No, “cover letter” is two words. The correct spelling is always “cover letter” (with a space), never “coverletter” or “cover-letter” except when used as a compound modifier before a noun, e.g., “cover-letter template.” This guide explains the spelling rules, common mistakes, and how to use the term correctly in professional writing.
Why “Cover Letter” Is Two Words
In English, most compound nouns start as two separate words before they gradually merge into one (e.g., “note book” became “notebook”). “Cover letter” has not yet undergone that merger. Major dictionaries—including Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge—list it as a two-word noun. The plural is “cover letters.” The term first appeared in the late 19th century to describe a letter that “covers” or accompanies another document, and it has remained two words ever since.
Common Misspellings and Why They Happen
People often write “coverletter” as one word because they see similar terms like “email” (once “e-mail”) or “website” (once “web site”) that did merge. Others hyphenate it as “cover-letter” because they mistakenly apply the rule for compound modifiers. Here are the most frequent errors:
- Coverletter – one word, incorrect for the noun.
- Cover-letter – hyphenated, only correct when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., “cover-letter format”).
- Cover letter – correct for the noun.
If you are ever unsure, think of similar two-word terms like “resume” (which is one word) or “application letter” (three words). The pattern is not consistent, so checking a dictionary is the safest route.
How to Use “Cover Letter” in a Sentence
Use the two-word form when referring to the document itself. Examples:
- “Please attach your cover letter and resume.”
- “Her cover letter was concise and well-written.”
- “I need to update my cover letter before the interview.”
When the phrase modifies another noun, use a hyphen: “cover-letter tips,” “cover-letter examples,” “cover-letter writing guide.” This hyphenation clarifies that the two words act as a single adjective.
Cover Letter vs. Covering Letter
In British English, “covering letter” is an accepted alternative, though “cover letter” is now more common globally. Both refer to the same document. In American English, “cover letter” is the standard. If you are writing for an international audience, “cover letter” is universally understood. Avoid “coverletter” in all variants.
How to Choose the Correct Spelling
When writing, follow these simple steps:
- Decide whether the term is a noun or an adjective.
- If it is a noun, use two words: “cover letter.”
- If it is an adjective before a noun, use a hyphen: “cover-letter checklist.”
- If you are using a style guide (APA, Chicago, MLA), check its hyphenation rules—most follow the dictionary.
If you are typing and your spell-checker flags “coverletter,” that is a clear sign it is wrong. Trust the red squiggle.
Common Questions About the Term
People also wonder whether “cover letter” should be capitalized. Only capitalize it if it starts a sentence or appears in a title. In a sentence, it is lowercase: “I wrote a cover letter.” In a heading, you might write “Cover Letter” because headings often use title case. Also, note that “cover letter” is not a proper noun, so it never needs capitalization in the middle of a sentence.
Template for a Cover Letter
Below is a generic cover letter template you can adapt. Replace the underlined sections with your own details.
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Your Name | _________________________ |
| Your Address | _________________________ |
| City, State, ZIP | _________________________ |
| _________________________ | |
| Phone | _________________________ |
| Date | _________________________ |
| Employer Name | _________________________ |
| Company | _________________________ |
| Company Address | _________________________ |
| Salutation | Dear _________________________: |
| Opening Paragraph | _________________________ |
| Body Paragraph 1 | _________________________ |
| Body Paragraph 2 | _________________________ |
| Closing Paragraph | _________________________ |
| Complimentary Close | Sincerely, |
Sample (fictional): Jane Doe, 123 Main St., Springfield, IL 62701, jane.doe@email.com, (555) 123-4567, March 15, 2025, Hiring Manager, Acme Corp., 456 Business Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, Dear Ms. Smith: I am writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position. I have three years of experience in digital marketing. In my previous role, I increased social media engagement by 40%. I am excited to bring my skills to Acme Corp. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jane Doe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “cover letter” one word or two?
Two words. Always write “cover letter” as a noun. The one-word version “coverletter” is not recognized by dictionaries and is considered a spelling error.
Should I hyphenate “cover letter”?
Only when using it as an adjective before a noun, such as “cover-letter format.” As a noun, no hyphen is used.
Is “covering letter” the same as “cover letter”?
Yes, “covering letter” is a British variant. Both are correct, but “cover letter” is more widely used and preferred in most contexts today.
Do I need a cover letter for every job application?
Not always, but it is often recommended. Some employers request one; others do not. When in doubt, include a brief, tailored cover letter to show interest and highlight relevant skills.
How long should a cover letter be?
Typically one page, around 250–400 words. Keep it concise, focused on your qualifications, and tailored to the specific job.
Can I use “cover letter” in a filename?
Yes, but avoid spaces if the system may not handle them. Use “cover_letter.pdf” or “cover-letter.pdf” in filenames to ensure compatibility.