If you're looking to land a role as a tax service professional, having a top-notch tax services cover letter is crucial. Your cover letter is where you show your commitment to the job and professional expertise. Our handy tips, real-life examples, and easy-to-use templates are here to help you build a cover letter that really sells your strengths.
Keep reading to learn all about:
- Creating a tax services cover letter header & headline
- Crafting a personalized greeting on your tax services cover letter
- Writing a memorable tax services cover letter introduction
- Showcasing your value & accomplishments as a tax services professional
- Ending your tax services cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Accessing the best job search resources for tax services professionals
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. Create a well-formatted tax services cover letter header & headline
The first step to writing an effective cover letter is to create a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header includes all the necessary identifying information about the applicant and company, while a cover letter headline serves as a title that hooks the attention of the employer.
Below, we have provided more in-depth explanations and examples of each of these cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
Within your cover letter header, you should aim to have between 3 to 4 lines of text that include:
- The name of the company and department you are applying to
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, etc.)
Here is an example of a well-formatted header on a tax services cover letter
To: TurboTax, Hiring Department
From: John Smith, Tax Services Professional
(123) 456-7890 | johnsmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-smith
Writing the headline
To create a strong cover letter headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of a well-written headline from a tax services cover letter
How My 3-Step Approach to Maximizing Tax Returns Can Benefit Both Your Company & Clients
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Tax Returns
Adjective/Verb: Maximizing, Benefit
Promise: Both Your Company & Clients – this promise shows employers that you will not only describe your professional skills but that you will also relate them directly to the needs of their company and clients.
2. Craft a personalized greeting on your tax services cover letter
Whenever possible, it is essential to include a personalized greeting within your cover letter.
Unlike generalized greetings – such as “To Whom It May Concern” – a personalized greeting will address a specific person or department by name. In doing so, this shows an employer you have conducted thorough research on their company and have great attention to detail.
If you are unable to uncover the exact person or department that will review your application, try out one of these alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Write a memorable tax services cover letter introduction
Following your personalized greeting is the introduction of your cover letter, which should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a tax services cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Tax Services professional with 4+ years of experience preparing taxes for high-level corporate clients. Your business partner, Jack Doe, has employed me as his personal Tax Advisor for the past 2 years and recommended I apply for this position.
4. Showcase your value & accomplishments as a tax services professional
After your cover letter introduction is squared away, your next step is to write the body paragraphs of your letter. Ideally, your cover letter should contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that offer detailed answers to the following questions.
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
While offering answers to each of these questions is important, focusing on accomplishments is particularly crucial. This is because your relevant accomplishments help to show employers the real-life value you can bring to their company.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a tax services cover letter
As a Tax Services professional at [Former Employer], I optimized the company’s record filing system to reduce tax preparation time by 30% annually. Additionally, I identified 10 additional write-offs and deductions the company could claim, increasing their annual tax return by 15%.
5. End your tax services cover letter with a strong closing statement
To conclude your cover letter, you need a strong closing statement that offers actionable details, including:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a tax services cover letter
As your new Tax Services professional, I will dedicate my time to optimizing your tax preparation activities and maximizing your returns. I am eager to further discuss this opportunity with you directly and am available to schedule a meeting every weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.
Warm Regards,
[Applicant Name]
6. Valuable job search resources for tax services professionals
Navigating the job market as a tax services professional might feel a bit daunting. But don't worry, we've gathered the best resources to take some of that weight off your shoulders:
- Professional job boards: Many job platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor display posts for tax services roles. For industry-specific job sites, check out TaxTalent or AccountingJobsToday.
- Networking platforms: LinkedIn takes the crown here. Not only can you find job postings, but you can also connect with other tax professionals, join related groups, and stay updated on industry news.
- Professional organizations: Join groups like The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) or the Taxation section of the American Bar Association. They can provide you with professional development resources, networking opportunities, and job listings.
- Career services: If you're still studying or have recently graduated, your university's career service office can be a great asset. They often have job placement help, resume assistance, and other useful resources.
- Recruitment agencies: Several firms like Robert Half and Randstad specialize in roles for finance and tax professionals.
Remember, the more resources you utilize, the better your chances of finding the perfect role. Time to put those job-hunting skills into action!
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
Tax Services Cover Letter FAQ
Your cover letter should include your personal contact information, the date, and the company's contact information. Start with a professional greeting, a compelling opening line, and an introduction. Then detail your relevant experience, important skills, and why you're interested in the role. Finally, include a strong closing statement and your signature.
Customise each cover letter by incorporating the job description's keywords and focusing on your skills that best suit the job requirements. Make sure to research the company and mention how your expertise can benefit their specific needs.
A cover letter should be concise and impactful, usually no more than a page long. Aim for three to four brief paragraphs.
A cover letter is an excellent opportunity to stand out and showcase your personal brand, illustrating your skills and experience in a way that your resume cannot. It allows you to explain why you're enthusiastic about the role and how you can contribute to the company.
While it might be tempting to save time, it's crucial to tailor each cover letter to the specific job application. Alignment with the job description and company values can demonstrate your attention to detail and interest in the role.