better doctor.

​An effective CV and cover letter are often deciding factors on whether  you ’re  contacted for an interview. The person hiring for the job will look at these documents to gain an understanding of  your  training, experience, volunteerism, and most importantly, what makes you standout from the other applicants .  Substance and style matter. Vital information should be included.  You r  letter  and experience  must  create a  professional  image.  

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Putting a little extra effort into these materials can help you make a good first impression with potential employers.

SARINA SCHRAGER, MD, MS

Fam Pract Manag. 2021;28(5):4-5

Applying for jobs can be exciting — and stressful. Business experts recommend diligent attention to developing your resume or CV (curriculum vitae) and writing a cover letter as these are the first things that any future employer will see about you. The CV and cover letter are concise ways to share details about your skills and accomplishments. A good CV and cover letter do not get you the job, but they may make you more likely to get an interview. A CV is basically a list of your education, accomplishments, and specific skills. It is normally accompanied by a cover letter that tells potential employers more about you, what you are looking for in a new job, and why you are the right person for the job they have advertised.

A CV for medical professionals includes several different sections. It should start with your full name and contact information. In the business world, most CVs include a concise, descriptive statement about your skills, but this is not always included on medical CVs.

The next section describes your education and training. Include your undergraduate degree, any graduate studies, medical school, residency, and fellowship. Extra training can be inserted here as well (for example, competency in obstetric ultrasound or colonoscopy, or extra training in evidence-based medicine or quality improvement).

The CV continues with descriptions of previous related jobs (it's OK to leave out your bartending stint in college), any presentations or publications, substantive committee work (e.g., if you chaired a committee, contributed to a significant change in practice, or spent a lot of time on a project), and relevant volunteer work. CVs feature very little narrative except to provide brief explanations where a bulleted list does not suffice.

Most physician employers are relatively conservative, so experts recommend using a simple font and limited color in your CV. Physician CVs can be as long as they need to be, but be careful to avoid including facts that are not relevant to medicine.

COVER LETTER TIPS

A cover letter allows you to expand on the bulleted list of accomplishments included in your CV. The cover letter is a place where you can be specific about why you are interested in a particular position and why your skills would be a good fit. While the CV lists all your accomplishments, the cover letter highlights unique skills that make you a good candidate for the job. It is important to do your homework, make sure you address the letter to the person doing the hiring, and demonstrate that you have read about the position and the organization by making specific statements about them.

Cover letters have three main components: 1) an introduction, 2) a short list of relevant work that highlights one or two positions or accomplishments, and 3) a conclusion. They should be no longer than one page. If you are applying for your first job out of residency, you can talk about the skills you have gained during your training and how they would be a good match for the job. You should write different cover letters for each job and not use a standard template. Each letter should include a specific detail about the particular practice, whether it is the patient population, the job description, or the location. You want to make sure the hiring manager knows that you are interested in that specific job.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Writing effective CVs and cover letters allows you to present yourself and your accomplishments in a professional and clear light. Putting a little extra time into these materials may make all the difference in getting the job you desire.

To help you write an effective CV:

Creating a standout CV . American Medical Association.

How to write a curriculum vitae . American Academy of Family Physicians.

How to write a medical CV . International Journal of Surgery Oncology .

What makes a good CV? FPM .

To help you write an effective cover letter:

Everything that physicians need to know about cover letters . Physicians Thrive.

How to write a cover letter . Harvard Business Review .

Physician cover letters: why writing a good one is as important as ever . NEJM CareerCenter.

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Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters

Curriculum Vita (CV) Writing Tips

• Resume Writing Tips
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• Cover Letter Writing Tips

If you are seeking a position in an academic, scientific, or medical field, use a Curriculum Vitae in place of a resume. Pattern your CV after reverse chronological resumes, with the addition of more detailed information. A CV does not have a page limit, so continuously add accomplishments you gain experience.

• Create a master resume or CV that you update on an annual basis, at the very least.  Include all your accomplishments, dates of significant projects and transitions, supervisor names and your salary for previous positions. This document is a good way for you to track your career milestones. There are some organizations that will require this level of specificity, as well.
• Customize your document to each position for which you are applying. Base your customized version on keywords from the position description. Use the same terminology to help your document pass the screening software that checks for specific terminology or keywords.
• List the most important and relevant information, based on the position description, first on your resume or CV.

To Get Started:

• Make a list of experiences: education and training, previous or current jobs, internships, research, projects, volunteer, leadership, student organization, etc.
• Think about your significant achievements, what skills you used and developed, and what you contributed to organizations.
• Combine a list of your experiences and accomplishments: education and training, jobs, internships, research, projects, volunteer and leadership activities, student and professional organizations, presentations and publications, awards and honors.
• Begin to craft your CV by organizing these experiences into sections (see below).

Common Sections of a CV:

The following are possible categories and headings for a Curriculum Vitae. Not all must be used; some overlap. The categories depend on the focus of the CV.

• Academic Experience
• Biographical Statement
• Committees (or Academic Service)
• Dissertation
• Computer Skills
• Courses Taught
• Professional Activities
• Education and Training
• Employment History
• Honors Awards and Fellowships
• Presentations
• Publications
• Language Skills

Additional Resources:

• CV Example  (PDF)
• Prospective Students

Contact 420 Delaware St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455

612-626-3500 [email protected]

Wildcat Career News – Davidson College

Curriculum Vita or Resume? What’s the Difference?

There are different ways of talking about these documents. The word  résumé,  which is French for “summary,” is the overall standard in the United States. However, the word  vita  goes by several variations. A  vita , which is Latin for “life,” is sometimes called a  CV. CV  is short for the Latin phrase  curriculum vitae,  which can be loosely translated into English as “course of life.” So,  CV,   curriculum vitae , and  vita  all refer to the same document.

The CV A CV is an in-depth document that can be laid out over two or more pages. It contains a high level of detail about your achievements, a great deal more than just a career biography. The CV covers your education as well as any other accomplishments, such as publications, awards, honors etc.

CVs tend to be organized chronologically and should be easy to get an overview of an individual’s full working career. A CV is static and doesn’t change for different positions.  The difference would be in the cover letter.

The Résumé A résumé, is a concise document typically no longer than one page. The employer/reader will not dwell on this document for very long. The goal of a résumé is to make an individual stand out from the competition.

The job seeker should adapt the résumé to every position they apply for.  It is in the applicant’s interest to change the résumé from one job application to another and to target it to the needs of the specific position. A résumé is a highly customizable document.

Differences The three major differences between CVs and résumés are the length, the purpose and the layout. A résumé is a brief summary of your skills and experience over one or two pages, a CV is more detailed and can stretch well beyond two pages. The résumé will be tailored to each position, while the CV will stay the same and any changes will be in the cover letter.

A CV has a clear chronological order listing the whole career of the individual, while a résumé’s information can be shuffled around to best suit the applicant. The main difference between a résumé and a CV is that a CV is intended to be a full record of your career history.  A résumé is a brief, targeted list of skills and achievements.

Usage around the world A résumé is the preferred application document in the USA and Canada. Americans and Canadians would only use a CV when applying for a job abroad or if searching for an academic or research oriented position.

In the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, a CV is used in all work environments.  Résumés are not used at all. The CV prevails in mainland Europe and there is even a European Union CV format available for download.

In Germany, the CV is more commonly known as a Lebenslauf . Applying for a job requires more documentation than in other countries. German employers want a lot of information about a candidate even before they make their first decisions on who to accept for an interview, so you must send them a packet with a cover letter, a “Lebenslauf” (CV), a passport photograph, school certificates, and testimonials of previous employment.

In Australia, India and South Africa, the terms résumé and CV are used interchangeably. The term résumé is used more for jobs in the private sector and a CV is more commonplace when applying for public service positions.

Questions regarding your résumé or CV can be addressed by your career advisor in the Career Services office during Walk-In hours (M-F, 1:30-3:30pm), or by appointment. In addition, Career Services has information, and  sample resumes and CVs  specifically for Davidson students on their website to use as guides.

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Guidelines for a Curriculum Vita (CV)

• If your CV includes a narrative profile describing your skills, it should be short. A profile is a brief summary. It's a few lines; it's not a two-page detailed list of your skills.
• Do not make your CV longer than necessary. It is longer than a traditional resume, but you still need to think carefully about the value of the information you include. If you have attended 100 technology workshops, don't list each one. Create a section called "Selected Workshops" -- note the key word "Selected" -- and list only the most relevant ones.
• If you want a job in online education, don't put your experience in online education on page 10 of your CV. That information should be somewhere up near the top.
• Write your own CV rather than having it “professionally” developed. You are the only person who can write your CV. Consult with Career Services or available book, but don't let someone who doesn't understand your work or the academic world create the one document that you most need to gain entry to that world.
• The description of your current book-length project or your dissertation abstract should be separate documents. Essays involve too much text to be part of a CV.
• Radical mixing of information doesn't work on a CV. For example, if you have an "Administrative Experience" section on your CV, that's the obvious place to list that you were director of admissions, but don't put your work as coordinator of cheerleading in that section.

Do's and Don'ts:

Some otherwise well-designed CV's falter due to mistakes that could be prevented with a little extra proofreading. Here are a few such dos and don'ts:

• Don't include your birth date.
• When you are formatting your CV, avoid using full justification because you can end up with some weird spacing.
• One CV started out with "My principle research ... ." If you are a poor speller and aren’t sure of  the difference between "principle" and "principal," find someone who does who is willing to proofread for you.
• Don't use boldface type in a random way. It will confuse the reader. Be consistent with this and other special type.
• When you list some of the courses you have taught or helped teach, don't include the course numbers.
• Use an acronym only after you have first spelled out what it stands for.
• Put your last name and a page number on the second page of your CV and on all subsequent pages.

A final word of advice

Print out your CV and look carefully at it before you send it anywhere. Better yet, contact Career Services at 706-864-1951 to schedule an appointment to have it reviewed.

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Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and CVs

A strong resume, cover letter, portfolio, and/or CV have the power to get you in the door to the interview stage. These documents are essential to making the case for why you have the skills and experience to excel at the job and within the organization and team.

Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and CVs should be tailored to the job at hand and should be checked thoroughly before submitting to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

A resume is a dense, fact-based document that provides information on your educational background, details your past professional experience, lists your top skills, and showcases your achievements.

• Enhance your resume (with templates)
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How to write a resume (with examples)

A CV is similar to a resume in that it details achievements and history, but does not have the same space limits that a resume does.

As CVs and resumes are similar, many of our resume resources will help you develop your CV.

Since CVs are often requested in international professional contexts, it’s a good idea to learn about the conventions for CVs in the country where you are submitting your application documents. 

How to write a CV (with examples)

Cover letters

Your cover letter is, first and foremost, structured in the format of professional correspondence and should emphasize why you want to work for that particular organization and why you would be a good fit.

You can articulate this by sharing the most valuable transferable skills you bring (and brief examples to prove it).

How to write a cover letter (with examples) 

A strong portfolio demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development, setting you apart in a competitive world.

Why should you make a portfolio?

• Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and projects 
• Stand out to potential employers, graduate school admission committees and scholarship or grant reviewers
• Build your online identity and strengthen your network by allowing you to share your work with professionals and peers in your field

Other career writing  

Whether you are requesting an informational interview with an MIT alum, sending a thank you email after an email, declining a job offer, or simply writing an email to a professional contact, review our professional correspondence samples to help get started.

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The appic post-match vacancy service instructions for applicants, the 2024 appic post-match vacancy service is now open and will remain available through september 30, 2024, applicant fees and eligibility.

There is NO fee for applicants to use the 2024 APPIC Post-Match Vacancy Service (please note that applicants who did not submit any applications during Phases I or II of the APPIC Match will pay a $50 fee for the first application submitted in the PMVS; subsequent applications in the PMVS are free). Furthermore, applicants do not need to have registered for the APPIC Match in order to use the PMVS.

A student is eligible to use the 2024 APPIC Post-Match Vacancy Service if they meet ALL of the following requirements:

Be matriculating through a doctoral program that is eligible to participate in the 2024 PMVS. A list of eligible doctoral programs can be found here under "Eligible Doctoral Programs" (students may use the 2024 PMVS if their doctoral program is included in this list and designated as either "Match & PMVS" or "PMVS Only"). Please note that there may be both eligible and ineligible doctoral programs at the same school or university. Information on applicant eligibility for the 2024 APPIC PMVS may be found here . Applicants who have already graduated from their doctoral programs are not eligible. While an applicant must be matriculating through an eligible doctoral program, there is NO APPIC requirement to be registered or paying tuition for any particular semester in order to be eligible to participate in the Post-Match Vacancy Service. Students who are enrolled in doctoral-level respecialization programs or who attend Universities outside of the U.S. and Canada should consult the Intern Applicant Policy for participation requirements. Has not been placed into a position by the APPIC Match. Has not accepted or committed to any other internship position. Has been authorized to participate by their doctoral program.

Applicants who meet all four of these requirements are eligible to participate in the 2024 APPIC Post-Match Vacancy Service. Applicants who do not satisfy these requirements may not participate in the 2024 Post-Match Vacancy Service and may not apply to or attend APPIC-member internship programs. Students who did not register for or participate in the 2024 APPIC Match are eligible as long as they meet the requirements outlined above. Students who have been matched into a position by the APPIC Match, or who have already accepted an internship position, are contractually bound to attend that internship program and may not seek other internship positions.

Following is a general overview of the 2024 Post-Match Vacancy Service process from an applicant's perspective.  The process begins at 9:00 am Eastern Time on March 21, 2024.

Students who are participating in the Post-Match Vacancy Service should NOT contact internship sites about potential position availability in the PMVS or submit applications until the PMVS opens at 9:00 am Eastern Time on March 21, 2024. Before the PMVS opens, applicants should prepare their application materials. Students who did not create an APPIC Application for Psychology Internships (AAPI) in Phases I or II should begin this preparation at least 4-6 weeks prior to the PMVS opening date. See " Preparing your Application Materials ", below, for specific information about preparing your application materials. Once the PMVS opens, applicants locate information about unfilled positions (see " Accessing Information about Unfilled Positions ", below). Applicants apply for the positions in which they are interested (see " Submitting an Application in the PMVS ", below, for specific guidelines about how to apply). An internship Training Director who is interested in an applicant will contact the applicant directly, possibly requesting additional information and/or an interview (see " Interviews and Offers in the PMVS ", below). When a selection decision has been made, the Training Director will contact the applicant and offer them a position. The applicant may accept or decline that offer. Applicants should understand that accepting an offer is a final decision, as an offer that is tendered by an internship program and accepted by an applicant constitutes a binding agreement between the program, the applicant, and APPIC that may not be reversed without APPIC's consent. (See " Interviews and Offers in the PMVS ", below).

PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS

Instructions for Students who Have an Existing AAPI If you previously submitted applications via the AAPI service in either Phase I or Phase II of the Match, your application remains available for you to use in the PMVS using the same login credentials that you used during the Match. Remember that you cannot make changes to the main parts of the application, but you can submit new cover letters, letters of recommendation, vitas, and essays. You will definitely need to write new cover letters for the PMVS (see below), but it is not necessary to update your vita, essays, or letters of recommendation unless you wish to do so, as it is perfectly acceptable to use the ones that you uploaded in Phase I. It is understood by internship sites in the PMVS that all students' AAPIs will be a snapshot of their experiences through October 1, 2023. However, if any important information has changed or is incorrect on your AAPI (e.g., answers to "Professional Conduct" questions), or if you have any recent experiences that you wish to highlight, you may use your cover letters, CV, and/or essays to communicate those changes/additions. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are providing complete, current, and accurate information to internship sites.

Students who have NOT yet developed their application within the AAPI Service will need to create one in order to use the PMVS. Most students will want to have their AAPI ready by the date the PMVS opens (March 21, 2024) and are encouraged to allow themselves sufficient time to do so. No AAPIs can be created after June 30, 2024, as the AAPI portal will close after that date. When entering data into the AAPI, you must only include your accrued experience through October 1, 2023 . Any practicum or other experience accrued after October 1, 2023 may not be included on the AAPI. It is understood by sites in the PMVS that all students' AAPIs will be a snapshot of their experiences through October 1, 2023. However, if any important information has changed or is incorrect on your AAPI (e.g., answers to "Professional Conduct" questions), or if you have any recent experiences that you wish sites to know about, you may use your cover letters, vita, and/or essays to communicate those changes/additions. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are providing complete, current, and accurate information to internship sites. Students may begin the process of filling out their AAPIs at any time. However, students who are in "PMVS Only" doctoral programs (meaning that they may participate in the PMVS but not the APPIC Match) may begin creating their AAPIs now EXCEPT for the following items, which won't be available for entry by these students until March 14, 2024 ( PLEASE NOTE: The dates have been changed to March 14 - we apologize for the inconvenience ) (despite this limitation, students will have plenty of time to complete their AAPIs prior to the opening of the PMVS on March 21, 2024): Current University: Their current university will NOT be included in the drop-down list of current universities until March 14, 2024. Thus, students from "PMVS Only" doctoral programs must wait until that date in order to accurately populate that field. Prior to that date, students should leave that field blank. "Current Graduate Program" may not be completed until March 14, 2024.

Please remember two important aspects of submitting applications in the PMVS: During the PMVS, you will be expected to tailor your cover letters to each site to which you are applying, describing how your interests, background, and experiences fit with each site, just as you did during Phases I and II of the Match. You should NOT submit any supplemental materials (assessment reports or treatment summaries) to sites with your initial application in the PMVS, even if requested to do so by the site's application instructions. Sites have been told that applications from students in the PMVS will not include supplemental materials, even if requested by the site. Sites may choose to ask selected applicants to provide supplemental materials at a later time, such as after their initial application in is reviewed. Students who receive such requests must use the AAPI service to upload the supplemental materials and then notify the site (e.g., via e-mail) once completed.

ACCESSING INFORMATION ABOUT UNFILLED POSITIONS

Vacancy announcements will be posted on the " Current List of Unfilled Positions " page on the APPIC web site beginning at 9:00 am Eastern Time on March 21, 2024. This page will be updated regularly as new vacancy information is submitted by Training Directors, and is the sole source of vacancy announcements from APPIC. Applicants should check back frequently for updates, which can occur anytime between March 21 and September 30, 2024.

If you wish to receive an e-mailed notification whenever this vacancy list is updated, you may sign up for such notifications here anytime after March 1, 2024. We strongly recommend signing up for such notifications, as doing so will allow you to avoid missing updates that can occur anytime during the 6+ months that the PMVS is open.

Please note that the list of unfilled positions will include programs that are not accredited. The accreditation status will be included in each posting. The decision to attend a non-accredited internship program is an important one; please see this FAQ for more information.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION IN THE PMVS

Application Submission on or before June 30, 2024 Applicants who wish to submit applications in the PMVS anytime up to and including June 30, 2024 must use the AAPI service to do so. This is the same process by which applications were submitted during Phases I and II of the APPIC Match. After submitting an application, please send a brief e-mail to the Training Director alerting them to the fact that you have applied. Since Training Directors do not receive alerts about newly-received applications, and may not check their AAPI portals often, this is an important step during the PMVS to ensure that each site knows that you have applied. Sites may choose to shut off the receipt of applications at any time. Thus, if you are interested in a position that is listed in the PMVS, you should submit your application via the AAPI service as soon as possible.

This section will be updated in June, 2024.

INTERVIEWS AND OFFERS IN THE PMVS

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Congressman Gaetz Releases Bombshell Report on State Department’s American Troop Crisis Cover-up in Niger

Washington, D.C.  — This week on the House Floor, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) announced the release of his bombshell investigative report titled “ Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger, ” detailing how U.S. Forces in Niger are facing imminent risk due to the State Department’s coverup of intelligence in the region.

The investigative report, written by the Office of Congressman Matt Gaetz, includes interviews of active-duty U.S. service members stationed in Niger who have revealed a suppression of intelligence reports by the Department of State on the conditions American troops on the ground in Niger face, which has led to a crisis for our service members in that country. The investigative report was initiated, following a letter transmitted to Rep. Gaetz’s office by a senior enlisted leader stationed at Air Base 101 in Niger.

Since the U.S.-trained Nigerien coup leaders took control of the country in mid-2023, there has been a cessation of diplomatic overflights. This has left the Department of Defense unable to execute planned troop rotations, in addition to being unable to deliver critical medical supplies, equipment, and other routine materials. Furthermore, American contractors, and allies—Germany and Italy—have been prohibited from entering the country, and contracted support staff are quickly vacating when their visas (ineligible for renewal) lapse, leaving the maintenance of the U.S. bases being called into question.

The “Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger” can be found HERE .

Video of Rep. Gaetz on the House Floor announcing his report can be found HERE . Additionally, exclusive coverage of the Rep. Gaetz’s Report on the American Troop Crisis in Niger by Breitbart News can be found HERE .

FULL REPORT

OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN MATT GAETZ (FL-01)

United States House of Representatives

Unwelcome in Niger

Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on American Troop Crisis in Niger

April 17, 2024

In Summary : Gaetz office interviews of active-duty U.S. service members stationed in Niger have revealed a diplomatic cover-up on the part of the United States Department of State, leading to a crisis for our service members in that country.

Since the hostility within the government of Niger that took over in mid-2023, the Department of Defense is unable to execute planned troop rotations or deliver mail, medical supplies, equipment, and other materials. The Biden Administration is actively suppressing intelligence reports about the atmospherics of the Nigerien position to avoid embarrassment for investing hundreds of millions of dollars in a nation where U.S. forces are no longer welcome.

Background : In April 2024, concerned service members and their families reached out the office of Representative Matt Gaetz (FL-01) for help regarding an ongoing situation in Niger that has left them functionally stranded, and without sufficient assistance from the Department of Defense or the Department of State. Multiple interviews since conducted (including with senior enlisted personnel in-country) have revealed an impossible situation for U.S. troops.  They find themselves prohibited from doing their purported mission, or from returning home post-deployment. These service members are currently deployed to Airbase 101 in Niamey, Niger, as part of the 768 th Expeditionary Airbase Squadron (768 EABS) and Advanced Operations Base (AOB) Sahel. 768 EABS is comprised of active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard Airmen from across the country and Army Special Forces and contract support, totaling about 450 personnel. Air Base 101 (AB101) is collocated at Niger’s primary airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, in the capital, Niamey, Niger. Established in 2016 in the hopes of combatting terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in West Africa, Boko Haram, and Ansaru, AB101 has been a major hub for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Advise, Assist, Train and Equip mission-sets as part of U.S. support to host nation internal security. That is, until 2023.

Problem : On March 16, 2023, Secretary of State Blinken remarked: “Niger is really an extraordinary model at a time of great challenge – a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation.”  Less than three months later, the military took over the country.

Since that junta, known as the C onseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP) or the National Council for the Safeguard of the Fatherland , took control, U.S.-Nigerien relations have been heavily strained. In December 2023 the CNSP announced a full review of all military agreements in the country. In January of 2024, the CNSP provided a proposed and draft Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). On March 17, 2024, the junta announced a cancellation of the military accords with the United States, following an embarrassing series of meetings with Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee ( left ) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander, Marine General Michael Langley ( right ).  This deterioration of diplomatic arrangements has led to our service members being caught in the middle of a standoff between an inept Department of State and a U.S.-trained Nigerien coup-force. This breakdown has led to total cessation of diplomatic clearance overflights, preventing the  delivery of mail, necessary medical supplies, blood to replenish the blood bank (which requires constant turnover due to expiration windows), equipment and repair supplies; and other routine materiel from the United States. Personnel rotations for service members have been halted, leaving our troops stranded without any indication of relief or return home, as replacements aren’t authorized to enter Niger. American contractors have also been prohibited from entering the country, and contracted support staff are quickly vacating when their visas (ineligible for renewal) lapse. This has led to a crisis as the base deteriorates and contracts, such as for the installation maintenance, are called into question.  The new government of Niger also apparently prohibits our other allies in the country—Germany and Italy—from providing any relief or logistics support to our troops.  There is no end in sight.

What we’ve learned : Thanks to a brave cohort of service members, including staff non-commissioned officers and officers currently deployed at AB101, we have uncovered the below information. The following was acquired from individuals with direct knowledge of the events in question and shared by congressionally protected communication via a letter ( exhibit 1 ) and direct contact with my staff, including my Director of Military Affairs and former Marine Corps ground intelligence officer, or is the assessment of this office based on the shared accounts:

• CNSP is present on social media openly and officially stating they want U.S. forces out of their country.
• U.S. hesitancy to recognize legitimacy of the military junta in Niger has the led local populace to increasingly wonder: “Why is the U.S. here?”
• Niger, via official media and social media platforms, has declared the status of forces agreement (SOFA) void. Tension from the francophile nation has escalated since France’s departure in November 2023, as U.S. is now the main western presence to oppose.
• “In the statement read on television, Amadou Abdramane, the junta’s spokesman, said the Nigerien government “denounced with force the condescending attitude” of the head of the recent U.S. delegation, which he said had undermined the long relationship between the two countries. The government, he said, was “denouncing with immediate effect” the accord between Niger and the U.S. military, along with civilians working for the Defense Department.” (WaPo)

• The White House has provided false reports to Congress about troop counts in Niger. On December 7, 2023, President Biden reported to Speaker Johnson that “approximately 648 military personnel” remain in Niger following post-coup drawdowns. (top, right) This number remains closer to 1,100 DoD-affiliated persons between AB101 & AB201.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense of International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander ( bottom , right ) statement to Congress : “There is actually quite a mixed message. We are following up and seeking clarification,” Wallander said. “They have declared this SOFA … to be non-operational, [but] they have assured us that American military forces are protected, and they will take no action that would endanger them.”
• Department of State and Department of Defense are not on the same page. I have sent requests for information to each agency to reconcile the differences ( exhibit 2 & 3 ).
• AFRICOM & USAFE- AFAFRICA (US Air Force Europe-Air Force Africa), the operational and administrative higher headquarters, respectively, are blaming other departments, agencies, commands, etc., all placing responsibility for resolution and planning on others. Meanwhile, no cohesive intelligence picture is agreed upon; no planning on that understanding is occurring; and no clear guidance or the next steps for AB101 or AB201 are being issued.  This leaves the ground force commander(s) and their staff(s) with complete uncertainty about what to expect.

• US Embassy Niger, under Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon (top left) and Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché (SDO/DATT) Colonel Nora Nelson-Richter ( top right), are covering up the failure of their U.S. diplomatic efforts in Niger.
• Intelligence service members received “ emails where [SDO/DATT] would ask us to reword info in reports which would downplay what happened. All of the major stuff was phone calls ,” seemingly so that there would be no record.
• According to one service member, “When our AFRICOM leaders look to us to provide atmospherics on the ground, they go to the Embassy first and hear a watered down or false story than what is being reported. I know of at least 3 reports from OSI about Nigerien sentiment that have been discredited by the Embassy and turned out to be 100% true.”
• U.S. Forces on the ground are treading water in the current operating environment, prohibited from leaving “the wire” to do their jobs. Assigned to AB101 with an Advise, Assist, Train & Equip mission, our troops are completely incapable of mission accomplishment despite their best efforts, while taxpayers foot the nearly $1 million per month price to keep them sitting idle in the Sahel.
• Our European partners, Italy and Germany, maintain forces both inside and outside the wire of the U.S. portion of the installation and have experienced no such clearance issues but are FORBIDDEN from cooperation with the U.S. when it comes to resupply efforts. I have sent requests for information to both partner nations to confirm the restrictions regarding resupply efforts for Niger ( exhibit 4 &5 )

• Note: As of April 12, 2024, after the above report from AB101, U.S. media is reporting growing influence of Russian forces in Niger.
• Our near-peer adversaries are gaining unfettered access to Niger while our Department of State misrepresents the truth and intentionally buries assessments of our intelligence experts in the region to maintain the façade.
• Counterintelligence concerns are great and near-pear adversaries’ physical positioning increases tax on U.S. manpower, further curtailing mission needs.
• Not including salaries for nearly 1,100 DoD service members and civilians, it costs nearly $100k a month for WIFI and host-nation vehicle leases for them to sit in their berthing and parking lots respectively; and $150-200k per month on food and water, acquired via host-nation contracts, that often provide necessities that do not pass U.S. standards for edibility or potability and are therefore unusable.

• Mail, food, equipment, parts, medical supplies, etc. are being prevented from reaching AB101.
• Replacement personnel en route for relief in place/transfer of authority (RIP/TOA) are being prevented from arriving. They are stuck in EUCOM awaiting clearance to travel to AB101 to execute RIP/TOA, or have not yet departed the continental United States due to impacts.
• Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, AFRICOM J5, Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs’ ( right ), entry to negotiate a resumption of diplomatic overflight clearances has been denied multiple times in recent weeks.
• Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché Colonel Nelson-Richter has been one of the main actors knowingly lying about the diplomatic reality. She allegedly lied on a conference call with 56 outstations about the aforementioned 2-star general being prevented access to Niger.
• CNSP has instituted new visa requirements, which impact both U.S. uniformed DoD but also contractors, as their visas to work in support of DoD are expiring. They are not issuing any new or renewal visas, so contractors must depart when they expire. CTRs support operations but also logistics and base management.
• The blood bank at AB101, which needs constant replenishment due to routine expiration, is not being rotated for use in the event of a mass casualty or medical emergency.
• In May, critical medications will run out for individual service members, they have repeatedly reached out for assistance but their strategic higher headquarters such as AFRICOM routinely overlook their concerns and those of AB101s higher chain of command, or simply do not provide relief or guidance for resolution.
• Service members who require medication for care of acute or chronic issues are facing the running-out of their prescriptions, as no resupply is available. 
• “On average, throughout the EABS, each person has an average of 23 days of medication left. The fewest amount is 7 and the highest is 80 pills. Role 1 (Medical) has 1800 pills in stock which equates to a 9-day supply if each EABS member were given an equal number of pills. One consideration, it is illegal to share prescription medication even if it is the same type of medicine.”
• AB101 has solicited the help of the U.S. Embassy but has been informed that embassy resupplies are unable to be redirected to AB101 and that they would be sufficient.
• Hygiene is also another concern as the camp runs exceedingly low on personal hygiene supplies, with only a few days’ or weeks’ worth remaining for a camp of over 400 personnel.

Conclusion :

Our troops are currently sitting on a powder keg caused by political indecision at the top of the Department of State and Department of Defense. With a military junta in charge—who detests our presence and considers us unserious and predatory—the situation seems to be setting the groundwork for catastrophic diplomatic collapse like we saw during the 2012 Benghazi attack. Additionally, these troops are already running short on necessary, life-saving supplies, such as blood and medications. I have sent letters to the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community demanding answers on their cover-up and any exculpatory documents in their possession. I have also written letters to the Embassies of Germany and Italy to inquire about any directives or decrees they have received from the Nigeriens regarding cooperation with U.S. forces in-country.

Matt Gaetz United States Congressman, Florida’s First Congressional District United States House of Representatives April 17, 2024

For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter  here .

Debunking misinformation about Stormy Daniels amid Trump hush money trial | Fact check

Misinformation is flourishing on social media as former President Donald Trump's hush money trial rolls into its second week . Trump, who has become the first former president to stand trial in a criminal case, is accused of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Daniels' 2018 signed statement denying an affair with Trump (which she later denounced) has been a popular jumping-off point for social media users. Others have speculated about the porn star's legal fee payments and alleged business relationships.

Here's a roundup of fact-checks about Daniels and the hush money trial from the USA TODAY Fact-Check Team.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Claim: Stormy Daniels letter denying affair with Trump was 'just found'

Our rating: False

The letter is not new. It was signed and published in January 2018 and has been covered widely by various media outlets in the years since. Describing this letter as "exonerating" as many have on social media overreaches since Daniels later said the denial was a "lie" and was signed out of fear of legal repercussions. Read more

Claim: Order for Stormy Daniels to pay Trump legal fees shows indictment is 'absurd and fake'

The court order is related to a 2018 defamation case adult film actress Stormy Daniels filed against former President Donald Trump. The case is unrelated to Trump's Manhattan indictment, numerous legal experts said. Read more

The claim: Bill Clinton paid Paula Jones $850,000 in 'hush money'

Multiple legal experts said Clinton’s $850,000 payment to Jones as part of a settlement agreement is not considered "hush money" since the facts of the case were already publicly known. Read more

Claim: Fox News reported on a business relationship between Stormy Daniels, House Speaker Mike Johnson

Spokespeople for Johnson and Fox News said the claim is false. It originated with a satirical social media account. Read more

Claim: Post implies Stormy Daniels' statement is new

Our rating: Missing context

The implied claim here is wrong. The statement in question was released in 2018. Daniels later said it was a lie and that she felt forced to sign it because of a non-disclosure agreement she had signed. Read more

Other claims about Trump's legal troubles

The claim: Post implies corruption explains gap between Trump's $454M bond and Madoff's $10M bond

The implied claim here is wrong, as it's built on a faulty comparison between two different types of cases. Trump's bond is to protect his assets while he appeals his civil fraud trial loss. Madoff's bond, on the other hand, was part of an agreement that kept him out of jail while his criminal case moved through court. Read more

The claim: Trump was criminally prosecuted for taking out a loan and paying it back

The post is wrong in two ways. The Trump case referenced in the post is civil, not criminal, which means Trump was not accused of a crime. New York's attorney general sued Trump for fraudulently inflating his wealth on financial statements used to get loans and insurance, not for taking out and repaying a loan. Read more

The claim: Charges against Trump include potential for death penalty

The special counsel's office overseeing the prosecution told USA TODAY the claim is false, explaining that Trump’s case does not meet the requirements for capital punishment. Legal experts agreed the claim is not valid and pointed out the death penalty is rare, even in applicable cases.  Read more

Claim: Trump was charged with espionage

Legal experts said Trump was not charged with espionage in the classified documents probe. He was charged with the willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act for allegedly possessing documents related to national security. Experts said the Espionage Act encompasses crimes other than espionage itself.  Read more

Claim: Merrick Garland stripped Trump of right to run in 2024 after evidence of 'justice obstruction' was found

Garland does not have the authority to prevent Trump from running for president, according to legal experts. Even if Trump is indicted in the classified documents case, he can still run for president.  Read more

Claim: Biden ordered Trump's indictment

Legal experts said Biden does not have the authority to bring criminal charges against anyone. That authority lies with federal prosecutors. In the classified documents probe, Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith made the decision to indict Trump, not Biden.  Read more

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .