A cover letter for a part-time job is an official document that highlights the contents of an applicant’s resume for application to a position that carries fewer working hours than a full-time job.
In addition, the letter acquaints the applicant with his/her potential employers by informing them on who he/she is and the contribution he/she can make if hired.
When writing a part-time job cover letter, an applicant should consider the following:
Free Templates
Why is a Cover Letter Needed in a Part-time Job?
An applicant for a part-time job should write a cover letter as it can assist an applicant in demonstrating why he/she is a strong candidate for a position. The cover letter tells the applicant’s story in a few paragraphs by highlighting specific relevant experiences. Therefore, an applicant should consider the cover letter for a part-time job for the following reasons:
- It encourages an employer to read an applicant’s resume.
- It identifies the applicant and states why he/she is the best person for the job
- It demonstrates an applicant’s writing ability
- It demonstrates that the applicant is serious about the opportunity to work in the company
- It sets up the follow-up
- It highlight’s an applicant’s strengths
- It can help boost a weak resume
- It can make an applicant stand out
A well-written cover letter could be the difference between an applicant who gets a part-time job and another who doesn’t.
Printed Letters vs. Email Message
An applicant should ensure that he/she reads the job submission requirements provided by an employer. The instructions provided direct an applicant on whether or not to send an email message or a printed cover letter for part-time jobs and other application documents. An applicant can choose which submission avenue to use if no directions are provided.
When a printed letter is required, the applicant should ensure that he/she has the employer’s correct mail address. A printed cover letter for a part-time job should be written in a readable font and font size. The date and the applicant’s contact information should be provided at the start, while the employer’s address information should follow.
When sending an email message, the applicant should ensure he/she attaches the cover letter for a part-time job as a word document, PDF, or writes directly into the email message.
Writing the cover letter for a part-time job as a direct email message will require the applicant to list his/her name and job title in the subject line. The message should start with a salutation, and the applicant’s contact information should be included in his/her email signature. The employer’s contact information is not required.
Writing a Cover Letter for Part-Time Job
A cover letter for a part-time job increases an applicant’s chances for employment. The applicant should therefore strive to highlight his/her best attributes in the letter. Thus, the following information should be written in a cover letter for a part-time job:
Introduction
The introductory paragraph of the cover letter for a part-time job should introduce the applicant to the employer and state his/her interest in the position. The applicant should also indicate how he/she heard about the job and if it was a referral by someone else whose name should be mentioned in the cover letter for a part-time job. The information conveyed in the first paragraph will catch the employer’s attention and help create an interest in the applicant.
Skills and qualifications
Next, the applicant should ensure that the second paragraph of the cover letter for a part-time job highlights his/her skills and qualifications. The applicant should connect his/her skills to the job requirement to show the employer why he/she is best suited for the job. This information can also be conveyed in both the second and third paragraphs for more context. The applicant can provide practical examples of how his/her skill set was used in the previous capacity occupied.
Recommendation-if any
Afterward, the cover letter for a part-time job can include any recommendations that an applicant has received from a previous employer. In addition, the letter should convey the name of the referral, the relationship, and the referral’s familiarity with the applicant.
The applicant should provide a summary explaining the reason for the recommendation and how the experience qualifies him/her for the position.
Steps an applicant can follow to get a recommendation:
- Reaching out to a colleague or friend: First, to obtain a recommendation, an applicant can try asking someone at the company to refer him/her. It’s recommended that the person be higher in rank and well known to the hiring manager.
- Identify the referral’s reach: Next, the applicant should try and ensure that the individual recommending him/her has some connection to the hiring manager. The applicant can candidly ask the referral about the nature of the relationship he/she shares with the hiring manager. However, if a candid conversation is not an option, the applicant can learn about the company structure to determine how the hiring manager and the referral may have interacted.
The applicant should exercise caution at this stage because if the relations between the referral and the hiring manager are hostile, having the recommendation on the cover letter for a part-time job can be harmful.
- Request the referral’s consent: Then the applicant should seek the referral’s consent to include his/her name in the cover letter for a part-time job. Seeking consent will ensure the referral is prepared for any question the hiring manager may pose if contacted about the recommendation. The referral can also provide the applicant with information that he/she has about the company and job.
- Give the referral a copy of the cover letter for a part-time job: Afterward, the applicant should thank and avail a copy of the cover letter for a part-time job to the referral. The copy will contain the same content as the original, which the hiring manager will receive
Follow-up plan
Suppose an applicant sends a cover letter for a part-time job and does not receive any communication from the employer for an extended period. Then, the applicant can send a follow-up email to enquire information concerning the status of his/her application.
The follow-up email has the following principles:
- It should be sent after two weeks
- It should be sent via email for record-keeping
- It should have a clear subject line
- It should be polite and professional
- It should be brief
- It should remind the employer of the applicant’s suitability for the job
- It should contain any questions the applicant has
- It should be thoroughly edited
Conclusion
The conclusion of the cover letter for the part-time job should restate the applicant’s belief in the value the company stands to gain by employing him/her. The applicant should also write his/her contact information in the final paragraph.
The applicant’s signature and name will mark the conclusion of the cover letter for a part-time job.
Part-Time Job Cover Letter Template
[APPLICANT’S NAME]
[ APPLICANT’S ADDRESS]
[DATE]
[NAME OF THE HIRING MANAGER]
[HIRING MANAGER’S TITLE]
[HIRING MANAGER’S COMPANY NAME]
[COMPANY’S ADDRESS]
DEAR MR/MRS/MISS/MS [HIRING MANAGER’S NAME-IF NOT KNOWN SIR/MADAM WILL DO]
I am interested in the part-time role of [job title] at [company name], as advertised in The Standard. I have attached my CV for your consideration.
My [time period] experience in the[sector] industry has been indicated in my CV. I believe that the skills and knowledge I have acquired over that period can benefit your company greatly.
In my previous position as [job title] at [employer name], I was responsible for [notable and quantifiable achievement] where I gained [skill relevant to the role] which help the business [measures of success].
I am currently [reason you are choosing to pursue a part-time position] that will enable me to [part-time benefits]. I am confident that my skill will make me a valuable asset to your company.
Thank you for your time and consideration. You can contact me at [phone number /email]. I hope to discuss my application further with you.
Sincerely,
[APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE]
[APPLICANT’S NAME]
Part-Time Job Cover Letter Samples
The following are samples of a cover letter for part-time job that can help an applicant formulate his /her letter:
Sample Letter 01
John Smith
433 Adams Street
Anytown, CA,1234
April 3, 2020
Andrew Baker
Manager
Mabry Kitchen Appliances
567 Rout 13,
Clay City, CA 6793
Dear Mr. Andrew,
I am interested in the part-time role of sales agent at Mabry Kitchen Appliances, as advertised in The Standard. I have attached my CV for your consideration.
My ten years of experience in the sales industry have been indicated in my CV. I believe that the skills and knowledge I have acquired over that period can benefit your company greatly.
In my previous position as a sales agent at Carson’s kitchenware, I was responsible for customer service, meeting customers, and organizing daily work schedules, which led to a steady 40% increase in sales. In addition, I gained excellent research, communication, and organizational skills, which helped the business expand its reach in California.
I am currently hoping to pursue my Master in Sales, which will enable me to upgrade to a managerial level. I am confident that my skill will make me a valuable asset to your company.
Thank you for your time and consideration. You can contact me at 123-567-981 Or johnsmith@email.com.I hope to discuss my application further with you.
Sincerely,
James Smith
Sample Letter 02
Date
(Hiring Manager)
(Company)
(Physical Address)
(Postal Address)
(City, State, ZIP Code)
Â
RE:Â APPLICATION FOR THE WEEKEND WAITRESS JOB OPENING
Dear Sir/Madam/Mr./Mrs./Ms.
I am currently a junior at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. As such, my weekdays are packed but free during the weekends. You indicated that you are looking for a weekend waitress at your restaurant.
Well, I am very much available. For one, I pursue Food and Hospitality Management course. This combined with my future aspiration as a seasoned waitress makes me feel appropriately qualified for this role. Moreover, working for you will also give me the experience I shall need later to launch my career after graduating.
Even though I have never acted in this capacity before, I still feel I merit the opportunity. The main reason being that I am available for a massive 18 hours every Saturday and Sunday. To add to that, I am also comfortable working for the Federal minimum wage.
Attached is my complete resume and an in-depth explanation of just what I am capable of. Feel free to get back to me for any clarifications of my skills.
I really look forward to attending the interview and hopefully, getting the job!
Regards,
(Name)
Email format
Subject: Part-time secretary-June applicant
Dear Mr. Andrew
I’m interested in applying for a part-time position as a secretary at Mark-Tech as advertised in The Post.
I have extensive experience arranging appointments, typing, and preparing reports for supervisors. In addition, my communication and data managing skills have enabled a quick flow of work, resulting in increased productivity. I have also mastered shorthand writing which allows me to take minutes effectively and accurately.
I adapt quickly to new work environments and have a flexible work schedule. I hope to meet you and look forward to discussing my application with you.
Thank you for your consideration
Sincerely,
John Smith
433 Adams Street
Anytown, CA,1234
Email: johnsmith@email.com
Cell:123-567-981
Professional Tips for Writing
An applicant should consider the following tips when writing a cover letter for a part-time job:
Always write one
An applicant should always write a cover letter for the part-time job unless the employer strictly states otherwise. Taking the initiative to write a cover letter for a part-time job even when an employer does not state it as a requirement portrays an applicant’s proactive nature.
Give quick examples
An applicant should try and provide at least two examples of a situation that warranted the use of the skills required for the position stated in the cover letter for a part-time job. These examples will increase an applicant’s chances of employment.
Be brief
A cover letter for a part-time job is meant to introduce and highlight the applicant’s capabilities. Writing a short cover letter will motivate the employer to read it and increase the applicant’s chances of being short-listed for the job. The cover letter for a part-time job should be under one page.
The cover letter will also require proper spacing for a neat appearance.
Show flexibility
The applicant should demonstrate his/her ability to comfortably work flexible hours, especially if the job requires shift work.
Edit and proofread
The applicant should read the cover letter for a part-time job and identify any grammatical mistakes. The cover letter for a part-time job is a first impression on the employer and should therefore be the best version of the applicant. A well-edited cover letter demonstrates an attention to detail and an applicant’s professionalism. An applicant can have a cover letter for a part-time job edited and proofread by another person willing to surrender a few minutes to the task.
Conclusion
A cover letter for a part-time job can go a long way in securing an applicant a job. The letter introduces an applicant to the employer and highlights what can be found in the resume. Therefore, an applicant should always write a cover letter for the part-time job unless the employer strictly states not to.
A well-written cover letter for a part-time job communicates professionalism and attention to detail. It represents an applicant’s character and even vouches for his/her skills and qualifications. An applicant should treat the part-time job application just as if it were full-time. Making an effort to write a cover letter for a part-time job will always make a good impression on the employer.
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