Cover Letters Practice Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In a cover letter, you should employ contractions.

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

It is generally false that you should employ contractions in a cover letter. A cover letter is a formal professional document, and using contractions (like "don't" instead of "do not" or "it's" instead of "it is") can make your writing appear less formal and professional. Maintaining a formal tone is crucial for making a strong impression on potential employers.

Question 2: Which closing phrase is too casual for a professional cover letter?

Best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Thanks a bunch, (Correct answer)
Respectfully yours,

Correct answer: Thanks a bunch,

"Thanks a bunch," is informal slang that undermines professionalism; formal closings like "Best regards," or "Sincerely," are preferred.

Question 3: How should you address a gap in employment within a cover letter?

Write a full paragraph of detailed excuses
Blame your previous employer
Ignore it completely and hope they don't notice
Briefly and positively, focusing on skills gained or relevance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Briefly and positively, focusing on skills gained or relevance

A brief, positive framing reassures the employer without dwelling on the gap.

Question 4: Why is matching the cover letter design to your resume useful?

It makes the letter longer
It creates a cohesive, professional personal brand (Correct answer)
It hides typos
It is legally required

Correct answer: It creates a cohesive, professional personal brand

Consistent fonts and headers present a polished, unified application package.

Question 5: How long should a cover letter closing paragraph typically be?

No closing paragraph is needed
Five or more sentences
One to three sentences (Correct answer)
A full paragraph of at least 200 words

Correct answer: One to three sentences

A concise closing of one to three sentences is sufficient to express gratitude, interest, and a call to action without being repetitive.

Question 6: How should salary expectations typically be handled in a cover letter?

Only include if the posting specifically requests it (Correct answer)
List your current pay in detail
Always state a high number first
Demand a raise upfront

Correct answer: Only include if the posting specifically requests it

Discuss salary only when the employer asks for it in the application.

Question 7: Why might starting with a question or bold statement help an opening?

It replaces the need for body content
It confuses the reader intentionally
It captures attention and differentiates your letter (Correct answer)
It is required formatting

Correct answer: It captures attention and differentiates your letter

A strong hook distinguishes your letter from generic openings.

Question 8: Which closing action is recommended?

Apologize for taking the reader's time
Promise to call repeatedly until you reach them
End abruptly with no closing line
Include a clear call to action requesting an interview (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Include a clear call to action requesting an interview

A confident call to action invites the next step and shows initiative.

Question 9: Where should your contact information appear in a traditionally formatted cover letter?

At the bottom after the signature
In the middle of the page
At the top of the letter (Correct answer)
Only in the email subject line

Correct answer: At the top of the letter

Contact information is placed at the top so the hiring manager can reach you immediately.

Question 10: How should you name a cover letter file you upload?

"document1.pdf"
"FirstName-LastName-CoverLetter.pdf" (Correct answer)
"final final v3.pdf"
"untitled.pdf"

Correct answer: "FirstName-LastName-CoverLetter.pdf"

A descriptive name with your name helps employers organize and find your file.

Question 11: Which file format best preserves a cover letter's formatting when emailed to employers?

A spreadsheet
An editable text message
PDF (Correct answer)
A scanned photo

Correct answer: PDF

PDF keeps fonts and layout intact across devices, unlike formats that can shift or be altered.

Question 12: How should you handle salary expectations in a cover letter?

Demand a higher figure than advertised
Always state your desired salary up front
List your full pay history
Only mention them if the posting explicitly requests it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only mention them if the posting explicitly requests it

Salary should be addressed only when the employer specifically asks for it in the application.

Question 13: What should a strong call to action in a cover letter include?

A request for an interview and a mention of when you'll follow up (Correct answer)
A demand for an immediate response
An explanation of your salary requirements
A list of professional references

Correct answer: A request for an interview and a mention of when you'll follow up

A strong call to action requests an interview and indicates a follow-up plan, demonstrating initiative and genuine interest.

Question 14: It is acceptable to copy and paste content from your CV onto your cover letter.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

It is false that it's acceptable to copy and paste content from your CV (resume) onto your cover letter. While your cover letter should complement your resume, it should not merely repeat information. Instead, it should elaborate on key achievements, provide context, and explain *why* your skills and experiences are relevant to the specific job, offering new insights and demonstrating your communication skills.

Question 15: When submitting a cover letter in the body of an email, what matters most?

A clear subject line and concise opening (Correct answer)
Writing in all capitals
Using many emojis
Attaching a video

Correct answer: A clear subject line and concise opening

A clear subject line and concise opening help busy recruiters process your message.

Question 16: Which element should the body paragraph emphasize most?

Hobbies unrelated to work
Personal family details
Relevant achievements with measurable results (Correct answer)
Your high school activities

Correct answer: Relevant achievements with measurable results

Quantified, relevant achievements show concrete value to the employer.

Question 17: What is the standard recommended length for a professional cover letter?

Three paragraphs only
One full page (Correct answer)
Half a page
Two pages

Correct answer: One full page

A professional cover letter should fit on one page to respect the hiring manager's time.

Question 18: What should the salutation of a cover letter include whenever possible?

The company's CEO name
The hiring manager's specific name (Correct answer)
A generic greeting like 'To Whom It May Concern'
The recruiter's phone number

Correct answer: The hiring manager's specific name

Addressing the letter to a specific person demonstrates research and creates a personal connection.

Question 19: Why should an entry-level applicant research the company's entry-level programs before writing their cover letter?

To tailor the letter to the program's goals and show genuine understanding of the opportunity (Correct answer)
To list every program name in the opening paragraph
To criticize the program structure in the letter
Because all companies require this research by policy

Correct answer: To tailor the letter to the program's goals and show genuine understanding of the opportunity

Mentioning specific program details shows genuine interest and that you understand what you are stepping into.

Question 20: What is the purpose of the closing paragraph in a cover letter?

To list your references
To repeat your entire work history
To request an interview and state next steps (Correct answer)
To describe your educational background in detail

Correct answer: To request an interview and state next steps

The closing paragraph wraps up the letter by expressing enthusiasm and requesting an interview.

Question 21: What is a DO regarding the company's mission or values?

Criticize them to stand out
Reference them to show alignment (Correct answer)
Quote them at length without commentary
Ignore them entirely

Correct answer: Reference them to show alignment

Referencing the company's mission demonstrates research and a genuine fit.

Question 22: When writing a closing paragraph, what is appropriate to briefly restate?

The full requirements listed in the job description
Every position you have ever held
Your entire educational history
Your enthusiasm for the role and the value you bring (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Your enthusiasm for the role and the value you bring

Briefly restating your enthusiasm and value proposition ties the letter together and leaves a memorable final impression.

Question 23: What is an effective use of a postscript (P.S.) in a cover letter?

To highlight a notable achievement and draw the eye (Correct answer)
To list every reference
To apologize for the letter's length
To restate your address

Correct answer: To highlight a notable achievement and draw the eye

A well-placed P.S. naturally draws the reader's eye and can spotlight a standout accomplishment.

Question 24: What should the subject line of an email cover letter typically contain?

Only your phone number
The job title and your name (Correct answer)
A question mark to grab attention
The word 'URGENT' in capitals

Correct answer: The job title and your name

Including the job title and your name makes it easy for the recruiter to identify your application.

Question 25: When you know the person's name, which salutation should you use in a cover letter for a job/internship?

Dear Mrs. Wilson (Correct answer)
Hello, Mrs. Blaine
Dear Mrs. Catherine Brooke
Dear Kate

Correct answer: Dear Mrs. Wilson

When you know the name of the hiring manager, the most appropriate and professional salutation for a cover letter is "Dear [Title] [Last Name]". Using a formal title like "Mrs." (or Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) followed by the last name is respectful and demonstrates attention to detail. Avoid overly casual greetings or using only a first name in a professional context.

Question 26: Which complimentary close is most appropriate for a formal US cover letter?

Cheers
Yours Forever
Later
Sincerely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sincerely

'Sincerely' is the standard professional closing used in formal US business correspondence.

Cover Letters Practice Test

A practice test covering the essential skills of writing effective job application cover letters, including formatting, content development, customization for different career stages, and closing strategies.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds