Making a good impression with a cover letter often comes down to the smallest details. Many job seekers overlook the date when sending a cover letter, but it’s extra touches like these that can catch an employer’s eye.
This article will show you everything you need to know about providing a cover letter date, what to include, and how to format it correctly.
Does a cover letter need a date?
In most cases, your cover letter should include the date. A cover letter date shows an employer that you’re taking the time to apply for a specific opportunity. In other words, you’re not just sending the same letter to dozens of employers every day.
Dating a cover letter can also be helpful for recruiters and hiring managers. It lets them know when you applied for the position and how quickly they should follow up with you.
The one exception is when you’re applying for a job through a company’s online system. In this situation, you don’t need to include the date in your cover letter. The company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) will automatically capture the date you applied.
Always double-check the date
Having an error or typo on your cover letter is a red flag to many employers. Avoid this common mistake by double-checking the date before you send the letter.
This is especially important if you’re applying for jobs in January or February and haven’t gotten used to writing the new year yet.
Where to put the date on a cover letter
A cover letter follows a professional business letter format, which means the date should go near the top. Put the date immediately below the cover letter header with your contact information.
Here’s an example to show you how this looks:
Theresa Wilmington, CPA
Dallas, Texas | t.wilmington@email.com | (394) 555-3017 | linkedin.com/t.wilmington
August 11, 2025
How to write the date on a cover letter
Now that you know when and where to include the date, here’s how to add this information to your cover letter:
1. Know what date to put on a cover letter
The date on your cover letter should match the date you’re sending it to the prospective employer. If you’re working on your application over several days, make sure that you update the cover letter date before you officially submit it.
2. Use the correct cover letter date format
Writing the full date makes your cover letter appear more professional. Avoid using numbers for months, and don’t put hyphens or slashes between the month, date, and year.
- Write the date as June 5, 2025
- Write the date as 6/5/25 or 6-5-2025
Also, be careful if you’re applying for international jobs, since some countries use different formatting. In Europe, for instance, it’s common to list the day before the month. If you’re applying for a job in London, for example, you’d list the date as “5 June 2025.”
3. Follow the date with the right details
Once you have the cover letter date listed with the proper formatting, leave a blank line and then provide the recipient’s information. Typically, this includes the recruiter or hiring manager’s name, job title, company name, and its location.
Leave another blank space after the recipient’s information. You can then address the reader using their full name or a standard greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Follow this example to write the top part of your cover letter:
July 14, 2025
Agatha Smith
HR Manager
Copper Track Technologies
Portland, OR
Dear Agatha Smith,
FAQs about cover letter dates
Here are a few other frequently asked questions about cover letter dates:
Do you need a date on a cover letter?
Yes, your cover letter should usually include the date you’re sending it. However, if you’re pasting the letter into a company’s online job portal, you can leave off the date.
Should the date on your cover letter be abbreviated?
No, don’t abbreviate the date on your cover letter. The date should follow this format: “Month Day, Year.” Be sure to write out the full name of the month, such as “October” instead of “Oct.”
Are cover letters out of date?
No, cover letters are not outdated or unnecessary. Many companies require applicants to submit cover letters with their applications. Even if an employer doesn’t ask for one, sending a cover letter can set you apart and allow you to expand on your skills, achievements, and qualifications for the position.
Need help writing your cover letter? Get inspiration from our wide selection of field-tested cover letter examples. Or try our cover letter builder packed with powerful AI features to help you write the perfect cover letter and land your next interview.
