How to Write an SEO Specialist Cover Letter

Cover letters explain why you are the best candidate for a role that relates to search engine optimization. These brief documents accompany your resume. They should:

• Outline your relevant work experience and knowledge of tools with examples
• Set you apart from other candidates
• Convince the employer that you would be an asset to their organization

By submitting a stellar cover letter that highlights your SEO expertise and interest in the organization, an employer should be eager to invite you for a job interview.

Whether you’re new to the field of search engine marketing or have years of experience, these best practices will help you craft outstanding cover letters to accompany your resume.

1. Review the job description: Carefully read through the role description so you understand what they are looking for. Each cover letter should be personalized to the organization and the position.
2. Start with research: Look through the company’s webpage to get an idea of their products, services and mission. In your cover letter, you should highlight specific projects or values that interest you.
3. Highlight your SEO skills: Use specific examples about how you improved rankings and increased organic site traffic with an analytical approach in your previous roles. Include numbers to show the impact of your work.
4. Show your passion: Employers are looking for applicants who love their work and are enthusiastic about the organization. Share your specific interests, your problem-solving skills and why you would be excited to join their team.
5. Be concise: Your cover letter should be one page maximum. Focus on relevant skills and experience.
6. Proofread before submitting: Spelling and grammar errors reflect poorly on a candidate. Make sure you double check your whole resume before submitting any job application.

The purpose of your cover letter is to get you noticed. Companies may receive hundreds of applications for an SEO position. Your cover letter needs to make you stand out. Cover letters should introduce who you are, why you’re applying and what you can bring to the role.

Your cover letter should tell a story—take the employer through a journey of your achievements. Craft a compelling narrative about your successes and the impact you had on previous companies. Focus on what you can bring to their organization and why it would be advantageous for them to hire you.

A cover letter can be broken down into a few parts. Follow this outline to create a well-organized and compelling cover letter to accompany your resume:

1. Heading, including your name and contact information
2. Date
3. The Hiring Manager’s name and title, and the company’s name and address
4. Greeting
5. Introductory paragraph that hooks the reader
6. Body paragraph(s) that explain your SEO skills and achievements
7. Body paragraph that showcases your passion and interest in the organization
8. Closing paragraph that reiterates your interest
9. Sign off

Your cover letter should include a header, greeting, compelling opening, synopsis of your skills and experience, reasons why you are applying and a call to action.

The header consists of basic contact information, including your name, phone number, email, website and LinkedIn.

Address the cover letter to a specific person or manager. Avoid using a generic phrase like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, look at the job posting, organization webpage or LinkedIn to find the name of the individual responsible, for example, “Dear Ms Mitchell.” Introduction: You want to hook the reader right away. Begin with an achievement, your top skills or what interests you about the organization.

Highlight your most impressive skills and experiences. Refer back to the role description to make sure you are hitting on the key qualifications the employer is seeking. Back up your experience with stats, such as rankings, traffic and click-through rates.

Employers are seeking enthusiastic applicants. Explain what draws you to the position and why you would be an asset. Make use of your earlier research on the organization and mention specific projects or work that interests you.

End your cover letter politely and graciously. Include a call to action for the employer to further engage with you.

Use these letter samples to guide you whilst you’re writing new search engine job applications.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am a creative and enthusiastic digital marketing professional who specializes in social media and search engine optimization. I am writing to apply for the SEO Specialist position with XYZ Company.

At 123 Technologies, I conduct detailed keyword research, optimize our site copy and build awareness around our brand. Since starting my role two years ago, I increased the daily traffic to our official site from 30,000 to 100,000 and slashed bounce rates from 30% to 8%. I have demonstrated an ability to work well independently and in teams, and I was recognized as Employee of the Month for my exceptional work.

I am passionate about driving results for companies. I offer expertise and experience in optimizing search results to grow businesses. I am skilled at using Ahrefs, SEMRush, KWFinder and Ubersuggest. The close-knit team culture at XYZ Company, combined with the work you are doing around creating digital solutions, aligns perfectly with my career goals. I am confident I would excel in all the duties and projects of the SEO Specialist.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be eager to discuss my qualifications further. Please contact me anytime at 555-555-5555 to set up a time to chat further.

Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

[Name]

Hello [Hiring Manager],

When I saw the posting for an SEO Specialist with XYZ Company, I knew I had to apply. I have been following your work for years, and I have the right skills and experience to be an excellent addition to the team.

I have a bachelor’s degree in business and a certificate in digital marketing. Currently, I work at 123 Technologies as a Digital Marketing Assistant. I have extensive knowledge of search engine optimization acquired through two years of writing SEO content and performing keyword research. I created more than 15 campaigns and improved our ranking from the third page to top five for three competitive keywords.

As someone who is passionate about SEO, I regularly teach colleagues about its importance. I also love introducing new ideas for improving brand awareness. I am skilled at content research, internet marketing, website analytics, and I have a basic knowledge of web development and UI/UX design.

The webinar XYZ Company hosted in 2016 was actually what first got me interested in digital marketing. I would be so excited to bring my skills to the organization that inspired my career path.

Thank you for your time and consideration. You can reach me at (555) 555-5555 to discuss my experience further. I am available anytime for an interview.

Thank you,

[Name]

Templates are a great starting point as you build out your application.

[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Website, LinkedIn]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], As an enthusiastic and knowledgeable SEO expert, I would be a great addition to [organization] as the [job title]. With my experience in [list relevant skills], I am confident I have the qualifications and experience to help [organization] achieve its goals. Currently, I work as a [current/past role] at [current/past organization]. In my role, I [list relevant responsibilities, duties or projects]. During my time there, I have [list accomplishments, including numbers]. With my experience, I can deliver similar results for [organization]. I would be excited to work at [organization] because [list what you admire about them]. I look forward to [list ways you can help them].

You are welcome to contact me at [contact information]. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Full Name]